Attorney Alumni Network Celebrates Seven Years

Seventh annual networking gathering features guest speaker the Honorable Raymond A. Reddin, J.S.C.

More than 50 attorneys, members of the judiciary and Montclair State University Department of Political Science and Law alumni came together on November 9, 2017, to network and talk shop at the Seventh Annual Attorney Alumni Network Gathering.

Featuring remarks of welcome and greeting from Assistant Vice President for Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement Jeanne Marano, College of Humanities and Social Sciences Associate Dean Emily Isaacs, Political Science and Law Chair Tony Spanakos and Political Science and Law Professor Avram Segall, the gathering allowed attendees to network and to hear special guest speaker Superior Court judge and 1975 graduate of Montclair State, the Honorable Raymond A. Reddin, J.S.C.

Also in attendance and called up for special recognition was recently retired Political Science and Law Professor Marilyn Tayler, who was congratulated on her newly conferred status as Professor Emerita, and recognized for her longtime dedication and commitment to the Pre-Law program and her students. Dr. Tayler received a standing ovation when Dr. Spanakos presented her with an award in recognition of her achievements.

Judge Reddin spoke of his student days at Montclair State and how they prepared him for his career in law. “I totally enjoyed my four years at Montclair State,” he said. “I received a very good, affordable and well-rounded education. My bachelor’s degree in psychology prepared me for law school and beyond.”

Although noting that having been a commuter student, he didn’t have much of a social life while at Montclair State, Reddin says he is now a proponent of networking and engaging with colleagues and others. “I firmly believe in networking,” he said. “It is a big part of my life as a judge and it was a big part of my life as a lawyer. Going forward, I plan on networking with all of you.”

Launched in 2010 by professors Tayler and Segall, the Attorney Alumni Network has grown to include more than 250 alumni who represent a wide spectrum of law careers from those sitting on or retired from the bench, to recent Montclair State graduates who are currently enrolled in law school.

“I look forward to the attorney alumni gathering at Montclair State every year. It is a chance to celebrate the many distinguished attorneys whose journey began at our great school, as well as the faculty and staff who made that journey possible for us. It is also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with my former classmates and get caught up on all that they are accomplishing, which, I’m glad to say, is ever the more impressive year after year. And, of course, the event provides the perfect forum to network with alumni I might not otherwise have the chance to meet,” says Dorothy Kenney ’09.

Attorney Alumni Network members are encouraged to remain connected and involved with the University and each other, and to be available to help colleagues and students. Members who are judges and attorneys are especially encouraged to offer internship opportunities to current students, and many have done so, greatly enhancing the student experience and Montclair State’s reputation of excellence.

“Each year, this event gets bigger and better, encompassing more graduates from the 1970’s to this year,” notes Tayler. “Graduates have the opportunity to network, making new acquaintances and renewing old ones. What truly exemplifies the strength of this network are all of the recipients in attendance here tonight of the Tayler-Benfield Scholarship, funded by Steve Resnick ’93.”

One of those scholarship recipients was Misbahul Fatima ’14, who enjoyed the event and is a dedicated Attorney Alumni Network member. “Three schools, two degrees, and one job later, I can still proudly say no place supported or fostered my education quite like Montclair State University,” she says. “I gained unbeatable mentors, encouraging co-workers, and even my lifetime friends on campus. The power of networking speaks volumes through my experience at Montclair State.”

“My perception of the Attorney Alumni event has evolved over the years. As a law student, I aspired to become one of the many accomplished attorney alumni of Montclair State University,” says Tracey Cordeiro ’14. “Now, as an attorney, I look forward to guiding the students who were once in my position. Each year, I am more thankful to attend yet another alumni event and give back to Montclair State University in any way I can.”

We invite you to view photos of the event. For more information or if you would like to join the Attorney Alumni Network, contact Deb Corasio in the Office of Alumni Relations at corasiod@ montclair.edu or 973-655-4207.