Alumni Campus Employees (ACE) Kick Off Summer Together with a BBQ

Generally students, upon graduation, expect to do any number of things. This may include travelling, starting a career or continuing their education. At the very least, they expect to leave campus.

But for some, Montclair State takes on a new meaning, as graduates decide to pursue a career at Montclair State. Some begin work right here following graduation, while others find their way back after some time away.

As the largest employer of Montclair State graduates, the University has over 500 alumni employees. They hold a number of different positions, from deans to administrators, to faculty and much more. Having previously been students here these alumni employees have a strong connection with the University.

On Thursday, June 6, these employees gathered around the Kasser Theater veranda to celebrate. The Alumni Engagement team relies on alumni campus employee input and feedback as faculty and staff – as well as former students and now alumni.

“ACE members are our best ambassadors! We are pleased to take this opportunity to thank them for all that they do, each and every day, for Montclair State,” says Jeanne Marano, assistant vice president for Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement.

The afternoon was filled with a barbecue spread, a DJ, and beautiful weather. The relaxed gathering allowed alumni to reconnect and get to know one another. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in “Montclair State Trivia” to test how much they know about their alma mater and place of work. The winners, Jennifer Ovalles ’18 MA, Sue Mandzik-Davis ’88 and Jessica Montesdeoca ’15, took home Montclair State swag to add to their collection.

For Ovalles, a student services specialist at Red Hawk Central, it was a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues and former classmates. “Attending an alumni event for the first time was fun! It was great to see and engage in conversations with other staff members and alumni that I have not seen in a long time,” says Ovalles. “It was lovely and refreshing to engage with campus partners outside of the office.”

Ovalles is appreciative for her time, both academically and professionally, at Montclair State. “It molded me into a positive, dedicated, flexible and well-rounded individual, beyond the academic setting,” she says. “What better community to be involved with other than with the one that helped me succeed?”

Attendees also had the opportunity to support The Fund for Montclair State and Emergency Book Fund by picking up a Phil the Pig or donating onsite to receive a limited edition pair of alumni socks.

“ACE is a powerful group – when students are in need – we know we can count on them to come together and provide students with the support they need to be successful,” says Marano.

Alumni employees have the unique experience of a student, as well as a staff member at the University. This perspective allows these staff and faculty members to connect with students and other alumni in a meaningful way.

“The Montclair State student profile is a huge reason why I work here. In the Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship, students have such a drive to get things done and be successful,” says Sharon Waters ’19 MA, program manager at the Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship. “It is an extra bonus to have something in common with them, having been a student and now a graduate, which they will one day be.”

In addition to being employed by Montclair State and being part of the alumni community, some alumni campus employees also have something else in common. Many make Montclair State a family affair!

For Alyson Thelin Davison ’02, ’04 MA, executive assistant to the Dean at the College of the Arts, being able to work for her alma mater for the past 21 years is a “dream come true.” Within those years, she has had the opportunity to work alongside her sister, Alexandra Thelin Blackowski ’05, ’08 MA, web content manager for the College of Education and Human Services, and husband, Jim Davison ’03, ’09 MA, director of enrollment management data and technology for Student Academic Services.

“Montclair State is in my blood. My grandmother and great-aunt are also alumnae, as well as my sister and husband,” says Davison. “The University has played such a huge part in my life and it is an extraordinary privilege to give back professionally.”

The Office of Alumni Engagement continues to provide volunteer opportunities for this dedicated group of alumni as well as casual gatherings where alumni can get to know one another. Those interested in getting involved with the Alumni Campus Employee group and/or volunteering at events should contact the Office of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement at 973-655-4141 or alumni@montclair.edu.

We invite you to view photos from the event and support Montclair State by making a gift online or participating in our Phil the Pig campaign.