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Alumni News

Recent Alumni Network (RAN)

The Recent Alumni Network (RAN) leads the charge in developing, planning, promoting and delivering quality programs designed to engage graduates in the Montclair State University community.

Posted in: Alumni News and Events

With the mission of creating educational activities, networking opportunities and deepening connections of graduates of the last decade, the Recent Alumni Network (RAN) leads the charge in developing, planning, promoting and delivering quality programs designed to engage graduates of the classes of 2014-2024 in the Montclair State University community. The group is looking to expand membership as it works to build and strengthen a vibrant network of alumni. The Committee focuses on programs reaching the current graduating class as they transition to alumni, addressing the special interests and needs of the first years following commencement and providing opportunities for networking, community service, cultural and professional development activities.

“We are excited to work with our most recent graduates to grow the community and build a supportive network for alumni of the past decade,” says Jeanne Marano, assistant vice president for Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement. “We are looking for volunteers to help us develop new opportunities.”

Building the Network

This past November, recent alumni were invited to gather together for a networking social at the Shannon Rose Pub. The annual fall social hosted current RAN members as well as alumni interested in joining the group. The mixer helped to strengthen bonds.  Each name tag included the employment industry to allow attendees to make connections with others working in the same industry or in one that might be of interest. 

Other networking opportunities include the Winter Holiday Social each December and Red Hawk Summer Social in June. These events allow members of RAN to connect and network with other members of the alumni community. 

At the Affinity Group Holiday Social this past December, RAN members had the exclusive opportunity to connect with fellow alumni from the Black Alumni Advisory Council, Hispanic/Latiné Alumni Network, and the Women’s Initiative Network. RAN members often collaborate with other affinity group members as they work to develop activities that meet the needs of the group. 

The annual Red Hawk Social in June takes place at McLoone’s Boathouse in West Orange. This event is open to all Montclair alumni and features an opportunity to connect with school leadership. The event celebrates alumni and acknowledges the many contributions of the volunteers who work to build and strengthen the alumni network. The event is a great way to build connections and expand your network. Details for the 2025 Social to be announced soon. 

Building Professional Skills

RAN members meet twice a year and offer direction and feedback for recent alumni engagement in areas like annual giving, social media, mentorship and developing events that provide career development and opportunities for professional networking.

Last April, RAN members hosted a session on Financial Wellness in collaboration with students in the Future Alumni Network (FAN). Speakers Mike Wasik ’19, RAN committee member and financial advisor, and Chike Ezenwanne ’24, former FAN member, led a discussion about the world of personal finance.  Attendees learned about key areas such as budgeting and how to tackle debt followed by time for networking.  

“I’m part of RAN to reconnect with and support fellow graduates of Montclair State University in their pursuit of success and also to engage with fellow Red Hawks that I may not have had the chance to meet during my time at Montclair,” stated Michael Wasik ’19. Wasik has been an active member of RAN for two years and has participated in networking events and mentorship opportunities. “While we all know that success means different things for different people, you never know where a conversation or connection may lead. Whether it’s networking that helps you land a dream job, encouragement to take a leap of faith down a new path or sharing experiences that could help fellow and future alumni, joining RAN has a ton of personal and professional benefits.”

Another session explored how to create a LinkedIn profile to bring your personal professional story to life, whether just starting out, seeking to advance or making a career change. The “Rock Your Profile” session offered tips on tailoring each section, starting with the key insight that a LinkedIn profile is unique and shouldn’t be approached exactly like a resume. LinkedIn presenters Maryann Angelella ’88, account director for Talent Solutions, and Traci Basaman, manager for Customer Success, covered ways to add media to a profile, methods for showcasing your accomplishments, volunteer work and aspirations and specific examples of profile phrases and language that help inspire your personal story.

Join RAN today!

RAN is eager to build and grow a strong network of recent graduates committed to supporting Montclair, fellow alumni and current students through networking, mentoring and professional development. The group plans to host additional activities as well as increase philanthropic support among Montclair alumni of the last decade during One Day for Montclair, the University’s annual day of giving.

“Montclair State University was a second home to me,” shared Anastasia Spadaccini ’21 MA. “When I graduated, I wanted to give back to the institution and also stay connected with my peers to get advice as I started my career. I’m excited to meet fellow recent graduates and expand my network!”

If you are interested in joining the network or serving on the planning committee, please complete this brief survey to tell us a little bit about yourself, your interests and your thoughts on developing future activities. We encourage you to invite your friends to join as well! 

Questions?

If you have questions, please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@montclair.edu or 973-655-4141.