Celebrate Montclair Gala Launches Carpe Futurum Fund
Alumni and friends will gather on April 16 for an evening of connection, student performances and philanthropy in support of Montclair’s mission and future-focused priorities.
Posted in: Alumni News and Events
Montclair State University will welcome alumni, friends and community partners to Celebrate Montclair: A Spring Gala, hosted by President Jonathan Koppell and the Montclair State University Foundation. The event will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6 p.m. at The Conference Center, University Hall.
The gala recognizes the University’s academic excellence, creative achievement and public impact while raising support for the President’s Carpe Futurum Fund, a new opportunity to advance student success and community engagement across the region.
Guests can expect an evening of exceptional hors d’oeuvres, food stations and cocktails, alongside immersive experiences that showcase Montclair’s academic and artistic strengths. The program will feature live performances by students from the College of the Arts, spotlighting the next generation of creative talent.
Investing in the Future
Building on the contributions of individuals, corporations and foundations, this year’s event continues a growing tradition of bringing together alumni, campus leaders and partners to celebrate milestones and invest in the University’s future.
“Celebrate Montclair marks a new chapter for our community, bringing us together to invest in students, spark new ideas and strengthen our connection to Montclair’s mission,” says Rita Walters, vice president for Development and Alumni Engagement. “When alumni and friends come together in support of the Carpe Futurum Fund, they are opening doors for students, strengthening our partnerships and helping the University lead with purpose in a rapidly changing world.”
“Our alumni are at the center of celebrating Montclair excellence,” says Jeanne Marano, associate vice president for Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement. “This gala is a moment to come home, reconnect with one another and see firsthand how continued involvement and generosity translate into scholarships, programs and partnerships that shape today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders.”
Proceeds from the gala will establish the President’s Carpe Futurum Fund, which will support mission-critical initiatives aligned with Montclair’s role as a public-serving institution advancing the common good.
The fund will focus on:
- Expanding access to education through scholarships for a diverse population of high-achieving, motivated students.
- Strengthening inclusive learning environments that prepare students and employees to lead with collaboration and compassion.
- Advancing research and creativity to address shared challenges and develop innovative, human-centered solutions.
- Deepening community partnerships to promote prosperity, democracy and well-being.
Your support for Celebrate Montclair will count toward our ONE DAY for Montclair campaign totals, helping us create opportunities, elevate achievements and celebrate our students.
Event Details
We look forward to welcoming alumni, friends and partners for an evening that acknowledges Montclair’s legacy, celebrates its impact, and invests in the University’s future.
Celebrate Montclair: A Spring Gala
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: The Conference Center, University Hall, Montclair State University
Visit montclair.edu/celebrate-montclair for tickets and sponsorship opportunities. For more information, contact 973-655-4207 or celebrate@montclair.edu.