Montclair Celebrates 40 Years of Providing Students with a Leadership EDGE

Montclair Celebrates 40 Years of Providing Students with a Leadership EDGE

The John Martinson Honors EDGE Program, newly expanded through the transformational support of philanthropist and Montclair champion John Martinson, marks its 40th anniversary of providing academic, experiential and leadership opportunities for ambitious, hardworking students.

On March 19, alumni, students, faculty and friends gathered to celebrate the impact of the John Martinson Honors EDGE program, an intellectually challenging track that enables some of the University’s most accomplished students to further excel personally, professionally and creatively.

In his remarks, Montclair President Jonathan Koppell pointed to the program’s contributions to academic excellence at the University. “The John Martinson Honors EDGE program reflects the very best of what Montclair strives to be,” he says. “Its continued impact, greatly expanded thanks to John Martinson’s generous investment, will be strengthened as Montclair’s alumni community affirms the importance of excellence paired with access.”

Academic Excellence and Enriching Experiences

The John Martinson Honors EDGE program supports high achieving students, including many who are the first in their families to attend college or who come from historically underrepresented backgrounds. “Rigorous coursework and a heightened sense of community encourage students to prepare for meaningful careers,” explains Jeff Strickland, the program’s executive director. “Our students focus on solving complex problems with curiosity and a willingness to imagine new possibilities.”

Students who are part of the program are quick to note the value of the John Martinson Honors EDGE experience.

“I have had wonderful learning opportunities as a student in the Honors EDGE program,” says Miriam Awwad, an English and Jurisprudence (Law & Society) major. “I’ve traveled to Miami to conduct environmental resilience research with Florida International University, attended the National Collegiate Honors Council conference in San Diego, participated in a sustainability case competition in Boston, experienced Broadway in New York City and studied sustainability in London. These experiences have broadened my perspective and continue to inspire me to think bigger about the impact I can make and the possibilities that come from being part of such a supportive and dynamic community.”

Emily Augustyn, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Master of Business Administration, shares Miriam’s appreciation for the benefits that come with being an Honors EDGE scholar. “I have taken full advantage of the opportunities offered by the Honors program, including a stipend that helped support an internship with a judicial clerk that helped shape my career aspirations to pursue law school,” she says, adding that she plans to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain.

An Enduring Community of Scholars

The John Martinson Honors EDGE program offers more than international experiences and career opportunities. It also creates community, providing an advanced learning setting for high achieving students to connect with, consult with and inspire one other.

Alexandra Zanzalari, a Family Science and Human Development major with a minor in Child Advocacy and Policy, appreciates being surrounded by peers who challenge one another to think critically. “It creates space for meaningful conversations and shapes us into lifelong learners,” she says.

Gail Yosh, Honors alumna and current Montclair State University professor, agrees. “The Honors Program shaped me in ways that were both deeply personal and profoundly professional,” she says. “As a student, it gave me opportunity, confidence, and a sense of belonging at a pivotal time in my life. Professionally, it helped set me on a path that eventually brought me back to Montclair as a professor, where I now have the privilege of helping to shape students’ lives in the same community that once shaped mine.”

The Power of Philanthropy and Partnership

Although Montclair began offering an honors experience in 1986, a recent, transformative gift of $5 million from John Martinson, venture capital investor and philanthropist, is enabling the University to increase the number of students who can benefit from being part of an honors community, making it possible for more future leaders to access higher quality experiential learning opportunities.

Martinson has a longstanding connection to Montclair. From attending baseball camp on campus as a child to enjoying performances at the University for more than 55 years, he is passionate about giving back to the institution. Through the Martinson Collaborative, he has brought together a consortium of ten honors programs that he funds across the nation, including the one at Montclair. This network creates opportunities to collaborate across campuses and to share best practices in support of honors education.

Looking Ahead 

“While the anniversary is a time to reflect on all that has been accomplished, this moment is also about looking ahead,” Rita Walters, vice president for Development and Alumni Engagement, notes. “The honors program is a place where talented students think boldly, lead with purpose, and prepare to make meaningful contributions to their communities and professions.”

Considering a gift to support the honors experience at Montclair? Visit our giving page to learn how. 

Considering getting involved? Contact Nada Rustom, Associate Director of Alumni Engagement, at (973) 655-3323 or rustomn@montclair.edu.