Anthony M. Carlino, Esq. ’77 Takes Aim at Montclair’s Future as the New Chair of the Montclair State University Foundation

As the new chair of the Montclair State University Foundation, Anthony M. Carlino, Esq. ’77 is eager to usher in the University’s next chapter.

“Montclair’s expansion since I joined the Foundation board some 15 years ago has been so impressive,” he points out. “Its transformation since I was a student here is nothing short of remarkable.”

To Carlino, the change extends to more than the University’s physical space, although the 250-acre campus would hardly be recognizable to anyone who hasn’t visited in the last two decades. “President Koppell has ushered in a new era at Montclair,” he says. “More than 23,500 students can choose from more than 300 majors, minors, concentrations and certificate programs. Importantly, Montclair’s advancement is shared with the communities we serve, through initiatives like the One Square Mile project in Paterson, partnerships that are building a pipeline of well-prepared teachers, and the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies.”

Carlino is equally certain that the future of Montclair holds as much promise as the past. “Montclair is at a new threshold,” he says, “but the Montclair story – our mission – remains. More than 50% of our students identify as underrepresented minorities and Montclair is New Jersey’s largest Hispanic-Serving Institution.”

“The typical Montclair student is, and has always been, a first-generation college student who is working one or more jobs to help pay for school and to contribute to their family,” Carlino continues. “Fortunately, I and my fellow Foundation board members appreciate their aspirations and are prepared to do what we can to support them.”

To keep up with the University’s fast-moving trajectory, Carlino and his fellow board members are committed to expanding their impact. “We are reaching across the globe to find individuals who share our vision, and who can help open even more doors for Montclair and its students,” he says.

“Students sit at the crux of our mission,” Carlino says of the Foundation board. “Scholarships will always be a priority, of course. In addition, we will be taking President Koppell’s lead, doing what we can to support his vision for Montclair.”

He anticipates that there will be great interest in joining the Foundation’s work. “The energy when you walk through campus is so inspiring,” Carlino adds. “Seeing young people connecting with their friends and professors, getting an education that will change the future for entire families, it is very exciting.”

Carlino recently retired from his 42-year career as a trial lawyer, and thanks to his new role as Foundation chair, he is busier than ever championing his alma mater.

“I want students to know that the Foundation is here for them,” he says. “Everything we do is with the students’ benefit at heart.”