Join Award-Winning Broadcaster Steve Adubato ‘80 in Conversation with President Koppell at Homecoming

We invite all members of our community to come be part of a studio audience for a timely conversation between Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Steve Adubato, PhD and Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell at Homecoming on Saturday, September 27. The conversation will take place from noon – 1 p.m. at the College of Communication and Media in Presentation Hall.

They will cover topics ranging from the importance of bold leadership to the state of American media to the role of Universities in fostering a civically engaged populace. This conversation will air on “Think Tank with Steve Adubato” on PBS. 

“Think Tank with Steve Adubato” tackles broader national policy issues impacting New Jersey and the tri-state region. The program questions the nature of political discourse and the role of government, higher education, the impact of technology, changes in healthcare, the future of energy and media leadership. 

Adubato graduated from Montclair in 1980 majoring in Political Science. “As a proud Montclair State University alum, I’m thrilled to return to campus for Homecoming and to join President Koppell for what I know will be a compelling and engaging conversation about media leadership and innovation in these challenging times,” said Adubato. “I’m excited to engage with the campus community on these pressing issues and reflect on how Montclair State University continues to shape thoughtful young adults who are informed citizens, particularly through the newly established College of Communication and Media.” 

Students from Professor Stuart MacLelland’s Art & Cultural capstone production class will direct and serve as crew for the program. The students will conduct a simulated run-through of the show and will have a six camera production team on Saturday. The students will gain valuable experience as they prepare for careers as writers, producers, directors and editors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Steve back to campus for what will be an informative and entertaining conversation with President Koppell,” said Keith Strudler, dean of the College of Communication and Media. “This is an exciting way for our alumni to kick off homecoming festivities while also highlighting how the College offers unique, career-building opportunities for some of our students who are helping produce the show.”

We hope you’ll join us for stimulating and entertaining dialogue with two of New Jersey’s thought leaders while experiencing the excitement of television production, and supporting student success.

Reserve Your Spot Today!

With a wide range of athletic games, performances, fun for the kids and more, Homecoming 2025 is expected to draw a large crowd. All alumni, students, faculty and community members are welcomed and encouraged to RSVP and reserve their spot today!

Visit the Homecoming website to view the full schedule of events and plan your day! Parking for Homecoming is free for all visitors in the Red Hawk Parking Deck.

About the Guest Speaker

Steve Adubato, PhD is a broadcaster, author, leadership coach and a Montclair State University alumnus. He is an Emmy® Award-winning anchor for programs airing on Thirteen/WNET (PBS) and NJPBS. Adubato has taught numerous media-related courses at Montclair State University.

Formerly New Jersey’s youngest state legislator, Adubato also appeared on NBC’s “TODAY Show”, NPR, CNN, MSNBC and CBS as a media and political analyst and is the host of “Steve Adubato’s Lessons in Leadership with Co-host Mary Gamba,” based on his six books, including “Lessons in Leadership” and his newest, “Lessons in Leadership 2.0: The Tough Stuff.”

Adubato currently anchors multiple television series produced by the Caucus Educational Corporation (CEC) — “State of Affairs with Steve Adubato,” the weekly, public policy series exploring the critical issues being addressed in the New Jersey Statehouse; “One-on-One with Steve Adubato,” the nightly series that bring viewers in-depth interviews with some of the region’s most compelling personalities, including artists, authors, academics, media personalities, health experts and sports icons; “Think Tank with Steve Adubato,” featuring leaders, innovators and experts who tackle broader national policy issues impacting New Jersey and the tri-state region; and “Remember Them with Steve Adubato & Jacqui Tricarico,” highlighting notable people from New Jersey whose legacies continue to have significant impact, even after their passing.