Affinity Group Volunteers Come Together at 2025 Holiday Social
The Affinity Groups Holiday Social brought alumni together on Giving Tuesday to connect, celebrate and thank the dedicated volunteers who help build and sustain Montclair’s vibrant alumni community.
Posted in: Affinity Groups, Alumni News and Events
On Giving Tuesday, Montclair State University alumni gathered for the 2025 Affinity Groups Holiday Social, an evening that celebrated connection, gratitude and the volunteers who help sustain the Red Hawk community year-round. Held at the Shannon Rose in Clifton, the event brought together alumni from a wide range of affinity groups to reconnect, share experiences and explore ways to stay engaged through volunteering and leadership.
Despite a wintry mix outside, the atmosphere inside was warm and welcoming, underscoring the lasting value of alumni relationships long after graduation. The evening served as both a celebration of service and a reminder that meaningful alumni engagement begins with strong personal connections.
“So often in life it’s the people we have the chance to meet and the support system we have around us that leads to the most success,” said Mike Wasik ’19, who began attending Recent Alumni Network (RAN) events in 2023.
“I was originally drawn to RAN as I felt a desire to give back to the school and re-engage with a community of people that had done so much to support me,” Wasik said. “I soon realized there was so much more — the ability to mentor soon to be graduates, events throughout the year, engaging with other professionals and an opportunity to be part of a network of people built to support anyone graduating from Montclair find success and navigate post-graduate obstacles.”
Throughout the evening, alumni were recognized not only for their generosity on Giving Tuesday, but also for the time, energy and passion they contribute year-round as volunteers, mentors and ambassadors for the university.
“This event was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate and thank the volunteers who so generously give their time, talent and leadership throughout the year through our affinity groups,” said Jeanne Marano, associate vice president for Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement. “Their commitment is a powerful example of how alumni engagement is built through relationships. When graduates come together to volunteer, celebrate, network and support one another, they strengthen Montclair’s community and remain connected long after graduation.”
Affinity groups play a central role in that effort, providing alumni with opportunities to connect around shared identities, interests, professions and experiences. These networks foster meaningful relationships while offering pathways to volunteer, mentor students, plan events and support the university’s mission.
“We invite alumni to explore the many ways to stay involved and deepen their connection to Montclair,” added Marano. “Whether by completing an interest form to join an affinity group or reaching out to discuss hosting an activity in their region, there are countless opportunities for graduates to connect, lead and make an impact.”
Current affinity networks include:
- Black Alumni Advisory Council (BAAC)
- Bloomfield College Alumni Network
- Hispanic/Latiné Alumni Network (HLAN)
- Recent Alumni Network (RAN)
- Women’s Initiative Network (WIN)
- Attorney Alumni Network
- Italian American Alumni Network (IAAN – new!)
The evening also highlighted many additional ways alumni can stay connected in the year ahead, from attending signature events like the annual Wine Tasting and Homecoming, to volunteering as flash mentors or joining a networking group through MONTCLAIRconnect, the university’s online alumni community.
Even for those unable to attend the Holiday Social, opportunities to get involved abound. Whether you’re living in a new region, working in a specific profession or simply looking to give back, affinity groups offer a meaningful way to connect with fellow Red Hawks and make an impact.
As the night concluded with networking, raffles and renewed commitments to stay engaged, one message was clear: Montclair’s alumni network thrives because of its volunteers. Their dedication, leadership and generosity continue to build a stronger, more connected community, one relationship at a time.
If you would like to learn more about or join an affinity group (or would like to set one up!), contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at 973-655-4141 or alumni@montclair.edu.