A Summer Evening of Connections and Red Hawk Pride
From longtime friendships to new professional connections, alumni gathered to celebrate their Montclair ties and discover new ways to stay engaged with the community.
Posted in: Affinity Groups, Alumni News and Events
Red Hawk pride was on full display as Montclair State University alumni gathered for the 2026 Red Hawk Social, an annual summer tradition that brings graduates together to reconnect, expand their networks and celebrate their lifelong connection to Montclair. The event welcomed alumni from across generations, professions and backgrounds for an evening of networking, conversation and community building.
Philip Ventola, RAN committee member, shared, “I graduated from Montclair State in 2018 and joined the Recent Alumni Network a little over a year ago. It has been a great way to stay connected, build community and meet alumni across generations. As someone who works remotely, I’m especially grateful for the meaningful in-person connections Montclair provides.”
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed complimentary appetizers and drinks while sharing stories from their time at Montclair and beyond. This year’s event was held at a new venue, The Clubhouse, in Fairfield, New Jersey, providing a fresh and welcoming setting for meaningful conversations.
More than a networking event, the Red Hawk Social serves as a reminder that the connections formed at Montclair continue long after graduation. Year after year, the gathering strengthens the bonds that make the University’s alumni community so vibrant and supportive.
Joanne Bowman, President of the Black Alumni Advisory Council, reflected, “Events like the Red Hawk Social showcase the strength of our alumni community. The conversations, connections and shared pride in Montclair make this gathering truly special.”
A highlight of the evening was the opportunity for alumni to connect with representatives from Montclair’s growing network of alumni affinity groups. These communities bring graduates together through shared identities, experiences and interests while creating opportunities for mentorship, volunteerism and meaningful engagement throughout the year.
The program also featured remarks from President Jonathan Koppell, whose message about the University’s continued growth and momentum energized the audience. Highlighting the vital role alumni play in advancing Montclair’s mission, he inspired attendees with a vision for the University’s future and generated excitement about the opportunities ahead. President Koppell also shared excitement about the upcoming launch of the Montclair State University license plate program, which will give alumni and friends a new way to showcase their Red Hawk pride and support the University wherever they go. Additional information about the program will be shared soon, and all are encouraged to watch their inboxes for details in the coming weeks.
“The Red Hawk Social was a fantastic evening of connection and community,” said Jan Price, Chair of the Women’s Initiative Network. “It was inspiring to hear President Koppell speak about the University’s growth, and I especially enjoyed connecting with members of the Women’s Initiative Network, sharing ideas and introducing others to our affinity group.”
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We invite you to join our affinity groups. This is a great way to connect with fellow alumni from your school/college, in your region, with shared interests and more. There’s a group for everyone on MONTCLAIRconnect!
Black Alumni Advisory Council (BAAC)
Bloomfield College Alumni Network (BCAN)
Hispanic/Latiné Alumni Network (HLAN)
Italian American Alumni Network
Women’s Initiative Network (WIN)
Montclair State University Alumni:
Bloomfield College of Montclair State University Alumni:
For more information please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at 973-655-4141 or alumni@montclair.edu.