Stay connected with Montclair State University through exciting alumni events! From networking receptions and career development workshops to reunions and campus celebrations, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with fellow Red Hawks. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with old friends, expand your professional network, or give back to your alma mater, our events offer something for everyone. Check back regularly for updates and upcoming gatherings. We can’t wait to see you!
Calendar of Events
Now – December 14
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. | In Person – George Segal Gallery and Kasser Theater Lobby
The Age of Black Metal by Afrotectopia
Join curator Ari Melenciano at the opening of Montclair State University Galleries’ Fall 2025 exhibition The Age of Black Metal by Afrotectopia. Remarks by the artist and Dean Gurskis at 6 p.m. Black Metal originated as a kitchen table art book that pushes the boundaries of space travel, science fiction, speculative design, Black culture, art, technology, and spirituality. The project features contributions from artists Jordan Caldwell, Kordae Jatafa Henry, Jeremy Kamal, and Ari Melenciano.
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December 2025
Wednesday, December 3
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | In Person- Chapin Hall, Leshowitz Recital Hall
Cali Midweek Series: Collegium Musicum Recital
Join us for the Cali Midweek Concerts at Montclair State University’s John J. Cali School of Music, where we bring a diverse array of musical performances and educational events every Wednesday at 2PM in Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall. Our concert series showcases the immense talent within our faculty, students, and esteemed guest artists.
Details
Wednesday, December 3
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Virtual – Zoom
Ethics & AI: Navigating Responsibility in the Age of Algorithms
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into education, hiring, social media, and everyday decision-making, it’s critical to examine the ethical implications of these technologies. In this thought-provoking workshop, we’ll explore topics such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, surveillance, and the social responsibility of educators and professionals using AI tools. Learn how to ask the right questions about AI’s role in your work, classroom, and community—and how to promote ethical, inclusive, and transparent use of emerging technologies. No technical background required—just curiosity and a critical mind.
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Thursday, December 4
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Sprague Library, Room 218
Poetry Reading by Pamela Hughes!
Pamela Hughes will share from her powerful new collection, Femistry — a celebration of women’s sacred and everyday lives and a bold manifesto against violence toward women. Plus, win a free copy of Femistry!
Details
Saturday, December 6
7:30 p.m. | In Person – Memorial Auditorium
Department of Theatre and Dance | Fall Dance ’25
Alumni Dance Night December 6. Fall Dance presents Montclair State dance majors in their classes: freshman, sophomore, junior and senior — showcased in diverse repertory works by faculty and guest choreographers.
Details
Sunday, December 7
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | In Person – Memorial Auditorium
John J. Cali School of Music | Opera Workshop Chamber presents “The Medium” Fall 2025
Come join us for Gian Carlo Menotti’s hauntingly beautiful opera, The Medium.
A psychological drama filled with mystery, tension, and lyrical intensity, The Medium tells the story of Madame Flora, a fraudulent spiritualist whose world unravels as the line between illusion and reality blurs.
Details
Monday, December 8
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Online – Zoom
Getting Started with Canva
Canva is a graphic design platform used to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, documents, and other visual content. This user-friendly tool provides tons of options when creating designs and sparks ideas to develop your own personal brand. You will have the ability to personally customize your projects that resonate with your audience.
Details
Monday, December 8
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | In Person – Bloomfield – Library 106 – Shelby Art Room
Bloomfield Alumni Holiday Celebration
Celebrate the season with the Bloomfield College Alumni Network at our Holiday Gathering! Join fellow Bloomfield alumni for an evening of connection, camaraderie and festive cheer as we come together to honor our shared history within the Montclair State University community.
Details
Monday, December 8
8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | In Person – Chapin Hall G10 – Jed Leshowitz Recital Hall
Red Hawk Big Band and Jazz Combos Night 1
Please join us to witness the Red Hawk Big Band, directed by Bill Moring plus our amazing swingin’ combos on Dec 8th at 8pm! Featuring songs and arrangements from the tradition of jazz to modern compositions.
Details
Tuesday, December 9
8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | In Person – Chapin Hall G55 – Choral Rehearsal Room
Baroque Ensemble Concert
Experience an enchanting evening of Baroque music featuring works by Bernier, Marais, Purcell, Steffani, and more.
Details
Wednesday, December 10
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | In Person – Chapin Hall G10 – Jed Leshowitz Recital Hall
Cali Midweek Series with Jazzmeia Horn
Join us for the fifth annual reimagined professional residency program at the John J. Cali School of Music, where week-long residencies with top artists and ensembles offer students immersive opportunities to collaborate, learn, and explore the evolving, often nontraditional landscape of music today.
Details
Wednesday, December 10
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | In Person – Chapin Hall G55 – Choral Rehearsal Room
Guitar night
Classical guitar solos and ensemble pieces performed by the classical guitarists of Montclair State University.
Details
Thursday, December 11
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Virtual – Zoom
Canva Masterclass: Advanced Tools & Pro Design Hacks
Ready to level up your Canva skills? This advanced workshop dives into powerful features like animations, brand kits, collaboration tools, and interactive content creation. Go beyond the basics and learn how to streamline your design process with features like Canva’s Whiteboard for brainstorming, Website Builder for creating interactive web pages, and Presentation Mode with embedded video and transitions. Whether you’re building classroom resources, school branding materials, or engaging digital content. Participants will also explore team templates, content scheduling, and how to manage brand consistency across multiple projects.
Details
Friday, December 12
7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | In Person – Life Hall Studio Theater 1200
Fall Senior Dance Project
The Fall Senior Dance presents senior dance majors’ choreographic and performance work as a culmination of their educational and artistic experiences at Montclair State.This year’s concert, Quintessence, explores the individual soul and its presence in worldly events. Do our experiences inform our essence, or does our essence inform our expertise?
Details
Friday, December 12
7:30 p.m. | In Person – Alexander Kasser Theater
University Orchestra Concert Fall 2025
Join the University Symphony Orchestra as they present an eclectic and entertaining evening of music.
Regardless of age, everyone must have a ticket to be admitted, and an adult must accompany kids under 16. Non-ticketed lap seating and children under six are prohibited (unless stated otherwise).
At the discretion of management, any audience member (including children) exhibiting disruptive behavior may be asked to move locations or leave the theater.
Details
Sunday, December 14
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.| In Person – Alexander Kasser Theater 303- Auditorium
John J. Cali School of Music | Crawford Memorial Concert: University Jazz Ensemble
For our fifth Crawford Concert offering, the University Jazz Ensemble will be joined by Grammy nominated vocalist Jazzmeia Horn. She is among the vanguard in jazz, using her knowledge of the canon to inform decisions firmly rooted in traditional parts of the genre, while still adding in contemporary ideas, themes and music.
Details
Thursday, December 18
7 – 8 p.m. | Virtual – Zoom
History at Home: Early History of Montclair State University
“A more beautiful or healthful site could not have been chosen” was a phrase used to describe the original 25 acres of land purchased in 1904 for the Montclair State Normal School. Opened in 1908, the Normal School was founded to educate elementary school teachers. It would grow to become our very own Montclair State University. In this Zoom event, hosted by the Montclair History Center, learn about the early history of the campus, including the original buildings and student life, with Paul Martinez, Archivist at the Harry A. Sprague Library.
Details
Thursday, December 18
7:30 p.m. | Alexander Kasser Theatre
Isaac Mizrahi: A Holiday Fruitcake
Actor, host, writer, designer, and producer Isaac Mizrahi “belongs to a brassy show business tradition running from Ethel Merman to Harvey Fierstein and including Liza Minnelli,” according to The New York Times.The creative multi-hyphenate’s one-of-a-kind holiday show features an eclectic mix of holiday classics, unexpected musical choices, and signature wit—blending humor, storytelling, and song. Accompanied by his six-piece jazz band,“Mizrahi is the real deal when it comes to cabaret: He’s charming, he sounds great, and he is seriously funny” (TheaterMania).
Details
Friday, December 19-20
7:30 p.m. | Richardson Auditorium in Princeton
Sunday, December 21
7:00 p.m. | Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark
Handel’s Messiah
Handel’s Messiah captures every emotion, from the first voice singing “Comfort ye,” inviting you to pause and step away from the season’s frenzy, to the powerful Amen Chorus that concludes the work. Between these moments are expressions of transcendence, loss, and profound awe—the qualities that make a classic endure.
New Jersey Symphony is offering a promo code MSU35 for this season. It is now active for Messiah (December 19–21). Offer: 35% off the regular ticket price. Tickets must be purchased through the New Jersey Symphony, not a venue box office.
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