A noted speaker is invited to address the awardees at each of the convocations. In some instances, the individual has a relationship with the university.
- Dr. Ree Arnold
Professor Emeriti, Montclair State University; EDA Scholar; former director of Department Graduate Program - Carol Blazejowski
President & General Manager; New York Liberty; former student athlete - U.S. Senator Bill Bradley
Rhodes scholar, former U.S. Senator from New Jersey and presidential candidate - Dr. Joan Ficke
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Montclair State University; former department faculty member and Montclair State University student - Tim Flynn
Supervisor Health and Physical Education Mountain Lakes, NJ; NJSIAA Lacrosse Coach of the Year; former student athlete at Montclair State University - Dr. Nancy Giardina
Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Grand Valley State University; former department faculty member - Dr. Don Hellison
Professor in the School of Kinesiology at UIC; directs The Urban Youth Leader Project for underserved children and youth in Chicago - Jerry Izenberg
Sports journalist with the Newark New Jersey Star Ledger - Mayor Sharpe James
35th Mayor of Newark, New Jersey; State Senator for the 29th Legislative District; former student Panzer School - Dr. Dave Masur
Associate Athletic Director, St John’s University; Head Soccer Coach; former coach and Montclair State University student - Dr. Caroll Persson
Vice President enrollment management Westfield State; Chair of Movement Science, Sport and Leisure Studies; Former Montclair State University student - Rich Ruffalo
National Teacher of the Year; noted motivational speaker; former Montclair State University student