December 2, 2025

Celebrating Graduate Excellence: Inside the Alpha Epsilon Lambda Induction Ceremony

Posted in: Graduate School News, Photo Essays

On Thursday, November 20, The Graduate School proudly welcomed its newest inductees into Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL), the national honor society recognizing the top graduate and professional students across the country. Membership reflects extraordinary academic excellence, leadership, and service within one’s program and community.

As faculty, staff, families, and fellow students filled University Hall’s 7th Floor Conference Center, a warm glow from the New York City skyline set the stage for an evening of recognition, pride, and celebration.

Inductees seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin — Inductees are seated before the ceremony, taking in the excitement of the evening ahead.

Friends and families arriving at ceremony — Family and friends arrive, eager to celebrate the achievements of their loved ones.

A Night of Recognition and Inspiration

The ceremony opened with remarks from Dr. Stefanie Brachfeld, Acting Provost, Vice Provost for Research, and Interim Dean of The Graduate School. She commended inductees for their resilience and dedication, noting that graduate education demands not only intellectual strength but leadership and service to community.

Dr. Stefanie Brachfeld speaking at podium — Dr. Stefanie Brachfeld delivers opening remarks, setting an inspiring tone for the evening.

Faculty and Mentors at the Heart of the Celebration

Faculty members from across Montclair’s colleges and schools were recognized for their mentorship and contributions to the graduate community. Their presence highlighted the partnerships, encouragement, and scholarship that make student success possible.

Faculty being recognized during ceremony — Faculty guests, including leaders like Associate Dean Dana Levitt, stand to be recognized for their impact on graduate education.

Honoring the Chapter’s Legacy

Deborah Reynoso, Director of Student Academic Services, reflected on the history of AEL’s Alpha Kappa Chapter and its ongoing mission to elevate graduate achievement and leadership at Montclair.

Deborah Reynoso speaking about AEL history — Deborah Reynoso shares the chapter’s origins and its commitment to graduate excellence.

Student Leadership in Action

AEL President Dina Marie Leotsakas encouraged inductees to continue serving as leaders within their programs and communities. Her remarks emphasized that graduate education is not only about mastery of knowledge, but about elevating those around you.

AEL President Dina Leotsakas speaking at ceremony — AEL President Dina Leotsakas addresses new inductees, highlighting the power of leadership and service.

Honoring Excellence, Leadership, and Service

One by one, inductees were welcomed to the stage to receive their certificates, honor cords, and society pins. Each recognition marked years of scholarship, research, creative work, teaching, and service.

Inductee receiving honor cords from Dr. Brachfeld — Inductees receive their honor cords from Dr. Brachfeld during the ceremony.

Audience applauding inductees — The audience erupts in applause as fellow inductees walk across the stage.

The People Behind the Achievement: Family & Friends

Graduate education rarely happens alone. Throughout the evening, family members, partners, and close friends filled the room with warmth and pride — a reminder that behind every inductee stands a support system cheering them on.

Families and guests watching proudly during the ceremony — Proud families capture memories to celebrate their graduates’ accomplishments.

Inductee celebrating with family after receiving honor cords — Smiles all around as family joins in the celebration.

Inductee celebrating with their family — Many inductees celebrated the milestone with family, including students like Anthony Palmisano — whose mother is also an AEL member.

A Community of Scholars

During the reception, new inductees connected with peers and faculty from across disciplines. Conversations, photos, and laughter filled the room as students celebrated one another’s achievements and reflected on the work that brought them here.

Inductees at the reception talking and celebrating — Inductees reconnected with classmates during the reception to celebrate this shared milestone.

Students celebrating together — Joy and camaraderie filled the room as students reflected on their journey to induction.

Event organizers posing on stage — Event organizers — Victoria Speiser, Deborah Reynoso, and Dr. Stefanie Brachfeld — pause for a celebratory moment on stage.

Interested in Joining AEL?

If you’re inspired by the scholars featured here, you may be eligible to pursue membership in the future. Learn more about AEL membership criteria.

View more photos from the evening