Reconnecting - The Classes of 1958 and 1963 Come Home

Members of the classes of 1963, 1958 and earlier (50+) returned to campus in May for the annual reunion celebration and luncheon, bringing alumni from as far as Germany and Hong Kong back to campus. The day’s events provided an opportunity for alumni to participate in the University’s 2013 Commencement exercises, where 4,320 students received degrees. They renewed old friendships, reminisced and toured campus to see the changes made at the University since their student days.

Class of 1963 Reunion Committee

John Camp ’63, ’67 MA
Dorothy “Daniela” Gioseffi ’63
Florence Perna Labenski ’63, ’81 MA
Gerald “Jerry” Labenski ’63, ’71 MA

Daniela Gioseffi, a 1963 reunion committee member, took time to appreciate the moment. “It is wonderful for us to see each other here again,” she said. “You might not have recognized it, but this is the same campus where we spent our college years from 1959–63. At first, we might not have known each others’ faces, but the blessing is, we’re here together after 50 years.”

Rosann Kao traveled approximately 8,000 miles from Hong Kong to attend the 1963 50th reunion, along with her sister, Jane Alcoff ’64, who serves on the reunion committee for her class’ 50th reunion. James Clark traveled nearly 4,000 miles from Germany to reunite with former classmates.

One highlight of the luncheon was the reunion of a vocal quartet, the Quadeltas, who received a standing ovation. The group includes Ken Villani, tenor; James “Jim” Clark, lead; Rick Hartung, baritone; and Bob Dey ’62, bass.

Patricia Mizerek was thankful to reunite with friends and her former classmates: “Thanks for making it a memorable occasion in our lives. The ‘Panzer group’ was always a tight-knit group.”

“We had a great time catching up with classmates,” said Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Ken Wolff and Dorothy Deremer Wolff.

Class of 1958 Reunion Committee

Maryann Bond Doherty ’58
Jacqueline Witulski Fusek ’58
Joan Markowsky Holmes ’58
William “Bill” Liess ’58
Guna Spechts Mazzitelle ’58
Nancy Elting Plant ’58
Arasky “Roxy” Akillian Polo ’58
Lois Schantz Sullivan ’58

In her closing remarks, 1958 Reunion Committee Co-chair Maryann Bond Doherty urged her fellow alumni to return to Montclair State. “May we all enjoy good health, happy days and look forward to seeing each other again at a future gathering of the 50+ group.”

Audrey Vincentz Leef ’43 received a Distinguished Alumna Award in recognition of her 70 years of generosity, dedication and support of the University. She brought tears to the eyes of many in attendance when discussing her 70-year connection to Montclair State.

Class Gift

There is still time to contribute to the Class of 1963, Class of 1958 and 50+ class gifts. To make your contribution now, please contact Deb Corasio at 973-655-4207.

To view photos from the event and view online yearbooks, visit montclair.edu/alumni/reunion. 

Calling all members of the Class of 1964!

Planning is underway for your 50th reunion! Start reconnecting with friends today and promote your 50th reunion festivities by joining the Class of 1964 Reunion Committee. For more information or to get involved, contact Deb Corasio at 973-655-4207 or corasiod@mail.montclair.edu.