# Montclair State University Honors Graduates at 2026 Winter Commencement Ceremony celebrates diversity, resilience and education’s power to change lives ![A doctoral graduate in a red gown and black doctoral cap smiles and raises a phone to capture the moment as red and white confetti rains down inside Prudential Center.](/sites/default/files/styles/660x400/public/2026-03/P2011944.jpg?h=926d89e9&itok=wdJag_NP) A doctoral graduate photographs the celebration as a shower of confetti rains down on Montclair State University’s Winter Commencement at Prudential Center in Newark. Montclair State University celebrated its 2026 Winter Commencement on Tuesday, January 13 at Prudential Center in Newark, recognizing 2,291 graduates whose achievements reflect resilience, purpose and a shared commitment to serving the common good. Students from 29 states and five countries earned doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Montclair’s 14 colleges and schools, marking a milestone for one of New Jersey’s leading public-serving research universities. The ceremony highlighted Montclair’s ongoing mission to expand access to higher education and empower diverse communities through knowledge. Many graduates, President Jonathan Koppell noted, faced doubts along the way. Some wondered if they would ever reach graduation day, while others paused their studies and returned to school after years away – a testament to their resilience and determination. Reflecting on perseverance and unity, Koppell acknowledged the challenges of division and fear that often shape the world beyond campus. Building community, he said, requires something stronger. ![A wide view of the Prudential Center in Newark shows the arena filled with guests and rows of graduates in red and black gowns on the floor, as the commencement ceremony unfolds beneath large video screens hanging from the ceiling.](/sites/default/files/styles/editor_100/public/2026-03/P2011397.jpg?itok=z2lafcJA)Family and friends fill Prudential Center in Newark as Montclair State University recognizes 2,291 graduates at its Winter Commencement. “It is easy to divide people on the basis of fear,” Koppell said. “But hope, love and optimism are what bring us together – and what got us here today.” ## Inspiring Stories of Perseverance and Purpose The ceremony underscored the power of education to uplift families, strengthen communities and drive positive change – examples of [**Montclair’s mission**](/about/university-mission-statement-strategic-framework "University Mission Statement & Strategic Framework") in action. ![Two undergraduate students in black gowns and caps share a celebratory hug in the middle of the commencement floor.](/sites/default/files/styles/editor_100/public/2026-03/P1132373A.jpg?itok=5xREcNoN)Undergraduate students share a hug on the arena floor during a day celebrating their achievements. Among those whose journeys captured that spirit was [**Cookie Howard**](/news-media/news-stories/single-mom-mr-corys-cookies-fame-overcomes-adversity-and-rises-graduation-stage "The Single Mom of Mr. Cory’s Cookies Fame Overcomes Adversity and Rises to the Graduation Stage"), whose walk across the Prudential Center stage marked a decades-long path from foster care and homelessness to business ownership and a bachelor’s degree in [**Family Science and Human Development**](/academics/programs/ba-family-science-and-human-development "Family Science and Human Development"). Graduate student speaker Rutvi Jani, who earned a [**Master of Science in Biology**](/academics/programs/ms-biology "Biology"), reflected on persistence and self-growth: “Montclair taught me that growth doesn’t happen in applause or success. It happens quietly when you wake up after failure and try again.” Undergraduate speaker [**Brianna Correa**](/news-media/news-stories/emt-army-national-guard-first-gen-montclair-graduate-speak-winter-commencement "From EMT to Army National Guard: First-Gen Montclair Graduate to Speak at Winter Commencement"), a [**Psychology**](/academics/programs/ba-psychology "Psychology") major, balanced her studies with serving as both an EMT and a member of the New Jersey Army National Guard. “Strength doesn’t always look loud,” she said. “Sometimes it looks like choosing not to quit.” ## Bloomfield College Graduates Join the Celebration ![Bloomfield College graduate in cap and gown with Bloomfield stole blows kiss at camera](/sites/default/files/styles/editor_100/public/2026-03/P1133293.jpg?itok=QqNjc7Gg)A new graduate of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University blows a celebratory kiss toward the crowd. The ceremony also honored graduates from the integrated [**Bloomfield College of Montclair State University**](https://www.bloomfield.edu/), a milestone merger that expands educational access. [**Accounting**](/academics/programs/bs-accounting "Accounting") major [**Lisha Brito**](/news-media/news-stories/she-almost-joined-navy-then-she-built-life-leadership-and-service-bloomfield-college "She Almost Joined the Navy. Then She Built a Life of Leadership and Service at Bloomfield College") plans to launch a business and nonprofit promoting financial literacy among minorities and youth leaving foster care. [**Biology**](/academics/programs/bs-biology-bloomfield "Applied Biological Sciences") graduate [**Nicole Yator**](/news-media/news-stories/finding-her-confidence-how-one-shy-bloomfield-graduate-grew-mentor-others "Finding Her Confidence: How One Shy Bloomfield Graduate Grew Into a Mentor For Others"), once a shy student, found confidence through the EOF Scholars Program and is now dedicated to mentoring future students. “You have reached this day having overcome challenges,” Koppell said. “You did not accept that greater things were not possible because they were hard to achieve. You did not accept the idea that your own success required the diminishment of someone else. So do not accept that the world cannot be made a better place. It can, and I believe you are the key to making it so.” ## Joy, Pride and a Shared Mission Koppell told graduates they would carry fresh ideas, talent and optimism into a world that urgently needs their energy and leadership. “You will go out and prove that there are endless opportunities to make a difference in this world,” Koppell said. ![Montclair President Jonathan Koppell, wearing academic regalia, stands at the podium and raises his cellphone to take a selfie with a sea of graduates filling the arena behind him.](/sites/default/files/styles/editor_100/public/2026-03/P2011872.jpg?itok=97wpyGZ0)Montclair President Jonathan Koppell, wearing academic regalia, stands at the podium and raises his cellphone to take a selfie with a sea of graduates filling the arena behind him. Confetti fell in celebration as graduates formally joined the ranks of Montclair alumni. Student Government President Leila Jones encouraged classmates to carry the University’s values forward: “You are standing here because you honored your journey, even on the days it felt too heavy. When doubt visits – and it will – return to this moment.” **Photos by Mike Peters and John J. LaRosa** ## Celebrate With Us Watch the replay on YouTube [**in English**](https://www.youtube.com/live/x6D23thSyl8) and [**en Español**](https://www.youtube.com/live/VbfI350hAWg). ### [**See More Photos in our SmugMug Gallery**](https://montclairstateuniversity.smugmug.com/2026/2026-Winter-Commencement/n-qFnmHM/011326-Winter-Commencement) ## Ready to start your Montclair journey? - Accepted Students: Secure your spot and register to attend [**Accepted Student Day.**](https://www.montclair.edu/admissions/accepted-student-day/) - Prospective Students: [**Visit campus**](https://www.montclair.edu/admissions/visit-us/) and [**apply**](https://apply.montclair.edu/portal/admissions) to Montclair State University. - Journalists: Contact Montclair’s [**Media Relations**](/offices-departments-centers/media-relations "Media Relations") for photographs or to schedule an interview with a graduating student. ## Photo Gallery - [ ![Rocky the Red Hawk and Deacon the Bear mascots, dressed in graduation caps and gowns, walk down an aisle of empty seats, high-fiving and pointing as graduates in red gowns follow behind them.](/sites/default/files/styles/700x700/public/2026-03/JL012421_0.jpg?h=926d89e9&itok=F3VJLaNt) View Image and Caption ](%20%20%20%20/sites/default/files/styles/2560w_2560h/public/2026-03/JL012421_0.jpg?itok=5HMM78Ez) - [ ![Four undergraduate students in black gowns and caps sit together in a row, smiling and laughing, with one student playfully pointing at a classmate.](/sites/default/files/styles/700x700/public/2026-03/P1131888.jpg?h=926d89e9&itok=QrLH6J7I) View Image and Caption ](%20%20%20%20/sites/default/files/styles/2560w_2560h/public/2026-03/P1131888.jpg?itok=l1Y3pB7w) - [ ![An undergraduate in a black gown and cap walks down the aisle holding her diploma cover while wearing oversized yellow mascot feet, continuing the tradition in which students who served as the college mascot reveal themselves at graduation.](/sites/default/files/styles/700x700/public/2026-03/P1132049.jpg?h=926d89e9&itok=QAqk_EnW) View Image and Caption ](%20%20%20%20/sites/default/files/styles/2560w_2560h/public/2026-03/P1132049.jpg?itok=pp1VkMCO) - [ ![A smiling undergraduate in a black gown and cap walks between rows of seated classmates, her bright red hair and colorful beaded necklace standing out.](/sites/default/files/styles/700x700/public/2026-03/P1131851.jpg?h=926d89e9&itok=-gRjWSPM) View Image and Caption ](%20%20%20%20/sites/default/files/styles/2560w_2560h/public/2026-03/P1131851.jpg?itok=5bv5N68x) Go to the previous slide 1/ Go to the next slide Published January 13, 2026 Type [Graduate Spotlights](/news-media/news-stories?type%5B152%5D=152) Topic - [Student Success](/news-media/news-stories?topic%5B88%5D=88) ## Contact the Media Relations Team [Media Relations](/offices-departments-centers/media-relations) The Media Relations Office is the official source of information for Montclair State University and is the primary point of contact for members of the media requesting institutional information and/or interviews with faculty, staff and administration. - Elyse Toribio - - Telephone [973-655-4334](tel:973-655-4334) - Andrew Mees - - Telephone [973-655-3101](tel:973-655-3101) ## More News & Stories - ![Raena Loper poses on a chaise.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-11/Raena%20Loper.jpg?h=3ec75680&itok=kbXb5SVR) Student Outcomes [ Alumni Voices: How a Fashion Graduate Navigated a Magazine and Digital Media Career](/news-media/news-stories/alumni-voices-putting-fashion-degree-work-magazines-and-digital-media) November 6, 2026 - ![Hawk statue in front of Cole Hall](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-07/062525_07015_Students_Around_Campus_Summer-LAROSA.jpg?h=926d89e9&itok=004F9K9S) Front Page News [ Montclair Earns Seal of Excelencia Designation](/news-media/news-stories/montclair-state-university-earns-seal-excelencia-designation) October 27, 2026 - ![Edward Gonzalez stands with his arms crossed in front of famous ballplayers of the Negro Leagues.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-09/092526_30388_Students%20at%20Muth%20Museum_MP%20%281%29.jpg?h=60a32f43&itok=kO6a7uG6) Front Page News [ Montclair Students Keep Negro Leagues History Alive at Hinchliffe Stadium](/news-media/news-stories/montclair-students-keep-negro-leagues-history-alive-hinchliffe-stadium) October 1, 2026 [All News & Stories](/news-media/news-stories)