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Read stories about how Montclair students, faculty and staff are reaching new heights in the classroom, on campus and in local communities.

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    1. Graduate Spotlights

      Years in the Making: A Determined Graduate Earns Her Degree

      Through years of working full time and raising a family, Ashley Crawford perseveres to complete the degree that once felt out of reachThrough years of working full time and raising a family, Ashley Crawford perseveres to complete the degree that once felt out of reach

      Ashley Crawford, in a black dress with bright blue blazer, stands in front of a building’s windows.
    2. Graduate Spotlights

      From an ‘American Dream School’ Education at Montclair to a Future in Policy and Global Studies

      National security research, D.C. experience and a highly competitive U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship put this Montclair State University graduate on a path to public service

      Jacob Roby sits in a classroom full of red chairs.
    3. Graduate Spotlights

      A Promise to His Grandmother Will Carry Him to a Career in Medicine

      For Molecular Biology major Melvin Rodriguez, studying melanoma in zebrafish is more than academic – it’s a promise kept and a path toward healing

      Melvin Rodriguez, wearing a white lab coat with a Montclair State University patch and blue gloves, sits at a fluorescent microscope in a dim lab. He looks intently through the eyepiece while holding a petri dish glowing bright green under the microscope lens, surrounded by scientific equipment and incubators in the background.
    4. Graduate Spotlights

      Finding Her Voice at Montclair, Speaking Up on Climate at the United Nations

      Political Science major Ana Barahona turned faculty mentorship, research and early‑morning commutes into a UN climate role and a future in law and leadership

      Ana Barahona
    5. Graduate Spotlights

      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.
    6. Graduate Spotlights

      She Almost Joined the Navy. Then She Built a Life of Leadership and Service at Bloomfield College

      Lisha Brito didn’t plan on going to college – but what she found on Bloomfield’s campus helped her grow into a confident, purpose-driven leader with big dreams for the future.

      Woman is sitting down in an empty classroom smiling.
    7. Graduate Spotlights

      Finding Her Confidence: How One Shy Bloomfield Graduate Grew Into a Mentor For Others

      Nicole Yator arrived at Bloomfield unsure of herself — but through mentorship, community, and involvement, she grew into a confident leader dedicated to uplifting others.

      Woman is staring into the camera with her head tilted and a microscope is to her right.
    8. Graduate Spotlights

      From Grit to Graduation: One Student’s Self-Funded Journey at Montclair State University

      Working her way through college – without loans or aid – this Winter Commencement 2026 graduate exemplifies fortitude, drive and Montclair pride

      Allison Abrom stands in a food hall at Montclair.
    9. Graduate Spotlights

      From EMT to Army National Guard: First-Gen Montclair Graduate to Speak at Winter Commencement

      Psychology major Brianna Correa balanced full-time online study, frontline emergency medical work and National Guard service using military education benefits to earn her degree

      Brianna Correa, wearing her National Guard Army Green Service Uniform, modeled after WWII-era attire, at the Paterson Great Falls, reflecting her strong connection to her hometown city.
    10. Graduate Spotlights

      Montclair Life: Championing Families, Chasing Dreams

      Family advocate Oscaterin Bautista balances a double major, career and family at Montclair State University

      090225 131112 Oscaterin-Bautista MP