Montclair State University Celebrates Winter Commencement 2025

Montclair State University celebrated its Winter Commencement 2025 on Monday, January 13, at Prudential Center in Newark, honoring 2,178 graduates. New Jersey State Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, a staunch advocate for equity and justice, was conferred an honorary degree.

Graduates earned doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the 13 colleges and schools of Montclair State University, including, for the first time, graduates from the recently merged Bloomfield College of Montclair State University – one of the state’s oldest private, minority-serving institutions.

In reflecting on the occasion, President Jonathan Koppell shared, “I wish more people would get a glimpse into what we are celebrating here today. The common critiques of higher education fall flat in the face of your achievement, dedication and community. I do not see entitlement. I do not see anyone who takes for granted the opportunities that we all have. On the contrary, I see a group of learners who came together with a shared desire to better yourself, to better your family, and to better the world.”

New Jersey State Senator M. Teresa Ruiz received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and delivered an inspiring speech on perseverance, dedication and the transformative power of education. In 2007, Ruiz made history as the first Puerto Rican elected to the New Jersey State Senate, and today she serves as Senate Majority Leader – the highest-ranking Latina legislator in state history.

In his introduction, Koppell praised Ruiz for her unwavering commitment to equity and justice, highlighting her leadership in expanding universal preschool and strengthening academic support for students with reading challenges. She has also been a champion of legislation granting in-state tuition for undocumented students and protecting the rights of transgender youth in schools.

In her Commencement address, Ruiz encouraged the Class of 2025 to remember that no matter where they go in life, it’s not the title or what’s on a business card that truly matters. What truly matters is the sense of community and the significance of the present moment.

“Get your degree, get your job, live your life, make your mistakes, fall in public – and that’s OK,” Ruiz said. “We get embarrassed when we fall down, but what we should be more embarrassed about is how we get up. When you get up, show those who question you because of your last name, how you look, who you love, or where you’re from, that they don’t know your destination or your abilities.”

As the new year begins, Ruiz acknowledged that it’s common to set resolutions – to improve, strive harder or push forward. But she reminded the graduates that these commitments don’t have to be tied to the calendar. Any day can be a turning point, and she urged them to “lean into love, life, work and living.”

Inspiring Graduation Stories

The graduates come from 41 states and seven countries, united by their dedication to making the world a better place through social action, public health, business, public service, education, research, the arts, sciences, and the humanities. The ceremony celebrated graduates who have pursued the American Dream while finding a quality education and a sense of belonging. Their remarkable stories included:

• A political asylee from Liberia, West Africa, who fulfilled a promise to her late daughter by earning her PhD in Counselor Education.
• A mother who grew up in social housing in Ireland and waitressed in America but always dreamed of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Family Science and Human Development.
• A Bloomfield Psychology major and mental health advocate who created a podcast to talk directly with students about their struggles post-pandemic.
• A U.S. veteran, first-generation student and University employee, who, after a chance encounter on a Montclair shuttle bus, returned to college after 20 years to complete his degree.

Celebration Highlights

The ceremony was a celebration of joy and pride. Graduates walked across the stage, cheered on by family and friends, while a shower of confetti marked their transition to newly minted alumni. Highlights of the event included:

• Student Government President Mikayla Houston emphasized the collective triumphs of the graduating class. “You have the power to create change in your communities, to push boundaries in your careers, and to continue to be a source of inspiration to those around you.”
• Senior Class Speaker Paloma Lupino, who earned her degree in English, reflected on the journey of growth and transformation. “None of us got here by ourselves, and you have the responsibility to help someone else achieve their dreams.”
• The hooding of doctoral candidates, including the graduate speaker, Sailume T. Walo-Roberts, one of 21 doctoral degree recipients, the political asylee who earned her PhD in Counselor Education.

“Each of us carries our own story, a series of battles fought and won, and those stories have shaped us into who we are today. This degree is not just a piece of paper; it’s a testament to our resilience and courage,” Walo-Roberts said.

“But what will we do with it? Let’s use this achievement to open doors for others, to speak up to those unheard, and to build a world that’s more just, inclusive and compassionate.”

Are you a… 

Prospective Student or Parent? Plan your visit and take your first step in applying to become a Red Hawk!

Journalist? Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview with a graduating student.