September 15, 2025

A New Chapter for Martinson Honors EDGE at Montclair State University

Transformed by $5 million gift – creativity, leadership and 40th anniversary drive program forward

Posted in: Admissions, Donors, Martinson Honors EDGE, University

A professor demonstrates a small robot constructed from household items to a student seated nearby. — In the Honors Creativity course, Nikki Morgan-Ike observes as Professor Christopher Donoghue demonstrates the "Wabbler," a robot built from household items like a tupperware container and shower curtain rings. Designed to wobble along the ground, the robot illustrates how creativity often comes from reusing existing resources in new and inventive ways. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Montclair State University’s newly renamed John Martinson Honors EDGE Program is marking a milestone year, propelled by a transformative $5 million gift and new initiatives that expand student creativity, leadership and engagement. At a recent welcome reception, the University signaled its commitment to fostering innovative academic experiences and deeper community ties.

Major Gift Fuels Change

A $5 million gift from philanthropist John Martinson is powering program enhancements that expand interdisciplinary and experiential learning, with a focus on:

Preparing innovative leaders
Supporting creative and socially impactful academic pathways
Investing in interdisciplinary study and student engagement on campus and beyond

Executive Director Jeff Strickland described this as a defining chapter: “Our vision for honors is bold – to expand access, to promote creativity and leadership, and to ensure that Montclair stands at the forefront of public honors education.”

President Jonathan Koppell stands addressing students at the John Martinson Honors EDGE reception, gesturing as attendees seated at round tables listen attentively. — President Jonathan Koppell addresses students gathered at the John Martinson Honors EDGE reception, encouraging them to embrace creativity and social transformation. (Photo by Mileena Torres ’21)

Reception Welcomes Students

A welcome reception kicked off the John Martinson Honors EDGE (Engage, Discover, Grow, Experience) Program on September 8, gathering about 120 honors students and faculty. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the honors program at Montclair.

Speaking to the energy of the new academic year and the program’s milestone, President Jonathan Koppell emphasized the centrality of creativity and social transformation.

“You have demonstrated commitment, curiosity and eagerness to develop your own potential,” he told the students.

Provost Junius J. Gonzales reinforced this challenge, urging students to make creativity their “competitive advantage in business, scholarship, in your work and future lives.”

Sociology Professor Christopher Donoghue leads a group of students in an “Honors Creativity” class at Montclair, with students seated around tables working on laptops and collaborating in a bright, windowed classroom. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters) — Sociology Professor Christopher Donoghue teaches one of Montclair’s signature honors courses, “Honors Creativity,” which underscores that creativity is a cultivated skill tied to public purpose. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Students credit the program with shaping their academic direction and personal growth. Krishita Vaghani, a junior in Computer Science, said: “Honors is not only preparing us for the future, it’s teaching us to create the kind of future worth living in.”

Expanded Experiences and Opportunities

Martinson’s gift makes possible expanded academic, creative and leadership opportunities for honors students:

Creative Learning stipend – $5,000 for every honors student to pursue study abroad, internships and research
Honors Leadership Certificate – a planned program integrating leadership training into coursework
Interdisciplinary research clusters – planned initiatives connecting faculty and students across fields
Distinguished visiting faculty – bringing national experts to campus for mentoring and teaching
Collaborations – expanded ties to the Martinson Collaborative linking Montclair with 10 leading honors programs nationwide, also funded by Martinson

Montclair envisions growing its program to 1,000 students within five years and positioning the University to evolve the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program into a stand-alone Honors College.

“These enhancements elevate Montclair’s position among public universities while giving students expanded avenues for discovery and impact,” Strickland noted. “Honors EDGE is not just a curriculum – it is a community and a calling. It is about cultivating knowledge and creativity, not for ourselves alone, but for the larger public good.”

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Learn more about admission criteria to the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program and take your first step in applying to become a Red Hawk.