Montclair State University Honors Graduates at 2026 Winter Commencement

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.

“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 in action.

Among those whose journeys captured that spirit was Cookie Howard, whose walk across the Prudential Center stage marked a decades-long journey from foster care and homelessness to business ownership and a bachelor’s degree in Family Science and Human Development.

Graduate student speaker Rutvi Jani, who earned a Master of Science in 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, a 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

The ceremony also honored graduates from the integrated Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, a milestone merger that expands educational access. Accounting major Lisha Brito plans to launch a business and nonprofit promoting financial literacy among minorities and youth leaving foster care. Biology graduate Nicole Yator, 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.

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 and en Español.

Ready to start your Montclair journey?

• Accepted Students: Secure your spot and register to attend Accepted Student Day.
• Prospective Students: Visit campus and apply to Montclair State University.
• Journalists: Contact Montclair’s Media Relations for photographs or to schedule an interview with a graduating student.