Montclair State University Honors Graduates at 2026 Spring Commencement

Montclair State University is celebrating its Spring Commencement on May 11 and May 12 at Prudential Center in Newark, honoring 4,251 graduates whose achievements reflect perseverance, impact and a shared commitment to their communities.

At the first ceremony on May 11, University President Jonathan Koppell told graduates, “You will go out and prove that there are endless opportunities to make a difference in the world.”

During the two ceremonies, students from 37 states and 12 countries are earning doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degrees across Montclair’s 300‑plus academic programs. On May 11, the University celebrated students from the College of the Arts, College of Communication and Media, College for Community Health and Feliciano School of Business.

“What’s going to sustain you? What’s going to motivate you? How will you get through it when the unexpected confronts you?” Koppell asked. Graduating at a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, he told them, they must play a key role in defining what the country will be.

Student Government Association President Leila Jones echoed that challenge, reminding classmates they are not defined by a single moment. “We’re shaped by the experiences that push us to grow,” she said.

At the second ceremony on May 12, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill will receive an honorary degree in recognition of her leadership and service, underscoring Montclair’s mission to serve the public and expand access to education and opportunity. Her presence highlights the University’s ties to the state and its role in preparing graduates to strengthen New Jersey’s civic, economic and cultural life.

Turning challenges into purpose

Among the graduate spotlights are members of the Class of 2026 whose journeys reflect resilience, purpose and a commitment to serving others:

• A first-generation scientist heading to medical school, turning grief into a commitment to healing.
• A student exploring politics, policy and religion who gained hands-on experience in United Nations climate advocacy.
• A graduate from abroad who persevered through political unrest to earn his master’s degree and continue his work in education.
• A Cali Pathways Project graduate who pivoted from music to business and now hopes to create spaces where artists can perform and connect.

Many were the first in their families to earn college degrees, and across programs, graduates balanced family, work and study – including single parents, adult learners and military-affiliated students – while serving communities close to home and around the world.

Joy, pride and a shared mission

Koppell told graduates they would carry fresh ideas, talent and optimism into a world that urgently needs their leadership. “I believe the only insurmountable obstacle to change is the unsubstantiated belief that change is not possible,” he said.

The confetti that rained down on graduates at the first ceremony will be cleared away before the next wave of students and families arrives, as graduates of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, the College for Education and Engaged Learning, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Science and Mathematics and the School of Nursing gather for their day.

During the ceremony on May 11, Graduate School speaker Jason Edward Cameron, a 46-year-old who earned his Master of Fine Arts in Dance, offered fellow graduates a message that looked beyond the ceremony:

“This diploma is not an ending. It’s a beginning,” he said. “So, choose boldly. Choose work that matters. Choose growth over comfort. Choose to begin again when necessary.”

Photos by University Photographers Mike Peters and John J. LaRosa

Celebrate with us

• Watch the replay of the May 11 ceremony on YouTube in English and en Español.
• Explore more graduate stories at Montclair’s graduate spotlights to see how the Class of 2026 is already making a difference in New Jersey and around the world.