\u201cWe are the future educators, doctors, lawyers, business people, nurses, politicians, artists and leaders of this nation and this world,\u201d Genise reflected, an observation echoed by President Cole. This remarkable group, Cole said, is \u201cprepared by your education to make a meaningful contribution to the hard work it takes to build a peaceful, prosperous and just society.\u201d<\/p>\n
Here are some of the stories of student success from the Montclair State University Class of 2019:<\/p>\n
Paul Kehinde Ajayi, Future Doctor<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Paul](\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2019\/05\/012819_2437_CSAM-Paul-Ajayi.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nPaul Kehinde Ajayi, who graduated with a double major in Public Health and Biology and a minor in Chemistry, says when he reflects on his Montclair State experience, \u201cI realize that I’d been soaring high, and while I’ve been soaring, I have looked down and realized, \u2018Wow, I’m not only growing, I have so much potential to contribute to my world and my community.\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n
Ajayi grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and plans to work in underserved communities by promoting clinical care and environmental health interventions. He represented the College of Education and Human Services at the Convocation ceremony as student speaker.<\/p>\n
Ajayi contributed to faculty research in both of his major departments, Biology and Public Health, and was part of the Science Honors Innovation Program. Additionally, he was a recipient of the Bonnie Lustigman Research Fellowship. Ajayi will be pursuing a dual Doctor of Medicine (MD and Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Sociomedical Sciences with a certification in Environmental Health Sciences.<\/p>\n
\u201cMontclair State has helped me tremendously because of the fact that being a Public Health and Biology major, I was able to immerse myself in two worldviews that will help me toward my path in medicine,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Damar Donovan, Registered Nurse<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Damar](\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2019\/05\/051619_5163_NURSING-Convocation.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nDamar Donovan, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, magna cum laude, was born and raised in Kenya. Married and the mother of two children, ages 5 and 3, she works as a registered nurse at Overlook Medical Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cEarning the BSN degree was a milestone in my life that seemed an unattainable dream when I first decided that I wanted to become a nurse,\u201d she says. \u201cIt was during the time that my mother was gravely ill, shortly before her death in Kenya when I was 16 years old, that I decided that my goal in life was to help sick patients, like my mom, recover. However, after her passing, it wasn\u2019t possible for me to pursue that dream due to my family\u2019s challenging financial situation.\u201d<\/p>\n
After immigrating to the United States in 2008, she eventually was able to pursue her dream, beginning as a patient care technician at Overlook and graduating from Essex County College with an associate degree. Since 2013, she has worked as an RN at Overlook on the Neuroscience floor.<\/p>\n
Serving as student speaker at the Convocation for the School of Nursing, she says, \u201cMontclair State University\u2019s RN-BSN program provided me with the opportunity to earn my BSN degree while fulfilling my family- and job-related responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kimberly Fabijanczuk, Science Researcher<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Kimberly](\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2019\/05\/051819_0192_CSAM-Convocation.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nDuring Kimberly Fabijanczuk\u2019s time at Montclair State, she has benefitted from the University\u2019s new designation by the Carnegie Classification as a doctoral university with high research activity and recognition by New Jersey as one of the state\u2019s four public research universities.<\/p>\n
Fabijanczuk graduated with a degree in Biochemistry and spent the past three years in the research group of Assistant Professor Jinshan Gao as an undergraduate research assistant studying biomolecule characterization employing free radical chemistry and mass spectrometry.<\/p>\n
Fabijanczuk, student speaker at the College of Science and Mathematics Convocation, was part of the University\u2019s Honors Program and a member of the Science Honors Innovation Program. In the fall, she will start studies for a PhD in Analytical Chemistry at Purdue University.<\/p>\n
George Garcia, Entrepreneur<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"George](\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2019\/05\/072318_4803_SBUS-George-Garcia.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nAs a student, George Garcia had a hand in two startup companies and a seat on a government agency looking at economic development. He\u2019s a young professional to watch, according to NJBIZ<\/em>, which named him to its list of 40 influential up-and-comers, all under the age of 40. The first student to complete Montclair State\u2019s new Entrepreneurship major, he was the Convocation student speaker for the Feliciano School of Business.<\/p>\nGarcia lives in Randolph, New Jersey, and currently works as the CEO of a social application startup called Wheatpaste Inc., winner of the 2018 Montclair State pitch contest<\/a>, the richest collegiate prize pool among New Jersey universities and colleges for promising business ideas. He\u2019s also a member of the Randolph Economic Development Committee, where he is committed to the growth of small businesses.<\/p>\n\u201cAs I\u2019ve grown up, I\u2019ve realized how much I like emerging technologies and being in the forefront of ideas,\u201d he says. \u201cI can see myself staying in this lane my entire life, working on startups and breaking technologies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Efrain Monterroso, Teacher<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Efrain](\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2019\/05\/3-41.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\")
<\/figure>
\nAt a time when New Jersey is focused on lessening the teacher diversity gap Efrain Monterroso is a role model. \u201cI feel as a Latino male I’m making a difference,\u201d he says.\u00a0\u201cAs a teacher you have to learn how to reach every student. I believe that is what diversity is all about, reaching every single student equally and trying to engage with them in a lesson. No matter what situations are happening in their home life or in their personal life, I can relate because I’ve gone through similar struggles.\u201d<\/p>\nMonterroso grew up in East Windsor, New Jersey, graduated with a bachelor\u2019s degree in Secondary Education and Spanish certification. He was one of the Convocation speakers for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and was recently interviewed by NJTV News<\/a> on the student-teacher diversity gap. Monterroso will begin his professional career at Hightstown High School, where he will teach Spanish. This summer, he will serve as director of the Rise Summer Academic Enrichment program and plans to pursue a master\u2019s degree in Spanish Methodology.<\/p>\nMontclair State, he says, has prepared him well. \u201cThe education program offers courses on diversity and equity, method courses specific to your major, resources to prepare you for clinical internships. You have a support system every single step.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sophia Voglino, Production Stage Manager<\/h2>\n![\"Sophia](\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2019\/05\/051719_6768_CART-Convocation.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nSophia Voglino graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Production and Design. She has worked behind the scenes on a number of Montclair State theater productions, but for the College of the Arts Convocation, starred on stage as the student speaker.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy four years at Montclair we\u2019re some of the most challenging and informative I have known, but they gave me an invaluable experience which I will carry with me all my life,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Voglino worked on more than 12 productions at Montclair State, training that is helping her build a career as a professional stage manager. She will be joining the stage management team at Goodspeed Musicals to stage a new adaptation of the novel Because of Winn Dixie<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\nVoglino grew up in Wyckoff, New Jersey, and before her college career was a production stage managing for Old Library Theatre Co. in Fair Lawn. She has also served as assistant stage manager on international stages in Bregenz, Austria, and spent time with Goodspeed Musicals, The Atlantic Theatre Company, WP Theater and Papermill Playhouse, all while attending Montclair State. \u201cI could not be more excited to take what knowledge I have gained there out into the professional field,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Cierra Watts, Future Financier <\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Cierra](\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2019\/05\/031819_6765_EOF-Cierra-Watts.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nCierra Watts has served as a student representative on the University\u2019s Board of Trustees. She graduated with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. She plans to help build wealth for lower income investors.<\/p>\n
Montclair State University is a melting pot of different races, nationalities and orientations. Earlier this year, Watts was among the students interviewed by FOX5NY<\/a> who said the diversity on the college campus has had a big impact on their success in school.\u201cGoing into the business world where I’m going to be dealing with so many different types of people, you have to learn how to maneuver and change, and I think that was the biggest part about going to a diverse campus,\u201d she says in the featured segment.<\/p>\nWatts grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and came to Montclair State as an Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) scholar. \u201cEOF has played a big part in my growth as a student leader and in the ways I am paving pathways for students coming behind me,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
<\/figure>\nPaul Kehinde Ajayi, who graduated with a double major in Public Health and Biology and a minor in Chemistry, says when he reflects on his Montclair State experience, \u201cI realize that I’d been soaring high, and while I’ve been soaring, I have looked down and realized, \u2018Wow, I’m not only growing, I have so much potential to contribute to my world and my community.\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n
Ajayi grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and plans to work in underserved communities by promoting clinical care and environmental health interventions. He represented the College of Education and Human Services at the Convocation ceremony as student speaker.<\/p>\n
Ajayi contributed to faculty research in both of his major departments, Biology and Public Health, and was part of the Science Honors Innovation Program. Additionally, he was a recipient of the Bonnie Lustigman Research Fellowship. Ajayi will be pursuing a dual Doctor of Medicine (MD and Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Sociomedical Sciences with a certification in Environmental Health Sciences.<\/p>\n
\u201cMontclair State has helped me tremendously because of the fact that being a Public Health and Biology major, I was able to immerse myself in two worldviews that will help me toward my path in medicine,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Damar Donovan, Registered Nurse<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/figure>\nDamar Donovan, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, magna cum laude, was born and raised in Kenya. Married and the mother of two children, ages 5 and 3, she works as a registered nurse at Overlook Medical Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cEarning the BSN degree was a milestone in my life that seemed an unattainable dream when I first decided that I wanted to become a nurse,\u201d she says. \u201cIt was during the time that my mother was gravely ill, shortly before her death in Kenya when I was 16 years old, that I decided that my goal in life was to help sick patients, like my mom, recover. However, after her passing, it wasn\u2019t possible for me to pursue that dream due to my family\u2019s challenging financial situation.\u201d<\/p>\n
After immigrating to the United States in 2008, she eventually was able to pursue her dream, beginning as a patient care technician at Overlook and graduating from Essex County College with an associate degree. Since 2013, she has worked as an RN at Overlook on the Neuroscience floor.<\/p>\n
Serving as student speaker at the Convocation for the School of Nursing, she says, \u201cMontclair State University\u2019s RN-BSN program provided me with the opportunity to earn my BSN degree while fulfilling my family- and job-related responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kimberly Fabijanczuk, Science Researcher<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/figure>\nDuring Kimberly Fabijanczuk\u2019s time at Montclair State, she has benefitted from the University\u2019s new designation by the Carnegie Classification as a doctoral university with high research activity and recognition by New Jersey as one of the state\u2019s four public research universities.<\/p>\n
Fabijanczuk graduated with a degree in Biochemistry and spent the past three years in the research group of Assistant Professor Jinshan Gao as an undergraduate research assistant studying biomolecule characterization employing free radical chemistry and mass spectrometry.<\/p>\n
Fabijanczuk, student speaker at the College of Science and Mathematics Convocation, was part of the University\u2019s Honors Program and a member of the Science Honors Innovation Program. In the fall, she will start studies for a PhD in Analytical Chemistry at Purdue University.<\/p>\n
George Garcia, Entrepreneur<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/figure>\nAs a student, George Garcia had a hand in two startup companies and a seat on a government agency looking at economic development. He\u2019s a young professional to watch, according to NJBIZ<\/em>, which named him to its list of 40 influential up-and-comers, all under the age of 40. The first student to complete Montclair State\u2019s new Entrepreneurship major, he was the Convocation student speaker for the Feliciano School of Business.<\/p>\nGarcia lives in Randolph, New Jersey, and currently works as the CEO of a social application startup called Wheatpaste Inc., winner of the 2018 Montclair State pitch contest<\/a>, the richest collegiate prize pool among New Jersey universities and colleges for promising business ideas. He\u2019s also a member of the Randolph Economic Development Committee, where he is committed to the growth of small businesses.<\/p>\n\u201cAs I\u2019ve grown up, I\u2019ve realized how much I like emerging technologies and being in the forefront of ideas,\u201d he says. \u201cI can see myself staying in this lane my entire life, working on startups and breaking technologies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Efrain Monterroso, Teacher<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/figure>
\nAt a time when New Jersey is focused on lessening the teacher diversity gap Efrain Monterroso is a role model. \u201cI feel as a Latino male I’m making a difference,\u201d he says.\u00a0\u201cAs a teacher you have to learn how to reach every student. I believe that is what diversity is all about, reaching every single student equally and trying to engage with them in a lesson. No matter what situations are happening in their home life or in their personal life, I can relate because I’ve gone through similar struggles.\u201d<\/p>\nMonterroso grew up in East Windsor, New Jersey, graduated with a bachelor\u2019s degree in Secondary Education and Spanish certification. He was one of the Convocation speakers for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and was recently interviewed by NJTV News<\/a> on the student-teacher diversity gap. Monterroso will begin his professional career at Hightstown High School, where he will teach Spanish. This summer, he will serve as director of the Rise Summer Academic Enrichment program and plans to pursue a master\u2019s degree in Spanish Methodology.<\/p>\nMontclair State, he says, has prepared him well. \u201cThe education program offers courses on diversity and equity, method courses specific to your major, resources to prepare you for clinical internships. You have a support system every single step.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sophia Voglino, Production Stage Manager<\/h2>\n<\/figure>\nSophia Voglino graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Production and Design. She has worked behind the scenes on a number of Montclair State theater productions, but for the College of the Arts Convocation, starred on stage as the student speaker.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy four years at Montclair we\u2019re some of the most challenging and informative I have known, but they gave me an invaluable experience which I will carry with me all my life,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Voglino worked on more than 12 productions at Montclair State, training that is helping her build a career as a professional stage manager. She will be joining the stage management team at Goodspeed Musicals to stage a new adaptation of the novel Because of Winn Dixie<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\nVoglino grew up in Wyckoff, New Jersey, and before her college career was a production stage managing for Old Library Theatre Co. in Fair Lawn. She has also served as assistant stage manager on international stages in Bregenz, Austria, and spent time with Goodspeed Musicals, The Atlantic Theatre Company, WP Theater and Papermill Playhouse, all while attending Montclair State. \u201cI could not be more excited to take what knowledge I have gained there out into the professional field,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Cierra Watts, Future Financier <\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/figure>\nCierra Watts has served as a student representative on the University\u2019s Board of Trustees. She graduated with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. She plans to help build wealth for lower income investors.<\/p>\n
Montclair State University is a melting pot of different races, nationalities and orientations. Earlier this year, Watts was among the students interviewed by FOX5NY<\/a> who said the diversity on the college campus has had a big impact on their success in school.\u201cGoing into the business world where I’m going to be dealing with so many different types of people, you have to learn how to maneuver and change, and I think that was the biggest part about going to a diverse campus,\u201d she says in the featured segment.<\/p>\nWatts grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and came to Montclair State as an Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) scholar. \u201cEOF has played a big part in my growth as a student leader and in the ways I am paving pathways for students coming behind me,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
<\/figure>\nDamar Donovan, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, magna cum laude, was born and raised in Kenya. Married and the mother of two children, ages 5 and 3, she works as a registered nurse at Overlook Medical Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cEarning the BSN degree was a milestone in my life that seemed an unattainable dream when I first decided that I wanted to become a nurse,\u201d she says. \u201cIt was during the time that my mother was gravely ill, shortly before her death in Kenya when I was 16 years old, that I decided that my goal in life was to help sick patients, like my mom, recover. However, after her passing, it wasn\u2019t possible for me to pursue that dream due to my family\u2019s challenging financial situation.\u201d<\/p>\n
After immigrating to the United States in 2008, she eventually was able to pursue her dream, beginning as a patient care technician at Overlook and graduating from Essex County College with an associate degree. Since 2013, she has worked as an RN at Overlook on the Neuroscience floor.<\/p>\n
Serving as student speaker at the Convocation for the School of Nursing, she says, \u201cMontclair State University\u2019s RN-BSN program provided me with the opportunity to earn my BSN degree while fulfilling my family- and job-related responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kimberly Fabijanczuk, Science Researcher<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/figure>\nDuring Kimberly Fabijanczuk\u2019s time at Montclair State, she has benefitted from the University\u2019s new designation by the Carnegie Classification as a doctoral university with high research activity and recognition by New Jersey as one of the state\u2019s four public research universities.<\/p>\n
Fabijanczuk graduated with a degree in Biochemistry and spent the past three years in the research group of Assistant Professor Jinshan Gao as an undergraduate research assistant studying biomolecule characterization employing free radical chemistry and mass spectrometry.<\/p>\n
Fabijanczuk, student speaker at the College of Science and Mathematics Convocation, was part of the University\u2019s Honors Program and a member of the Science Honors Innovation Program. In the fall, she will start studies for a PhD in Analytical Chemistry at Purdue University.<\/p>\n
George Garcia, Entrepreneur<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/figure>\nAs a student, George Garcia had a hand in two startup companies and a seat on a government agency looking at economic development. He\u2019s a young professional to watch, according to NJBIZ<\/em>, which named him to its list of 40 influential up-and-comers, all under the age of 40. The first student to complete Montclair State\u2019s new Entrepreneurship major, he was the Convocation student speaker for the Feliciano School of Business.<\/p>\nGarcia lives in Randolph, New Jersey, and currently works as the CEO of a social application startup called Wheatpaste Inc., winner of the 2018 Montclair State pitch contest<\/a>, the richest collegiate prize pool among New Jersey universities and colleges for promising business ideas. He\u2019s also a member of the Randolph Economic Development Committee, where he is committed to the growth of small businesses.<\/p>\n\u201cAs I\u2019ve grown up, I\u2019ve realized how much I like emerging technologies and being in the forefront of ideas,\u201d he says. \u201cI can see myself staying in this lane my entire life, working on startups and breaking technologies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Efrain Monterroso, Teacher<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/figure>
\nAt a time when New Jersey is focused on lessening the teacher diversity gap Efrain Monterroso is a role model. \u201cI feel as a Latino male I’m making a difference,\u201d he says.\u00a0\u201cAs a teacher you have to learn how to reach every student. I believe that is what diversity is all about, reaching every single student equally and trying to engage with them in a lesson. No matter what situations are happening in their home life or in their personal life, I can relate because I’ve gone through similar struggles.\u201d<\/p>\nMonterroso grew up in East Windsor, New Jersey, graduated with a bachelor\u2019s degree in Secondary Education and Spanish certification. He was one of the Convocation speakers for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and was recently interviewed by NJTV News<\/a> on the student-teacher diversity gap. Monterroso will begin his professional career at Hightstown High School, where he will teach Spanish. This summer, he will serve as director of the Rise Summer Academic Enrichment program and plans to pursue a master\u2019s degree in Spanish Methodology.<\/p>\nMontclair State, he says, has prepared him well. \u201cThe education program offers courses on diversity and equity, method courses specific to your major, resources to prepare you for clinical internships. You have a support system every single step.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sophia Voglino, Production Stage Manager<\/h2>\n<\/figure>\nSophia Voglino graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Production and Design. She has worked behind the scenes on a number of Montclair State theater productions, but for the College of the Arts Convocation, starred on stage as the student speaker.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy four years at Montclair we\u2019re some of the most challenging and informative I have known, but they gave me an invaluable experience which I will carry with me all my life,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Voglino worked on more than 12 productions at Montclair State, training that is helping her build a career as a professional stage manager. She will be joining the stage management team at Goodspeed Musicals to stage a new adaptation of the novel Because of Winn Dixie<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\nVoglino grew up in Wyckoff, New Jersey, and before her college career was a production stage managing for Old Library Theatre Co. in Fair Lawn. She has also served as assistant stage manager on international stages in Bregenz, Austria, and spent time with Goodspeed Musicals, The Atlantic Theatre Company, WP Theater and Papermill Playhouse, all while attending Montclair State. \u201cI could not be more excited to take what knowledge I have gained there out into the professional field,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Cierra Watts, Future Financier <\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/figure>\nCierra Watts has served as a student representative on the University\u2019s Board of Trustees. She graduated with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. She plans to help build wealth for lower income investors.<\/p>\n
Montclair State University is a melting pot of different races, nationalities and orientations. Earlier this year, Watts was among the students interviewed by FOX5NY<\/a> who said the diversity on the college campus has had a big impact on their success in school.\u201cGoing into the business world where I’m going to be dealing with so many different types of people, you have to learn how to maneuver and change, and I think that was the biggest part about going to a diverse campus,\u201d she says in the featured segment.<\/p>\nWatts grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and came to Montclair State as an Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) scholar. \u201cEOF has played a big part in my growth as a student leader and in the ways I am paving pathways for students coming behind me,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
<\/figure>\nDuring Kimberly Fabijanczuk\u2019s time at Montclair State, she has benefitted from the University\u2019s new designation by the Carnegie Classification as a doctoral university with high research activity and recognition by New Jersey as one of the state\u2019s four public research universities.<\/p>\n
Fabijanczuk graduated with a degree in Biochemistry and spent the past three years in the research group of Assistant Professor Jinshan Gao as an undergraduate research assistant studying biomolecule characterization employing free radical chemistry and mass spectrometry.<\/p>\n
Fabijanczuk, student speaker at the College of Science and Mathematics Convocation, was part of the University\u2019s Honors Program and a member of the Science Honors Innovation Program. In the fall, she will start studies for a PhD in Analytical Chemistry at Purdue University.<\/p>\n
George Garcia, Entrepreneur<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/figure>\nAs a student, George Garcia had a hand in two startup companies and a seat on a government agency looking at economic development. He\u2019s a young professional to watch, according to NJBIZ<\/em>, which named him to its list of 40 influential up-and-comers, all under the age of 40. The first student to complete Montclair State\u2019s new Entrepreneurship major, he was the Convocation student speaker for the Feliciano School of Business.<\/p>\nGarcia lives in Randolph, New Jersey, and currently works as the CEO of a social application startup called Wheatpaste Inc., winner of the 2018 Montclair State pitch contest<\/a>, the richest collegiate prize pool among New Jersey universities and colleges for promising business ideas. He\u2019s also a member of the Randolph Economic Development Committee, where he is committed to the growth of small businesses.<\/p>\n\u201cAs I\u2019ve grown up, I\u2019ve realized how much I like emerging technologies and being in the forefront of ideas,\u201d he says. \u201cI can see myself staying in this lane my entire life, working on startups and breaking technologies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Efrain Monterroso, Teacher<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/figure>
\nAt a time when New Jersey is focused on lessening the teacher diversity gap Efrain Monterroso is a role model. \u201cI feel as a Latino male I’m making a difference,\u201d he says.\u00a0\u201cAs a teacher you have to learn how to reach every student. I believe that is what diversity is all about, reaching every single student equally and trying to engage with them in a lesson. No matter what situations are happening in their home life or in their personal life, I can relate because I’ve gone through similar struggles.\u201d<\/p>\nMonterroso grew up in East Windsor, New Jersey, graduated with a bachelor\u2019s degree in Secondary Education and Spanish certification. He was one of the Convocation speakers for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and was recently interviewed by NJTV News<\/a> on the student-teacher diversity gap. Monterroso will begin his professional career at Hightstown High School, where he will teach Spanish. This summer, he will serve as director of the Rise Summer Academic Enrichment program and plans to pursue a master\u2019s degree in Spanish Methodology.<\/p>\nMontclair State, he says, has prepared him well. \u201cThe education program offers courses on diversity and equity, method courses specific to your major, resources to prepare you for clinical internships. You have a support system every single step.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sophia Voglino, Production Stage Manager<\/h2>\n<\/figure>\nSophia Voglino graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Production and Design. She has worked behind the scenes on a number of Montclair State theater productions, but for the College of the Arts Convocation, starred on stage as the student speaker.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy four years at Montclair we\u2019re some of the most challenging and informative I have known, but they gave me an invaluable experience which I will carry with me all my life,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Voglino worked on more than 12 productions at Montclair State, training that is helping her build a career as a professional stage manager. She will be joining the stage management team at Goodspeed Musicals to stage a new adaptation of the novel Because of Winn Dixie<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\nVoglino grew up in Wyckoff, New Jersey, and before her college career was a production stage managing for Old Library Theatre Co. in Fair Lawn. She has also served as assistant stage manager on international stages in Bregenz, Austria, and spent time with Goodspeed Musicals, The Atlantic Theatre Company, WP Theater and Papermill Playhouse, all while attending Montclair State. \u201cI could not be more excited to take what knowledge I have gained there out into the professional field,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Cierra Watts, Future Financier <\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/figure>\nCierra Watts has served as a student representative on the University\u2019s Board of Trustees. She graduated with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. She plans to help build wealth for lower income investors.<\/p>\n
Montclair State University is a melting pot of different races, nationalities and orientations. Earlier this year, Watts was among the students interviewed by FOX5NY<\/a> who said the diversity on the college campus has had a big impact on their success in school.\u201cGoing into the business world where I’m going to be dealing with so many different types of people, you have to learn how to maneuver and change, and I think that was the biggest part about going to a diverse campus,\u201d she says in the featured segment.<\/p>\nWatts grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and came to Montclair State as an Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) scholar. \u201cEOF has played a big part in my growth as a student leader and in the ways I am paving pathways for students coming behind me,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
<\/figure>\nAs a student, George Garcia had a hand in two startup companies and a seat on a government agency looking at economic development. He\u2019s a young professional to watch, according to NJBIZ<\/em>, which named him to its list of 40 influential up-and-comers, all under the age of 40. The first student to complete Montclair State\u2019s new Entrepreneurship major, he was the Convocation student speaker for the Feliciano School of Business.<\/p>\n Garcia lives in Randolph, New Jersey, and currently works as the CEO of a social application startup called Wheatpaste Inc., winner of the 2018 Montclair State pitch contest<\/a>, the richest collegiate prize pool among New Jersey universities and colleges for promising business ideas. He\u2019s also a member of the Randolph Economic Development Committee, where he is committed to the growth of small businesses.<\/p>\n \u201cAs I\u2019ve grown up, I\u2019ve realized how much I like emerging technologies and being in the forefront of ideas,\u201d he says. \u201cI can see myself staying in this lane my entire life, working on startups and breaking technologies.\u201d<\/p>\n Monterroso grew up in East Windsor, New Jersey, graduated with a bachelor\u2019s degree in Secondary Education and Spanish certification. He was one of the Convocation speakers for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and was recently interviewed by NJTV News<\/a> on the student-teacher diversity gap. Monterroso will begin his professional career at Hightstown High School, where he will teach Spanish. This summer, he will serve as director of the Rise Summer Academic Enrichment program and plans to pursue a master\u2019s degree in Spanish Methodology.<\/p>\n Montclair State, he says, has prepared him well. \u201cThe education program offers courses on diversity and equity, method courses specific to your major, resources to prepare you for clinical internships. You have a support system every single step.\u201d<\/p>\n Sophia Voglino graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Production and Design. She has worked behind the scenes on a number of Montclair State theater productions, but for the College of the Arts Convocation, starred on stage as the student speaker.<\/p>\n \u201cMy four years at Montclair we\u2019re some of the most challenging and informative I have known, but they gave me an invaluable experience which I will carry with me all my life,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Voglino worked on more than 12 productions at Montclair State, training that is helping her build a career as a professional stage manager. She will be joining the stage management team at Goodspeed Musicals to stage a new adaptation of the novel Because of Winn Dixie<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n Voglino grew up in Wyckoff, New Jersey, and before her college career was a production stage managing for Old Library Theatre Co. in Fair Lawn. She has also served as assistant stage manager on international stages in Bregenz, Austria, and spent time with Goodspeed Musicals, The Atlantic Theatre Company, WP Theater and Papermill Playhouse, all while attending Montclair State. \u201cI could not be more excited to take what knowledge I have gained there out into the professional field,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Cierra Watts has served as a student representative on the University\u2019s Board of Trustees. She graduated with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. She plans to help build wealth for lower income investors.<\/p>\n Montclair State University is a melting pot of different races, nationalities and orientations. Earlier this year, Watts was among the students interviewed by FOX5NY<\/a> who said the diversity on the college campus has had a big impact on their success in school.\u201cGoing into the business world where I’m going to be dealing with so many different types of people, you have to learn how to maneuver and change, and I think that was the biggest part about going to a diverse campus,\u201d she says in the featured segment.<\/p>\n Watts grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and came to Montclair State as an Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) scholar. \u201cEOF has played a big part in my growth as a student leader and in the ways I am paving pathways for students coming behind me,\u201d she says.<\/p>\nEfrain Monterroso, Teacher<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nAt a time when New Jersey is focused on lessening the teacher diversity gap Efrain Monterroso is a role model. \u201cI feel as a Latino male I’m making a difference,\u201d he says.\u00a0\u201cAs a teacher you have to learn how to reach every student. I believe that is what diversity is all about, reaching every single student equally and trying to engage with them in a lesson. No matter what situations are happening in their home life or in their personal life, I can relate because I’ve gone through similar struggles.\u201d<\/p>\nSophia Voglino, Production Stage Manager<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>\nCierra Watts, Future Financier <\/strong><\/h2>\n
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