{"id":218202,"date":"2022-05-21T09:31:12","date_gmt":"2022-05-21T13:31:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=218202"},"modified":"2022-05-31T08:38:57","modified_gmt":"2022-05-31T12:38:57","slug":"class-of-2022-ready-to-make-the-world-a-better-place","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2022\/05\/21\/class-of-2022-ready-to-make-the-world-a-better-place\/","title":{"rendered":"Class of 2022: Ready to Make the World a Better Place"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Even gathering rain clouds couldn\u2019t dampen the celebratory mood at MetLife Stadium on Friday, May 20, as Montclair State University\u2019s Class of 2022 came together in one large combined outdoor ceremony to recognize their achievements \u2013 and perseverance \u2013 through unprecedented times.<\/p>\n<p>MetLife Stadium, the largest venue ever for Commencement, allowed for both undergraduate and graduate students to gather and enough space for unlimited numbers of guests to safely attend, something University President Jonathan Koppell felt was important.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Video: Montclair State Commencement, May 20, 2022\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AAbtrwOWFu8?feature=oembed\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen style=\"width: 500px; height: 281px; border: 0px solid #000;\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Presiding over his first Montclair Commencement, Koppell told the graduates that it&#8217;s easy to give in to fear and doubt in face of the world\u2019s problems, but that the Class of 2022 overcame challenges and never let fear or doubt deter them from their goals. He encouraged the graduates to use that energy and optimism to be agents of change.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEach of you are here because you believed it was possible to do so. You were fundamentally optimistic about the future and that got you to this day,\u201d he told the Class of 2022, which numbers more than 5,300. \u201cYou did not accept that things are impossible because they are difficult. Do not accept that the world cannot be a better place. It can, and I believe you are the key to making it so.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_2787_Koppell.Crowd_.Commencement-1.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_2787_Koppell.Crowd_.Commencement-1.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">President Koppell speaks to the graduates and their guests at MetLife Stadium.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Speakers throughout the ceremony noted the graduates\u2019 determination and dedication, strength and resolve.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019d like to say that all of our hard work is finally done but that\u2019s not true because we all have a purpose yet to be fulfilled,\u201d said graduate student speaker Danielle McDonald, who earned her Master of Arts degree in Law and Governance.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_3036_Danielle.McDonald.Commencement.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_3036_Danielle.McDonald.Commencement.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of graduate Danielle McDonald waving from a podium at graduation\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Danielle McDonald, who earned her Master of Arts degree in Law and Governance, addresses the Class of 2022. Her research focused on the ability of governments in developing nations to address their socioeconomic issues, especially for women and children.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cTo me, purpose is your essence of being,\u201d said McDonald, whose home is in the Bahamas. \u201cIt is unique to every individual but also requires you to be intentional in everything you do. Purpose is not a destination. Rather, it is a journey where your struggles can be turned into power and joy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This year&#8217;s Commencement combined graduate and undergraduate ceremonies to \u201cunderscore what this University is: a living, breathing monument to learning, not just learning on an individual basis, but on a collective basis,\u201d Koppell said. The University anticipated awarding 3,804 bachelor\u2019s, 1,521 master\u2019s and 43 doctoral degrees.<\/p>\n<p>Seated among University leaders on the commencement stage, Guillermo Estrada, the Student Government Association treasurer, was emblematic of the many graduates who were the first in their families to receive degrees. The MetLife stage plays hosts to major concerts, but at Commencement it was Estrada who felt like a rock star.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have all my little cousins coming up, and they&#8217;re like, \u2018I want to be like him. I want to go to school, I want to graduate and I want to be successful.\u2019 Now I\u2019m the one setting the example, the standard for my whole family,\u201d Estrada reflected prior to the ceremony. He earned a BS in Public Health and will move to Louisiana this summer to begin an MBA program.<\/p>\n<p>Seated among the rows of graduating Red Hawks on the football field was Radwa Elzokm, who in three years completed degree requirements for two majors, Political Science and Jurisprudence, Law and Society and a minor in Global Security and Diplomacy by taking classes year-round with summer and winter sessions. She\u2019s been accepted into Montclair\u2019s Law and Governance graduate program for fall 2022 and recently completed a U.S. Senate internship.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMontclair gave me the starting step for having a successful career,\u201d she said. \u201cIt allowed me to gain experience while learning. Being a first-generation college student, Montclair allowed me to catch up with my peers,\u201d said Elzokm, who immigrated to America from Egypt. \u201cThe inclusivity at Montclair helped me access different perspectives, it allowed me to be knowledgeable on different cultures.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Undergraduate student speaker Ann Marie Barrera, a grandmother receiving her BS in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business, exemplified the graduates who have earned degrees later in life. Barrera was a teen mom and a widow at just 25 years old. \u201cI have had my fair share of challenges. Graduating with a bachelor\u2019s degree was always a goal of mine, but for a long time, it was just that. A goal,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_3525_Ann.Marie_.Barrera.Commencement.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_3525_Ann.Marie_.Barrera.Commencement.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of Ann Marie Barrera speaking at graduation.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Earning her degree was always the goal for Ann Marie Barrera. At 46, at the stadium where the Jets and Giants play, she finally crossed into the end zone.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cBut it doesn&#8217;t matter how long it takes,\u201d Barrera, 46, reflected prior to the ceremony. As a single mom, her focus was on taking care of her three children (daughter Heather Renee Teran graduated from Montclair last year), her ailing mother (who died before seeing Barrera finish her degree) and building a career in export marketing. \u201cAt some point, I decided now is my chance to work on myself. That\u2019s my message to the graduating class. If you have a goal, keep your eye on that because it is obtainable. You just have to want it bad enough.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Noting the complex time of their college experience, graduates shared how they have been meeting the moment, including the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2021\/02\/25\/school-of-nursing-volunteers-give-shots-of-hope\/\">vaccine initiative against Covid-19<\/a>, raising their voices for social justice or in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2022\/04\/27\/on-the-front-lines-of-history\/\">defending democracy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s like we\u2019re living in the pages of a history book,\u201d says Dawsen Wimer, who earned a BA in Justice Studies and is a member of the New Jersey National Guard.<\/p>\n<p>In video salutes to classmates, graduates selected as \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2022\/05\/16\/commencement-countdown\/?utm_source=carousel&amp;utm_campaign=homepage_features&amp;utm_medium=montclair.edu&amp;utm_content=1\">Outstanding Students<\/a>\u201d by each of the University\u2019s schools and colleges, said opportunities to do meaningful work through social action, public service, education, research, the arts, sciences and the humanities enhanced their time at Montclair.<\/p>\n<p>Representing the College of Education and Human Services, Vanessa Garcia noted how educators \u201chave persevered through these challenging times, teaching through a pandemic while working toward our advanced degrees and being there for our students and families.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In 114 years, Montclair has granted 177,689 degrees. There were just 45 students in the first graduating class, more than 5,300 in the Class of 2022, nearly the same number of graduates from the combined classes of 1970, 1971 and 1972, some of whom joined the celebration at MetLife to mark their 50th-plus anniversary.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOnce a Red Hawk, always a Red Hawk,\u201d observed Garcia. Earning a master\u2019s in Educational Leadership, she was attending her third Montclair Commencement after previously receiving a bachelor\u2019s and first master\u2019s degree. \u201cBut this time, it\u2019s been different.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As president of a leading public-serving university, Koppell emphasized a \u201ccollective commitment to build a better world and to do it together.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you for the optimism that charges me every day and makes me believe in a better future than today,\u201d he told the graduates. \u201cYou are what we need, and we are counting on you to continue with the energy, resourcefulness and commitment you have demonstrated today.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Story by Staff Writer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/profilepages\/view_profile.php?username=lehrenma\">Marilyn Joyce Lehren<\/a>. Photos by University Photographer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/profilepages\/view_profile.php?username=petersm\">Mike Peters<\/a>. The ceremony was recorded and can be seen on the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=O376QJkRVPk\" target=\"_blank\">University\u2019s YouTube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Photo Gallery<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_2716_Koppell.Podium.Stadium.Crowd_.Commencement.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_2716_Koppell.Podium.Stadium.Crowd_.Commencement.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"photo of crowds in MetLife stadium as seen from the podium during graduation&quot;\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">MetLife Stadium provided the largest venue ever for Commencement and a graduating class of more than 5,300.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_1422_Sandra-Adams.Commencement.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_1422_Sandra-Adams.Commencement.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Grand Marshal Dr. Sandra Adams leading a procession holding the Montclair State University mace\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Grand Marshal Sandra Adams, professor of Biology, leads the procession. She carries the University mace, an ornamental staff symbolizing the University and the president\u2019s authority.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_2482_Lisa.Bremer.Commencement.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_2482_Lisa.Bremer.Commencement.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Lisa Bremer in her red graduation robes singing the National Anthem\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lisa Bremer, who earned a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance, sings the National Anthem.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_4298_Alec.Lobe_.Commencement.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_4298_Alec.Lobe_.Commencement.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Alec Lobein his red graduation robes singing the Alma Mater.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Alec Lobe, who graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, leads the singing of the Alma Mater.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_4166_Jonathan.Koppell.Selfie.Commencement1.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_4166_Jonathan.Koppell.Selfie.Commencement1.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of Montclair State President Jonathan Koppell taking a selfie with the crowd on stage\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">President Koppell tweeted a video selfie at the end of the ceremony.<br \/><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_3582_Student.poncho.Commencement-1.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_3582_Student.poncho.Commencement-1.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A little rain could not dampen the mood.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>The Class of 2022 Celebrates at MetLife Stadium<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_4902_student.in_.stadium.commencement-1.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_4902_student.in_.stadium.commencement-1.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"photo of a smiling graduate in a stadium with Montclair State signs behind him\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_5029_Student.Waving.Sunglasses.Commencement.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_5029_Student.Waving.Sunglasses.Commencement.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"A student in regalia waving tothe crowd in a stdium at graduation\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_4603_Student.Mortarboard.flowers.Commencement1.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_4603_Student.Mortarboard.flowers.Commencement1.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a graduate in a stadium wearing flowers on her mortarboard and waving to the crowd\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_2027_cheering.man_.crowd_.Commencement.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_2027_cheering.man_.crowd_.Commencement.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a man with raised arms cheering on graduates in a crowded stadium\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_2011_Kevin.Bernard.Sign_.Commencement.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2022\/05\/052022_2011_Kevin.Bernard.Sign_.Commencement.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a woman in a stadium holding up a sign for her graduate, Kevin Bernard\"\/><\/figure>\n<p><strong>See the full <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/montclairstateuniversity.smugmug.com\/2022\/052022-Commencement\/052022-Commencement\/n-9QWxgL\/\" target=\"_blank\">Commencement 2022 Photo Gallery<\/a> here.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Outstanding Students Videos<\/h2>\n<div class=\"prpl-row\"><div class=\"prpl-column one-half\">\n<p><iframe title=\"Video: Class of 2022: Outstanding Master&rsquo;s Graduates\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xGJL-1e9DyI?feature=oembed\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen style=\"width: 500px; height: 281px; border: 0px solid #000;\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"prpl-column one-half\"><br \/>\n<iframe title=\"Video: Class of 2022: Outstanding Graduates\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Iw9ipoJ7MX8?feature=oembed\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen style=\"width: 500px; height: 281px; border: 0px solid #000;\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n\/\/ Output tags as a list for Google Analytics custom dimension\nwindow.MSU_TagList = [];\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u2018We are counting on you to continue with the energy, resourcefulness and commitment you have demonstrated today\u2019 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":216,"featured_media":218211,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[313,123,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-218202","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni","category-homepage-news","category-university"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/218202","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/216"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=218202"}],"version-history":[{"count":34,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/218202\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":218273,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/218202\/revisions\/218273"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/218211"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=218202"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=218202"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=218202"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}