{"id":225210,"date":"2024-12-17T09:42:58","date_gmt":"2024-12-17T14:42:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=225210"},"modified":"2024-12-20T13:12:56","modified_gmt":"2024-12-20T18:12:56","slug":"10-reasons-it-was-a-year-to-love-at-montclair-state-university","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2024\/12\/17\/10-reasons-it-was-a-year-to-love-at-montclair-state-university\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Reasons It Was a Year to Love at Montclair State University"},"content":{"rendered":"

1. Big Events and Bright Moments<\/strong><\/h2>\n

From heartwarming moments to headline-making stories, 2024 was a year to remember \u2013 and love at Montclair State University. The Povolo quintuplets <\/a>\u2013 Victoria, Ludovico, Ashley, Michael and Marcus \u2013 made New Jersey history in May, walking across the Commencement stage one after the other to earn degrees in five different majors. Their story captured national attention, with features on The Today Show<\/em><\/a> and CBS Evening News<\/a>.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

They weren\u2019t the only ones making the news. Charley, Montclair\u2019s golden retriever and \u201cDirector of Pawsitivity\u201d for the women\u2019s basketball team, stole hearts nationwide, including appearing in People<\/em><\/a> and on the Sherri show<\/em><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

And Montclair alum Josh Dela Cruz \u201911, host of Blue\u2019s Clues & You!<\/em>,<\/a> returned for Homecoming to cook and chat on Cooking with Koppell<\/a><\/em> about his Broadway career and offer students advice on breaking into show business.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The
The Povolo quintuplets make history. (Photo by Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. Students Tackled the News of the Day<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Alumni covering the Paris Olympics<\/a> and students studying film and television in Los Angeles<\/a> showcased how Red Hawks made their mark on the world stage in 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalism students reported on critical issues ahead of the presidential election<\/a>, traveling to a battleground state to cover immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border<\/a>. Arizona Stories: Border, Water and Politics<\/em> was nominated for excellence at the prestigious College Television Awards (known as the “College Emmys\u201d).<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2025, Montclair will elevate the School of Communication and Media to a stand-alone college<\/a>, underscoring its growing impact and global reach.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A
First-generation students Jennifer Sanchez, left, and Aylin Alverez-Santiago console each other after an emotional interview at the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo courtesy \u201cArizona Stories\u201d)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. We Made a Difference in the World<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Through civic engagement, environmental advocacy and community service, Montclair students and faculty worked to build a better future. From securing grants to expand Native American and Indigenous Studies<\/a> to providing internships addressing climate change<\/a> and supporting communities still recovering from COVID-19<\/a>, Montclair advanced justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. The University\u2019s recognition with the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose<\/a> highlights its commitment to meaningful change for the public good.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"2024
Each summer, the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies Green Teams program helps community and corporate partners solve environmental and climate challenges. Shown, 2024 student interns present their solutions to environmental and health risks and benefits of grass versus artificial turf to city officials in Verona. (Photo by Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. Starting Early to Foster College Success<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Montclair\u2019s pre-college and early-college programs helped high schoolers set academic goals and explore their passions, paving the way for success in college and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n

Last summer, around 400 students participated in early-college experiences<\/a>, including the Summer Bridge Scholars Program<\/a>, Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), <\/a>Health Careers<\/a> and a new Career Exploration<\/a> program that’s part of the University\u2019s One Square Mile initiative<\/a> with the City of Paterson. These initiatives provided incoming freshmen with a supportive transition from high school. Programs were also offered at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

With classes like film production and pre-med, the expanded Pre-College Summer program<\/a> offered immersive learning experiences for high school students in grades 9-11.<\/span><\/p>\n

Special events, sponsored by the Office of Hispanic Initiatives<\/a> and EOF, welcomed students from underrepresented and low-income communities<\/a>. These events introduced them to the admissions process, financial aid resources and campus experiences, helping break barriers for Black, Latine and first-generation students<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A
Montclair\u2019s summer programs prepare students for college life. (Photo by John J. LaRosa)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. Mental Health and Well-Being Remained a Top Priority<\/strong><\/h2>\n

We expanded resources and support for student wellness, ensuring that every Red Hawk thrives academically, emotionally and socially. Montclair demonstrated its commitment to mental health with new initiatives like Nap Pods<\/a> and Zen Dens and Sensory Spaces<\/a>, and secured a $3 million grant to integrate counseling services into internships<\/a>. Montclair\u2019s furry friends<\/a> are also an essential part of campus wellness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Members
Red Hawk women\u2019s basketball players share a moment of love with Pebbles, the campus\u2019s mini labradoodle pupscot, and Charley, the team\u2019s \u201cDirector of Pawsitivity.\u201d (Photo by John J. LaRosa)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6. Research and Innovation That\u2019s Shaping the Future<\/strong><\/h2>\n

From cutting-edge robotics to impactful environmental studies, Montclair is leading groundbreaking research shaping the future<\/a>. Professors and student researchers<\/a> are exploring childhood navigation skills<\/a>, advances in human-robot collaboration<\/a>, VR-driven character education<\/a> programs, and the impacts of storms on marine life<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Busra
Busra Anil \u201924 discusses her research on carbon sequestration during the poster session at the Spring 2024 Mario M. Casabona Future Scientists Competition, which recognizes students for making research accessible and understandable. Mentored by Dr. Ying Cui, Anil, who graduated with a degree in BS in Earth & Environmental Science, earned first place in the competition. (Photo by John J. LaRosa)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7. Academic Growth and Recognition<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The University earned prestigious awards and celebrated key milestones that highlight Montclair\u2019s growth and success. Notable achievements included being named a Fulbright HSI Leader<\/a>, rising in national college rankings<\/a>\u00a0and welcoming our most diverse and accomplished incoming class<\/a> to date.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Students
Montclair State University, a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), kicks off the celebration of Hispanic and Latine heritage and culture in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. (Photo by Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8. We Revolutionized Social Media Engagement\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When it comes to social media, Montclair discovered the secret sauce<\/a>. Our Digital Communications team produces engaging, dynamic content that captures the true Montclair experience. @montclairstateu<\/a> ranks as the top Instagram account among New Jersey colleges and universities, taking the No. 1 spot for followers, engagement and Reels reach. One standout star is Montclair\u2019s beloved mascot, Rocky, who transformed from a fierce bird of prey <\/a>into a softer, more animated and agile Red Hawk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Follow us on social media: <\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Instagram: @montclairstateu <\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  • TikTok: @montclairstateu <\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  • Montclair Reels: @montclair_reels<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  • YouTube: @montclairstateu\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    \"Rocky
    Rocky the Red Hawk mascot is soaring high after his significant upgrade.(Photo by Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    9. We Collaborated with a City on the Rise<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Montclair\u2019s continued partnership with Paterson brought two impactful projects to life in 2024: the Charles J. Muth Museum at Hinchliffe Stadium<\/a> and the One Square Mile initiative<\/a>. Both projects reflect Montclair\u2019s commitment to civic engagement and historical<\/span> preservation.<\/span><\/p>\n