{"id":228162,"date":"2026-07-02T07:24:52","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T11:24:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=228162"},"modified":"2026-07-02T07:27:11","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T11:27:11","slug":"making-the-most-of-a-dual-campus-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2026\/07\/02\/making-the-most-of-a-dual-campus-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Making the Most of a Dual-Campus Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Ethan Garcia enrolled at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University<\/a>, he didn\u2019t just want a degree\u2014he wanted the full, immersive college experience. He went all in.<\/p>\n

So what began as a pandemic-era virtual acceptance quickly transformed into a masterclass on campus involvement. The turning point came when he deposited and was offered a rare first-year student worker position in Admissions<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“This is where my story really took off and became a life-changing journey,” says Garcia.<\/p>\n

By diving headfirst into campus life, Garcia managed to create a rewarding, dual-campus adventure for himself. He double majored in Music Technology<\/a> at Bloomfield and Business Administration<\/a> at Montclair\u2019s Feliciano School of Business<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“I had the best of both worlds because I had my small campus family at Bloomfield, where everybody knows me and I know everybody,” he says, “and at the same time, I could go to Montclair and meet new people.”<\/p>\n

It was hard for fellow Bloomfield students not to know Garcia. Over his five-year academic career, he became a ubiquitous presence across campus. He served as a storyteller, student ambassador, resident assistant, lead studio assistant, president of the Student Government Association and president of the Greek Council\u2014all while maintaining his academic studies and admissions job, a position he held for five years ending this summer. He also cheered on his campus community as Bloomfield\u2019s mascot, Deacon the Bear.<\/p>\n

His many efforts earned Garcia the college\u2019s Portrait of Excellence recognition, and he became the first Bloomfield College student to speak at Commencement following the 2023 merger with Montclair State University.<\/p>\n

Bloomfield Dean Theodorea Regina Berry, who featured Garcia on her first \u201cLiving & Learning\u201d podcast, which he produced at the campus studio, says she was not surprised that Garcia was selected to represent Bloomfield at the 2026 spring commencement.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe truly embodies the balance, dedication and leadership we hope to cultivate in all our graduates,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"In
Ethan Garcia, who says he didn\u2019t picture himself as a commencement speaker, became the first Bloomfield graduate to address a Montclair Commencement ceremony in May 2026. (Photo by University Photographer John J. LaRosa)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Why He Chose Bloomfield<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Garcia attended a virtual college fair during the COVID-19 pandemic and liked the admission staff\u2019s \u201cvibe,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was looking for a near-home experience that was affordable and had a sense of community,\u201d he adds. He found all of that and more at Bloomfield. The once shy Garcia saw possibilities and decided to step out of his comfort zone. \u201cIt was a great experience from the very jump. They gave me opportunities to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also credits faculty and staff for supporting him and seeing leadership potential in him, even when he didn\u2019t see it for himself. He\u2019s glad he took them up on those challenges and opportunities. \u201cI\u2019ve surpassed expectations I had for myself and surprised myself over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking Toward the Future<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This fall, Garcia heads to William Paterson University to pursue an MBA, having already secured a graduate assistantship and a resident directorship to cover his tuition. As he prepares for a career as an audio engineer, he will continue working part-time as an assistant sound technician with a local DJ company\u2014viewing his next chapter as a continuation of his undergraduate education and momentum.<\/p>\n

“I could say that I\u2019m leaving Bloomfield going in the right direction,” says Garcia. “I\u2019m going to be working, and I can still use my degree in music technology to continue doing what I like to do on the side as a hobby.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n