A Return to Campus

A heartwarming celebration unfolded as alumni from across the years returned to Bloomfield College of Montclair State University to reconnect with former classmates, fellow alumni and their alma mater. 

In conjunction with celebrating Commencement, members of the Class of 2013, 1998, 1973, 2014, 1999 and 1974 had the opportunity to return to campus to celebrate Reunion 2024. In celebration of these milestone anniversary years, the classes were invited to campus for tours by current students followed by the traditional pinning ceremony on Friday, May 17. 50th Reunion celebrants from the Classes of 1973 and 1974 were also invited to lead the procession during the 2024 Commencement Ceremony on May 18, as a special honor to mark their 50th reunion.

Carmen Rodriguez BC ‘73 shared, “The 50th class reunion for Bloomfield College was an event I shall treasure forever. I am so grateful to have been invited and to have been able to attend!! It was truly an amazing experience to revisit the campus, to be part of the commencement, to interact with former and current students and with the wonderful Montclair State University staff who made this a marvelous experience for everyone!”

On Friday evening, reunion attendees were welcomed by Dr. Marcheta Evans, chancellor of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. Each attendee received their very own Reunion commemorative pin presented by Maurice Lyle ‘10, BCAA president. “It was an honorable experience.“ Christopher Cancel ‘13 commented, “I enjoyed my time on campus and looking back down memory lane.” The BCAA also recognized Dr. Evans and her steadfast dedication to Bloomfield College of Montclair State University by presenting her with a plaque and awarding her with lifetime membership to the Alumni Association.

Reunion classes gathered for photos together and enjoyed the time to reminisce and connect over dinner in the Franklin Street Residence Hall. It was wonderful to hear guests share memories from their time as students. Many talked about how Bloomfield College of Montclair State University shaped their lives and made an impact that lasted a lifetime. It was a wonderful moment of reflection and an opportunity to look back nostalgically. John K. Murdock ‘73 shared, “The reunion event was very nice. I saw several classmates I haven’t seen in more than 50 years and it was nice talking with them. I always enjoy events like this because they remind me of my college days and all the fun I had back then.”

Alumni also had the opportunity to take a tour of campus led by student ambassadors. Many alumni had not been back to campus in many years and could not believe the wonderful changes. Sherlley D. Alvarez BC ‘14 shared, “It was a pleasure to attend the reunion and I was happy to reconnect with alumni members. The tour was awesome, and the sit down dinner was wonderful, especially the decorations/party favors!”

Reunion provided a special and intimate moment for alumni to reconnect and in many instances make new acquaintances with alumni from different graduating classes. While they may have graduated in different decades, their shared love for their alma mater provided a common thread, instantly bonding each of them.

Saturday, May 18, kicked off with a special breakfast for the Classes of 1973 and 1974 in the Bloomfield College of Montclair State University Library, as they readied themselves for the commencement exercises.

Reunion celebrants had the distinguished honor of leading the procession during the 151st Commencement Ceremony on campus and were seated among the rows of graduating Bloomfield students. Members of the Classes of 1973 and 1974 donned graduation regalia and commemorative stoles signifying the 50th anniversary or their graduation.

More than 1,700 students, faculty, staff, family and friends gathered on campus grounds for the College’s 151st Commencement exercises.

Leading the procession to cheers will be unforgettable for many of our alumni from the Class of 1974. “It was indeed an honor and a privilege to be remembered and invited to participate in the 1973-74 Bloomfield College Reunion and to participate in the historic 2024 Bloomfield College Commencement exercise,” shared Mentha Rosebure BC ‘73. She continued, “Thank you for affording the opportunity for members of 1973-74 Bloomfield College graduating class to take part in the momentous occasion of a lifetime to be remembered!”

As they took their seats, the Class of 2024 made its way along Liberty Street for the procession, accompanied by the Malcolm X Shabazz High School Platinum Funk Squad Drumline. This was a particularly meaningful moment for the graduating class as for many, their high school graduations were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally being able to don their graduation regalia and accept their diplomas in front of their friends and family proved to be a moving and emotional day for many.

It was such a heartfelt two-day celebration. Alumni left with new memories, new friends, and of course a variety of keepsakes from their time at reunion. Mentha Rosebure BC ’73 mused, “The 2024 graduation ceremony symbolically represented the extension of LIFE into the OLD Bloomfield College as the institution merged to become the NEW Bloomfield College of Montclair State University moving forward.”

“We were thrilled to welcome the classes back to campus to share this very special celebration and to provide the opportunity to reconnect in person with each other and the college,” says Jeanne Marano, assistant vice president for Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement. “Alumni got to see the amazing changes at their alma mater, and it was wonderful to hear stories of their time at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University.”

Thank you to all members from the Class of 2013, 1998, 1973 and 2014, 1999 and 1974 who came back to their alma mater to celebrate their reunion!  

View photos from the reunion celebrations.