June 13, 2016

Alumni Celebrate Milestone 50th and 50+ Class Reunions

Montclair State University’s 50th class reunion celebration is a milestone event that reunites graduates each May. This year, members of the Class of 1966 marked their 50th anniversary by taking part in the two-day reunion celebration. Joining them for a 60th and 50+ class luncheon were members of the Class of 1956, as well as earlier classes and emeriti faculty.

To kick off the two-day celebration, members of the classes of 1966 and 1956 got together at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Fairfield, New Jersey, on May 24 for a casual cocktail gathering. For many, it had been years since they last saw one another so the opportunity to catch up before Commencement and the reunion luncheon was especially enjoyable.

The following day, 16 members of the Class of 1966 participated in the University’s annual Commencement exercises, held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Recognized at the ceremony were 3,379 bachelor’s degree, 1,231 master’s degree and 29 doctoral degree recipients, the largest graduating class in the University’s 108-year history. Garbed in academic regalia with commemorative golden anniversary stoles, the alumni from the Class of 1966 led the procession of students, showing that the relationship with one another and their alma mater extends long after graduation.

“Never in my lifetime was I so honored as I was walking down the aisle at the Prudential Center as a member of the Class of 1966,” said Laurel Sevack Bernstein ’66. “It brought into focus the utter lifetime value of my Montclair State University education. It helped me realize that in the four years at the school, I was building the first step in the ongoing strategy of a career well served.”

Read more about 2016 Commencement here.

Marilen Galacio ’66 couldn’t agree more. “What a fantastic event! I’m so happy I decided to participate in the ceremony at the Prudential Center,” said Galacio. “It was a once-in-a lifetime experience. We got VIP treatment. What a thrill to see my classmates and and I on the “Jumbotron” in the arena. We returned to campus for a delicious luncheon with a view of the Manhattan skyline in the distance through the windows. We left after a tour of the campus with old and new memories intertwined.”

Following Commencement, the 50th reunion alumni returned to campus and were joined by fellow graduates, members of the Class of 1956, who were celebrating their 60th reunion, as well as members of earlier graduating classes. Together, they enjoyed coffee and conversation and a reunion luncheon where special tribute was paid to the Class of 1966. John T. Shannon, Vice President for University Advancement and Jeanne Marano, Assistant Vice President of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement, provided an update on University news and Reunion Committee members, Frances Bagnato Witherington ’66 and Donald Scofield ’56 provided special remarks on behalf of their classmates.

Members of the University’s schools and colleges joined the group for the event. Deans Joan Ficke (The Graduate School), Robert Friedman (CHSS), Tamara Lucas (CEHS) and Robert Prezant (CSAM) had an opportunity to visit and lunch with alumni who graduated from each of their schools and colleges. Also welcomed back to campus were several emeriti faculty members, including Joseph Attanasio ’62, ’65 MA; David Benfield; William Dell; Audrey Vincentz Leef ’43; and Peter Macaluso.

“Attending Montclair State University’s 50th Reunion was very special for me,” said Dorothy Youngs ’66. “It was great to spend time with classmates whom I have not seen for 50 years as we shared our stories and our resounding pride in our college. I also had the opportunity to see all the expansion and changes at our alma mater. Participating in the Commencement was especially meaningful – what a wonderful experience leading the procession of the 2016 graduates! I also enjoyed talking with current students and Dr. Dell, now professor emeritus. I loved the Reunion! I am proud to be an alumna of vibrant and diverse Montclair State University!”

“I rekindled relationships and friendships from so many years ago and truly enjoyed developing new friendships as well,” said Judy Miller ’66, who served on the Reunion Committee. “I was impressed by how happy everyone was – perhaps because so many of our classmates were together again. I think this wholeness brought out so many positive conversations reflecting on our shared wonderful and exciting Montclair State experiences”

In all, 11 states were represented among the members of the Class of 1966 who attended the festivities on May 25. Florida, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey (of course), New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia all had representation.

“It was well worth the trip from Florida to reconnect with former classmates,” said Reunion Committee member Alvin Holtz ’66. “The magnificence of the new campus is breathtaking. I recommend that if alumni have the opportunity to return to Montclair State for a reunion, that they do so.”

Throughout the celebration, alumni enjoyed recalling campus life by looking through their yearbooks and joined together to sing the University’s Alma Mater before embarking on campus tours to witness the changes that have taken place since their days as students at Montclair State.

“We had a wonderful time at our 60th class reunion,” said Scofield. “The campus is truly amazing. Our grip may not be as strong but we are still seizing the day!”

For information on the 50th and 50+ Reunion celebration contact Deb Corasio, Office of Alumni Relations, at 973-655-4207 or corasiod@mail.montclair.edu.