English Student Selected as Senior Class Speaker

English major Paloma Lupino was selected as the senior class speaker and delivered her remarks at the Commencement Ceremony held on Monday, January 13. Watch her speech here.

Paloma’s story is one of resilience, growth, and passion for her field. From navigating academic challenges to speaking at commencement, her journey is an inspiring testament to determination and the transformative power of education.

Paloma chose to major in English driven by her lifelong love of literature. “It’s an art form, and the expression of art is what makes us human. ” She reflects that literature is “a universal way to connect with those before and after us and I think it is such a privilege and I am grateful that I get to study it.”

A turning point in her university experience came during an English Initiatives meeting in October 2023. Having met some of her best friends and closest mentors through the department initiatives, Paloma marks her involvement as a clear pivot point. “I felt like my life at Montclair changed direction for the better.”

Among her proudest accomplishments is her role as the 2025 commencement speaker—a full-circle moment in her academic career. Having started at Montclair on academic probation, the transformation is hard to put into words. For Paloma, it’s proof that you can rise after a fall. “It is one of the most impactful and proud moments of my time at Montclair State,” she says.

Paloma attributes much of her success to the invaluable guidance of key faculty members who profoundly impacted her academic journey and personal growth.

• Dr. Jeffrey Gonzalez, associate professor and advisor for the English Club, supported Paloma throughout her time at Montclair State. She credits him with being a hands-on mentor who guided her in co-founding the English Club and provided numerous opportunities for growth. For Paloma, Dr. Gonzalez stood out as a role model in academia and a constant source of support.
• Dr. Jeffrey Miller was instrumental in helping Paloma rebuild her confidence after academic probation. He encouraged her to apply for English awards and his classes left a lasting impact on her academic perspective. Paloma shares, “Dr. Miller taught me what it meant to be a reader and a scholar, and I view the world differently after his classes.”
• Dr. Laura Nicosia provided Paloma with a transformative and full-circle experience. During her freshman year, Paloma struggled in one of Dr. Nicosia’s classes, an experience that stayed with her for years. In her final semester, Paloma enrolled in a master class with Dr. Nicosia, where she was given the opportunity to research for Dr. Nicosia on an upcoming project and receive guidance for post-undergraduate programs and master’s options.

These professors not only imparted academic knowledge but also provided the mentorship and encouragement that Paloma says were crucial to her personal and academic growth. “I absolutely would not be the student I am today without the support and guidance of professors like these,” she reflects, adding that she is deeply grateful for their impact on her Montclair journey.

During her time at Montclair, Paloma also served as the president of the English Club, creating a space for students to engage with literature beyond the classroom. She balanced the academic and fun sides of English as a co-host of Playne English, the university’s first student-run podcast. Through this project, Paloma and fellow students explored topics ranging from Beowulf to book-to-movie adaptations, offering lively discussions that appealed to both casual readers and literature enthusiasts. Additionally, Paloma brought her energy and creativity to English Breakfast, a student-produced talk show streaming on Hawk+. These experiences helped her foster community within the English department and hone her skills in collaboration, leadership, and communication.

To current and future English students, Paloma offers words of encouragement: “Getting a degree is difficult, and most of us don’t finish the degree on a straight path. Life throws you curve balls and obstacles that we need to juggle on top of being students. Embrace the journey, trust in yourself, and don’t forget to celebrate your progress.”

Looking ahead, Paloma hopes to continue her education through graduate and doctoral studies, with aspirations to work in academia. “Montclair really showed me that you can come back from anything if you work hard enough, and believe that you can. Some of the best and most life-changing opportunities are out there… all you need to do is go out and find them.”

Congratulations to Paloma Lupino and the Class of 2025!