Recognizing Montclair’s legacy donors

With the warmth of a family gathering, the University welcomed members of its Carpe Diem Society for a recognition luncheon on Oct. 9, held at the graduate lounge in the Feliciano School of Business.

The Carpe Diem Society recognizes the University’s legacy giving community for its commitment to advance Montclair by establishing gifts through their wills, life insurance policies, retirement designations, trusts or other gift plans. The luncheon included donors who have committed their support to Bloomfield College of Montclair State University as well.

“Speaking from my heart, we are so very grateful to each of you,” said Rita Walters, vice president for Development and Alumni Engagement, in greeting guests. “You have decided to align us with your families, which is what a planned gift does… and I’m giving you all a group hug to tell you how special you are to us.”

“One of the things that we take great pride in is that Montclair is more than an institution, we are a community … and this gathering is an expression of our gratitude to you as part of our community,” said President Jonathan Koppell in his remarks. “The University is doing extraordinary work … and we very much appreciate your support for it and your commitment to it.”

Junior Artem Beliavski, a Business Administration major and student representative for the Montclair State University Board of Trustees, shared his Montclair experience with guests, acknowledging the network of support and opportunity that the University provides. “Support from alumni and friends has made an amazing impact in my life, and it’s great to know that you will continue to enhance the lives of future Montclair students through your support,” he said.

“Being a first generation college student, I see the true value in what it means to attain a higher education, as well as the opportunities that it offers me,” Beliavski shared. “Thanks to Montclair and the generosity of scholarships, I am able to achieve my goals that I once thought were totally impossible to reach.”

The event included a performance by students in the Musical Theatre program, which is offered through the John J. Cali School of Music and the Department of Theatre and Dance in the College of the Arts. 

Accompanied by Carol Lombardi of the Cali School of Music, juniors Mia Grizzuti, Adrielle Perde and Chloe Stavis, along with sophomore Leilani Ford and senior Audrey Kate Taylor wowed the guests with their impressive performance of vocal selections.

More than 150 donors are part of the Carpe Diem Society, having informed the University that they’ve included Montclair State University in their estate plans.

“Our Carpe Diem Society members believe deeply in our students and their potential. We are profoundly grateful for their commitment to supporting Montclair’s mission of shaping brighter futures,” says Ely F. Santoni, senior director of Gift Planning.

Find out more about the Carpe Diem Society and view photos of the event.