Connecting Early

Recent Alumni Network

When students graduate from Montclair State, their relationship with the University doesn’t end – it simply evolves. There are many ways for alumni to embrace their new role as members of Montclair State’s alumni network of nearly 110,000 Red Hawks.

Staying connected to Montclair State has its perks: personal and professional networking, access to career resources and countless benefits and services for graduates. Transitioning into a new career Let alumni networking events work for you.

Recent alumni stay connected to their alma mater and each other through social gatherings, fun learning opportunities and community service projects.

Networking events and social gatherings occur throughout the year, including happy hours and Summer Fun Day at the Jersey Shore, where this year, alumni of the class of 2013 participated in their first alumni event, boasting more than 100 in attendance.

Events such as wine and chocolate tastings provide alumni with fun and unique learning opportunities, as well as a chance to socialize and visit campus.

Alumni are also invited to join current students and give back to the community through activities including the National Day of Service, where together they help out with projects in communities near campus.

The Recent Alumni Network (RAN) hosts programs and provides resources that help new graduates make the transition from students to alumni. One program in particular is Senior Send Off, where the graduating class is welcomed into the alumni family the night before graduation. RAN Committee member, Arun Bhambri ’11, who welcomed the Class of 2013 to the alumni community at Senior Send Off this past May, says it’s important to have a lasting connection to the University.

“At Montclair State University, I created many lifelong memories, met many great individuals and, most importantly, experienced the ‘real-world’ through my extracurricular activities,” he says. “Staying connected to Montclair State after graduation has helped me create a great network and has allowed me to give back to the institution that provided for me. After all, Montclair State is where home is.”

The RAN Committee takes a leadership role in developing, planning, promoting and delivering quality programs designed to engage recent graduates. Brittany Caputo ’10 recently joined the committee and also understands the value of staying connected.

“I believe in the vision and direction of this institution,” Caputo says. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to participate alongside other alumni who feel the same. I always enjoy RAN events because it gives me the opportunity to connect with awesome alumni.”

Recent graduates also work to build a culture of philanthropy among students and alumni to help them to understand the importance of paying it forward. Student Government Association (SGA) alumni created Montclair State’s very first Affinity Circle Program, and, to show their support for the university’s future students, created the SGA Alumni Leadership Scholarship.

For more information on the program, visit montclair.edu/alumni/sga.

Interested in joining the committee?

Contact Jenna Peraino, assistant director, Alumni Relations, at perainoj@mail.montclair.edu or 973-655-7872.