From the President

In just three words—Above and Beyond—the theme of our spring issue captures the very spirit of Montclair State University and the many talented individuals who make our institution the great and wonderful place it is: a drive to do more than what is merely expected, a commitment to achieving both individual and collective success and a focus on excellence in the classroom and elsewhere.  

By always going above and beyond the norm, Montclair State continues to realize its immense potential for New Jersey as we foster and support the talents and aspirations of our students, faculty and alumni.

A case in point: our nationally top-ranked programs and services for veterans, which help servicemen and women to transition from the fierce battlegrounds of Iraq and Afghanistan to academic studies on our beautiful campus, supporting their success in the classroom and their preparation for success after graduation.

Another example of this above and beyond spirit are the countless students, faculty and staff who volunteered their time, resources and muscle to help their neighbors in getting back on their feet after Superstorm Sandy wreaked such havoc upon our state last fall.

Above and beyond aptly describes our accomplished graduates who are making important and valuable contributions not only here in New Jersey but across the globe. Above and beyond is embodied by our scholar athletes who are achieving excellence both on the playing field and in the classroom. Above and beyond is represented by the generosity of the alumni, friends and supporters who made gifts to the University this past year.   

To those who contributed to the Annual Fund during FY 2012, I want to extend my deep gratitude on behalf of our entire campus community. You have provided a wonderful model for others to emulate with your philanthropy. Even more importantly, your gifts make a critically important difference for our students and enable them to access educational opportunities that would not have been available to them without your support.

In true Montclair State fashion, you have gone above and beyond!