One Day for Montclair Celebrates Students, Culture and Children

A trifecta of traditional end-of-semester events unfolded simultaneously on Thursday, April 25, as Montclair State University celebrated One Day for Montclair, raising funds for scholarships and programs, embracing its rich cultural diversity with World’s Fair Day, and welcoming the children of campus community parents for Take Your Child to Work. 

Against the colorful backdrop of the Alumni Green, its park-like setting framed by pink cherry blossoms and blue skies, the campus was alive with flavors, sounds and languages from around the world. Children with their faces painted and students in the ubiquitous Montclair red played games, won prizes and sampled international foods (and even waters of the world) among the winding pathways in front of Cole Hall.

“It’s a beautiful amalgamation of what Montclair has to offer,” observed Casey Coleman, assistant director of Student Involvement, who served as host for the day’s performances.

Darrell Spencer ’77, an alumnus living in California, just happened to stop by campus while visiting New Jersey. He was so inspired by what he saw that he gave generously to the University’s annual giving day fundraiser, One Day for Montclair (#1Day4Montclair).

In all, 1,740 gifts from alumni, current students, faculty, staff, parents and other supporters – contributions both large and small, through matching funds and donation challenges – raised $310,173 to enhance students’ academic lives, at both Montclair and Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. Giving included donors supporting areas of campus they are most passionate about and others taking advantage of the Give a Latte Challenge with partner Java Love Coffee Roasting Co.

At the Amphitheater, student performances included a demonstration of Chinese martial arts, and Latin, Palestinian and Korean dance. More than 50 tables showcased a wide variety of campus offerings, from World Languages and Cultures to the Office of Student Belonging, and global cuisine. 

Bring Your Child to Work, sponsored by the Office of the Provost, provided activities for more than 100 children grades K-7, including arts, theater, sports, music, face painting, carnival games, 3D printing and media/television. 

“The last Thursday of April, it’s our day to showcase this great community,” observed Kara Baldwin Brennan ’92, director of Annual Giving. “I’m so excited about the energy and the pride for the institution.”

Ashlee Martellacci reflected on the early preview of college life for her 5-year-old son, Vincent, and the other children who came to campus. “It’s a great opportunity to introduce higher education as something that is important, something that they can learn about now, instead of waiting until they’re older. But at the same time to see a different side of us as parents, in terms of what we do and what that looks like,” says Martellacci, who works in the Global Center on Human Trafficking and as an adjunct professor in the Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy. 

“That’s something that normally kids don’t get to see until they have that opportunity, so it opens that door and opens that conversation,” she says.

Eric Brosnihan, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Political Science since retiring from the military, danced at the World’s Fair with his 5-year-old daughter, Ramona. “I wanted her to see what college can offer and it just so happened today was the World’s Fair event,” Brosnihan says. “It was great timing.”

PHOTO GALLERY

Story by Staff Writer Marilyn Joyce Lehren. Photos by University Photographer Mike Peters and John J. LaRosa for Montclair State University.