In the Know – Issue 69

Ready, Set, Carpe Diem!

Check out the recap, photo and highlights from Commencement 2023 – “a celebration of fortitude and resilience under extraordinary circumstances.”

Hats Off To The Class of 2023

Graduates from one of the most resilient classes in University history share stories of inspiration.

Who’s That Bird?

Montclair mascots uphold tradition, reveal their Red Hawk identities at Commencement.

Creating Pathways for More Musicians

A $75,000 grant will support the work of the Cali Pathways Project, which opens doors for talented student musicians from underrepresented backgrounds.

News Lab Report Examines Paterson

Journalism students shine a light on the city, taking a look at its issues and history and at how the University is partnering to find solutions to pressing concerns.

In the News

• Graduate student Desmond Durham, who recently completed his master’s degree in Educational Leadership, was interviewed by ABC7 New York and NJ.com about his amazing road to Commencement.
• This year’s Commencement exercises were featured on NorthJersey.com, while Yahoo! News and News12 New Jersey featured the story of a Montclair graduate who missed the ceremony for a very important reason: she went into labor! The staff at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center instead brought the celebration to her, organizing an impromptu ceremony for the new mother at the hospital.
• Montclair is mentioned in articles by NorthJersey.com and NJ.com as one of the 44 public and private higher education institutions in New Jersey participating in a new program offering free telehealth counseling to enrolled students.
• Jaclyn Friedman-Lombardo (Counseling and Psychological Services) gave an interview to NJ Spotlight News on the telehealth partnership, explaining how students will benefit from the program.
• Jason Williams (Justice Studies) is quoted in this Voice of America piece about why some non-white Americans espouse right-wing extremism.
• The Office for Faculty Excellence guidance for faculty on artificial intelligence is highlighted in this NJ.com article about how higher education institutions in the state are addressing students’ use of AI.
• Daniel Jean (Special Programs, EOF and Academic Success) is quoted in this University Business article about how men are falling behind in higher ed.
• The reopening of Hinchliffe Stadium was covered by Gothamist, USA TODAY, The Athletic, NJBIZ and NorthJersey.com.
• Barisanet.com published a photo gallery from the 3rd Annual Disability Pride Rally, organized by the Montclair State University Disability Caucus.

Upcoming Events

• The 2023 Green Teams Launch Event will take place in person and virtually on Thursday, June 1 at the Alexander Kasser Theater from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is now open. RSVP here.
• Montclair State University will host the New Jersey African American Chamber of Commerce’s Inaugural Juneteenth Black Expo on Thursday, June 15. The event will focus on entrepreneurship and economic and cultural empowerment. For more information, visit aaccnj.com/black-business-expo.
• The University will host the Bonner Foundation’s Bonner Summer Leadership Institute, May 31 – June 3. About 400 Bonner staff, students, faculty, field leaders, partners, alumni and policymakers from across the country will gather on our campus to discuss community-engaged learning and public service. To attend or to learn more, visit the website.

Reminders

• In The Know will move to a schedule of every third Thursday of the month for the summer.
• The Student Recreation Center is offering employees free summer memberships from June 1 to July 30. Membership provides unlimited access to the Center’s state-of-the-art fitness equipment, motivating Group X fitness classes, indoor heated pool and more.
• The deadline for completing the Title IX and Sexual Misconduct training has been extended through Friday, June 30, 2023.
• Several elevators on campus are scheduled for testing and will not be operating on certain dates and times. Visit the elevator testing schedule news item for the latest information.
• Need a pre-college program for your high schooler? Montclair’s new summer offerings include programs in pre-law, film and TV production, entrepreneurship, and the opportunity to explore the art and culture of New York City.
• The four-day summer work schedule for eligible University employees will begin Monday, June 5 and end August 11. For more information visit the Human Resources website.
• Human Resources provides a full range of services on campus at 18 Normal Avenue. Stop by to discuss employee benefits, tuition waivers, payroll matters or retirement planning. Questions regarding the satellite office location? Contact HR at hr@montclair.edu or 973-655-7736.
• The new University Calendar is here! Powered by the University’s room booking system, 25Live, all event listings should be entered here moving forward. Still need training? Register for online or in-person training.
• The Employee Assistance Program provides free, confidential support services for University employees and their families – including locating resources for substance abuse, mental health and self-help. For more information, see the attached CONCERN brochure.
• Worried about a student’s well-being? Please refer them to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
• If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988, the new nationwide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, 24/7.

Kudos

• To Maryrose McInerney (Communication Sciences and Disorders) who was honored as Audiologist of the Year by the Sound Start Foundation.
• To Catherine Boscher-Murphy (Financial Aid) who received the Volunteer Award from the Eastern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators for developing training for future financial aid administrators.
• To James Anderson ( Financial Aid) who received the Committee of the Year award from the Eastern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators for mentorship.
• Sarah Jennings (Health Center) was awarded the Mary-Kate Heffern Honorary Scholarship award by the New Jersey College Health Association. This award honors a nurse practitioner or registered nurse working in college health for their dedication and perseverance toward the advancement of college health nursing.
• To the Psychology Department for holding its first-ever client and site appreciation and student showcase on May 5. Clients and clinical extern sites throughout the country were recognized and appreciated for their partnerships with the University.
• To Nicole Fleming (Special Events) and the employees who made Commencement possible, many of whom volunteered to work at one, two or all three ceremonies at Prudential Center.
• To the employee graduates of the Class of 2023! Congratulations! If you earned a degree this year, please share your achievement with us.

Social Media Post of Note

Have an item you’d like included in Kudos or Reminders? Want to nominate a staffer for our spotlight? Use this form to tell us. Read more about our people and programs in the University News Center and in back issues of In the Know. And find out what’s happening on campus in the Events Calendar.