In The Know – Issue 106

Caps Off For Commencement!

Check out the recap, photos and highlights from Commencement 2024 along with graduate spotlights.

New Year, New Reveals!

Montclair Mascots uphold tradition by revealing their secret identities at graduation.

From Audiology Students to Professionals

The inaugural White Coat Ceremony marked a milestone achievement for a dozen doctoral students.

Montclair and Bloomfield Day at the Capitol 2024

President Koppell, students, faculty and staff from Montclair and Bloomfield spoke with state leaders in Trenton to advocate for fair and equitable funding for the University.

Celebrating Philanthropy at Montclair

More than 180 guests gathered for the University’s Donor Celebration which acknowledges those who support scholarships, internships, research opportunities and more.

In the News

• President Koppell discusses with Inside Higher Ed how universities must answer their critics by “jumping into the arena” and owning their own shortcomings, while demonstrating how they propel economic and community vitality.
• The Povolo quintuplets made history when they graduated together at this week’s Commencement, and were featured in numerous news outlets including News12, NorthJersey.com, NJ.com, Fox News, ABC World News Tonight, ABC7 New York, CBS Evening News, CBS New York, New Jersey Monthly, Daily Voice, The Associated Press, The Washington Post and People.com.
• Jaime Grinberg (Educational Foundations) participated in an in-depth interview with the Venezuelan news program “La Ultima” (transmitted from Miami on cable and different app platforms such as Roku) about protests on college campuses and antisemitism. The interview, conducted in Spanish, begins around the 4:30 minute mark.
• Jason Williams (Justice Studies) is quoted in this USA TODAY article about the stories that historical landmarks tell about America’s past.
• Eva Goldfarb (Public Health) is quoted in this CNN.com article about states pushing legislation that targets the restriction of sex education.
• Cortni Borgerson (Anthropology) is cited in this Aol.com article containing several cicada recipes.

Employee Communications Survey – Extended Closing Monday, May 20

• As a loyal reader of In The Know, we value your feedback and want to hear about your preferred communication preferences and the types of information you consider most valuable. Please complete our Employee Communications Survey by Monday, May 20. Your responses will be anonymous and will assist in identifying areas for improvement, developing strategies to enhance communication effectiveness and strengthen employee engagement.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

• Sign up for Mental Health First Aid Training and learn to identify, understand and provide initial aid to someone who may be struggling.
• Take an online mental health screening and try TAO Connect, an online self-guided program to help support your mental health.
• Campus recreation offers a wide variety of fitness programs for employees to take care of their minds and bodies.
• Faculty and staff can refer students to counselors via Let’s Talk, Uwill or CAPS at 973-655-5211.

Reminders

• The Disability Pride Parade and Rally will be held Saturday, May 18, 1 to 4 p.m., Heningburg Field, Montclair, N.J. (Rain Date: Sunday, May 19, 1 – 4 p.m.) Join disability activists, advocates, families, friends, allies and special guest speaker, Steve Way, from the hit Hulu show, Ramy.
• Take advantage of employee discounts via the State Employee Discount Program and the Bloomfield Business Discounts list.
• Request our pupscot, Pebbles and Rocky the Red Hawk at your upcoming events!
• Lost and found items may be brought to the Student Center information desk in the 2nd floor lobby. Browse the inventory of lost items or file a claim for lost items.
• To receive training on the use of hemorrhage/bleeding control and Narcan kits, contact EMS at 973-655-7836 or ems@montclair.edu.

Support for Staff and Faculty

• The Employee Assistance Program provides free, confidential support services for employees and their families – including locating resources for substance abuse, mental health and self-help. For more information, view the CONCERN brochure.
• Concerned about a student’s well-being? Please fill out a CARE Report form to connect students to mental health support and resources. Faculty and advisors can complete an alert via Navigate for academic concerns.
• If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988, the nationwide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, 24/7.
• Email successcenter@ascendiumeducation.org or call 833-707-1220 for assistance with student loan repayment support. Visit MSU GradReady website for additional resources available to help with managing your financial needs.

Kudos

• To Marsheila Warren (Registrar), who is retiring from the University after dedicating 40 years to Montclair. Wish her well on her retirement!
• To James Anderson and Catherine Boscher-Murphy (Financial Aid), who were honored by the Eastern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators with the Lifetime Membership Award.
• To MaryBeth Duffy (Nursing), who has achieved national certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, earning the specialty designation of PMHNP-BC.
• To Erik Jacobson (Teaching and Learning), who was quoted in an article about adult literacy education in the Christian Science Monitor.
• To the 2024 Excellence in Academic Advising and Career Services Award winners:
  • Samantha Sheehan (Feliciano School of Business), Award: New Academic Advisor
  • Robert Schneider (University College), Award: Professional Academic Advisor
  • Ian Drake (Political Science and Law), Award: Faculty Advisor
  • Jen Wilenta (Psychology), Graduate Academic Advisor
  • Dawn Wilkenfeld (Early College Programs), Award: Advising Services
  • Macayla Mack (College of Humanities and Social Sciences), Award: New Career Advisor
  • Amanda Brandt (College of the Arts), Award: Professional Career Advisor
  • Annie Montero (College for Community Health), Award: Graduate Experiential Advisor
  • Tobi Elkin (Communication and Media), Award: Cooperative Education Faculty Advisor
  • Miko Castillo (University College), Award: Career Services
• To our very own University pupscot, Pebbles who graduated specialty training and received her emotional support certification.

Social Media Post of Note

The dynamic mascot duo you’ve been looking for

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.