Passaic Today

The Povolo quintuplets, Victoria, Ludovico, Ashley, Michael and Marcus, have made history by graduating from Montclair State University on the same day. This achievement is believed to be the first time quintuplets have simultaneously graduated from a New Jersey higher education institution. The siblings are set to receive degrees in five different majors.

Victoria Povolo will graduate with a degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Italian. Ludovico Povolo will earn his degree in Political Science with minors in Pre-Law and Business. Ashley Povolo will graduate with an English degree and certification in P-12 from the Teacher Education Program. Michael Povolo's degree is in Nutrition and Food Science with a concentration in Dietetics. Lastly, Marcus Povolo will receive his degree in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business.

The siblings attribute their success to their parents, Paolo Povolo, a building engineer for Cushman & Wakefield, and Silvia Povolo, assistant housekeeping supervisor for the University. They credit their parents for encouraging them to follow their dreams and instilling both a strong work ethic and the importance of education.

Each sibling has distinct plans post-graduation. Marcus has secured employment with JPMorgan Chase & Co., Victoria plans to save money for medical school while working for a year, Michael will continue at Montclair next fall to complete a 4+1 program that allows him to earn both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Nutrition after five years. Ludovico will start work as a sales and marketing representative for Techtronic Industries in northern New Jersey shortly after graduation. Ashley is completing her clinical experience as a high school advanced placement English teacher.

The siblings' journey has not been without challenges; they had considered various options such as community college, jobs and training programs before deciding on Montclair State University due to its proximity to their home in Totowa, New Jersey. The financial burden of college was eased when each sibling qualified for Presidential Scholarships for high-achieving students, need-based grants and small merit scholarships that amounted to a tuition-free four years.

As the quintuplets prepare to graduate, they are planning a backyard party to celebrate their achievement. Their father, Paolo Povolo, reflects on this milestone saying, “It’s a gigantic moment for them and for us. So basically, we’ve been saying, ‘when one door closes another one opens.’ In the sense that college is coming to an end, we have to think of the future, we have to think of what’s next … and that is in the making.”