Passaic Today

Montclair State University held its Winter Commencement 2025 at the Prudential Center in Newark, recognizing 2,178 graduates. The ceremony featured New Jersey State Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, who was awarded an honorary degree for her advocacy in equity and justice.

Graduates received degrees from Montclair's 13 colleges and schools, including the newly integrated Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. President Jonathan Koppell remarked on the graduates' achievements, stating, “I wish more people would get a glimpse into what we are celebrating here today."

Senator Ruiz was honored with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and addressed the graduates about perseverance and education's transformative power. Ruiz made history as the first Puerto Rican elected to the New Jersey State Senate in 2007 and currently serves as Senate Majority Leader.

Koppell praised Ruiz for her dedication to equity and justice, noting her efforts in expanding preschool access and supporting students with reading challenges. In her speech, Ruiz emphasized community values over titles or business cards.

“Get your degree, get your job, live your life," she advised graduates. "When you get up, show those who question you because of your last name... that they don’t know your destination or your abilities.”

Ruiz also encouraged graduates to embrace new beginnings at any time of year: “lean into love, life, work and living.”

The event highlighted diverse graduate stories from across 41 states and seven countries. These included a political asylee from Liberia earning a PhD in Counselor Education; a mother from Ireland achieving a bachelor's degree; a DACA student from El Salvador obtaining a master's degree; a mental health advocate creating a podcast; and a U.S. veteran completing his degree after two decades.

Celebration highlights included speeches by Student Government President Mikayla Houston and Senior Class Speaker Paloma Lupino. Graduate speaker Sailume T. Walo-Roberts shared personal reflections on resilience: “This degree is not just a piece of paper; it’s a testament to our resilience and courage."

Walo-Roberts urged fellow graduates to use their achievements for social good: “Let’s use this achievement to open doors for others...and build a world that’s more just."