Passaic Today

Montclair State University held its Spring 2025 Commencement, honoring 3,839 graduates at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The ceremony celebrated the perseverance and academic achievements of a diverse class.

President Jonathan Koppell spoke about the university's mission to support democracy and its growth into a comprehensive research institution. “We are more accessible, more inclusive than ever, and we believe diversity is a key source of our excellence,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of giving individuals opportunities to reach their potential and become positive agents of change.

The Class of 2025 included students from 36 states and 10 countries who completed over 300 academic programs. On May 7, degrees were awarded to graduates from several colleges including the College of the Arts and School of Nursing. The following day saw graduates from Bloomfield College of Montclair State University among others receiving their diplomas.

The event was marked by emotional moments as family members celebrated with graduates. Ralph Castellano, a retired firefighter, earned his Business Administration degree after beginning it 50 years ago.

Graduate student speaker Rey Emmanuel Sentina discussed self-worth during his speech: “Through my journey at Montclair – through learning, working and growing – I’ve come to realize that I’m not ‘just’ anything.”

Student Government Association President Mikayla Houston encouraged her peers: “Believe in your power to shape the world... The future is not just something we enter – it is something we create.”

Graduates shared inspiring stories such as overcoming illness or economic hardship while using education for community upliftment. Highlights included an Anthropology major focusing on underrepresented voices and two preschool classmates earning doctoral degrees in Audiology.