鈥淲e have a robust offering compared to most of our competitors, and we offer lots of different times, days and modalities,鈥� says Summer, Winter and Early College Programs Director Kirsten Tripodi.

There鈥檚 Still Time to Register

You decide how much of your summer you want to spend studying. These Summer Sessions are still available but don鈥檛 delay as the classes start soon:

• June 15 – July 14 (4-week session)
• 听July 1 – August 19 (7-week session)
• 听July 20 – August 4 (4-week session)

Whether you want to brush up on or, as our course catalog shows, we have you covered.

If you鈥檙e not sure what to take, Tripodi advises: 鈥淐heck with your advisor to make sure it’s the right class to take.鈥� She also suggests that students check with Red Hawk Central to see if financial aid is available.

5 Strategic Benefits for Currently Enrolled Students

If you need more good reasons to take a Summer Sessions course, here are five:

1. Core Courses听鈥� Check that prerequisite off your list so you can take that class you鈥檙e excited about next semester.
2. 听Boost Your Resume听鈥� Expanding your skills in a particular area or learning new ones can help with your career goals.
3. Learn a New Language听鈥� Speaking more than one language is always a plus, especially if you want to travel or work in other countries.
4. More Attention听鈥� Smaller class sizes during summer means you can get more individualized attention and get to better know your classmates and professors.
5. Love of Learning 鈥� If you consider yourself a lifelong learner, there鈥檚 no time like the present to learn something new.

Ready to plan your summer?

Log into and register today.

Still have questions about Summer Sessions?听We鈥檙e here to help. Reach out to summer@montclair.edu.

Cameron has danced around the world, but never in a venue as large as Prudential Center in Newark, where 4,251 students will receive their diplomas over two ceremonies.

鈥淚’m not going to be able to have a dress rehearsal, so I’m trying to put myself in a place of calm,鈥� Cameron says.

For him, though, this moment is as much about what comes next as what happens on stage. Drawing on those years as a performer, his MFA work at Montclair has focused on how that experience can translate into teaching 鈥� using everyday gestures to make dance more accessible and to expand what 鈥渃ounts鈥� as dance.

Expanding what counts as dance

Much of his graduate research has explored everyday actions as choreographic material, starting with familiar movement and building layered performance out of it.听

鈥淚’ve spent much of my life hearing people say they can’t dance, that they have two left feet, or that dance is only for the trained,鈥� he says. 鈥淎s an artist, I鈥檝e become increasingly committed to challenging those beliefs and to expanding how dance is understood, created and experienced.鈥�

His culminating project, Again, But Different, built an entire performance from familiar movement. Dance Professor Elizabeth McPherson, MFA Dance coordinator, says Cameron 鈥渁pproached every single assignment with insight and depth of thinking, often bringing in personal examples from his own teaching practice.鈥� His thesis, she notes, used everyday gestures 鈥� often in humorous ways 鈥� 鈥渢o show just how meaningful they can be when structured for performance.鈥�

From stage to classroom

For Cameron, turning ordinary actions into choreography is another way to invite people in, and Montclair鈥檚 low鈥憆esidency MFA in Dance gave him the structure to pursue that work. The two鈥憏ear program features asynchronous online study and summers spent inside the Montclair dance studios.听

鈥淲e were sweating and moving and doing all the creative practices that we could physically,鈥� mixed with academics in dance technology and media, anatomy and movement analysis.

Montclair also let him step into the role he鈥檇 been working toward by giving him classroom experience teaching Dance Appreciation to undergraduates.听

I’m in such a happy place now. I’ve found that, at an older age, I can still be on stage, but that’s not my main focus. My main focus is to be an educator, to enjoy the benefits of being a dance professor.鈥�

From Nutcracker kid to Commencement speaker

The roots of that commitment go back to his childhood in Lynn, Massachusetts. His parents, Paul and Claire Brewer, got him into lessons after he began dancing around the house, mimicking The Nutcracker鈥檚 Rat King. 鈥淢y parents worked hard and made sacrifices so I could have opportunities to dance. My dad even sanded the studio floors at my dance school and took on extra work to help make my training possible,鈥� he says.

鈥淲hen I say I’d missed my moment, I tried one year of college at SUNY Purchase鈥檚 Conservatory of Dance right out of high school,鈥� Cameron says. 鈥淔ourteen thousand dollars for out鈥憃f鈥憇tate tuition was just too much for my family. I also wasn鈥檛 very focused. I just wanted to dance professionally.鈥�

At 20, he left for Florida to take a job at Busch Gardens in Tampa. 鈥淚 ended up staying with that company for almost 12 years, working on cruise ships, dancing around the world, and being a production corporate dancer,鈥� he says.

From performer to pedagogue

After moving back to Boston, teaching was always in the back of his mind, but he refused to do it halfway. 鈥淚 knew that when I was going to teach, I wanted to do it correctly, and I knew I needed an education to do that,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 not hyperbole.鈥�

That chance came when his husband, Kell Cameron, a business school professor, got a job at the University of South Florida and Jason enrolled at Hillsborough College, a nearby community college, giving him affordable access to general education classes and dance coursework.听

鈥淥nce I got this academic bug, I couldn’t stop,鈥� he says. He transferred to the University of Tampa on scholarship, drawn to its focus on pedagogy. From there, his sights turned north.

鈥淢ontclair was what I’d had my mind set on for quite a while,鈥� he says. 鈥淭heir reputation in our little dance world is phenomenal.鈥�

When he thinks about how far he鈥檚 come, his mind goes back to those early living鈥憆oom Nutcracker performances before he ever set foot in a studio. From there to world dance tours and now earning a Master of Fine Arts to become a teacher, Cameron says, 鈥淒ance is just a part of my being.鈥�

鈥淚’m just not kicking my face and doing triple pirouettes and all that kind of jazz much on stage anymore.鈥�

This story is part of a series celebrating 精品成人福利在线 University鈥檚 graduates 鈥� students who embody the University鈥檚 mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

Afriyie-Addo鈥檚 walk across the stage at 2026 Commencement next week makes him the first graduate of the Cali Pathways project, which launched in 2021 and helps talented young musicians access the guidance, training and resources they need to pursue music in college and beyond.

听鈥淚 really appreciate the Pathways program because I wouldn’t be in college without that entry into Montclair,鈥� he says.

He studied music for two years before switching his major to business and sees parallels between the two.听听

鈥淭here are similarities between music and business, particularly in terms of community, leadership and freedom,鈥� he says. 鈥淭he best music comes from people sharing a common emotion and playing the music together 鈥� and the best businesses come from people sharing a common goal together.鈥�

A late start and a sharp shift

Afriyie-Addo鈥檚 path to the stage was anything but traditional. While many musicians begin their training in early childhood, Afriyie-Addo didn鈥檛 discover his passion for music until his junior year of high school during the COVID-19 pandemic. While doing some spring cleaning, his mother pulled a keyboard from the closet and Afriyie-Addo decided to teach himself to play by ear.

To support his newfound passion and talent, his mother found him a piano teacher. Afriyie-Addo recalls hearing a fellow student play what he mistakenly thought was an original piece but turned out to be one of Beethoven鈥檚 piano sonatas in E flat major.

鈥淚 was astonished. It was the most incredible thing I’ve ever heard,鈥� he says. That鈥檚 the moment he was hooked on classical piano and decided, 鈥渨ow, I want to sound like that.鈥� He practiced at every opportunity.

Inspired by his choir and piano teachers and bolstered by a scholarship, he began a rapid ascent into the world of performance and composition.

During his time at the Cali School, he also discovered and fell in love with jazz and studied under Adjunct Instructor David DeMotta, who describes Afriyie-Addo as 鈥�an inspired student who consistently pushed himself to master the art of improvisation.鈥�

鈥淚t was wonderful to watch him develop from his first introduction to jazz piano into a self-motivated and serious student of the art form,鈥� DeMotta says. 鈥�Isaac has the type of deeply curious and professionalized approach to learning and achievement that will allow him to find continued success within and beyond jazz piano.鈥�

The composition of commerce

Even after switching majors, Afriyie-Addo stayed involved with the Cali School. His leadership skills were put to the test when he took charge of organizing 鈥� and performing in, of course 鈥� the Hues Concert at the Cali School鈥檚 Leshowitz Recital Hall earlier this year. Even when faced with a snowstorm delay, Afriyie-Addo utilized his networking and marketing acumen to ensure the event was a success, showcasing the business skills he honed in the classroom.

He also wrote original compositions for dancers and others. That’s when he fell in love with and pivoted to jazz. “Jazz is a lot like composition in real time, you’re composing in the moment, and that felt thrilling.” The bigger pivot, however, came when he switched his focus to business partly because he had an interest and could see the commonalities in both, as well as 鈥渢he influence of my family wanting the best for me financially,鈥� he says.听

The Hues Concert experience fueled an interest in event coordinating; he hopes to continue to fuse his business and music acumen. 鈥淚 want to create a venue or business that allows artists to be able to perform and put themselves out there,鈥� he says.

A future in fusion

While school kept him busy, he also found time for other interests, volunteering at a hospital and shadowing an executive at a retail store to learn data analytics.

Wherever Afriyie-Addo ends up when he enters the professional world, he knows music will remain a lifelong passion.

鈥淚 can’t see myself without it. I’m someone who has a lot of interests, and I can balance doing multiple things at once. Whether it’s performing, creating or building spaces that allow other people to connect, that’s something that really is something that I strive for. One of the best ways to bring people together and comfort others is through the universal language of music.鈥�

This story is part of a series celebrating 精品成人福利在线 University鈥檚 graduates 鈥� students who embody the University鈥檚 mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

鈥淐arpe Diem鈥� is presented by the Office of Alumni Engagement and Development and 精品成人福利在线 University Galleries. On view February 3 through May 3, 2026, in the George Segal Gallery, the exhibition brings together the work of 12 accomplished alumni artists whose practices span more than eight decades 鈥� from 1943 to 2024. The visual arts exhibition features a wide range of media, including photography, poetry, portrait quilts, mixed media and video installations.

Among the artists are 鈥�97, whose photography and video work examining mobility and the Black American experience has been exhibited at the Tate Britain and the Studio Museum in Harlem, and M谩rta Kucsora (2005鈥�06), an internationally recognized painter known for monumental, process-driven abstraction.

Curated by Art and Design Professor Sally Morgan Lehman, founder of New York City鈥檚 Morgan Lehman Gallery, 鈥淐arpe Diem鈥� highlights the depth of artistic inquiry fostered at 精品成人福利在线 University. The exhibition features nationally and internationally recognized artists alongside emerging voices, underscoring Montclair鈥檚 role as a launching ground for creative expression.

鈥� 鈥楥arpe Diem鈥� reflects what we know to be true about Montclair alumni: creativity does not end at graduation,鈥� says Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Rita Walters. 鈥淲hether art was their major or a parallel passion, these artists demonstrate how learning, curiosity, and creative expression continue to evolve across a lifetime. We are proud to celebrate alumni whose work enriches communities locally and globally.鈥�

By celebrating these artists鈥� achievements, 精品成人福利在线 University reaffirms its commitment to fostering the next generation of visual artists and sustaining a vibrant future for the arts.

Featured Artists

鈥�13

鈥�05

鈥�97

鈥�10

鈥�12

(1943)

(2005鈥�06)

鈥�11

鈥�80

鈥�09

听鈥�78

鈥�24

Programs and Events

All exhibitions and programs are free and open to the public.

Monday, February 9, 5:20 p.m.

Art Forum with 鈥淐arpe Diem鈥� Curator Sally Morgan Lehman

Art Forum is a speaker series featuring artists, designers, art historians, curators, and art critics from around the world presenting their work and ideas in an open forum, hosted by the Department of Art and Design.

is required.

Opening Reception

Tuesday, February 3, 5 鈥� 7 p.m.

Celebrate 精品成人福利在线 University alumni at the opening of the exhibition 鈥淐arpe Diem: Select Alumni in the Visual Arts.鈥� Montclair President Jonathan GS Koppell and Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Rita Walters will make remarks at 6 pm. is required.

A Cross-Generational Conversation with Alumni Artists

Monday, March 2, 6 鈥� 7 p.m.

This multi-generational panel celebrates the distinguished women alumni of Montclair. Featuring exhibiting artists Nancy Bergman Pantirer 鈥�80, Tiffany Perez 鈥�09, and Maria Valdivia 鈥�24 in conversation about their careers and creative practices, moderated by curator Sally Morgan Lehman. is required.

Visitor Information

George Segal Gallery, 精品成人福利在线 University

Dates: February 3 鈥� May 3, 2026

George Segal Gallery Hours: Tuesday 鈥� Friday, 12 鈥� 4 p.m. Or by appointment.

The Galleries鈥� free digital guide offers behind-the-scenes insights from artists and curators. Created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is available on the web or via the app and can be accessed for both onsite and offsite visits.

About 精品成人福利在线 University Galleries

精品成人福利在线 University Galleries brings together ideas, perspectives, and dialogue to foster curiosity and shared understanding through art. Through diverse and inclusive exhibitions and programs, the Galleries connect the campus experience with local and global communities.

Follow and join the conversation: @montclairstategalleries | #MontclairStateGalleries

Exhibition Support and Contact

精品成人福利在线 University Galleries

Media Contact: galleries@montclair.edu, 973-655-3382

Ready to start your Montclair journey?

Learn more about our programs in the Department of Art and Design in the College of the Arts.

鈥淚 decided to come to Montclair because it鈥檚 close to the city, and my career goals are focused on working there while I鈥檓 still young,鈥� says Haskell, a Social Media and Public Relations major with a Business minor.听

鈥淐ompared to other schools, Montclair is much more affordable and I know I鈥檒l be able to pay off debt and make use of the connections I formed.鈥�

Emma Haskell prepares to board the train to New York from the 精品成人福利在线 University Station, located directly across from her dorm. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Emma Haskell rides the train into New York City en route to her entertainment public relations internship. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

At Montclair, affordability and opportunity go hand in hand. With tuition lower than many comparable institutions and a location just 12 miles from New York City, the University offers students a powerful combination of accessible education, real-world experience and long-term value.

Montclair鈥檚 national recognition highlights its strong outcomes for graduates. According to the WSJ/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges rankings 鈥� which emphasize how well institutions prepare students for financial success 鈥� Montclair graduates receive an average salary boost of $34,013 above what they could expect from attending another college. The typical graduate recoups the cost of their education in just one year and seven months, placing Montclair among the fastest for payback period among all U.S. public universities.

As Chantelle Wright, assistant vice provost for Experiential Education and Career Connections, explains, Montclair鈥檚 rankings tell a deeper story.

鈥淲e were particularly excited because for us, it means that when people talk about the University being mission-driven, we actually see that trickle down,鈥� she says.

As an Admissions Ambassador, Emma Haskell guides prospective students through campus, helping them envision their Montclair journey. (Photo by University Photographer John J. LaRosa)

What Students Say About Montclair’s Value

Haskell gives campus tours to high school students, who most often ask about campus life and academics. She wishes more would ask about rankings and financial considerations to better prepare for the long run.

Not enough students ask about cost and value, but it鈥檚 a good question. It’s important to know what you鈥檙e signing up for.鈥� 鈥� Emma Haskell

For students like Maura Mayfield, a junior Illustration major, those questions about value made all the difference.

鈥淚鈥檓 from Maryland, so not too far away,鈥� Mayfield says. 鈥淚 considered several schools, but Montclair had the best program for the best price, and I was really impressed by the arts here.鈥�

Through her work at the campus radio station WMSC 90.3 FM 鈥� where she co-hosts and co-created the program More Animation 鈥� her role as a student worker in Calcia Hall, and her active participation in the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program, Mayfield has discovered both creativity and opportunity.

Mayfield鈥檚 academic load reflects her passion through both digital and traditional illustration, and her classes allow her to apply her interests in different ways. For example, in 鈥淧roducts and Zines,鈥� students are preparing their own art and custom products to sell at the Society of Illustrators鈥� MoCCA Arts Festival in the spring.

鈥淚鈥檓 really happy to be taking such varied classes because it allows me to explore different ways to apply both my skills and major,鈥� she says.

In class, Maura Mayfield, a junior Illustration major from Maryland, hones her animation skills as she prepares for a future in visual development for film and television. (Photo by University Photographer John J. LaRosa)

Hands-On Learning That Drives Success

Experiential learning stands at the heart of the Montclair experience.

鈥淚t means being able to experience your future career,鈥� says Wright. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about taking what you learn in the classroom and applying it to your aspirations.鈥�

For Jose Carlos Aguilar, a double major in Political Science and Child Advocacy and Policy, that philosophy has shaped his time at Montclair. Through internships, policy research, fellowships and campus leadership roles, he has turned academics into action 鈥� tackling real issues in government, child welfare and advocacy.

鈥淚 know for sure I want to commit to public service,鈥� Aguilar says.

Inside the Montclair Edge

Students can access:

• Internships and co-ops,听micro-interships, campus jobs and community partnerships that apply classroom learning to real-world contexts
• A national network of more than 7,000 approved employers 鈥� including global companies and local organizations
• Career guidance and mentorship from faculty, advisors and alumni invested in student success
• Individualized support through interview training and resume development, job fairs and employer connections

鈥淪tudents need to practice and experience a 鈥榙ay in the life鈥� of the profession they aspire to,鈥� Wright adds. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what experiential learning is 鈥� testing out your career goal.鈥�

In his first semester, Jhonny Moncada, a Fashion Design and Merchandising major, is already taking advantage of opportunities for hands-on experience.

Freshman Jhonny Moncada is making the most of Montclair鈥檚 resources and opportunities. Majoring in Fashion Design and Merchandising, he鈥檚 applied for a mentorship program鈥攁n opportunity he learned about from his academic adviser in the College of the Arts.

鈥淢ontclair has a very supportive environment that wants to see you succeed and advocates for you, that genuinely invites me to invest more of myself,鈥� Moncada says.

Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

Ready to Begin Your Montclair Journey?

Explore our nationally ranked programs, visit campus, , or.

Rooted in the visionary art book 鈥淏lack Metal鈥濃�攃o-authored by Ari Melenciano, Jordan Caldwell, Jeremy Kamal and Kordae Jatafa Henry鈥攖his exhibition expands the text鈥檚 radical ideas into immersive, participatory installations. The book, developed in collaboration with MIT Media Lab鈥檚 Space Exploration Initiative, NYU鈥檚 Interactive Telecommunications Program, and supported by the Ford Foundation, introduced 鈥淏lack Metal鈥� as both speculative future and spiritual pedagogy.

About the Exhibition

鈥淭he Age of Black Metal鈥� transports audiences into a far-future world where the principles of 鈥淏lack Metal鈥� have reshaped society. Visitors will encounter interactive installations, speculative artifacts and artistic works that reinterpret the book鈥檚 four chapters:

• 鈥淐elestial Florilegia鈥� by Ari Melenciano introduces a cosmic ritual practice, revealing botanical consciousness and quantum intuition.
• 鈥淐ompanion 180, Vol. 1鈥� by Jeremy Kamal offers a shamanic guide linking voyager, spacesuit, body and spirit.
• 鈥淒ark Voyage鈥� by Kordae Jatafa Henry presents cinematic portraits of interstellar life through graphic storytelling.
• 鈥淭raining Grounds鈥� by Jordan Caldwell provides metaphysical exercises for shedding, integrating听 and grounding the self.

In addition to immersive installations, the exhibition features The Orbit鈥攁 dynamic installation of contemporary works and speculative artifacts by artists influenced by 鈥淏lack Metal.鈥� Visitors will be invited to craft personal koans, engage in metaphysical exercises and reflect on the expansive futures Black culture can imagine when free of limits.

Programs and Events

All exhibitions and programs are free and open to the public.

Opening Reception: Tuesday, September 23, 5鈥�7 p.m., George Segal Gallery and Alexander Kasser Theater Lobby. Remarks at 6 p.m. by Dean Gurskis and Ari Melenciano.

Art Forum: Monday, September 22, 5:20 p.m., George Segal Gallery. Ari Melenciano will discuss the vision behind 鈥淭he Age of Black Metal.鈥�

Panel Discussion: Wednesday, October 15, 12 p.m., Segal Gallery. This interdisciplinary panel explores ideas of collective liberation through the context of 鈥淏lack Metal.鈥�

鈥淏lack Metal鈥� Film Screening and Discussion: Wednesday, November 5, 12 p.m., George Segal Gallery. A special screening of the film adaptation of 鈥淏lack Metal,鈥� followed by a conversation with Ari Melenciano.

Visitor Information

George Segal Gallery Hours: Tuesday 鈥� Friday, 12 鈥� 4 p.m.

Kasser Theater Lobby Hours: Monday 鈥� Friday, 12 鈥� 6 p.m.

Additional Saturday hours and appointments available.

digital guide offers behind-the-scenes insights from artists and curators, available on site or remotely.

About 精品成人福利在线 University Galleries

精品成人福利在线 University Galleries fosters dialogue, curiosity, and shared understanding through art. Presenting diverse and inclusive exhibitions, the Galleries connect the University with local and global communities. Learn more at montclair.edu/galleries.

Follow @montclairstategalleries and use #MontclairStateGalleries to join the conversation.

Exhibition Support and Contact

This exhibition is made possible, in part, by the McMullen Family Foundation, the Dolph Gallery and Museum Studies Fund, Montclair鈥檚 College of the Arts and generous private contributions.

Media Contact: galleries@montclair.edu, 973-655-3382

Archer was one of those 31 students. She remembers the moment she learned about the gift from her former professor, Cris Hassold. She assumed it would be something small 鈥� maybe enough for a dinner or a keepsake. But the $100,000 she received changed her life. 鈥淚 literally opened my first savings account with it.鈥�

Still, Archer adds:

The true inheritance isn鈥檛 about money 鈥� it was about the way Cris taught me to look at the world. The real gift was the way she encouraged me to think deeply, challenge assumptions, and approach art and history with openness and curiosity. It鈥檚 something I try to pass on to my students here at Montclair.鈥�

Now the incoming chair of the Department of Art and Design, Archer reflects on how much of her path has been shaped by Hassold鈥檚 influence.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 start with a clear plan. I was 18, unsure, and not convinced college was for me,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ut meeting Cris changed everything.鈥�

Archer joined Montclair in 2018 to teach . She was drawn to the University because so many of its students reminded her of herself 鈥� driven, curious and navigating the financial and personal challenges that can make higher education feel out of reach.

鈥淚 come from a family with a lot of heart and a lot of love 鈥� but not a lot of financial means,鈥� she says. At her father鈥檚 urging, she applied to New College in Sarasota 鈥� and got in with a full scholarship.听

鈥淪tudying art helped me see value that wasn鈥檛 economic. I learned to see cultural value 鈥� and to understand that culture has the power to shape identity and meaning,鈥� she says.

It鈥檚 a lesson she now shares with her Montclair students.

鈥淚f I can do anything for my students, it鈥檚 to help them recognize the value of culture 鈥� the cultures they come from, the ones they maintain and embody.鈥�

She adds, “I love those moments when a student sees something in class and says, ‘Wait! This is what I grew up with — I didn’t know it was valuable.’ And I get to say, ‘It is, but this is because you and your community make it meaningful. It’s valuable because you’re valuable.’ That’s what Cris did for me. And that’s what I try to do for them.”

Over the years, Archer has received emails from former students about works of art they recently saw and recognized from her class. 鈥淚n those moments, I feel their world expanding. It gives me chills. That鈥檚 the dream 鈥� not teaching students what to think, but how to think.鈥�

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Nicole Archer, incoming chair of the Department of Art and Design, says her path was shaped by her mentor鈥檚 influence.

Archer is currently completing research for a new book on the role of textiles in shaping cultures of violence. She鈥檚 also curating a 2026 exhibition marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, using the American flag to explore themes of political participation, empowerment and community.

One of her most treasured possessions is a photograph from her college graduation in 1999. 鈥淐ris was camera shy,鈥� Archer says. 鈥淪he only let us take a photo with her on graduation day. That picture has followed me everywhere 鈥� London, California. It鈥檚 always been with me.鈥�

When she looks at it now, she sees more than a moment.

鈥淚 see the beginning of everything 鈥� grad school, teaching, publishing, mentoring. Every time I help a student take that next step, it feels like I鈥檓 honoring Cris鈥檚 legacy.鈥�

Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

• Prospective Students and Parents: Learn about Montclair admissions and the College of the Arts. 听Plan your visit听and take your first step in听applying to become a Red Hawk!
• Journalists: Contact our Media Relations team to request assets or schedule an interview.

When Emmanuel Ozias arrived at 精品成人福利在线 University as a first-generation student from East Orange, New Jersey, he brought with him a powerful mindset: stay focused, stay consistent and chase something bigger than yourself.

That mindset became his brand.

What began with a few blank T-shirts quickly evolved into Lock1n, a successful global sports apparel business. Today, Ozias ships merchandise worldwide, partners with college athletes, and designs custom uniforms for high school teams across New Jersey 鈥� all while completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial and Product Design.

Dorm Room Hustle to Global Sales

As a freshman, Ozias set an ambitious goal: to start a business and work for himself by the time he graduated.

鈥淚 had to learn about marketing, I had to learn about design, I had to learn about the sales channels and distribution in China,鈥� he explains. 鈥淚 educated myself on how to run a business, especially a clothing brand.鈥�

It all started with a name. 鈥� means singular focus at the task at hand,鈥� Ozias says. 鈥淚鈥檝e always been goal-oriented. I wanted something that reflected who I am.鈥�

Armed with a winning concept, Ozias got to work 鈥� sketching designs and reaching out to manufacturers overseas.

鈥淚 was talking to almost 100 manufacturers a day. I was learning how to negotiate, learning about materials and fabrics.鈥� He took the leap and ordered his first sample. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 when I knew 鈥� OK, I鈥檓 all in.鈥�

He taught himself how to design a website, market his products, and build an audience 鈥� all without paid advertising.

鈥淚 used , which was a new platform at the time. I was able to use the algorithm to reach a lot of customers. In the first two years, I brought in about 200,000 people. I had orders from Dubai, Alaska, Australia, and I shipped out almost 2,000 orders.鈥�

Giving Back Through Design and Mentorship

Emmanuel Ozias on campus at 精品成人福利在线 University. 鈥淚鈥檝e had incredible mentors here 鈥� faculty who believed in me and pushed me to think bigger,鈥� he says. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Ozias鈥� brand success is matched by his commitment to giving back. He returned to his alma mater, East Orange STEM Academy, to design custom football uniforms 鈥� honoring the program that shaped him.

Now, he鈥檚 designing uniforms for multiple school districts, including Irvington and Jersey City, and learning the ins and outs of becoming an educational vendor.

Ozias credits 精品成人福利在线 University for helping him thrive 鈥� thanks in large part to strong mentorship and the Cooperman College Scholars Scholarship, which supports first-generation students from Essex County.

鈥淭he Cooperman Scholarship helped take a huge burden off my shoulders. It allowed me to focus on my work, both in the classroom and in my business,鈥� he says.

His mentors say he stood out from the beginning.

鈥淎s a sophomore, he served on multiple panels for high school conferences, where he shared his college experiences and gave students tools for success,鈥� says Rahjaun Gordon, senior director of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) and Success Programs.

鈥淗e was a student leader and participant in BarbershopEDU, a group that inspires male students by offering a safe space for mentorship, engagement and community building,” Gordon adds. “Throughout all of his endeavors, he represents EOF to the highest standard.鈥�

Ozias was honored with the MEGA Impact Scholar Award from Montclair鈥檚 Male Enrollment and Graduation Alliance for his commitment to mentoring students and athletes in his hometown.

Looking Ahead

After graduation, Ozias plans to expand Lock1n and step into a creative director role 鈥� combining his passion for design, fashion and athletics.

鈥淚鈥檝e seen full teams and individuals outfitted in his brand,鈥� says Daniel Jean, associate provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs. 鈥淓mmanuel鈥檚 drive, poise and creativity are unmatched. I fully expect to see his brand continue to grow globally 鈥� and we鈥檙e proud to have played a small part in his journey.鈥�

Ozias adds: 鈥淎t Montclair, I learned how to take an idea and bring it to life. I鈥檓 passionate about pushing boundaries 鈥� and I鈥檓 staying locked in. Always.鈥�

The University will celebrate its graduates at Commencement exercises on Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

• Prospective Students and Parents: Learn more about Montclair admissions, our College of the Arts, the Education Opportunity Fund and College Access and Success Programs.
• Journalists: Contact our Media Relations team to request assets or schedule an interview with a member of the Class of 2025.

Growing up in Union, New Jersey, Alyssa Mu帽iz dreamed of a life onstage 鈥� and she made it happen.

From touring internationally with Norwegian Cruise Lines to starring in an Off-Broadway show and even performing at legendary New York City venues like 54 Below, Birdland and the Blue Note, Mu帽iz built an impressive career in the performing arts.

But after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Mu帽iz found herself asking a big question: Was there something more?

“I love music, and I love singing,” Mu帽iz says, “but I just felt like something was missing.”

That’s when she stumbled upon music therapy 鈥� a field where she could use her talents not just to entertain, but to heal.

At 32, Mu帽iz will receive her Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy along with fellow College of the Arts graduates.

Choosing 精品成人福利在线 University for Music Therapy

Mu帽iz found a free music therapy course online and found her calling. So, when it came time to formally study music therapy, Mu帽iz knew exactly where she wanted to go.

“I always wanted to go to Montclair,” she says. “It鈥檚 a beautiful campus, and the music therapy program is incredible. All our professors are literally in the textbooks we read 鈥� the profession is blooming right now.”

Mu帽iz was accepted to both 精品成人福利在线 University and Berklee College of Music, but ultimately chose Montclair for its congenial community, hands-on learning and proximity to New York City鈥檚 endless opportunities.

“I found it to be really welcoming,” she says. “The professors are so approachable and down-to-earth.”

She also found a welcoming culture and opportunities for growth. “What I found was a real community 鈥� people I could lean on. Montclair did a great job of helping me stretch, expand and find my voice again.鈥�

Associate Professor of Music in Music Therapy Michael Viega says: 鈥淎lyssa has always brought her full life experience to her training as a music therapist. As a musician she is exceptional, able to play in many styles with fluidity and competence. She has been a mentor to many, with her inquisitive but grounded insight.鈥�

From Touring the World to Making a Difference at Home

Today, Mu帽iz is completing her music therapy internship at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, where she works with a wide range of populations, including kindergarten to fifth-grade students with ADHD, disabilities or trauma, adults with disabilities and seniors with Alzheimer鈥檚.

“Music is this amazing thing,” she reflects. “When my grandma had Alzheimer’s, we used music to help change her mood, even help her eat. Now, every day, I see how music therapy impacts people鈥檚 lives.”

Her journey has come full circle. Looking back, Mu帽iz realizes that even her earlier performing roles 鈥� in Pip鈥檚 Island and Daniel Tiger鈥檚 Neighborhood Live! 鈥� had elements of music therapy built in through its messages of emotional learning and connection.

“I鈥檓 doing what I love,” she says. “It鈥檚 so rewarding.”

Viega says he can鈥檛 wait to see where Mu帽iz鈥檚 career takes her. 鈥淪he is going to be a wonderful music therapist filled with care, empathy and love for health and humanity.鈥�

What鈥檚 Next for Mu帽iz

After graduating, Mu帽iz plans to become board-certified and work as a music therapist or start her own private practice specializing in music therapy for Alzheimer鈥檚 patients, their caregivers and even performers struggling with confidence.

“I鈥檓 so confident in what I鈥檓 doing now,” she says. “Music therapy is powerful, and I鈥檓 ready to take it wherever it鈥檚 needed 鈥� whether that means finding a job or creating my own opportunities.”

And when she walks across the stage, it will symbolize much more than earning a degree. She knows her family and boyfriend, Montclair alumnus Wesley DeSouza 鈥�16, will celebrate her achievement 鈥� and so will she. During her academic career, Mu帽iz has supported herself through commercial advertising work, performances and even bartending, all in addition to her internship.

鈥淚鈥檓 really proud of myself,鈥� she says. “I did this all on my own. When I throw my cap in the air, I鈥檓 going to cry like a baby because it鈥檚 been 15 years of hustling 鈥� and now, I can finally breathe.鈥�

The University will celebrate its graduates at Commencement exercises on Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.听

Story by Sylvia A. Martinez, University Communications and Marketing

Ready to start your Montclair journey?

• Interested in Studying Music Therapy at Montclair? If you鈥檙e a music student who wants world-class training and the opportunity to make a real impact, the Music Therapy program at the John J. Cali School of Music could be for you.
• Prospective Students or Parents: Learn more about College of the Arts programs or apply to 精品成人福利在线 University.
• Journalists:听Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview with a graduating student.

The quartet members are part of the Cali Collective Ensemble, an immersive two-year program where graduate students earn an Artist’s Diploma Certificate while developing real-world performance experience. The Ensemble consists of seven students, including the Trillium String Quartet. Montclair鈥檚 Graduate Quartet Residency is among fewer than 15 such programs at prominent music schools in the country.

鈥淎ny string quartet like ours is looking at about five different programs, and Montclair is one of them, and that’s how we found this,鈥� says violinist Judith Kim, a Seattle native.

Trillium is made up of violinists Kim and Altier, violist Sydney Link of Cincinnati, and cellist Amelia Smerz of Chicago. All now living in the New York City area, they decided to pursue the immersive opportunity Montclair offers.

鈥淭he aim is to prepare string quartets for professional careers through intensive study and performances,鈥� says Cali School Director Anthony Mazzocchi, a GRAMMY庐-nominated educator.

What Sets Montclair鈥檚 Graduate Quartet Residency Apart?

One quartet is selected every two years for intensive study and performance opportunities. Program highlights include:

• Dedicated quartet studio and weekly private lessons
• Full tuition, including $7,000 annual stipend
• Regular coaching with faculty and quartet in residence
• Artist’s Diploma Certificate 鈥� A post-master鈥檚 credential centered on real-world experience
• Outreach-Focused Curriculum 鈥� Students may perform in prisons, shelters, and veterans鈥� facilities through the Music for All Seasons partnership
• Access to Cali Immersive Residency 鈥� Opportunities to perform with world-renowned artists, such as 19-time GRAMMY庐-winning banjoist B茅la Fleck or the two-time GRAMMY庐-winning Attacca Quartet, gaining insight from guest professionals

鈥淭here are not that many programs where you can just be a quartet and that鈥檚 your focus,鈥� says Smerz. 鈥淲e got to play with B茅la Fleck, who is a great musician. Those kinds of experiences are cool, and they have stretched us and given us a lot of opportunities that we wouldn鈥檛 have otherwise.鈥�

A Performance Partnership with Music for All Seasons

Through a unique partnership with (MFAS) 鈥� a nonprofit connecting professional musicians with underserved audiences 鈥� the students perform in nontraditional settings, from juvenile detention centers to shelters and veterans communities. The partnership is in keeping with Montclair鈥檚 commitment to academic excellence and as a public-serving institution.

鈥淲e鈥檙e bringing the music to the people,鈥� says Altier. 鈥淲e really love when we get to bring music to places where people may not get it as often. We always learn that people find it very touching, and seeing those smiles is a big part of what fulfills us.鈥�

Performances like the one at Valley Brook Village allow students to connect one-on-one with their audience. 鈥淭his is super personal,鈥� says violist Link. 鈥淲e could speak to each one of our audience members if we wanted to.鈥�

MFAS Executive Director Rena Fruchter says MFAS has a relationship with Valley Brook Village, where the organization has also provided veterans with therapeutic songwriting workshops. 鈥淲e wanted to provide an opportunity for the veterans to experience the students who were part of the partnership,鈥� she says.

A Legacy of Connection

The partnership with Music for All Seasons has deep roots. Mazzocchi first performed with MFAS while in a trombone quartet at the Manhattan School of Music. Actor Dudley Moore was a major supporter of the nonprofit at the time, and Mazzocchi鈥檚 quartet played at a birthday party for him, as well as his funeral. His MFAS experience was formative, he says.

鈥淚 learned to communicate with so many different humans in various settings,鈥� Mazzochi says. 鈥淚t set me up in profound ways as a musician, educator and leader.鈥�

So, when MFAS approached Montclair about a partnership, it was a no-brainer. 鈥淚 wanted our students to have the same experiences I did at their age,鈥� Mazzochi says.

Fruchter agrees that the program goes far beyond technical performance training.

鈥淢ost students in a performing arts program work primarily on their musical skills. What makes this program different is that it expands the students鈥� horizons,鈥� she says. 鈥淭his is a mentorship program, and these appearances are part of their educational curriculum.鈥�

MFAS pairs students with mentors, audiences and opportunities that broaden their understanding of music鈥檚 role in society.

Diane Michaels, a harpist who has performed on Broadway, in Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and with Tony Bennett at Caesar鈥檚 Palace in Atlantic City, mentors the quartet. She offers advice and feedback on the musical program and engages with the audience. 鈥淭rillium comes to the collaboration possessing a host of skills beautifully suited to fulfilling the MFAS mission, and it has been a pleasure mentoring them.鈥�

Looking to the Future

The Trillium String Quartet plans to stay together long-term. Next year, they鈥檒l teach at a chamber music program in Vermont. 鈥淲e want to be a quartet for the rest of our lives,鈥� says Smerz, 鈥減erforming and traveling and playing in as many different places for as many different people as we possibly can.鈥�

At Valley Brook, the impact of the quartet鈥檚 performance was clear. One veteran pretend-directed slower classical pieces, some tapped hands and feet to livelier jazz tunes, such as “Take the A Train” and several sang along to 鈥淗allelujah鈥� and 鈥淎mazing Grace.鈥�

鈥淚t was wonderful,鈥� says Lacy. 鈥淢y favorite part was 鈥楢mazing Grace,鈥� which is why I requested it the second time.鈥�

Photos by University Photographer Mike Peters.

Interested in Studying Music at Montclair?

If you鈥檙e a music student who wants world-class training and the opportunity to make a real impact, graduate programs at the John J. Cali School of Music could be for you.

Are you a鈥�

Prospective Student or Parent? Learn more about the Cali Collective Ensemble, Graduate Quartet Residency or the Cali Immersive Residency or apply to 精品成人福利在线 University.

Journalist?

Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview with a graduating student.