MSU Graduates Largest Class In School’s History: 2016

Graduation day is always memorable, but even more so when you’re making history.

On May 25, Montclair State University hosted its annual commencement ceremony that honored the 4,639 graduates of the 2016 class… the largest in the school’s history, according to administrators.

The celebration marked Montclair State’s first as a Research Doctoral University, having earned the designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education in January.

• See related article: MSU Recognized For Doctoral Research With Carnegie Designation

In total, the university conferred 4,639 graduate and bachelor’s degrees in science and mathematics, humanities and the social sciences, business, the arts and education to the historic group of graduates, according to a school news release.

Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner and Montclair resident Don Garber, who received an honorary doctoral degree from the institution as part of the proceedings, delivered the commencement address.

• See related article: MLS Commissioner Don Garber Will Deliver Montclair State's 2016 Commencement Address

“Find something that you really, really care about, and then go out and doggedly pursue it,” Garber extolled graduates. “You can’t be happy in life unless you are doing work that in some way really feeds your soul. And, you must aim to be fearless. Do not let fear of failure overshadow your desire to succeed. You will never win if you stay on the sidelines – you must get up, and you must get in the game.”

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Photo courtesy of Montclair State University