On March 19, <\/span>alumni, students, faculty and friends gathered to celebrate the impact of the John Martinson Honors EDGE program, an intellectually challenging track that enables some of the University\u2019s most accomplished students to further excel personally, professionally and creatively.<\/span><\/p>\n In his remarks, 麻豆传媒在线 President<\/span> Jonathan Koppell pointed to the program\u2019s contributions to academic excellence at the University. \u201cThe John Martinson Honors EDGE program reflects the very best of what 麻豆传媒在线 strives to be,\u201d he says. \u201cIts continued impact, greatly expanded thanks to John Martinson\u2019s generous investment, will be strengthened as 麻豆传媒在线\u2019s alumni community affirms the importance of excellence paired with access.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The John Martinson Honors EDGE program supports high achieving students, including many who are the first in their families to attend college or who come from historically underrepresented backgrounds. \u201cRigorous coursework and a heightened sense of community encourage students to prepare for meaningful careers,\u201d explains Jeff Strickland, the program\u2019s executive director. \u201cOur students focus on solving complex problems with curiosity and a willingness to imagine new possibilities.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Students who are part of the program are quick to note the value of the John Martinson Honors EDGE experience.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI have had wonderful learning opportunities as a student in the Honors EDGE program,\u201d says Miriam Awwad, an English and Jurisprudence (Law & Society) major. \u201cI\u2019ve traveled to Miami to conduct environmental resilience research with Florida International University, attended the National Collegiate Honors Council conference in San Diego, participated in a sustainability case competition in Boston, experienced Broadway in New York City and studied sustainability in London. These experiences have broadened my perspective and continue to inspire me to think bigger about the impact I can make and the possibilities that come from being part of such a supportive and dynamic community.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Emily Augu<\/span>styn, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Master of Business Administration, shares Miriam\u2019s appreciation for the benefits that come with being an Honors EDGE scholar. \u201cI have taken full advantage of the opportunities offered by the Honors program, including a stipend that helped support an internship <\/span>with a judicial clerk that helped shape my career aspirations to pursue law school,\u201d she says, adding that she plans to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain.<\/span><\/p>\n The John Martinson Honors EDGE program offers more than international experiences and career opportunities. It also creates community, providing an advanced learning setting for high achieving students to connect with, consult with and inspire one other.<\/span><\/p>\n Alexandra Zanzalari, a Family Science and Human Development major with a minor in Child Advocacy and Policy, appreciates being surrounded by peers who challenge one another to think critically. \u201cIt creates space for meaningful conversations and shapes us into lifelong learners,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n Gail Yosh \u201995, Honors alumna and current 麻豆传媒在线 professor, agrees. \u201cThe Honors Program shaped me in ways that were both deeply personal and profoundly professional,\u201d she says. \u201cAs a student, it gave me opportunity, confidence, and a sense of belonging at a pivotal time in my life. Professionally, it helped set me on a path that eventually brought me back to 麻豆传媒在线 as a professor, where I now have the privilege of helping to shape students\u2019 lives in the same community that once shaped mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Although 麻豆传媒在线 began offering an honors experience <\/span>in 1986, a r<\/span>ecent, transformative gift of $5 million from John Martinson, venture capital investor and philanthropist, is enabling the University to increase the number of students who can benefit from being part of an honors community, making it possible for more future leaders to access higher quality experiential learning opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n Martinson has a longstanding connection to 麻豆传媒在线. From attending baseball camp on campus as a child to enjoying performances at the University for more than 55 years, he is passionate about giving back to the institution. Through the Martinson Collaborative, he has brought together a consortium of ten honors programs that he funds across the nation, including the one at 麻豆传媒在线. This network creates opportunities to collaborate across campuses and to share best practices in support of honors education.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhile the anniversary is a time to reflect on all that has been accomplished, this moment is also about looking ahead,\u201d Rita Walters, vice president for Development and Alumni Engagement, notes. \u201cThe honors program is a place where talented students think boldly, lead with purpose, and prepare to make meaningful contributions to their communities and professions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Considering a gift to support the honors experience at 麻豆传媒在线? <\/span>Visit our giving page to learn how.<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/Honors-1-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAcademic Excellence and Enriching Experiences<\/b><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nAn Enduring Community of Scholars<\/b><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nThe Power of Philanthropy and Partnership<\/b><\/h3>\n
Looking Ahead\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n