{"id":17413,"date":"2023-07-10T16:04:45","date_gmt":"2023-07-10T20:04:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/magazine\/?p=17413"},"modified":"2024-06-03T15:25:11","modified_gmt":"2024-06-03T19:25:11","slug":"90-things-to-love-about-monmouth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/magazine\/90-things-to-love-about-monmouth\/","title":{"rendered":"90 Things to Love about Monmouth"},"content":{"rendered":"

No. 1: The Beach<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"An<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Less than one mile from campus, the beach is where our students go to surf, soak up the sun, and relax with friends\u2014and some are even lucky enough to see the waves crashing from their residence hall adjacent to the boardwalk.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 2: Our Mascot<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"Monmouth<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Energetic and fun-loving, Shadow the Hawk can always be spotted shaking a tail feather at sporting events and campus celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 3: Our Trailblazers<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Thirty-three percent of current undergraduate students are the first in their family to pursue a college degree, and Monmouth\u2019s personalized approach to serving them<\/a> has earned the University national designation as a First-gen Forward Institution by the Center for First Generation Student Success.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 4: Our Championship Culture<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"women<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Monmouth\u2019s small-school feel belies the big-school vibes of its Division I athletics program<\/a>, which has won 152 regular season championships, compiled 45 NCAA Tournament appearances, and produced 127 professional athletes\u2014all while competing against some of the biggest programs in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 5: Location, Location, Location<\/h2>\n\n\n

Situated in idyllic West Long Branch, New Jersey, less than one mile from the Atlantic Ocean and one hour from New York City, Monmouth\u2019s coastal campus<\/a> offers easy access to a host of cultural and recreational opportunities, from the boutique shops and eateries lining the streets of Long Branch to the upscale offerings of Pier Village<\/a> to nature hikes in nearby Atlantic Highlands and Sandy Hook<\/a>. Our unrivaled location also impacts and enhances learning experiences. Students study marine and environmental biology at sea. They intern at Fortune 500 companies in New York City. They perform and pursue their artistic passions in Red Bank<\/a>\u2019s renowned theater district and Asbury Park\u2019s legendary music and arts scene.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 6: Our Beautiful Campus<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"summer<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Monmouth\u2019s picturesque, 170-acre campus is home to state-of-the-art labs and learning spaces, multiple theaters and art galleries, Division I\u2013level athletic facilities, ample green space, and two historic buildings. It\u2019s no surprise ours has been named one of the 10 most beautiful campuses in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 7: No Lecture Halls<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With class sizes capped at 35, no classes taught by graduate students, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, Monmouth gives students more opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue with their professors. It\u2019s what a highly personalized educational experience should look like.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 8: Peaceful Pursuits<\/h2>\n\n\n

Monmouth was the first college in New Jersey to offer the Peace Corps Volunteer Preparatory Program,<\/a> which helps students build the competencies needed to serve as an agency volunteer, and ranked No. 5 in the nation on the Peace Corps\u2019 most recent list of the top certificate\u2013issuing schools.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 9: Our Palace of Books<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"exterior<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The opulent building into which generations of Monmouth students have withdrawn in search of a quiet place to study originally served as the summer retreat of Murry and Leonie Guggenheim<\/a>, American socialites known for their extravagant wealth and philanthropy. Modeled after the Petit Trianon, which stands on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, the Guggenheim Memorial Library was conveyed to Monmouth in 1960 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 10: Our 10th Prez<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"President<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

He\u2019s a perennial inclusion on lists of the top influencers in higher education, so we\u2019d be remiss if we left Monmouth\u2019s 10th president, Patrick F. Leahy, off our list. While guiding us through the COVID-19 pandemic, Leahy has helped Monmouth achieve its highest-ever ranking in U.S. News & World Report<\/em>, usher in a new era in athletics by joining the Colonial Athletic Association, launch a five-year strategic plan, bring Commencement back to campus, and continue to set new benchmarks in the diversity and academic preparedness of its incoming classes.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 11: The NEST<\/h2>\n\n\n

Seeing an uptick nationally in the number of college students who reported being food insecure, the Student Government Association created this student-run food pantry<\/a> to support Monmouth students who are food insecure by providing nonperishable food items, beverages, and personal hygiene items donated from the community.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 12: Apt Descriptors<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cited as one of the state\u2019s \u201cgrandest campus buildings,\u201d the Great Hall at Shadow Lawn is a registered National Historic Landmark and serves as the iconic centerpiece of campus. Built in 1929 as the private residence of former F.W. Woolworth Co. president Hubert Templeton Parson and his wife, Maysie, the interior design was led by Julian Abele<\/a>, one of the country\u2019s first professionally trained African American architects. The mansion, which boasts 130 rooms and 50 varieties of Italian marble, has served as the setting for weddings, private events, and movies, most notably Annie<\/em>. But perhaps the building\u2019s greatest role is its recent return to a central campus hub for students, who get to study and collaborate within its walls.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 13: Our Remington<\/h2>\n\n\n

The library has on permanent display one of Frederic Remington\u2019s most famous sculptures, \u201cThe Bronco Buster\u201d No. 35. The iconic sculpture\u2014of which an earlier casting of the same work has been a longtime fixture in the Oval Office\u2014was donated to the University by the Guggenheim family in 1989.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 14: Women\u2019s Rowing<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The newest addition to Monmouth\u2019s athletics program<\/a> made a splash by winning multiple medals during its first year of competition.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 15: Not-So-Pedestrian Passages<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"the<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Even bridge and tunnel traffic will bring a smile to your face here, whether you\u2019re traversing the Arthur M. Greenbaum Bridge (above left), which connects Pozycki and Bey Halls and offers a unique view of beautiful Torcivia Common below, or passing friends in the Swannack Gateway (aka, \u201cthe tunnel,\u201d above right), the subterranean passageway that links the north and south sides of the main campus.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 16: The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"5<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Housing close to 35,000 items\u2014including Springsteen\u2019s written works, photographs, periodicals, and other artifacts\u2014the Archives<\/a> is literally the Promised Land to scholars, authors, and fans who have a serious interest in the singer\u2019s life and prolific career. The Archives also creates traveling exhibits, educational conferences, public programs, teacher workshops, and scholastic field trips aimed at exploring the American music tradition and furthering academic discourse in various fields of American music. This spring, it hosted its inaugural American Music Honors event, and in 2025, it will open an exhibition space in Springsteen\u2019s hometown, Freehold, New Jersey.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 17: Student Scholarship Week<\/h2>\n\n\n

Held yearly every April, this weeklong series of events<\/a> showcases and celebrates student achievement in research, writing, the arts, service learning, clinical experiences, and leadership development.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 18: The Number 18<\/h2>\n\n\n

What\u2019s the significance, you ask? That\u2019s Monmouth\u2019s ranking on U.S.<\/em> News & World Report<\/em>\u2019s Best Regional Universities North list<\/a>\u2014the University\u2019s highest ever\u2014 and the number of consecutive years Monmouth has been named one of the nation\u2019s best institutions for undergraduates by The Princeton Review<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 19: Our Poll Position<\/h2>\n\n\n

Monmouth\u2019s Polling Institute<\/a> has been called \u201cfreakishly accurate,\u201d \u201cthe gold standard of polling in New Jersey,\u201d and \u201cone of the most respected and highly regarded measures of public opinion in the nation\u201d by various media outlets. Its recent A rating from FiveThirtyEight only reaffirms its standing as one of the country\u2019s most accurate polling operations.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 20: Our Coastal Crusaders<\/h2>\n\n\n

Since its founding in 2005, the Urban Coast Institute<\/a> has been making the region\u2019s coastal communities more resilient to the impacts of storms and climate change, and the region\u2019s waterways cleaner and healthier, while working to ensure that future ocean management actions and policies are based on the best available science.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 21: The Parton Broadcasting Center<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"students<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Can\u2019t make it to a game? You can still catch all the action from home thanks to the ultramodern Parton Broadcasting Center<\/a>, which enables the award-winning (and primarily student-composed) Monmouth Digital Network team tobroadcast Hawks athletics contests on the YES Network, SportsNet New York, and NBC Sports Philadelphia and stream it to FloSports.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 22: Our Big Bird<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"monmouth's<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Twenty-two\u2014that\u2019s the wingspan (in feet) of The Hawk at Brockriede Common, the gargantuan bronze sculpture depicting a real-life version of our mascot. Sculpted by world-renowned artist Brian Hanlon \u201988<\/a>, the Hawk\u2019s larger-than-life proportions\u201415 feet tall and weighing 29,000 pounds\u2014symbolize the outsize spirit, energy, and enthusiasm of Monmouth\u2019s students, staff, alumni, and supporters.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 23: So Sweet A Cat Field<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"field<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Despite its feline implication, the name of Monmouth\u2019s field hockey field comes from a racehorse once owned by the late Jane Freed \u201981<\/a>, whose gift helped make the field turf possible.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 24: We \u201cDIG\u201d Diversity<\/h2>\n\n\n

Monmouth\u2019s Diversity Innovation Grants <\/a>provide funding for campus initiatives that encourage conversation, learning, and connection across race, religion, class, immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, and nationality\u2014helping to make the University a more inclusive, affirming, and equitable community.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 25: Asbury Park<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"people<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Named one of the top 25 best beach destinations in America by Travel & Leisure<\/em>, the historic shore town is just a 15-minute drive from campus and is home to unique shops, eclectic bars and restaurants, and iconic music venues. Whether our students head to Asbury to enjoy\u2014or perform at\u2014a show at the Stone Pony, take in the historic architecture and iconic art scenes along the boardwalk, or grab a bite to eat with friends, this cultural hub is an unofficial extension of campus<\/a> that can\u2019t be beat.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 26: Entrepreneurship Thrives Here<\/h2>\n\n\n

There\u2019s a history of innovation at Monmouth, where in the past, business students have brought products ranging from pasta sauce to perfume to market. With the recent launch of a reimagined Center for Entrepreneurship<\/a>, there is a renewed focus on fostering opportunities for entrepreneurism, innovation, and creativity for all members of the campus community, as well as the surrounding state and regional communities.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 27: Open Ears<\/h2>\n\n\n

Established in May 2020 to meet the growing need for counseling services to support people through the COVID-19 pandemic, Monmouth\u2019s award-winning Community Care Telehealth Clinic is still going strong, providing free, online therapeutic support for adults across New Jersey and real-world field internship opportunities for our clinical graduate students.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 28: Undergraduate Research Opportunities Abound<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"three<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From studying the effects of harmful algal blooms to the psychology behind pickup lines, our undergrads collaborate on research projects, coauthor publications in leading journals, and present at regional, national, and international conferences thanks to the research opportunities that are available to them beginning their first year.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 29: Spreading Social Justice<\/h2>\n\n\n

Established through a $2 million grant from the Grunin Foundation, Monmouth\u2019s Social Justice Academy<\/a> fosters equity beyond campus by training regional K\u201312 educators how to model, coach, and teach about social justice in their respective school districts.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 30: The Big Event<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A tradition for more than two decades, Monmouth\u2019s largest single-day community service project is a chance for students to give back. Every fall, hundreds of students (as well as faculty and staff members) fan out across the region to help local neighbors, social service agencies, and community organizations through service projects ranging from painting and yard work to community cleanups to working with the elderly.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 31: Our Grammy Partnership<\/h2>\n\n\n

Monmouth was one of the first universities nationwide to partner with the Los Angeles-based Grammy Museum, which provides our students, faculty, and staff access to the museum\u2019s content for educational purposes, curriculum resources, professional development seminars, unique student internship opportunities, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 32: The Linda Grunin Simulation Lab and Learning Center<\/h2>\n\n\n

Built in partnership with Monmouth Medical Center with funding from the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation, this state-of-the-art health care education and training facility<\/a> enables Monmouth\u2019s nursing, physician assistant, and occupational therapy students to learn in a realistic simulation environment, ensuring they\u2019re prepared to deliver quality health care to the region once they graduate.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 33: Our Faculty<\/h2>\n\n\n

Award-winning authors. Fulbright recipients. Grant-funded researchers. Our faculty are leaders in their respective fields whom you\u2019ll see quoted in the New York Times<\/em> and Washington Post<\/em> and spot on the National Geographic channel. But above all, our professors are mentors who are committed first and foremost to their students\u2019 success.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 34: The Best View in College Soccer<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Is there a more serene setting for soccer than Hesse Field on The Great Lawn? We think not.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 35: Our Picture-Perfect Peristyle<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The picturesque center of campus, Erlanger Memorial Gardens include two unique features: a peristyle, or a row of covered columns that encloses one side, and a \u201cwater organ\u201d fountain that is modeled on the Colonnade at Versailles. Between the unique architectural design and lush landscape, the space is one of the most photographed spots on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 36: Our Floating Classroom<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"the<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At 49 feet, the R\/V Heidi Lynn Sculthorpe is Monmouth\u2019s largest research vessel<\/a>, enabling faculty and students to conduct research at sea. With the capacity to take classes of 20 students out on the water, the R\/V is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and can sleep up to eight researchers for overnight, around-the-clock operations to support experiential learning and discovery.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 37: Science on Display<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At $40 million, the renovation and expansion of Edison Science Building was the largest academic construction project in University history<\/a>. Completed in 2018, the state-of-the-art building includes 12 faculty research labs, a tissue culture lab, seven prep labs, nine instrument labs, 15 write-up rooms, a herbarium and vivarium, large exterior windows, and glass walls throughout the interior\u2014which truly puts the work of our faculty and student researchers on display.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 38: Finding Your Niche<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"Students<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With more than 125 student clubs<\/a> and organizations to choose from, our students can explore their passion, whether it\u2019s cleaning local beaches, leading a campus governing body, or competing nationally and internationally with the Debate Hawks and Model UN teams against such schools as Georgetown, Cornell, Oxford, and Cambridge.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 39: Hawk TV<\/h2>\n\n\n

For more than 25 years, Hawk TV <\/a>has been giving students hands-on, immersive television production experience. Students from any major can crew the station\u2019s shows, which are broadcast 24\/7 from the Monty Television Studio.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 40: WMCX<\/h2>\n\n\n

As its slogan proclaims, Monmouth\u2019s student-run radio station<\/a> has been \u201cRockin\u2019 the Shore Since \u201974\u201d\u2014save for an 11-month period in the mid-1980s when a fire destroyed the original studio. Originally broadcasting at 88.1 before moving to 88.9 in 1988, the station\u2019s mix of music, news, and special events is now heard around the world through streaming.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 41: There\u2019s an App for Us<\/h2>\n\n\n

Looking for something to do? The Experience Monmouth App, which is available on the Apple<\/a> and Google Play<\/a> stores, helps you stay in the know on a variety of campus happenings throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 42: Hawk Capital<\/h2>\n\n\n

Monmouth\u2019s student-managed investment fund gives finance students real-world security analysis and portfolio management experience by having them oversee an actual portfolio valued at over $300,000.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 43: Parson Caf\u00e9<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Located on the first floor of the Great Hall, the new go-to spot for students, faculty, and staff looking to get their caffeine fix serves up local fav Booskerdoo Coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 44: The Kislak Real Estate Institute<\/h2>\n\n\n

Launched in 2006, the institute was the first credit-bearing academic real estate program in New Jersey, and thanks to a recent $2 million pledge from the Kislak Family Foundation, it is well positioned to continue providing Monmouth students with the skills needed for successful careers in commercial real estate.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 45: OceanFirst Bank Center<\/h2>\n\n\n

Located in the heart of campus, the Center is home to the bookstore, fitness center, Leon Hess Champions\u2019 Hall, the Athletic Hall of Fame, an indoor track, the Dr. Marilyn A. McNeil Arena, and\u2014for a brief period in 2013\u2014about 1,000 area residents who sought shelter there during Superstorm Sandy.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 46: Rare Books<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"rare<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

James Joyce once said, \u201cLife is too short to read a bad book.\u201d We\u2019re certain he\u2019d approve of the selections in the Library\u2019s Rare Books Collection, which includes works from such important writers as John Milton, Virginia Woolf, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, William Shakespeare, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. There\u2019s even a Paris and Company first edition of Joyce\u2019s own masterpiece, Ulysses<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 47: Tuesday Night Record Club<\/h2>\n\n\n

A book club but for records, this event series is a fan favorite for music lovers who get together throughout the semester to listen to and talk about some of the greatest records of all time.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 48: The Lois Blonder Sculpture Garden<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Named in memory of the 1973 alumna, who was an artist, art collector, and benefactor of the arts, this charming patch of campus features a koi pond, walking paths, a plethora of exotic plants, and a unique cast of sculpted characters including gargoyles, cows, and dinosaurs.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 49: Big Ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Martin Luther King Jr. The Dalai Lama. Joyce Carol Oates. Monmouth has a long history of welcoming visionaries and thought leaders whose words have had a lasting impact on our students for generations.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 50: Charming Chimes<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Housed in the Plangere Center clock tower, Fells\u2019 Bells\u2014dedicated to Monmouth by the late Gilbert Fell, a professor of philosophy and religion studies at Monmouth for 35 years, and his wife, Janet, a longtime employee\u2014ring out across campus hourly.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 51: Our Fight Song<\/h2>\n\n\n

The man behind Fells\u2019 Bells also gave Monmouth its fight song. Gilbert Fell came up with the lyrics and tune, but since he couldn\u2019t read or write music, he enlisted help from William Alexander Wollman, emeritus associate professor of music, to commit the music to paper. (Wollman, incidentally, had written the previous version of the school\u2019s Alma Mater.) Fell\u2019s fight song debuted at the men\u2019s basketball game on Feb. 3, 1997, and has been heard at countless Hawks athletics competitions since then.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 52: The Hawk Family<\/h2>\n\n\n

Numbering more than 57,800 strong, with members living and working in all 50 states and the District of Columbia as well 53 countries around the world, Monmouth alumni<\/a> help the next generation of Hawks to soar through their generous support, volunteerism, and mentorship. Fly Hawks!<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 53: The Sea Sharps<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"students<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Whether performing on campus or competing at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, Monmouth\u2019s student a cappella group is always pitch perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 54: Learning from the Pros<\/h2>\n\n\n

A full-service production company, Monmouth University Production Services pairs students with award-winning industry professionals to produce high-quality video and digital content for regional and campus clients. Its recent feature-length documentary, Drift<\/em>, which was featured in the Fall\/Winter 2021 issue of this magazine<\/a>, won Best New Jersey Film at the 2022 Indie Street Film Festival.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 55: The Outlook<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n

The award-winning student-run newspaper has been the go-to source for news, sports, entertainment, and opinions on campus and world events since the University was founded in 1933, launching countless students into successful journalism careers through the years.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 56: Springfest<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hosted annually by SGA, Springfest brings all of our students together before finals week for a day of music, food, games, and activities. It\u2019s the perfect sendoff for our graduating seniors.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 57: The Wishing Well<\/h2>\n\n\n

Located just inside the gates of the main entrance to campus, this oft-overlooked, one-story hut  houses a wishing well that was designed for the Parsons\u2019 estate. The gnome-like structure with its concrete, triangular roof is an enduring symbol of well wishes for all who enter our campus.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 58: Our Pet Cemetery<\/h2>\n\n\n

Near the well lie two modest gravestones that mark the eternal resting spots of what were believed to be the Parsons\u2019 pets: Fluffy, who shuffled off this mortal coil on Nov. 8, 1924, and Girlie, who followed on Nov. 28, 1926.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 59 Our Students<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"5<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hola. Bonjour. Ni hao. However our students choose to say \u201cHello,\u201d we think it\u2019s pretty cool that they hail from 34 states, one territory, and 31 countries around the world including Costa Rica, France, and China.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 60: How It Started \u2026 How It\u2019s Going<\/h2>\n\n\n

More than three-quarters of Monmouth seniors complete an internship during their first three years, and within nine months of graduation, 93% of Monmouth graduates are already engaged in their next step\u2014a job or a graduate program. That\u2019s far above the national average.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 61: Kessler Stadium<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"fans<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The home field for more than half of Monmouth\u2019s student-athletes was made possible by a generous seven-figure gift from two ardent Hawks supporters, Henni Kantor Kessler \u201968 and her late husband, John \u201969. If you ask us, there\u2019s no better place to be on a crisp Saturday afternoon in the fall than sitting in the stands and cheering on the Hawks among a sea of blue and white.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 62: The Center for the Arts<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the year, the Center<\/a> hosts hundreds of events that enrich and inspire the campus and surrounding communities. Offerings include both the Metropolitan Opera and National Theatre performances live in HD; gallery exhibitions; an array of live music, dance, and theater performances; and lectures from visiting artists and writers.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 63: Homecoming<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The biggest party of the year brings alumni and students together to celebrate their Hawk pride and cheer on the football team. We\u2019ll see you on Sept. 30!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

No. 64: Our Hess Toy Truck Collection<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Leon Hess, the visionary entrepreneur and oil magnate for whom Monmouth\u2019s Business School is named, introduced the replica toy version of his company\u2019s trucks in 1964, and they have been bringing smiles to children (and collectors) every year since. Monmouth\u2019s collection is on the second floor of Bey Hall, home of the Business School.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 65: Hollywood Loves Us<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Monmouth\u2019s campus enjoyed starring roles in the 1982 movie Annie<\/em> and the recent feature film Miranda\u2019s Victim<\/em>, and through a little Hollywood magic had a blink-and-you\u2019ll-miss-it cameo in the film Blinded by the Light<\/em>. With Netflix planning to open a major production studio a few miles up the road, we think we\u2019ll be seeing movie stars on campus again soon.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 66: Waves of Change<\/h2>\n\n\n

Located in the Leon Hess Champions\u2019 Hall in OceanFirst Bank Center, \u201cWaves of Change: An Interactive Exhibit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.\u201d memorializes King\u2019s visit to campus on Oct. 6, 1966, and includes the lectern and microphone from which he addressed approximately 2,600 Monmouth students, faculty, administrators, and community members in what is now Boylan Gymnasium.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 67: Career Treks<\/h2>\n\n\n

Hosted by the University\u2019s Career Development office, these daylong excursions enable students to visit companies that employ Monmouth alumni\u2014such as Sirius XM\/Pandora, Bloomberg L.P., and the New York Giants\u2014to tour facilities and talk with industry professionals about their respective fields.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 68: Our Alleys, Past and Present<\/h2>\n\n\n

Monmouth is home to the Ciniello Family Bowling Center<\/a>, a four-lane bowling alley located inside Boylan Gymnasium that\u2019s used by our women\u2019s bowling program as well as the larger campus community. But that\u2019s not the only bowling alley on campus: There are remnants of a two-lane Brunswick bowling alley on the lower level of the Great Hall that was built for\u2014but reportedly never used by\u2014the Parsons.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 69: Silent Beauty<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although its sounds haven\u2019t been heard in decades, the four-manual Aeolian opus 1677 organ<\/a> that stands at the top of the Great Hall\u2019s central staircase is still a sight to behold. It is reportedly the only remaining residential stereophonic surround sound Aeolian in existence today.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 70: Blue Hawk Records<\/h2>\n\n\n

Monmouth\u2019s student-run record label<\/a> has been churning out a new album every semester since it was founded a decade ago. This spring marked the release of Exit 22<\/em>, the label\u2019s 22nd record. Students from all majors can join to get hands-on experience in all aspects of running a current-day music label, from finding the talent and recording the songs to branding the label\u2019s artists and marketing and distributing the final product.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 71: Blue and White and Going Green<\/h2>\n\n\n

The University\u2019s solar-powered buildings, refillable water stations that reduce plastic waste, and award-winning broad-based recycling program are part of a concerted effort to make Monmouth a more sustainable institution. It\u2019s working: The Princeton Review\u2019s 2023 Guide to Green Colleges named Monmouth one of the nation\u2019s most environmentally responsible colleges.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

No. 72: Woods Theatre<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"exterior<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Once the carriage house for the Guggenheim estate, the Lauren K. Woods Theatre is today an intimate 140-seat venue housed in the Department of Music and Theatre Arts. Although it\u2019s newly renovated, you can still see remnants of the horse stables in the building\u2019s features, such as the theater\u2019s makeup booths, which were built inside the still-standing solid brass horse stalls where each horse\u2019s name is spelled out in custom mosaic tiles on the back walls.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 73: Monmouth Matches<\/h2>\n\n\n

In nature, hawks are monogamous, so it\u2019s no surprise that many of our students find their forever partner while pursuing their studies here. In fact, there are more than 1,400 alumni couples, many of whom participated in the first-ever vow renewal for our Monmouth Matches at this year\u2019s AlumniFest.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 74: Cultivating Town-Gown Relationships<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Through the Virginia A. Cory Community Garden<\/a>, members of the campus and neighboring communities come together to grow produce that supports local organizations and Monmouth County individuals and families dealing with food insecurity. The garden also hosts festivals, garden-to-table cooking classes, and educational lectures throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 75: Our Core Values<\/h2>\n\n\n

They guide our actions and reflect our aspiration to be a national leader at integrating excellence and access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00bb Excellence in Teaching and Learning<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00bb Personal and Professional Integrity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00bb Caring Campus Characterized by Mutual Respect<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00bb Empowerment of the University Community<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00bb Diversity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00bb Service<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 76: Birds of Prey<\/h2>\n\n\n

It\u2019s not on every college campus that one might spot the actual animal on which the school\u2019s mascot is based (we\u2019re looking at you, Princeton). But at Monmouth, it\u2019s easy to spot the hawks that call campus home, as well as other birds of prey (ospreys and bald eagles) that also forage, roost, and nest on our grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 77: Commencement on Campus (Again)<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"graduates<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Last spring marked the formal return of Commencement to campus for the first time in nearly 20 years, allowing students to celebrate the capstone event of their college years on the picturesque campus upon which their student experience was anchored.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 78: Winter Ball<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"students<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For decades, students have been dressing to the nines and dancing the night away in a decked-out Great Hall at this time-honored tradition. Complete with themed decor, the event is open to all students and includes music, food, drinks, and entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 79: Shadow Lawn<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"4<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Long before Monmouth was founded, the area upon which a portion of today\u2019s campus stands was part of an estate called Shadow Lawn. Named for the long shadows cast by the many tall trees that dotted the park-like grounds, the area remains a lush tree-lined landscape where students gather to study, soak up the sun, and enjoy the special celebrations and gatherings held in the serene setting.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 80: Unique Career Combos<\/h2>\n\n\n

What do software engineering and history have in common? At Monmouth, students can combine interdisciplinary studies like these to obtain an accelerated bachelor\u2019s plus master\u2019s degree that satisfies both their career goals and passions. With more than 200 combinations, our Bachelor\u2019s + Master\u2019s program <\/a>is a no-brainer for high-achieving students who want the freedom to explore what inspires them while accelerating their future.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 81: Puppies and Ice Cream \u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

… and goats, oh my! These are just a few of the offerings at the various distress events happening throughout the year. Goat yoga? Check. Need to hug a therapy dog? We got you. College can be stressful, so there\u2019s never a shortage of fun\u2014and often scrumptious\u2014ways to unwind between studies.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 82: All the Pretty Pictures<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Anyone seeking a moment of quiet contemplation would be wise to stroll through one of Monmouth\u2019s three art galleries (DiMattio<\/a>, Rotary Ice House<\/a>, and Pollak<\/a>), which feature rotating exhibitions from regional, national, and international artists whose works challenge public perceptions of civil, social, and aesthetic issues affecting society. The University also has an extensive permanent collection, and many of those works have been digitized and can be viewed online.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 83: Our Iconic Gates<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A remnant of the Guggenheim estate, the gates were moved down the road from their original location on Cedar Avenue, widened, and now serve as the picturesque entryway to the residential side of campus\u2014a threshold for first-year students arriving on Move-In Day, a welcome sight to returning visitors, and one of the most photographed spots on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 84: Alma Mater<\/h2>\n\n\n

When Monmouth attained University status in 1995, it needed a new Alma Mater. After a section of Beethoven\u2019s Ninth Symphony (\u201cOde to Joy\u201d) was selected for the musical portion, a call went out to the campus community seeking lyrical submissions. The winner: Louis Nappen \u201990, \u201992M, whose words were first sung at Founders\u2019 Day Convocation on Oct. 11, 1995.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 85: Ornate Beauty<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"the<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s everywhere you look on campus, but perhaps nowhere as colorful as when you\u2019re standing below the Great Hall\u2019s 100-foot-long Venetian stained glass skylight, which bathes our iconic building in amber light by day and is lit up by 156 LED bulbs at night.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 86: Monmouth<\/em> Magazine<\/h2>\n\n\n

Sure, we\u2019re a bit biased, but this award-winning magazine has been keeping the Hawk family engaged and connected for more than four decades.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 87: Financial Markets Lab<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Complete with a real-time trading room ticker, the Tom Byer \u201967 & Susie Byer Financial Markets Lab gives our students hands-on experience analyzing market and financial data by employing the same technology and techniques used by Wall Street professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 88: Partying with a Purpose<\/h2>\n\n\n

The Gala at the Great Hall unites the Monmouth community amidst the grandeur of the Great Hall for a celebration like no other while raising vital support for the Access Fund, which helps fund scholarships for students with unmet financial need. Last year\u2019s event raised nearly half a million dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 89: Withey Chapel<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"interior<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Named for a pundit of poultry pathology<\/a> and composed with materials imported from a 16th-century Tudor abbey, the chapel, which is on the lower level of the Great Hall, originally served as the Parsons\u2019 \u201cEnglish lounge.\u201d Its namesake, Clarence \u201cWalt\u201d Withey, worked for them in the 1930s, during which time he saved the couple\u2019s turkeys from a life-threatening disease. Years later, when Withey returned to what was then Monmouth Junior College to serve as bursar, he restored the space, which had fallen into disrepair after the Parsons were forced to sell the mansion. On Nov. 22, 1969, the chapel was dedicated in Withey\u2019s honor.<\/p>\n\n\n

No. 90: Years of History<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"an<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From its humble beginnings as a junior college that was founded to serve as a stepping stone for local students whose families were impacted by the Great Depression to today, a nationally recognized, Division I, private institution dedicated to making an exceptional education accessible to all, Monmouth University revels in the accomplishments of its students, faculty, staff, and alumni and looks with promise to the years ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n

Tell Us What We Missed.<\/h3>\n\n\n

Did we leave one of your favorites off the list? Write us at magazine@monmouth.edu<\/a> and let us know what you love about Monmouth University.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In honor of Monmouth\u2019s 90th anniversary, we present this unapologetically idiosyncratic, somewhat randomly ordered assortment of the people, places, experiences, and traditions that make our University special.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":17967,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"image_focus":"{\"x\":5,\"y\":55}","hide_title":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17413","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features"],"thumbnail":"\"\"","catString":"Features","issue":"Spring\/Summer 2023","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17413","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17413"}],"version-history":[{"count":111,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17413\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18866,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17413\/revisions\/18866"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17967"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17413"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17413"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17413"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}