Dear Students:
As we wind down the Spring semester, I want to extend my congratulations to each of you. Your dedication and perseverance have been evident throughout this academic term, and I commend you for your achievements.
To our graduating seniors: You are about to join a distinguished alumni family of nearly 60,000 Hawks. Your time at Monmouth University has prepared you to make meaningful contributions in your chosen fields. We look forward to celebrating your accomplishments at the upcoming commencement ceremonies.
And, to our continuing students: Whether you plan to take summer courses or to start up again in the fall, we are here to support your ongoing academic journey and future successes.
This semester has been marked by significant milestones for our university community. Notably, Monmouth University has been designated in the “Research Colleges and Universities” category in the 2025 Carnegie Classification update, placing us among a select group of institutions recognized for their research and scholarship activity. Our Middle States site visit exceeded expectations, and we have every indication of a favorable result in our reaffirmation of accreditation in June. These are strong indications that your university remains on the move!
Our students have distinguished themselves in every area. The Leon Hess Business School team earned first place at the national Student Managed Investment Fund competition. Four hundred sixty-four student-athletes were named to the CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll, with our Field Hockey Team earning the top GPA in the nation. On the field, three recent football players signed contracts with NFL teams. Mission-driven student groups traveled to India. Model UN and the Debate Hawks continued to compete well against teams from some of the finest schools in the nation. Love Blue Monmouth led multiple beach cleanups, removing significant amounts of trash from local shorelines, and senior Diederik Boonman even discovered a new invasive species along the Jersey Shore. And, just last week, Alex Kalina won the statewide UPitch NJ new enterprise pitch competition.
This sense of accomplishment reflects more than individual success. It speaks to the strength of the community you continue to build. Monmouth is a place where students from a wide range of backgrounds come together to learn, to lead, and to support one another. You have helped shape a university environment that affirms belonging, and the senior administration and I will continue to ensure that all students find here at Monmouth a safe and supportive environment. As I often say, we are a place that doesn’t just tolerate each other’s differences; we celebrate them. That is not a given on every college campus. It is the result of your commitment—and a source of great pride for me personally.
As we look ahead, I encourage you to take pride in your recent accomplishments and to make the most of the upcoming summer.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President