There’s an undeniable energy at Monmouth University these days—the kind that signals something truly special is happening. Across campus, in classrooms and research labs, on athletic fields and in creative spaces, our students, faculty, and staff are reaching new heights. This momentum reflects what makes Monmouth unique: a shared commitment to excellence, access, and ambition that drives everything we do.

That commitment is being recognized nationally. This year, Monmouth achieved its highest-ever ranking in U.S. News & World Report and advanced significantly on the Top Performers on Social Mobility list. These achievements reinforce our position as a university that champions both excellence and opportunity, offering a transformative education to students from all backgrounds—nearly half of whom are first-generation or Pell Grant-eligible.

Monmouth’s progress is evident in every corner of our campus. We recently broke ground on the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music, a landmark project that will elevate Monmouth’s national profile and create unparalleled academic opportunities for our students. The opening of Nagy Common and enhancements to the Student Center are strengthening campus life and fostering deeper connections. Our new partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health is expanding health care education, introducing urgent care options, and laying the groundwork for a state-of-the-art Student Wellness Center—a critical investment in the well-being of our campus community.

At the heart of this momentum is Excellence. Access. Ambition.—the boldest fundraising campaign in Monmouth’s history. With a goal of $175 million, this initiative is fueling our strategic vision by investing in student scholarships, faculty excellence, and campus enhancements. Already, we have made significant progress, securing major gifts that are fully funding the Springsteen Archives, covering 75% of the new Student Wellness Center, and supporting critical infrastructure projects that enhance sustainability and the student experience.

But Monmouth’s success is about more than rankings and new buildings. It’s about the students whose lives are transformed here—through rigorous academics, hands- on research, championship-level athletics, and a community that empowers them to dream bigger. At a time when all of us in higher education face declining enrollment and financial uncertainty, Monmouth stands apart—demonstrating that academic excellence and broad access are not competing priorities, but complementary pillars of a thriving university.

In the pages ahead, you’ll see firsthand the stories that define the Monmouth experience: students breaking new ground in research and entrepreneurship, faculty making an impact in their fields, and alumni shaping the world. Each of these stories reflects the power of a Monmouth education and the strength of our community.

I invite you to stay connected—visit campus, mentor a student, support the fundraising campaign, attend an event, or share your Monmouth pride with the next generation of Hawks. Your support makes all the difference.