Â鶹´«Ã½

Hosted by NJCU Interim President, the Presidential Fireside Chat Series provides an intimate setting for an informative conversation with the NJCU community, offering students, faculty, staff, and alumni the opportunity to engage with distinguished leaders and alumni who have made significant contributions to their fields and society.

Since its Fall 2024 inception as a new initiative of the Division of Student Development and Community Engagement, the series has featured compelling discussions with influential public servants. The inaugural chat on September 16, 2024 welcomed Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, then serving as Newark City Council President, who shared her vision for urban leadership and community advocacy. The second installment on October 21, 2024 featured a powerful conversation with Congressman Andy Kim, now Â鶹´«Ã½'s junior U.S. Senator, exploring themes of public service and democratic participation.

Past Chats

September 16, 2024 
Presidential Fireside Chat featuring Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver (currently U.S. Congresswoman)

October 21, 2024 
Presidential Fireside Chat featuring Congressman Andy Kim (currently U.S. Senator)

February 3, 2025
Presidential Fireside Chat featuring Honorable Jose L. Linares '75 ('18 Honorary)

The third installment on February 3, 2025 was the first to feature an alumni. The Honorable Jose Linares '75 ('18 Honorary) shared his remarkable journey from NJCU student-athlete to becoming a federal judge. Drawing powerful parallels with current students, Judge Linares reflected on his own campus experiences and unexpected path to the federal bench. He emphasized the crucial role of networking in his legal career and shared deeply personal stories about his family's flight from Cuba and the emotional impact of returning years later with his son. The conversation revealed both his professional achievements and personal values, particularly his deep pride in his family and his enduring connection to NJCU. Throughout the discussion, Judge Linares demonstrated how his time at NJCU laid the foundation for his future success, while offering students a relatable perspective from someone who once walked the same halls. His story serves as a compelling example of how education, determination, and embracing unexpected opportunities can lead to extraordinary achievements.