I look back at the person I was before I attended Montclair – I’m completely different: more confident, more understanding of the world.”��

Building Identity and Story

For Mazariegos, who grew up in Marlboro, staying close to home also meant staying connected – to both community and identity. She chose Montclair for its recognition as a Hispanic‑Serving Institution and soon found that staying in New Jersey could offer far‑reaching opportunities.

I never imagined that at my state college I’d study abroad in Costa Rica, report on immigration at the Arizona‑Mexican border and work with Telemundo 47,” she says.

Those experiences inspired her documentary Raíces (Roots), Connected by Culture, about her grandfather’s journey from El Salvador and her own evolving sense of identity.

“I was in a place where I was redefining my identity, connecting more with my Latin roots and what it means to be the granddaughter or daughter of an immigrant,” she says. “I didn’t realize at the time how therapeutic it was, or how much I wanted to redefine what that meant for me.”

Dani Mazariegos sets up a shoot on the Arizona‑Mexico border during production of the award‑winning series Arizona Stories: Border, Water and Politics.

Scholarships That Opened Doors

Mazariegos’s decision to attend a public university close to home was also made possible – and amplified – by scholarships that recognized her talent and potential.

While at Montclair, she:

• Received the Presidential Scholarship every semester.
• Won a scholarship.
• Earned the Linda & George Hiltzik Scholarship in Communication & Media.
• Received an NBCU Academy scholarship, part of Montclair’s partnership with NBCU that provides students with scholarships, training and direct access to industry professionals.

These resources helped her say “yes” to demanding reporting trips, intensive on‑the‑road productions and networking opportunities that would later matter with employers like NBC.

Dani Mazariegos accepts the Seymour Bricker Humanitarian Award on behalf of Montclair’s Arizona Stories team for their coverage of asylum seekers, aid workers and law enforcement at the U.S.–Mexico border at the 2025 College Television Awards in Los Angeles.

Why Close to Home Might Work for You

Dani’s story is just one example of how a college close to home can open big doors. For many students, staying local can:

• Reduce overall college costs through in‑state tuition, lower living expenses and less travel.
• Keep you connected to family and friends while you adjust to college life.
• Help you build a career where you want to live through local internships and employer connections.
• Give you flexibility – live at home or near campus, depending on your goals.
• Offer the best of both worlds: new experiences in an area you already know.

“I went in thinking, I want to make something of this degree. I don’t want to just get a degree and leave. I want to leave a mark, meet people, experience something,” Mazariegos says.

All that is to say, for a state university, Montclair students are making waves in some of the top industries, and part of that comes from our strong connections to New York City. I got to experience all of these benefits and opportunities firsthand, and I got to do it just 58 minutes from home.”

Finding Opportunity Close to Home

Within Montclair’s College of Communication and Media, Mazariegos found professors with industry connections that helped her build a powerful portfolio. She worked on three major On the Road news projects with Professor Steve McCarthy that earned national acclaim – covering the Fentanyl/drug crisis in San Francisco, the migrant crisis and voter engagement during a national election.

“That’s one of the incredible things about Montclair – little but mighty,” Mazariegos says. “The level of journalism we produce is astonishing. Our school really creates some of the best work in the media and helps put people into big jobs.”

Dani Mazariegos on site with NBC Sports in Stamford, Connecticut, during coverage of the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Games.

Those industry connections are part of what helped Mazariegos and other Montclair alumni land roles on Olympic coverage. Thanks to Professors Kelly Whiteside and Stacy Gitlin, she secured a production assistant position with . From NBC’s Stamford, Connecticut, studios, she joined the Gold Zone sports desk team, producing feature stories for The Olympic Zone, a 30‑minute segment leading into primetime coverage.

“I worked alongside producers and associate producers to source, transcribe and organize footage. From stories about figure skating costumes to exploring Italian aperitivo culture, every day brought something new,” she says. “Being part of such a fast‑paced environment gave me an inside look at storytelling and production.”

Her long shifts, often running from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., were intense but exhilarating. “The crazier the hours, the more fun it is,” she laughs.

On set, Mazariegos watched her Montclair training come to life – and ran into other Red Hawks working on the Games. “I was like, guys, what are we doing? We’re taking over! We’re covering the Olympics.”

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He shares this year’s honor with Tommy Foster ’23, an associate producer at Good Morning America whose rapid rise in national broadcast media began on Montclair’s campus and now serves as a model for young people imagining careers in journalism and sports media. Together, the two honorees embodied the spirit of the 2026 MEGA Symposium: moving students from access to achievement and from passion to profession.

Trailblazer Award honorees Tommy Foster and Leslie Wilson, center, gather with Montclair leaders Rahjaun Gordon, left, senior director of EOF and Success Programs, and Daniel Jean, associate provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs, EOF and Academic Success. (Photo by Ian Peters)

A Historian Shaped by Harlem

Wilson’s journey as a historian began in Harlem, where the streets outside his bedroom window doubled as his first classroom. Surrounded by artists, clergy and scholars, he absorbed lessons in civic and cultural life that would shape his future work. Among his early influences were neighbors such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and Leo Whipper and community figures including Jackie Robinson, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Mabel Smythe.

Those early experiences stayed with Wilson as he advanced through Cheshire Academy and the New Lincoln School and later to Cornell University and the City University of New York. Trained in the history of science, Africana Studies and American history, he built a body of work that is intentionally intersectional, examining how race, place and power intersect in American life. His research centers on 19th- and 20th-century American and African American history, with projects on New York City churches, urban and suburban migration, school segregation and environmental racism – issues that continue to shape communities today.

“Dr. Wilson has a gift for making every scholar in the room feel like they belong there,” says Daniel Jean, associate provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs, EOF and Academic Success. “His passion for scholar success, especially his unwavering commitment to supporting students in academic jeopardy, is undeniable.”

From Campus Leader to National Producer

Tommy Foster ’23 received the Alumni Trailblazer Award for his achievements in broadcast journalism and his ongoing mentorship of young scholars. While earning dual degrees in Television and Digital Media and in Sports Media and Journalism, Foster balanced his studies with community outreach, mentoring high school students in Newark.

During his junior year, Foster landed a competitive internship with Good Morning America and ABC News in New York City, where he contributed to coverage of major national stories. One day after walking across the Commencement stage at Montclair, he accepted a full-time role at the show. He now serves as a sports producer, covering the Super Bowl, NBA Finals and World Series and booking interviews that bring powerful stories to millions of viewers each morning.

“Tommy was nominated for the Alumni Trailblazer Award for his continuous growth as a leader, from his time on campus to his thriving professional career,” says Rahjaun Gordon, senior director of EOF and Success Programs. “As a Montclair student, his leadership was grounded in learning, hard work and humility. He has carried those values into his work covering marquee events and uses his experiences to guide high school and college students as they navigate their own career journeys.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

The MEGA Symposium, held March 6, brought together more than 350 students from high schools in Newark, East Orange, Paterson, Trenton, Plainfield and across New Jersey, alongside college scholars from Montclair, Rutgers, Princeton, Rowan and community colleges statewide.

MEGA is part of Montclair’s broader effort to improve educational outcomes for all students by moving them from enrollment to graduation and into meaningful careers. Organizers say that honoring Foster and Wilson at this year’s symposium underscored that mission, showing students how passion paired with persistence and purpose can open doors.

Ready to start your Montclair journey? Learn more about our College Access and Enrollment Programs.

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This award will help us greatly in our efforts to uplift educators and promote new and innovative instruction that is accessible to all learners. This grant will allow Montclair to fund NJ250: Civics and History for the Next Generation, a three-year project that includes two initiatives:

• Teacher Fellowship Program: In each year of the program, 30 middle and high school teachers will form a cohort that will work with subject matter experts to develop engaging curricula that enhance the teaching and learning of American history, civics and economic liberty. Teachers will be paid a $6,000 stipend and their lesson plans will be made publicly available. for the fellowship program.
• Civics Videos: Teacher cohorts will work with Montclair’s College of Communication and Media to create a series of “Schoolhouse Rock-style” short and long-form videos to spark interest in civics and reach an audience beyond the classroom.

The award, part of the the U.S. Department of Education’s American History and Civics Seminars Program, reflects a commitment to strengthening civics education nationwide. Montclair is the only New Jersey institution to receive an award from the .

“At ����vlog, we believe that preparing all learners to be informed, engaged citizens is one of the most essential roles a public-serving institution can fulfill in our society,” said President Jonathan Koppell. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, this work is more urgent than ever. We are honored to lead efforts that will equip educators and students alike to reflect on the principles and values of American democracy so they can be informed and active citizens engaged in the responsibilities of self-government.”

About the American History and Civics Seminars Program

Efforts from the American History and Civics Seminars Program will coincide with the United States Semiquincentennial, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Funding from the grant will support:

• Seminar-based instruction grounded in founding texts and constitutional principles;
• The creation of short- and long-form educational resources to enhance civics learning for students and the broader public;
• School and community events fostering civil discourse on public issues related to foundational American principles;
• Locally developed curricular resources that meet state academic content standards.

Learn more about NJ 250.

Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview.

“I decided to come to Montclair because it’s close to the city, and my career goals are focused on working there while I’m still young,” says Haskell, a Social Media and Public Relations major with a Business �����Դǰ�.��

“Compared to other schools, Montclair is much more affordable and I know I’ll be able to pay off debt and make use of the connections I formed.”

Emma Haskell prepares to board the train to New York from the ����vlog Station, located directly across from her dorm. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Emma Haskell rides the train into New York City en route to her entertainment public relations internship. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

At Montclair, affordability and opportunity go hand in hand. With tuition lower than many comparable institutions and a location just 12 miles from New York City, the University offers students a powerful combination of accessible education, real-world experience and long-term value.

Montclair’s national recognition highlights its strong outcomes for graduates. According to the WSJ/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges rankings – which emphasize how well institutions prepare students for financial success – Montclair graduates receive an average salary boost of $34,013 above what they could expect from attending another college. The typical graduate recoups the cost of their education in just one year and seven months, placing Montclair among the fastest for payback period among all U.S. public universities.

As Chantelle Wright, assistant vice provost for Experiential Education and Career Connections, explains, Montclair’s rankings tell a deeper story.

“We were particularly excited because for us, it means that when people talk about the University being mission-driven, we actually see that trickle down,” she says.

As an Admissions Ambassador, Emma Haskell guides prospective students through campus, helping them envision their Montclair journey. (Photo by University Photographer John J. LaRosa)

What Students Say ����vlog’s Value

Haskell gives campus tours to high school students, who most often ask about campus life and academics. She wishes more would ask about rankings and financial considerations to better prepare for the long run.

Not enough students ask about cost and value, but it’s a good question. It’s important to know what you’re signing up for.” – Emma Haskell

For students like Maura Mayfield, a junior Illustration major, those questions about value made all the difference.

“I’m from Maryland, so not too far away,” Mayfield says. “I considered several schools, but Montclair had the best program for the best price, and I was really impressed by the arts here.”

Through her work at the campus radio station WMSC 90.3 FM – where she co-hosts and co-created the program More Animation – her role as a student worker in Calcia Hall, and her active participation in the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program, Mayfield has discovered both creativity and opportunity.

Mayfield’s academic load reflects her passion through both digital and traditional illustration, and her classes allow her to apply her interests in different ways. For example, in “Products and Zines,” students are preparing their own art and custom products to sell at the Society of Illustrators’ MoCCA Arts Festival in the spring.

“I’m really happy to be taking such varied classes because it allows me to explore different ways to apply both my skills and major,” she says.

In class, Maura Mayfield, a junior Illustration major from Maryland, hones her animation skills as she prepares for a future in visual development for film and television. (Photo by University Photographer John J. LaRosa)

Hands-On Learning That Drives Success

Experiential learning stands at the heart of the Montclair experience.

“It means being able to experience your future career,” says Wright. “It’s about taking what you learn in the classroom and applying it to your aspirations.”

For Jose Carlos Aguilar, a double major in Political Science and Child Advocacy and Policy, that philosophy has shaped his time at Montclair. Through internships, policy research, fellowships and campus leadership roles, he has turned academics into action – tackling real issues in government, child welfare and advocacy.

“I know for sure I want to commit to public service,” Aguilar says.

Inside the Montclair Edge

Students can access:

• Internships and co-ops,��micro-interships, campus jobs and community partnerships that apply classroom learning to real-world contexts
• A national network of more than 7,000 approved employers – including global companies and local organizations
• Career guidance and mentorship from faculty, advisors and alumni invested in student success
• Individualized support through interview training and resume development, job fairs and employer connections

“Students need to practice and experience a ‘day in the life’ of the profession they aspire to,” Wright adds. “That’s what experiential learning is – testing out your career goal.”

In his first semester, Jhonny Moncada, a Fashion Design and Merchandising major, is already taking advantage of opportunities for hands-on experience.

Freshman Jhonny Moncada is making the most of Montclair’s resources and opportunities. Majoring in Fashion Design and Merchandising, he’s applied for a mentorship program—an opportunity he learned about from his academic adviser in the College of the Arts.

“Montclair has a very supportive environment that wants to see you succeed and advocates for you, that genuinely invites me to invest more of myself,” Moncada says.

Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

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Among the most prestigious in news, the Murrow Awards recognize local and national news stories that uphold the RTDNA Code of Ethics, demonstrate technical expertise and exemplify the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community. In the Student category, the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Video Newscast went to the CCOM student production, , and won the Murrow Award for Excellence in Video Hard News.

Multi-Award-Winning Student News Productions

For Arizona Stories, the students interviewed asylum seekers and law enforcement at the U.S. southern border, as well as aid workers who provided food and water to migrants crossing the desert and gained access to migrant camps – witnessing firsthand the risks endured by those at the border. In addition to the Murrow Award, Arizona Stories was previously awarded two “Student Emmys” by the Television Academy Foundation.

One of the College of Communication and Media’s #FOCUS projects, #FOCUS Democracy: Our Election was an ambitious News Lab project covering Gen Z’s views on voting and pivotal student concerns. Students working on #FOCUS projects have also won Folio Awards.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for earning national Edward R. Murrow Awards, one of the most prestigious honors in journalism,” said Keith Strudler, dean of the College of Communication and Media. “Their storytelling reflects a deep commitment to covering issues that matter – from democracy and elections to immigration – and showcases the exceptional quality of work produced by our students and faculty.”

Montclair Nurtures Student Creativity

Award-winning accomplishments are nothing new for CCOM students, who learn and work in state-of-the-art facilities under the guidance and mentorship of professors who are industry veterans or current industry professionals. Journalism and Digital Media students have won awards for reporting on hurricane recovery in Puerto Rico, and WMSC-FM, the student-run radio station, is a regular contender for the best in the nation, among others.

Faculty-led trips to engage in field reporting – such as the one that resulted in Arizona Stories – give students the hands-on experience so vital to their creative development. And with New York City right on the doorstep, internship opportunities at places such as TV studios, Fortune 500 companies, advertising agencies, PR agencies and sports teams are open to students eager for more.

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents: Plan your visit and in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about the College of Communication and Media.

Journalists: Contact Media Relations for assets or to schedule an interview with faculty or students.

“It feels surreal and such an honor to know that the same people who vote on the Emmys saw potential in me,” says Rodriguez of being selected for the paid internship. “It motivates me to push myself creatively and to live up to the high standards of this incredible opportunity.”

California Dreamin’ and a Transfer to Montclair

Rodriguez, who says she has been editing video since she was 11 years old, always had a passion for the work and a dream to one day go to Los Angeles. That dream may have played a part in leading her to ����vlog as a transfer student in her junior year.

“I chose Montclair because of the Semester in L.A. Program,” she says. “I was not happy where I was – not with the school or major – and knew I wanted to switch to film as my school did not have that option.”

Not knowing which college in New Jersey had the best film school or programs, Rodriguez did an online search and Montclair was the first to pop up. “I’m happy to say Google did not lie! I looked through the school’s page and the first thing that caught my eye was the Semester in L.A. Program,” she says.

“I had been dreaming of L.A. since I was a little kid and as a student, I knew that having an internship would help me with my career,” she explains. “I was so excited I called the Admissions Office right away and asked if transfer students would be able to participate and they said ‘Yes.’ The rest is history!”

Expert, Caring Professors

Rodriguez, who started at Geiger Post in September, credits the Film and Television program with helping prepare her for the internship.

“The Film and Television program definitely has helped, especially the staff,” she says. “The professors in the program are like no other – they truly care about their students and want to help them achieve their goals.”

The Roselle, New Jersey, native is especially grateful for the instruction and mentoring of Professor Melissa Rodriguez, “who helped me succeed in getting my internship at the Television Academy, who taught me everything I know about editing and gave me the confidence in myself to pursue my passion.”

Among the many courses in the program, Rodriguez feels she was helped the most by the Introduction to the Control Room and Studio class taught by Professor Vernard Gantt.

“He pushed me and the other students to do things we thought we never could achieve,” she says. “His class is tough and the work is hard but achieving the goals for the class felt incredibly gratifying. He also gave us the opportunity to ask questions about the television world and how we could achieve our goals – and he would always give us the best advice I could ask for, words I still think of to this day.”

Advice for Aspiring Film Majors

Rodriguez will continue working at her Hollywood internship until December before returning to Montclair to finish out her senior year. “I will be graduating in May of 2026 and very excited, yet sad for leaving the staff and students I’ve grown so fond of.”

For students thinking about getting involved in the film or television industry, Rodriguez offers some advice: “Talk to your professors – most, if not all, were in the industry or still are. Ask them how they got their start, what kind of people they talked to, what steps helped them most in their careers. Let them know what your goals are – the professors love to connect students with industry friends.”

But most important of all, Rodriguez believes, is passion. “In film and television, all you need is passion. If you have the passion for it, people will take notice and want to help.”

“This is what I have learned so far and I’m happy to say I have the passion so I will keep learning.”

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents: Plan your visit and in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about the Film and Television program at the College of Communication and Media.

Journalists: Contact Media Relations for assets or to schedule an interview with faculty or students.

The held Yogi’s Big Catch Challenge in honor of what would have been Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra’s 100th birthday, and successfully set a new Guinness World Records title for the biggest continuous game of catch.

A star-studded crowd was on hand to watch 2,358 participants successfully set the record on the refurbished Yogi Berra Stadium field, making it an unforgettable day for the thousands in attendance – who included emcee Bob Costas, former New York Yankees legends Ron Guidry, Willie Randolph, Rick Cerone and, and Berra’s sons Larry, Tim and Dale, and granddaughter, Lindsay.

Montclair College of Communication and Media students were at the center of it all, getting the type of unique, hands-on learning opportunities that have become a staple of the ����vlog experience.

“We’re of course thrilled to have broken the record,” says Museum Director Eve Schaenen. “But the real joy is in seeing so many families, friends, community members and ����vlog students come together around Yogi’s legacy, playing the game that he loved best. The fact that Montclair students were right in the thick of the action, applying what they’re learning to the execution of our event made it all the more special. We look forward to creating many more opportunities for students to engage with our programming in the future. ”

Hands-On Learning in the House of Yogi

While fans and families lined the field, Montclair students from across the College of Communication and Media put their skills to the test at the high-profile, live event.

Students from , the University’s student-run PR and strategic communications agency, managed the media organizations who came to cover the festivities. NewsLab student journalists also reported from the concourse and produced stories for Hawk+, Montclair’s digital streaming platform.

also served as the primary live broadcasters for the record attempt. A crew of 15 students and three professors produced a 45-minute pre-event show featuring packages, trivia and live on-the-field interviews leading up to the main event.

Student broadcasters from hosted a special live two-hour show, featuring interviews with University leadership, museum executives and special guests. Montclair students also assisted the University’s Office of Special Events in all aspects of the event from planning to execution, giving them practical experience in putting on a live outdoor event. And the Montclair baseball and softball teams were fully in the mix, serving as on-field volunteers to facilitate the participant count required by Guinness World Records.

“I always thought that record would stand until it was broken” — Legendary Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra

Alba Rodriguez, an international student from Spain, shared her excitement as her family watched the event from halfway around the world. Alba, who was part of the Hawk Communications group that assisted with media relations, remarked how special the day was for her and her family.

“My grandmother watched the event from Spain. For me, she is like a second mother, and the fact that she had the chance to see everything I’m doing on such an important day has been incredible. She told me how exciting it had been for her to watch all those people coming together to achieve a common goal. She was completely focused on the TV, pointing me out to my mother whenever I appeared on screen, and she was moved to see all the work I am doing here in the United States. It’s truly emotional to see how, on a day when families came together, mine did too. Even though they are thousands of miles away, today they were with me, and they were able to experience a little bit of the amazing adventure I am living here at Montclair.”

“At ����vlog and in the College for Communication and Media, we’re constantly looking for opportunities to put our students at the center of the action in their chosen fields,” says College for Communication and Media Dean Keith Strudler. “This was a great experience for our students to take what they’re learning in the classroom and apply it to a world-record event. That’s something few colleges and universities can offer, and we are proud to give these opportunities to our students and see the professional-quality work they create as a result.”

Discover More at Montclair

• Prospective Students and Parents: Learn more about the College of Communication and Media, plan a visit to our campus, and take the first step toward applying to become a Red Hawk.
• Journalists: Contact the Media Relations team for more assets or to schedule an interview about this topic.

“We’re together pretty much 24/7 so it helps to get feedback from each other. Just having him in the same major helps a lot. We’re each other’s biggest advocates – even having my class with him makes a difference,” says Craig.

After graduating from Livingston High School in 2020, the brothers took separate paths – Craig to Connecticut, Brian to another New Jersey college. The pandemic kept them mostly confined to their dorms with classes held remotely. Both soon realized they needed a change.

They regrouped at home and enrolled at County College of Morris. Craig earned his associate degree in May 2024. Brian followed in December 2024. Both worked for Big State Sports, a media platform for New Jersey high school athletics.

“Community college, in my opinion, is probably one of the best decisions I made,” says Brian. “If you’re unsure about college in general, your best bet is to go to community college so you can actually get an understanding of how college works. And from there, you decide.”

Craig Scott, left, and his brother Brian quickly found their place at Montclair. (Photo by University Photographer John J. LaRosa)

Why Montclair?

“I knew I wanted to come to Montclair to finish my degree,” Craig says. “Honestly, the only school I really considered was Montclair. We visited (the College of Communication and Media) and were impressed by the modern facilities. I absolutely love it and it’s really close to New York City, which was a big selling point for me.”

What I found helpful is that Montclair professors care where you come from. They’re accepting of everyone. They treat you the same no matter what path you took. That’s important because it’s nerve-wracking coming into a new school where people already know each other. The professors do a really good job communicating and being proactive with students, making sure everyone feels comfortable.” – Brian Scott

Seamless Transfer – Montclair’s 2+2 Program

For the Scotts, the transfer route made sense both academically and financially. “Even spending just a year at community college to get prerequisites done makes a big difference,” Brian says. “Once that’s done, you can go to a four-year school to continue what you want to do.”

Montclair’s partnership with community colleges through a 2+2 Program offers a supportive pathway:

• Work with advisors from Montclair and your community college to complete your AA or AS in two years
• Upon graduation and meeting program criteria, transfer to Montclair with junior standing and all general education requirements waived
• Begin upper-level courses right away

Honors and Flexible Learning

Transfer students are encouraged to apply to Montclair’s honors programs:

• John Martinson Honors EDGE, which offers creativity, leadership and community engagement opportunities plus a $5,000 stipend.
• , exclusively for transfer students, provides scholarships, leadership opportunities and national networking. Members with a 3.5 GPA or higher in their first 12 Montclair credits are eligible for $2,000 per year for two years.

Montclair also offers accredited online programs for transfer students with 45+ college credits, including Business Administration, Economics, Family Science and Human Development, Liberal Studies, Psychology and RN to BSN.

What’s Next?

With graduation on the horizon – Craig in winter 2025, Brian in spring 2026 – the Scott twins are setting their sights on careers in television, film and sports broadcasting.

They say they quickly found their place at Montclair, joining the Red Hawk Sports Network to produce live sports broadcasts and getting involved in campus life.

“Just putting myself out there, volunteering and making connections with other students and the professor who runs the sports broadcasting club was a life changer,” Craig says. “It helped me feel connected.”��

Are You Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective transfer students: For a full list of GPA and application requirements, visit our .��

Plan your visit��and����in applying to become a Red Hawk!

This story is part of a series celebrating ����vlog’s Spring Commencement 2025 graduates – students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

Before she stepped onto ����vlog’s campus, Alena Arzamastseva had already made waves on the global stage – competing in the 2008 Olympic Games as part of the Kazakhstan National Swimming Team, and later serving in the U.S. Army’s elite 101st Airborne Division after emigrating from Kazakhstan. Now, at 34, she’s reaching another milestone: earning her degree in Sports Communication.

For Arzamastseva, graduating with Montclair’s Class of 2025 is just as meaningful as competing in the Olympics or serving in the military – because of the obstacles she overcame to get here.

“When I arrived in the U.S. eight years ago, I couldn’t even buy a Coke at the store because I didn’t know the language,” she says. “I couldn’t even imagine that I would get a degree here.”

How Montclair Helped Shape Her Mission

Originally from Almaty, Kazakhstan, Arzamastseva brought the same focus and discipline from her athletic and military background into the classroom. At Montclair, she made the Dean’s List every semester and was nominated for a Fulbright Award.

She also discovered purpose, perspective, support, and a deeper connection to the communities that shaped her.

One of the most meaningful parts of her college experience was working with where she led a campaign for the – a nonprofit hockey team that supports disabled U.S. military veterans.

“Helping the New Jersey Warriors meant a lot to me,” she says. “They have the same experience I did – brotherhood, family. I know what they went through and what they had to give up.”

The project became more than just a class assignment; it was a way to give back to a community she deeply understands. “I always appreciate people in service,” she says. “I know how hard it is. I know what we do there.” She hopes to continue supporting the organization in the future.

“Many of the skills Alena already possessed through her time as an Olympian and member of our military were evident, including leadership, teamwork and perseverance,” says Keith Green, professor and director of Hawk Communications. “I am amazed by her journey and proud that Montclair and the School of Communication and Media are part of her incredible story,” he adds.

Her work with the New Jersey Warriors reminded her that service can take many forms – whether in uniform or behind the scenes, in combat or through communication. Ultimately, she hopes to combine both into a meaningful career serving those who serve. “I want to go back into the Department of Defense as a civilian and keep serving that way.”

Reaching the Finish Line

As Arzamastseva prepares to graduate, she’s proud of how far she’s come – not just in distance, but in determination. One moment that stands out: making the Dean’s List for the first time. “People explained to me how cool that is,” she says. “I didn’t have anything like that when I was getting my first degree in my home country.”

She credits her parents, who remain in Kazakhstan, for helping her succeed. “My parents are my biggest supporters, from miles and miles away,” she says. “They’re really proud of me. I’m the first person in my family to not only get one degree – but to get two. And one of them is from a different country, in a different language.”

Her message to her parents is heartfelt: “Thank you. For everything. For my life. For the support.”

“They went through really hard times in the past, so I could have everything,” she says.

Words for Reflection

When Arzamastseva crosses the stage, she’ll be wearing a graduation cap that reads: “Winners never quit, quitters never win” – a motto that reflects her journey and belief in persistence.

“It’s a moment of pride,” she says. “And a chance to prove to myself that there is nothing I cannot do. The limit is only in your head.”

Her advice to others? “Believe in yourself, and study, study, study. There are so many interesting things worth learning. Try to open your horizons a little wider every single day – you’ll see how big, beautiful and interesting this world is.”

The University will celebrate its graduates at Commencement exercises on Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Story by Sarina Neal, University Communications and Marketing

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• Prospective Students or Parents: Learn more about Montclair admissions and the School of Communication and Media.
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Arizona Stories: Border, Water and Politics – a multimedia series exploring asylum seekers, aid workers, and law enforcement at the U.S. southern border; youth voting trends at Arizona State University; and the challenges faced by farmers, artists and Indigenous communities – earned the College Television Award for Best in News. It also received the prestigious Seymour Bricker Humanitarian Award, a $4,000 prize honoring a winning project that best highlights a humanitarian concern.

“I’m thrilled for these students who worked hard, set out to produce some difficult stories, and created a terrific piece of journalism,” says Professor Steve McCarthy, who led the students along with Associate Professor Thomas Franklin for the course On the Road: Reporting from the Field. “They did it with a passion and dedication that is rare. They deserve this recognition.”

The College Television Awards, judged by members of the Television Academy, recognize excellence in student-produced programming from colleges across the nation and follow the same rigorous selection process as the Emmy® Awards.

Brandon Ehly films a scene at the border near Sasabe, Arizona. (Photo by Thomas E. Franklin)

Notably, the students’ immigration stories reflected powerful experiences while interviewing aid workers and asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border. The Television Academy Foundation praised the work as “an exceptionally moving piece,” showcasing “a steady grit, a clear voice, and above all else, an unwavering commitment to the people at the bedrock of the subject matter.”

This marks Montclair’s third win in this prestigious competition.

“It really shows that our efforts at the College of Communication and Media continue to build a program of excellence,” says McCarthy. “We go up against the biggest universities in the nation – and we win.”

This year, Arizona Stories won over entries from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Miami.

Previous award-winning Montclair projects include 2018’s Mission to Puerto Rico, documenting the island’s recovery from Hurricane Maria, and 2023’s , reporting on climate change and racial injustice in Louisiana.

“It’s crazy to believe that just one year ago we were filming this show, and now we’re in Los Angeles winning this award,” said Izzy Conklin, a senior BFA major in Film and Television, while accepting the News Award. Last spring, the group covered more than 2,300 miles in six days – traveling in two vans packed with gear, logging 12 to 16-hour days to produce their report.

“We need these young voices to report more than ever,” McCarthy adds. “This diverse group of young storytellers will represent their generation and their backgrounds and be an asset to society. I’m very proud of them.”

The series was shared on NBCU Academy’s national platform and is available to .

Steve McCarthy and Thomas E. Franklin with the award-winning students while reporting in the Arizona desert. (Photo by Thomas E. Franklin)

The team behind Arizona Stories: Border, Water and Politics – ����vlog:

• Dani Mazariegos, Director, Producer, Writer
• Izzy Conklin, Director, Producer, Writer
• Grace Keane, Director, Producer, Writer
• Terry Dickerson, Director, Producer, Writer
• Isabella Alvarez, Director, Producer, Writer
• Nino DeNino, Director, Producer, Writer
• Maurice Jenkins, Director, Producer, Writer
• Sean Thrunk, Director, Producer, Writer
• Gloria Perez, Director, Producer, Writer
• Mollie O’Donnell, Director, Producer, Writer
• Grace Gonzales Quis, Director, Producer, Writer
• Brandon Ehly, Director, Producer, Writer
• Aylin Alvarez Santiago, Director, Producer, Writer
• Michelle Ruiz, Director, Producer, Writer
• Yazemin Yilmaz, Director, Producer, Writer
• Jennifer Sanchez, Director, Producer, Writer

Hands-On Learning from Day One

Montclair offers students valuable hands-on experience through its award-winning student media organizations: (radio station), (newspaper), (strategic communications agency), (covering varsity sports), (digital news outlet), (digital streaming service), , and our

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