Illustration and Journalism Students Collaborate to Celebrate Montclair’s Unsung Heroes

Students from the Department of Art & Design’s BFA in Illustration program and students from the College of Communication and Media’s Journalism and Digital Media program recently partnered on a collaborative storytelling project that brought campus stories to life through both narrative and visual expression.

The project was initiated by Tara George, Associate Professor of Journalism and Digital Media, who reached out to Christina Rodriguez-Unalt, Assistant Professor and Head of the BFA Illustration program, whose leadership made the collaboration between the two departments possible. Titled “Unsung Heroes,” the project paired students from Professor Clay Rodery’s senior Editorial Illustration class with students from Professor Tara George’s Advanced Journalism Seminar. The goal was to spotlight faculty and staff at Montclair State University who make meaningful yet often unrecognized contributions to the campus community.

“When Professor George first reached out to me to come to her class and discuss the relationship between journalism and illustration, we immediately recognized that this discussion could be a bigger partnership between our programs,” said Professor Rodriguez-Unalt. “I connected Professor George with Professor Rodery, realizing that our Illustration seniors are craving to see their work published, and what better way than connecting them with advanced Journalism students, who will hopefully find themselves collaborating in the professional field. Getting The Montclarion involved was the icing on the cake and we hope to continue all working together.”

Although the two classes met separately, students were required to coordinate with their partners outside of class time, mirroring real-world editorial practices, where illustrators and writers frequently collaborate across time zones, schedules, and mediums.

Journalism students were tasked with identifying an unsung hero on campus and crafting a profile based on interviews and research. They then worked with their illustration partners to conduct follow-up interviews and sketching sessions. The illustrators used interview transcripts, photos, and rough drafts to create expressive portraits that captured both the likeness and spirit of the subjects.

Reflecting on the experience, journalism student Meagan Kane said, “Working with illustration students taught me a lot about teamwork. I learned how to communicate with others, delegate tasks, report problems, and set boundaries.”

“Likeness isn’t always the primary goal when making a comprehensive portrait of somebody,” said Professor Rodery. “The priority in this assignment, as in professional practice, is to communicate the subject’s story in a way that makes the reader feel like they’re authentically meeting this person.”

Several of these illustrated profiles were selected and published by The Montclarion, Montclair State University’s independent student news organization. Located in the School of Communication and Media, The Montclarion has been a trusted student-run source for campus and community news since 1928.

“Student journalists are finding it harder and harder to get people they interview to pose for photographs for their stories,” said Professor George. “I wanted my students to explore the option of using illustration in place of photography, and experience the pleasure of working with creative students. The results were hugely successful.”

This innovative collaboration between disciplines highlights the value of cross-departmental partnerships and reflects the professional realities students will encounter after graduation.

Participating Illustration Students:
Crystal Aguero Chavarria, Alex Allen-Walden, Amelie Barritas, Joe Corredor, Haley Feimster, Thomas Fischer, Sky Frias, Palina Kavalchuk, Koen Kuscan, Jeremy Malabuyoc, Tyler Massey, Devin Murray, Cassie Ortiz, Priya Patel, Amber Paulino, Angel Rodriguez, Ashauntee Silver, and David Solon

Participating Journalism Students:
Adarlin Batista Nunez, Cameron Carmen, Nino DeNino, Joseph Espinal, Rebecca Feuerstein, Bryan Jaimes, Meagan Kane, Sean Kuhn, Dani Mazariegos, Vincent Pinto, Ivana Ragusa, Arieana Rodriguez, Jennifer Sanchez, Alondra Santiago, Joshua Spears, and Alysa Toledo

To view the published profiles, visit The Montclarion online at:

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• The Untold Story of a Montclair State Housekeeper
• After 17 Years at Montclair State, He’s Pushing Himself Further
• Christina Paolucci: Helping Montclair State Students Find Their Rhythm, On and Off the Dancefloor
• A Sip of Inspiration from Your Montclair State Starbucks