Roxane Depaire Becomes First Graduate of Montclair CCOM’s International Diploma in Journalism and Digital Media

Roxane Depaire has made history by becoming the first student to earn the International Diploma in Journalism and Digital Media from the College of Communication and Media at Montclair State University. 

The one-year, 30-credit program is designed to immerse students in modern journalism through hands-on coursework in writing, reporting, podcasting, multimedia storytelling and personal brand development. Students also gain international reporting experience by telling real stories in the United States.

Originally from southwestern France and now studying in Paris at the EFAP International School of Communication, Depaire said the program helped her fulfill a long-held dream.

“Since I started my studies, I have dreamed of going abroad to study for a year in the U.S.,” Depaire said. “When I discovered this program, I knew it would be a perfect fit for me and my goals.”

During her time on campus, she said the program’s hands-on approach stood out most.

“What surprised me the most was how practical the approach is,” she said. “We have access to professional equipment and opportunities to work on real projects, with a lot of freedom on what we want to talk about and what stories we want to tell.”

One of her favorite academic projects came in a multimedia storytelling course, where she produced a feature focused on live theatre.

“Through this project, I was able to meet incredible people with amazing stories to tell,” she said. “I also had the opportunity to talk to theatre professionals and understand their perspectives. It was a very enriching experience.”

She also embraced the opportunity to bring an international lens to the classroom, saying that sharing a worldly perspective helped classmates “see things from new angles.”

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for Roxane, and we are proud she chose Montclair’s College of Communication and Media to help launch her international journalism career,” said Dr. Keith Strudler, Dean of the College of Communication and Media. “We are excited to watch her journey from afar and hope her work inspires other students around the world to choose this program.”

Depaire echoed Dr. Strudler’s sentiment. “It’s something I’m really proud of,” she said. “I hope it encourages other international students to take this opportunity, and shows that it’s possible to succeed in a completely different academic environment than what we’re used to.”

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents: Plan your visit and take your first step in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about our seven undergraduate programs including Journalism and Digital Media major at the College of Communication and Media.

About the College of Communication and Media: The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of over 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through $7.1M in grants awarded over the last five years, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in  New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.