{"id":226181,"date":"2025-05-06T14:49:58","date_gmt":"2025-05-06T18:49:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=226181"},"modified":"2025-05-19T09:24:16","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T13:24:16","slug":"olympian-and-u-s-army-veteran-graduates-from-montclair-state-university-with-degree-in-sports-communication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2025\/05\/06\/olympian-and-u-s-army-veteran-graduates-from-montclair-state-university-with-degree-in-sports-communication\/","title":{"rendered":"Olympian and U.S. Army Veteran Graduates from Montclair State University with Degree in Sports Communication"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This story is part of a series celebrating Montclair State University\u2019s Spring Commencement 2025<\/a> graduates \u2013 students who embody the University\u2019s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Before she stepped onto Montclair State University\u2019s campus, Alena Arzamastseva had already made waves on the global stage \u2013 competing in the 2008 Olympic Games as part of the Kazakhstan National Swimming Team, and later serving in the U.S. Army\u2019s elite 101st Airborne Division after emigrating from Kazakhstan. Now, at 34, she\u2019s reaching another milestone: earning her degree in Sports Communication<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

For Arzamastseva, graduating with Montclair\u2019s Class of 2025 is just as meaningful as competing in the Olympics or serving in the military \u2013 because of the obstacles she overcame to get here.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I arrived in the U.S. eight years ago, I couldn\u2019t even buy a Coke at the store because I didn\u2019t know the language,\u201d she says. \u201cI couldn\u2019t even imagine that I would get a degree here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

How Montclair Helped Shape Her Mission<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\u2019s List every semester and was nominated for a Fulbright Award.<\/span><\/p>\n

She also discovered purpose, perspective, support, and a deeper connection to the communities that shaped her.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the most meaningful parts of her college experience was working with Hawk Communications, a student-led strategic communication agency,<\/a> where she led a campaign for the New Jersey Warriors<\/a> \u2013 a nonprofit hockey team that supports disabled U.S. military veterans.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHelping the New Jersey Warriors meant a lot to me,\u201d she says. \u201cThey have the same experience I did \u2013 brotherhood, family. I know what they went through and what they had to give up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The project became more than just a class assignment; it was a way to give back to a community she deeply understands. \u201cI always appreciate people in service,\u201d she says. \u201cI know how hard it is. I know what we do there.\u201d She hopes to continue supporting the organization in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMany of the skills Alena already possessed through her time as an Olympian and member of our military were evident, including leadership, teamwork and perseverance,\u201d says Keith Green, professor and director of Hawk Communications. \u201cI am amazed by her journey and proud that Montclair and the School of Communication and Media<\/a> are part of her incredible story,\u201d he adds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her work with the New Jersey Warriors reminded her that service can take many forms \u2013 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. \u201cI want to go back into the Department of Defense as a civilian and keep serving that way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Reaching the Finish Line<\/h2>\n

As Arzamastseva prepares to graduate, she\u2019s proud of how far she\u2019s come \u2013 not just in distance, but in determination. One moment that stands out: making the Dean\u2019s List for the first time. \u201cPeople explained to me how cool that is,\u201d she says. \u201cI didn\u2019t have anything like that when I was getting my first degree in my home country.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She credits her parents, who remain in Kazakhstan, for helping her succeed. \u201cMy parents are my biggest supporters, from miles and miles away,\u201d she says. \u201cThey\u2019re really proud of me. I\u2019m the first person in my family to not only get one degree \u2013 but to get two. And one of them is from a different country, in a different language.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her message to her parents is heartfelt: \u201cThank you. For everything. For my life. For the support.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey went through really hard times in the past, so I could have everything,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Words for Reflection<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When Arzamastseva crosses the stage, she\u2019ll be wearing a graduation cap that reads: \u201cWinners never quit, quitters never win\u201d \u2013 a motto that reflects her journey and belief in persistence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a moment of pride,\u201d she says. \u201cAnd a chance to prove to myself that there is nothing I cannot do. The limit is only in your head.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her advice to others? \u201cBelieve 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 \u2013 you\u2019ll see how big, beautiful and interesting this world is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The University will celebrate its graduates at Commencement exercises<\/a> on Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Story by Sarina Neal, University Communications and Marketing<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?<\/strong><\/h2>\n