Alumni Success Stories Explore how our alumni propel their Rowan University education into lasting success, as highlighted through our alumni success series. From Rowan University student to lifelong member of the Rowan University Alumni Association, Rowan Profs thrive at every stage of their journey. Go Profs!
Month: July 2019
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Casey Pregartner
Today we speak with Casey Pregartner, a junior Construction Management major at Rowan Global. She is a transfer student from Rowan College of South Jersey.
Name: Casey Pregartner
Year: Junior
Major: Construction Management (Rowan Global)
Hometown: Franklinville, NJ (Gloucester County)
Transfer student? Yes
Where do you live? Off-campus
What gets you out of the bed in the morning?
“As an adult I realized that I want to do better than what everyone guessed my odds would be. I am motivated by the idea that I have made it into a college that I never expected to be at. I am passionate about being in a career that will lead me into a direction where I can support myself and my future family.”
Were you nervous starting at Rowan? How did you overcome it?
“When I first got to Rowan I was nervous because it was such an unknown experience. When I was in the middle of my [first] semester I started to struggle in all my classes. I had a few of my professors reach out to me expressing that they really wanted to see me succeed. That was the first experience I had that I felt like a professor really cared, and I realized how personable Rowan is and that I chose the right school.”
And lastly, why did you choose Rowan?
“I picked Rowan because it was very close to my home, it allowed me to have the experience of being at college and still having a close relationship with my family. After a few semesters I realized I would not have wanted it any other way. Rowan is a great university, and it gave me a lot of experiences I wouldn’t been able to have if I had [gone] to a different school.”
Like what you see? Come visit us!
VISIT CAMPUS
Story and photography by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
First Year Voices: Arianna Martins
Meet Arianna Martins, an incoming Law & Justice Studies student from Edison, NJ (Middlesex County).
“I’m going to be living in Chestnut Hall so I’m most looking forward to a change in lifestyle. Everything used to be so structured, and now I’ll have a lot more time to do what I want on my own schedule.”
Like what you see? Come visit us!
VISIT CAMPUS
My Favorite Class: Elements of Dance
This story is a part of the “My Favorite Class” series.
Meet Giovanni Rodriguez, an Athletic Training major from Woodbury, NJ (Gloucester County).
Giovanni is seen here in Elements of Dance, one of the courses he’s taking as part of the Pre-College Institute (PCI), a summer orientation program designed to prepare students for their transition to Rowan in the fall.
“[Elements of Dance] is one of my favorite classes that the PCI program offers. I love everything about it, and our professor Paule Turner is very open, kind and patient,” says Giovanni. “I’m happy that I’m living in Mullica Hall and that it’s so close to the dance studio in Memorial Hall.”
Like what you see? Come visit us!
VISIT CAMPUS
The 3+1 Program that Creates a Balanced Lifestyle
Meet Susan Hacker, a mother and first-generation college student from Burlington, NJ (Burlington County) currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Today she shares her experience on how convenient Rowan’s RN to BSN program through Rowan Global has been for her.
“Returning to school at middle age and becoming a registered licensed nurse provides a sense of pride,” said Hacker.
Hacker, a registered nurse for Virtua Health System, decided to further her education at Rowan for a few reasons. The 3+1 program offers partnerships between Rowan and local community colleges — making the transfer process easier and faster. “Rowan allows one to obtain a university degree at a well-known research school while simultaneously limiting costs and the prospect of long-term college debt,” said Hacker.
For Hacker, finding a work/life balance was important, and the 3+1 program has given her that balanced opportunity. “College is considered higher level learning, as is life. Much like life requires development and growth, through self-management of experiences, Rowan Global does the same. The online learning environment allows for self-management of study time through the limited log-in requirements,” said Hacker.
Attending Rowan has not only impacted her life in a positive way but her children’s lives too. Her children get to see her achieve each educational goal she sets, and for her, that is important.
“Rowan has allowed me to develop professionally as well as personally, and [that] has not only changed my life but also the course of my children’s lives,” said Hacker. “Witnessing my passion to never give up as well as for learning and educational development later in life, Rowan has enabled me to instill the importance of education and the prospect that anything is possible in the eyes of my children.”
Hacker recommends anyone who is thinking in getting their degree through Rowan Global to do it. She said “it’s a convenient learning experience” while concurrently developing growth and maintaining a healthy balance between school, work and life.
“Every further step in education is an opportunity for new beginnings,” said Hacker.
Like what you see, come visit us!
Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major
First Year Voices: Natalie Rojas
“I’ve always loved school and learning new things. Teachers always gave me hope throughout school.” — Natalie Rojas, an Early Childhood Education major from Perth Amboy, NJ (Middlesex County)
Like what you see, come visit us!
Story by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
Where is He Now? A First-Generation PCI Alumnus
Meet Pre-College Institute (PCI) alumnus Ishraqul Wara, a first-generation student and 2018 graduate from the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering. Wara lives in Clementon, NJ (Camden County) and works as a manufacturing engineer for Omega Engineering. Ishraqul will share with us how PCI helped shape his Rowan experience and where he is today.
What inspired you to choose your major? “My grandfather inspired me to be an engineer, so I got it started. [But] my first year here, I was not an engineering major. I got introduced to the engineering [program] and I became friends with many from the department. I started going into the rotation and I just applied. They accepted me, and that was the transition from PCI to an engineering major.”
How did the PCI program help you prepare for Rowan? “Many ways, I don’t think I can count all the things I learned from PCI and all the things it did for me — especially all the relationships it helped me build. It definitely helped me in my studies. [There are] so many ways they supported me throughout my four years here.”
What was it like being a first-generation student in PCI? “I think half of
us in PCI were first-generation students. So, I didn’t feel alone because we were on the same page. We understood the situation we were in. It was a mixture [in our] group, and that is why PCI is so great, it builds relationships and gives support out for people who need it.”
What are you doing currently? “I’m working at Omega Engineering as a manufacturing engineer.”
What advice would you give to our future freshmen? “Make connections.”
Like what you see, come visit us!
Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major
First Year Voices: Rowan Choice Orientation
Meet Ariana, Connor and Kayla, three Rowan Choice freshmen who met at orientation this summer.
“I’m so excited for the new adventure here on campus,” says Ariana Trabucco, an incoming Marketing major from Wayne, NJ (Passaic County).
“I’m most looking forward to being on a such a diverse campus. Rowan is a cultural mixing pot, and I’m excited to meet all sorts of new people,” says Connor Stevenson, an incoming Theatre Arts major from Haddonfield, NJ (Camden County).
“I can’t wait to meet new friends from different areas and new places. Since nobody knows me yet, it feels like a fresh new start with all new friends,” says Kayla Szymanski, an incoming Early Childhood Education major from Old Bridge, NJ (Middlesex County).
Like what you see? Come visit us!
Story and photography by:
Dean Powers, sophomore radio/television/film major
Rowan University Application Timeline
Today we feature insight from admissions counselor Amanda Marcks, who has been an assistant director of admissions at Rowan since 2017. She reviews first-year applications (formerly known as freshmen applications), and was previously an admissions representative at Ocean County College. Amanda was a transfer student to Rowan University and graduated in 2015 with a bachelor […]
Faculty PROFile: Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Erik Hoy
Meet Dr. Erik Hoy, Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry within the College of Science & Mathematics and the School of Health Professions.
Share an “aha!” moment that you’ve had within your discipline that made you feel passionate about your field.
As a theoretical scientist, one of the most exciting moments for me is when a new theory or method is “born.” Developing a new computational or theoretical method can take weeks or months of work and study, but I find that there is often an “aha” moment right at the end where the ideas and equations finally come together.
I will never forget when, as a postdoctoral scholar at Northwestern University, I created the new theoretical approach for studying electron transport that is the basis for much of my research today. The “aha” moment came when I finally figured out the final form of the transport equations. The excitement of bringing a new idea into the world that I could call my own was a moment that validated all of the hard work and study required to get to that point.
Describe for us an experience you’ve had with a student that made you feel excited about educating the next generation in your field.
Although I’ve been at Rowan for less than a year, I didn’t have wait long to meet an impressive student. After my very first day of teaching, a student came up to me asking to join my research group. He had a strong interest in nanoscale and materials science problems, so my group was a perfect fit. I was deeply impressed by the level of self-motivation that the student had. He has since become one of my top research students and is currently writing his own research software.
What’s your favorite thing about being on campus on a typical Tuesday?
On a typical Tuesday I often find myself walking around the third floor of Science Hall, and I often find students from my classes. Students usually sit in the central area of the floor and will often stop me to ask questions or just chat. This kind of organic interaction with students is one of my favorite things about Rowan. It brightens my day when I’m able to see how they are doing and answer their questions promptly.
What is your area of expertise?
My general area of expertise is theoretical and computational quantum chemistry. Basically, I focus on developing new theories within the field of quantum mechanics and then build computer models to study problems in chemistry. I’m particularly interested in problems that involve the transport of electrons at the quantum level. One major area of interest for me are electronic components (such as the transistors, resistors or switches) based on common organic molecules for use. These devices can replace the current generation of silicon-based components, yielding faster and more efficient consumer electronics like phones or laptops.
What is one thing you wish people knew about your academic discipline or your research focus?
As my area of research is a fairly technical field, many people have the impression that you need special skills or talents to do undergraduate research in quantum chemistry, especially since some of what we do is not covered by any course.
You don’t need any previous experience or skills to start research researching in quantum chemistry. I currently have students in my group ranging from freshmen to juniors all with varying levels of prior knowledge. In fact, those same technical skills, such as programming or working with supercomputers, can be seen as an advantage rather than a barrier. Computer skills in particular are always valued.
Like what you see? Come visit us!
Story By:
Dr. Erik Hoy, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Edited By:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
Photography by:
Dean Powers, sophomore radio/television/film major
Danielle’s Journey from the Ed.D. Program to Overseer of $20 Million
Meet Dr. Danielle B. Jubanyik, a Rowan alumna and Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County) native with her Ed.D. in educational leadership. Danielle is currently working at the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development as the State Director for Adult Education & Literacy Services. She is responsible for $20 million worth of funds that are […]
Journalism Alumnus Tells His Journey to His Dream Career
Alumni Success Stories Explore how our alumni propel their Rowan University education into lasting success, as highlighted through our alumni success series. From Rowan University student to lifelong member of the Rowan University Alumni Association, Rowan Profs thrive at every stage of their journey. Go Profs!
First Year Voices: Sye’arra Dewey
“I’m so excited to meet new people here at Rowan!” —Sye’arra Dewey, Communications Studies major, Hammonton, NJ (Atlantic County).
Like what you see? Come visit us!
VISIT CAMPUS
Story and photography by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
How My Theatre Degree Opened Up Many Doors
Alumni Success Stories Explore how our alumni propel their Rowan University education into lasting success, as highlighted through our alumni success series. From Rowan University student to lifelong member of the Rowan University Alumni Association, Rowan Profs thrive at every stage of their journey. Go Profs!
College Admissions Glossary
As you start the college planning process with your student, you may run into some terms you may have never heard before. What does FAFSA mean? What is rolling admission? What does superscore mean? Use this as a guide to help navigate and understand all the acronyms and terms used in the admission process!
ACT: American College Test. A standardized test used to measure a student’s knowledge in four subject areas — English, math, reading and science.
Placement Test: A test all incoming freshmen take to determine which courses are appropriate to your skill level. Some students may be exempt from this exam based off of standardized test scores.
Common Application: The Common Application (Common App) is a website students use to apply to multiple schools with one singular application. Some colleges may have some supplemental questions pertaining to their institution, so be sure to have your student keep their eye out for those!
Early Action: Early Action (EA) allows a student to apply to an institution early and receive an admission decision earlier. Applying EA is non-binding and if you are accepted.
Early Decision: Similar to Early Action, Early Decision (ED) allows a student to apply to an institution early. If your student applies ED, and is admitted, they must withdraw all other applications from other schools and commit to the school they were accepted to. This is binding.
Financial Aid: Money given to the student in the form of loans, grants and scholarships to help pay for college. Financial aid can come from the federal and state government, private organizations and from the college itself.
Rolling Admission: An admissions process in which a college reviews an application once all the required documents and credentials (application, test scores, transcript, letters of recommendation) have been received. Typically, institutions that are rolling admission do not have hard application deadlines.
SAT: A standardized test, similar to the ACT, used to evaluate and measure a student’s knowledge in three subject areas — math, reading and writing. There is an optional essay portion of the exam, but some institutions do not require this part.
SAT Superscore: If a student took the SAT multiple times, super score means a college will consider the highest section score of all exams taken. For example: if you took the SAT in October and received a 500 on the math and 500 on the reading section, and you took the SAT in May and received a 510 on the math and 480 on the reading section, your superscore would be 510 math, 500 reading for a total superscore of 1010.
Waitlist: A decision that is neither a yes nor a no. A student who is put on the waitlist will have the opportunity to enroll only if there is availability in the incoming class after admitted students have responded to their offer of admission.
EOF: The Educational Opportunity Fund program is a state-funded grant for New Jersey residents — providing financial assistance and academic support services for low income, first generation, academically promising New Jersey residents with limited academic preparation. Eligible students receive intentional academic support and financial assistance based on their individual need.
Subsidized Loan: If a student demonstrates financial need based on the FAFSA, the federal government will pay the interest charge while the student is enrolled at least half-time (6 credits). Students must pay the principal and interest during the repayment period which occurs (6 months) following graduation or if they withdrawal from the university. Subsidized loans are not available to graduate students.
Unsubsidized Loan: All matriculated students enrolled at least half-time may receive a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan regardless of family income. The interest is not paid on the student’s behalf. Borrowers may choose to make payments while in school (recommended), or allow the interest to accumulate onto the balance.
Cost of Attendance: A term used in financial aid to describe what the school estimates it will cost the student to live, eat, and go to school. It is different at every school and it not the actual expense.
Net Price: Is the amount that a student pays to attend an institution in a single academic year AFTER subtracting scholarships and grants the student receives.
Like what you see, come visit us!
Story by:
Amanda Kuster, admissions counselor
First Year Voices: Esteban Nieto
“I’m really looking forward to growing as a person and excited to succeed!” —Esteban Nieto, Biology major, Mine Hill, NJ (Morris County).
Like what you see? Come visit us!
VISIT CAMPUS
Story and photography by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
Political Science Major Joins NJ Assembly Republican Office in Exciting Internship
Jason Brooks, a rising junior from Monroe Township (Middlesex County), is a Political Science major. Ever since he was a little kid, everyone told him that he’d grow up to be the president. Jason was always carrying around an American flag and has always had an interest in the inner workings of politics. He came to Rowan and joined the Rowan Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship (RIPPAC), where he met Dr. Ben Dworkin, the head of the program.
Through RIPPAC, Jason applied for the Rick Rosenberg Junior Memorial Scholarship, which allows students to take unpaid political internships. Most political internships are unpaid, meaning that most students can’t afford to take these important experiences. Through the generosity of the Rosenberg family, students who are awarded the scholarship are provided with the financial cushion that will allow them to further their careers.
Jason won the scholarship, allowing him to be a legislative intern in the New Jersey Assembly’s Republican office. He says the internship is a humbling experience, walking through the front doors of the statehouse with the massive golden dome, a building in which hundreds of thousands of people’s lives are impacted. Jason particularly enjoys seeing all the moving parts of state government and how everyone has to work together to complete their common goals. This has been a huge learning experience for him as he’s in the office during the busiest part of the year, the time that budgets are finalized.
Jason’s favorite part of this internship is being able to see all of the inner workings of state government live and in person, instead of just through the news in video or print. Being in the room while this is happening provides a stronger learning experience and opens up crucial networking opportunities that will allow Jason to speak with the people he needs to help further his career.
Overall, this is an amazing opportunity for Jason, and he’s able to full take advantage of it thanks to the Rick Rosenberg Junior Memorial Scholarship. This will provide him with opportunities that will push him forward, as a person and as a politician.
Like what you see? Come visit us!
Story and photography by:
Dean Powers, sophomore radio/television/film major
History Major Grad to Sales Account Executive
Meet alumnus James Malfitano, a 2007 history major graduate. Originally from Toms River, NJ (Ocean County) and now residing in Naples, FL, Malfitano works as a Sales Account Executive for Rave Mobile Safety. Today, he will share with us his most memorable experiences while attending Rowan University and how his degree in history has helped him be successful in the world of sales.
After seeing how much his older brother Nick enjoyed Rowan his freshman year, Malfitano decided to apply to Rowan. “He had such a great experience his freshman year and it was the only school I really wanted to look into,” said Malfitano. “In addition, they had an excellent history program with tremendous professors. I really learned a lot from them during my time at Rowan University.”
For Malfitano, Prof. Lee Bruce Kress really taught history in a special way. He found his teaching style to be extremely thorough and liked how he would make students think quickly on their feet — and how he made sure all his students were engaged in his lectures. “That is why I took him for multiple classes,” said Malfitano.
Attending Rowan impacted and changed Malfitano’s life in a positive way. He’s made lifelong friends that he truly treasures up to this day.
“I still have lifelong friends. A lot of them were groomsmen in my wedding. I worked on campus at the financial aid office as a student worker and I met one of my friends there, and he was one of my groomsmen. I was part of a fraternity at Rowan, and a lot of those guys were part of the groomsmen party,” said Malfitano. “It has really given me lifelong friendships that I treasure up to this day. We are talking about friendships that have lasted up to this point about 15 to 16 years. So, I think that is one of the big things I carry with me.”
After graduating from Rowan in 2007, Malfitano moved to Massachusetts where he got his Master’s of Operation Management. He has been in sales for a little over 10 years. Even though his bachelor’s degree is different from his current career, he says that his degree in history has been extremely helpful in what he does today.
“If there’s one thing that studying history and writing about history has taught me is that you have to be really detailed. You can’t miss out on any details, and I have integrated that into sales. When I’m speaking to folks who are looking into purchasing the products I sell, I make sure to learn as much about them as possible,” said Malfitano. “That is really how my history degree has helped benefit my career in sales, even though it’s two different professions.”
Malfitano is currently a sales account executive at Rave Mobile Safety, which is the current provider for Rowan’s critical communications capabilities. “So, let’s say Rowan is closing due to a snowstorm. The texts, the emails, the voice calls that all go out simultaneously, that system is the solution we sell,” said Malfitano.
Malfitano never thought that his current company would be working with Rowan. “When I was first told by the company, ‘We have a big presence with higher education’ and then I look and I’m like, ‘Wow they have been working with Rowan since 2014.’ I never thought my job would tie back to Rowan.
“But it’s welcome because for me I’ve always been so passionate about my school,” continued Malfitano. “I have such great pride that I went to Rowan University. I still keep tabs on the school, and it’s really amazing how much the school has developed since I graduated back in 2007.”
Like what you see, come visit us!
Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major
20 Minute Radius: Laurel Market
In the town over from Rowan University resides the small town of Pitman. Pitman has wonderful restaurants, shops and even a theatre, and now every Saturday from 8 a.m – 12 p.m. is Laurel Farmers Market. Enjoy all of what Laurel Market has to offer from flowers to fresh vegetables, crafts and live music. 
Last Saturday my friends and I took a trip to Laurel Market and were pleasantly surprised by the variety of merchants, along with the friendly atmosphere and great live music. We will definitely be making more trips there!
Pitman is only a five-minute drive from Rowan, and I would recommend to anyone who enjoys farmers markets!
Like what you see, come visit us!
Story and photography by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
MBA Alumnus and Medical Student Nathan Carroll
Alumni Success Stories Explore how our alumni propel their Rowan University education into lasting success, as highlighted through our alumni success series. From Rowan University student to lifelong member of the Rowan University Alumni Association, Rowan Profs thrive at every stage of their journey. Go Profs!
Eight Budgeting & Saving Tips to Teach Your Student
Heading into a new academic year brings new goals — including new ways to improve financial habits and invest in a better economic future. For most students, paying down debt and saving more money topped the list of resolutions.
Americans collectively were on pace to accrue about $4 trillion in consumer debt by the end of 2018, according to a LendingTree analysis of the latest Federal Reserve data.
Despite the staggering statistics, now is a great time to develop a healthy relationship with your finances. It is possible to pay down existing debt and set yourself up to save money at the same time. It just takes a clear plan of action, some commitment and a positive outlook.
1. Establish an accurate picture of your current financial landscape — down to the smallest detail.
2. Gather up every financial statement you can find, build a spreadsheet or document to record all income sources and create a list of all monthly expenses (including all debts and loans). From there, organize those expenses by category — everything from your rent payment down to the daily morning coffee you buy.
3. Determine which expenses are fixed (think: the same amount every month, like car payments, rent, and auto insurance) and which are variable (i.e., what fluctuates, like entertainment, groceries, discretionary spending, etc.). Total up all expenses and compare that to the total income you generate each month. If your expenses are higher than your income, look at your variable expenses and find opportunities to adjust or scale back.
4. Commit a specific dollar amount toward debt repayment and savings, and make each a “fixed expense.”
5. Aim to pay more than the minimum monthly loan repayment for credit cards, in particular. For example, if a credit card has a minimum payment of $25/month, commit to $50/month and stick to it. That way, you’ll cover the interest and start chipping away at the total balance.
6. As important as it is to pay down debt, it’s equally important to pay yourself. Even if it’s $50 a paycheck, figure out an amount that’s reasonable for you and your goals and sock it away in a savings account each month —preferably one that grows interest. Make it a non-negotiable payment, or set up an automatic transfer, so that money goes right into savings without a second thought. You’ll be surprised how much you’ve saved after one year.
7. Remember: you’re doing this for you. And you’re in control.
8. Try not to look at budgeting as restrictive or some sort of self-inflicted retribution for poor financial habits. Keep a positive mindset and remember to take it one day at a time. As your outstanding debts shrink and your savings account grows, you’ll gradually see the results of your steadfast commitment. Building a great relationship with money and designing a brighter financial future for yourself can help you reach your goals. Each small step forward is more motivating than the last. Just be clear about where you are, where you want to go and how you’ll get there.
Better budgeting and smarter savings are within reach. Check out more of Comenity’s financial resources for additional tips.
Like what you see? Come visit us!
Story By:
Brandi Blanton
Financial Literacy Specialist
Rowan University Financial Aid
Achieving Goals: Getting Produced
Today we are talking with Enzo Ronchi, a senior Public Relations major who transferred from Atlantic Cape Community College. Enzo is a part of the band Transfer Post. Transfer Post was featured on a completion album produced by Rowan Music Group.
Enzo was always inspired by music and is a self-taught musician from an early age, being a part of music in anyway he could — from jazz band in high school to writing his own music. One of the major reasons he decided to join the Rowan family is because of the music scene around us, with Rowan Alternative Music club and the venue 4333 playing an enticing role. When Enzo arrived to Rowan he met his bandmates, who formed Transfer Post.
“Coming here gave me every resource I needed to start this band,” says Enzo. Besides having a great music industry and tech program, Rowan allowed him to meet many talented people. Enzo was able to network throughout the music scene on campus enough to meet the right people, who eventually asked his band to be a part of their album and produce their song.
“A friend of mine who recently graduated was a part of Rowan Music Group and asked if we wanted to be a part of an album compilation and at that time we finished recording the song shortly prior but we didn’t have anyone to produce it, so everything sort of fell into place.” Rowan Music 
Group opened the door of opportunity for Transfer Post to become more known and get their name out there with other popular local bands. Here’s a story of how a talented self-taught musician, was provided with every opportunity and made his aspirations a reality.
Like what you see? Come visit us!
Story and photography by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
20 Minute Radius: Rowand’s Farm
Just last week, a friend and I were cooped up in the house with nothing to do. So we decided to take a drive around Glassboro to see what we can get into. We had a craving for fresh fruit, but didn’t want to risk the chances of buying bad fruit from a grocery store. New Jersey is full of produce stands and we knew there had to be a good one around campus.
To our surprise on Greentree Road just behind the ShopRite is a quant little farmer’s market. We decide to pull over to check it out and we ended up very pleasantly surprised. Watermelon, cherries, avocados, bananas, corn, tomatoes, peaches, nectarines, plums, pears, apples, peppers, zucchini — any fresh produce you could possibly want! Rowand’s Farm is a produce stand that sells only locally grown fruits and vegetables without breaking the bank.
Rowand’s offers a variety of fresh produce and the opportunity to pick your own strawberries! Sunday through Friday the market is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, they are not open on Saturdays. Fortunately the market recently opened for the season and will be open until October. Once the fall rolls around the market will have a larger assortment of fresh vegetables as well.
The best part is that the market is less than five minutes from campus! Students can easily get there by car, bike or even by foot. The produce is reasonably priced and picked fresh daily. Get your friends together, take a refreshing bike ride to the Rowand’s Farm and spend the day picking your own fruit and making memories. It is definitely worth the trip, and the strawberries hit the spot!
Contact them at (856) 589-9234 or on their Facebook page!
Like what you see? Come visit us!
Story and photography by:
Chad Wittmann, senior journalism major
Faculty PROFile: Art Department’s Dr. Robert Whyte
Meet Dr. Robert Whyte, Assistant Professor of Web and User Experience (UX) Design and Graphic Design & Digital Media within the College of Communication & Creative Arts.
What is your area of expertise?
Web and User Experience (UX) Design and Graphic Design & Digital Media
Share an “aha!” moment that you’ve had within your discipline that made you feel passionate about your field.
I have been hooked on the immediacy and sheer scope of the internet since the late 90s when I went back to school. Early on I had no idea how many seriously sharp folks were working in the background trying to connect with people in contextual communication.
Describe for us an experience you’ve had with a student that made you feel excited about educating the next generation in your field.
After a crash course in learning new XD software in web class and the usual OMGs from all the students, one student returned next class with a full blown series of user-experience designs, along with task analysis and customer journey maps. It made cohesive sense and all the right questions were asked and answered. Something kicked in, I was blown away.
What is one thing you wish people knew about your academic discipline or your research focus?
How important it is to make things that are useful, meaningful and impactful for our fellow humans, not just look good. This requires human research and iterations.
What’s your favorite thing about being on campus on a typical Thursday?
I love the smell of Westby Hall on Thursdays. Students have been working on art and design for days — bad ideas in the trash cans and good ideas on the board for further critique. Art is a process.
Like what you see? Come visit us!
VISIT CAMPUS
Story and photography by:
Chad Wittmann, rising senior journalism major
The Ed.D. Program Showed Christina Just How Strong She Truly Is
Meet Christina DiDonato Dillon, mother of two (Luke, one year old and Filomena, 10 months old) and wife to Drew. Christina earned her undergraduate degree in early childhood education and sociology from Rowan University in 2011, graduated in 2016 with her M.A. in school administration, and is currently working toward earning her Ed.D. in educational leadership. Christina lives in Hammonton, NJ (Atlantic County) with her beautiful family while working as a real estate agent and assisting her parents with the family business, KMD Constructions. This is truly one woman who can do it all!
Christina, a lifelong Prof, found her love for teaching at an early age and knew Rowan University would be the school to help her achieve this dream. “I knew Rowan was the choice for me,” said Christina. “I was most impressed with the devotion its faculty and staff have towards education and truly teaching it like a calling.” During her time within the College of Education, Christina has had the opportunity to learn from inspiring professors. Creating connections that helped her find her first teaching position in the Deptford Township School District. Christina has had seven years within the public schooling system teaching pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and second grade.
Now, working toward her Ed.D in educational leadership, Christina looks back and reflects on the accomplishments she’s already achieved and the dedication she’s put into the program. When entering the Ed.D program you can expect to conduct heavy research into a topic you choose and must get approval for by faculty within the program. You will grow your understanding of qualitative and quantitative data, build more on courses from previous graduate and undergraduate programs, and eventually 
complete a dissertation. “The coursework is incredibly reflective,” Christina explained, referring to the educational leadership program. “It’s something that helps you to better understand ‘who am I,’ allowing you to apply the concepts in real-world situations.”
Through this program, Christina learned about the strength she’s always had within her and discovered what she was capable of accomplishing. “The program is so motivating and also difficult, but it brings you to a point of ‘what kind of person am I as a leader, as a teacher, and as a person in a family?” Christina revealed, referring to juggling all her responsibilities. The program, though challenging, benefits its students in ways one might not expect. As Christina has shown, you may learn more about yourself through 
working towards an Ed.D while still gaining that higher education.
“Leadership influences change toward a shared vision through empowerment and built relationships. The concept that leadership is an influential process is the thought and definition I endorse. When thought of as an influential process, we can combine the ideas that leadership is complete as a trait, ability, skill, behavior and relationship.” An excerpt from Christina’s dissertation, which is titled Organizational Culture, Partnerships, and Placemaking — Social Emotional Learning via the Perspectives of School Leaders and Parents in an Early Childhood Setting: An Ethnographic Case Study.
Like what you see? Come visit us!
Story and photography by:
Alexander Belli, new graduate with a B.A. in public relations and advertising
Rowan Art Gallery: Sister Chapel
An Essential Feminist Collaboration
One of the extravagant exhibits featured at the Rowan Art Gallery is the Sister Chapel. The Sister Chapel premiered in January 1978 at P.S.1, an experimental exhibition space in Long Island City, New York by Ilise Greenstein. She envisioned a tribute or as she puts it a “Hall of Fame” for the achievements of women, presented by women. The beautiful gallery exhibits over 13 different female artists. Each painting shows a standing woman to be presented as a role model. Everything about the exhibit is done on purpose from how the paintings are positioned to the mirror in the center of the ceiling panel that represents “There is no limit on what women can do.” Rowan University is grateful to have such a historic exhibit with a positive message to empower and inspire the female students!
“We gratefully acknowledge RYAN LEE Gallery, Anne and Vincent Mai, and the anonymous private collectors who have generously loaned works of art for this exhibition. Special thanks to Jim Greenwell and Patrick Ahearn for their invaluable contributions to the design, fabrication, and installation of this project.”
Like what you see? Come visit us!
Story by: Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
Photography by: Lauren Bitzer, new graduate, B.S. in marketing
Music Industry Students put on “Summer Kick Off” show at the Trocadero Theatre in Philadelphia
At the end of the spring semester, Rowan Music Industry students created their very own touring and booking company and put on one of the last shows at the legendary Trocadero Theatre in Philadelphia.
The students of Rowan’s Music Industry program must take a “Touring and Concert Promotion” class. In this class, students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with choosing/booking venues for music artists and handling all of the financials, marketing, merchandise and production of the show. This past year, the students were able to get their show at the Trocadero Theatre right before its final days as the venue is closing down for good. They decided to call their booking company “856 Touring” named after the local area code.
The show was named “Summer Kickoff” as it was toward the end of the school year and summer was fast approaching. The show consisted of four acts, which were all local.
The acts were Rec Philly acoustic soul artist Scarlet Cimillo, local rappers MCtheRockstar and OnlyJahmez, and New Jersey based band Ocean Heights as the headliner for the night.
Overall, the fun-filled night was full of different styles of music, people, and overall a fantastic turnout for the Touring and Concert promotion class!
Like what you see? Come visit us!
Story and photography by:
Bianca Torres, sophomore music industry major