Meet JT Kurtz, a 2021 computer science graduate whose Rowan University experience helped shape both his career and his creative pursuits. By day, he works as a software developer, but by night, he is an entertainer and entrepreneur.
If you’ve ever been to Subaru Park to catch a Philadelphia Union match, chances are you’ve heard JT in action; he’s one of the team’s official DJs. But when the stadium lights dim, the crowds go home and the night goes still, he shifts gears into his other role — waking up to tackle his role as Software Developer at General Dynamics Information Technology.
At Rowan, JT didn’t just gain academic knowledge, he found a home. As a resident assistant, undergraduate researcher and an active member of the Rowan University Philippine-American Coalition, he honed his leadership skills and built a lasting network of support. “Some of my closest friends are people I met in my very first year,” he says.
His time at Rowan was transformative, not just because of the education he received, but thanks to the supporters and friends he made along the way who pushed him to reach his goals. “My time at Rowan really enhanced my interpersonal and problem-solving skills and helped me grow both personally and professionally,” Kurtz says.
Rowan also provided opportunities for him to explore his creative outlet as a DJ for on-campus events, including one of the University’s biggest festivals, HollyBash.
Whether he’s collaborating with his software development team to find an efficient and creative solution to technical problems or he’s creating one-of-a-kind experiences through music, JT is doing what he loves.
One of his greatest takeaways? The importance of staying connected. “Being involved in many on-campus helped me blend communication, critical thinking and creativity to be a resource to those in need,” Kurtz shared.
His success didn’t come by accident. “My advice to recent grads is simple: Never stop learning and always think outside the box.”
JT Kurtz’s journey is a powerful example of how creativity, community and continuous growth can propel you forward. And he’s just getting started.