My Favorite Class: Elements of Dance

Three students by the ballet bar in a session of Elements of Dance

This story is a part of the “My Favorite Class” series.

Rowan student Giovanni Rodriguez striking a dance pose in the dance studio

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.”

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First Year Voices: Rowan Choice Orientation

A group photo of three freshmen outside Wilson Hall
Three Rowan Choice students standing together in the Wilson Hall Courtyard.

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).

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Story and photography by:
Dean Powers, sophomore radio/television/film major

My Rowan Transfer Story

Amanda standing on the Bunce Green with Bunce Hall behind her

Today, we feature advice from Amanda Kuster – not only is she a Rowan University admissions counselor with the Office of Admissions, but she is also a Rowan alumna herself, having graduated from our Communications Studies program within the College of Communication & Creative Arts. Today she shares her own story, with hopes that it assists you as you navigate choices within higher education. 

I always love telling the story about my educational journey and I thought I would share it with you!

I was a junior in high school when I first started thinking about what Amanda wearing a blue dress standing in front of a wooden backgroundcolleges I wanted to go to. Did I want a big school or small school? Did I want to live in an urban area? Rural? Suburban? I had no idea.

Being a first-generation college student, and the oldest out of my siblings, I was kind of the guinea pig when it came to the college search. I remember my mom and I were sitting at the kitchen table talking about where we should start the search.

We decided to start visiting public state schools in New Jersey. As I am sure you know, there are a bunch of state schools spanning from different sizes and campus locations.

We visited five public state schools and each one was SO different. I remember visiting Rowan University and immediately getting a sense of home and belonging there. The campus was a perfect size, the admissions ambassadors were awesome and helpful, the buildings were new but still had that classic university feel. After my tour, I knew I wanted to call Rowan home.

When senior year rolled around, I was very anxious to apply to Rowan. I had already bought some Rowan gear, I was telling my friends and family that is where I wanted to go, and I was running to the mailbox after school every day to see if my acceptance letter was delivered.

One day, I checked the mailbox, and there was a small envelope from Rowan University. I brought it inside, opened it, and started reading.

“We regret to inform you…”

I was devastated. I knew my SAT scores were low, but I was certain that my GPA and extracurricular activities would outweigh my dismal test scores.

Amanda standing next to the Henry Rowan Statue outside Savitz HallNow what? I had already bought a sweatshirt, I told everyone this is where I was going. I felt so embarrassed and just let down.

Even though my mom didn’t go to college, she took it upon herself to know everything she could about the process and different options. After getting that denial letter, I sat down with my parents and we talked about the community college option. I was so bitter and was being so stubborn about my new path. I did not want to go to community college, I felt as if I was better than that. But I didn’t have many other options.

I enrolled at my local community college and I made it a point to excel in all of my classes. Fast forward two years, and I graduated with honors.

Amanda sitting in her cubicle in the Office of AdmissionsNow what? I still knew Rowan was where I wanted to be, despite being denied the first time around. I felt confident in the courses I took at my community college and had a stellar GPA. I told myself that there is no way I could be denied again.

I applied again. And again I patiently waited for my letter to come in the mail. This time, I received a large envelope from Rowan University and when I opened it up and saw the word “congratulations.” At that time in my life, that was by far the best day ever.

I knew Rowan was home for me the second I stepped foot on campus my junior year of high school. I transferred to Rowan after earning my associate’s degree and I decided to pursue a degree in Communication Studies. In my two years at Rowan, I was inducted into two national honor societies, was the president of the Communication Studies club, was the Student Government Association Academic Senator for the College of Communication & Creative Arts, had a great relationship with all my professors, and met my lifelong best friend.

Rowan has truly shaped me into the person I am today and I am so incredibly honored to be representing the school not only as a proud alum, but as an admissions counselor in the undergraduate Admissions Office.

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Photos by:
Camryn Hadley, rising junior public relations and advertising double major

Passing the Torch: Political Science Major from Honduras Shares Tips for Success

Edwin, in his cap and gown, stands next to his four family members outside Savitz Hall

“The best way to connect with internships is through email and on-campus job fairs,” says political science graduate Edwin Benavides from Trenton, NJ (Mercer County), who is originally from Honduras. He suggests that incoming students, “take advantage of all assistance programs provided by the University.”

The advice he’d give to high school students is to, “take honors and advanced courses” to get ahead in college, says the College of Humanities & Social Sciences graduate who transferred to Rowan. 

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Passing the Torch: Political Science Grad Gives Advice

Brianna and her four family members standing in a group
Brianna in her graduation gown holding up her decorated cap that says "wherever life plants you, bloom with grace"

“Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things!” says Brianna Donahue, a political science and first-generation college graduate from Mullica Hill, NJ (Gloucester County).

“If I could go back and give myself any advice it would be to not pick a school for anyone but myself. I was too busy focusing on fitting the image that I didn’t realize I wasn’t ready to go eight hours from home,” says Brianna.

“Transferring to Rowan allowed me to grow and succeed in ways I never imagined. I’ve studied abroad in Europe, held local, state, and federal internships, and met some of my best friends.”

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Passing the Torch: Grad Says “Just Do It”

Allyson stands in her cap and gown on the Bunce Green
Allyson in her cap and gown standing on the Bunce Green.

“The best way to make friends is to ask for help and reach out to others,” says public relations graduate Allyson McDonough of Spring Lake Heights, NJ (Monmouth County.)

As a first-generation college student and commuter who rents off campus, she shares her best advice to, “Go straight to Rowan and put yourself out there. Stop being scared and just do it.”

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Exploratory Studies Student Finds His Passion: Political Science

Jason, wearing a Rising Rowan shirt, standing outside Bunce Hall

Rising junior political science major Jason Brooks, from Monroe Township, NJ (Middlesex County) shares his journey with us on how Rowan’s exploratory studies major helped to connect him with the right major for him: political science. The on-campus resident, who recently wrapped up his sophomore year, lived in one of our newest residence halls on Rowan Boulevard, 114 Victoria. 

I always knew when I was visiting other schools that Rowan was the place I ultimately wanted to call home. When I was accepted to Rowan, I came in as an Exploratory Studies student, and was wrestling between becoming a student in the Rohrer College of Business or becoming a political science major within the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. I always had a knack for politics, but was unsure if that was what I wanted to make my living off of it.

After discussions with my advisor, and attending workshops for both Jason, wearing a Rowan Rising shirt, standing in front of a flagprograms, courtesy of the Exploratory Studies program, I decided to pursue a political science degree. In addition to declaring my major, I also applied for the honors program, and was accepted into that program. As a political science student at Rowan, I have accomplished so much in my two years here. I was selected to be a member of the Student Alumni Association where I have engaged with proud Profs from all generations. From there, I was awarded a job in the admissions office as an Admissions Ambassador, giving campus tours to prospective students.

I have also gotten involved with student government, and this past fall I was elected as a Senator At Large, and was recently elected as Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs for the 2019-2020 school year. In addition, Rowan has afforded me the opportunity to work in the political field as well. I have been fortunate enough to hold two internships during our last summer recess and the fall semester respectively.

I am also looking forward to starting my new internship this summer in the New Jersey State House. These internships would have not been possible without the help of the great faculty I have been surrounded with here at Rowan. Specifically, I would not be where I’m at without the help of Dr. Ben Dworkin and his program with the Rowan Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship (RIPPAC).

Overall, Rowan has afforded me with so many opportunities to expand my network and professional experiences. In the future, I am planning on using my Rowan degree to make an impact on our government and political landscape. But for now, I am looking forward to what the rest of my Rowan experience has in store!

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First Year Voices: Thomas Julia

Tom Julian wearing a background hat sitting in the Student Center

“Being so far from home I wondered how I would fit in, but Rowan has done so much for me. I never had a problem since starting in September; my teammates and professors really made this campus my home.”

Tom Julian wearing a backward hat sitting in the Student Center

“I feel most at home during practices and games for club lacrosse. My teammates and I compete for the same goal and have fun while playing a sport that, for most of us on the team, been playing since we were little kids.”

Thomas Julian, freshman exploratory studies major from Coventry, Rhode Island.

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Photography by:
Jelani James, senior journalism major

Paige Ward’s Home Away From Home, Rowan Chi Alpha [VIDEO]

Rowan’s Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship focuses on helping people connect to God and each other. The meetings are where Paige Ward, a junior Spanish major, vocal music and international studies minor from Marlton, NJ (Burlington County) feels most at home.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uBwhCvvmsk

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Video by: Edris, junior writing arts major
Live Music by: Chi Alpha 

TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Matt Isaacs

Rowan University sign showing on the athletics field
Matt wearing a black hoodie sitting in the Student Center pit

Meet transfer student Matt Isaacs, a junior advertising major from East Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County) who transferred from Georgian Court University.

“When I decided to transfer I knew where I wanted to go was Rowan University because all of the great things I have heard about its communication programs and lacrosse team. I knew it would be the perfect fit for me.”

“I wake up knowing that what I accomplish today will make me a better person tomorrow.”

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Story and photography by:
Jelani James, senior journalism major

What Profs Are Listening To: John Alviar

a close up shot of headphones
A vertical close-up portrait of a student listening to music on his phone.

“I have been listening to a mixed playlist consisting of classic rock, modern psychedelic, indie, 80s-90s pop/alternative/indie, modern hip hop, and old rap my favorite artist, or should I say duo King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard.

My favorite song is in a complete different category — a rap song by Travis Scott ; NO BYSTANDERS. Also my favorite album at the moment is a classic album, ‘Bleach’ by Nirvana.” John Alviar, senior biology major from Stratford, NJ (Camden County).

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Photography by:
Jelani James senior journalism major

First Year Voices: Zenon Yanez

a student stands in front of chestnut pond
a student stands with his longboard in front of Chestnut Pond.

“Living in Holly Pointe is really nice because it’s like living in a suite your first year. Everyone is so close in the buildings there’s always chances to meet new friends.”

Zenon Yanez, freshman electrical and computer engineering major from South Amboy, NJ (Middlesex County) who lives in Holly Pointe Commons

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Photography by:
Jelani James, senior journalism major

Meet our FAFSA Financial Aid Winner

Zoilemmy standing outside wearing the new Apple Watch that she won through the FAFSA contest
Zoilemmy standing outside showing off her new Apple Watch

Meet Zoilemmy Castellanos, a junior biological sciences major from Pennsauken, NJ. She’s the grand prize Apple Watch winner through the FAFSA financial aid contest! 

“It is a struggle sometimes, but being able to be an EOF/ASCEND student and fill out my FAFSA knowing I have the opportunity to study and make my dreams come true is a blessing in itself. I thank Rowan, my high school counselor, and God that I am able to go to school.”

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Photography by:
Jelani James senior journalism major

Prof Style: Hashim Rahman

Hashim poses by his car outside on Rowan Blvd at night with his car.
Hashim poses by his car outside on Rowan Blvd at night with his car.

“My style is mainly bringing back brands that didn’t used to be big at the time, such as Champion. Back then Champion used to be laughed at, but now it’s back and I’ve had this vintage Champion hoodie for quite some time. A lot of brands are making their way back to market in a big way and I’m taking full advantage,” Hashim Rahman, a junior law and justice major from West Windsor, NJ (Mercer County).

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Story and photography by:
Jelani James, senior journalism major

TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Jakira McCoy

Jakira smiles in front of a white backdrop

Meet Rowan Choice student, Jakira McCoy, a sophomore business major with a minor in African studies from Camden, NJ (Camden County). Jakira lives on campus in Holly Pointe Commons as a Rowan College at Gloucester County community college student enrolled in the Rowan Choice program, which allows her to have the full college experience on Rowan’s campus, before she transfers to Rowan University. 

Jakira sits on her couch at Holly Pointe Commons“I chose Rowan because it was closer to home and I did not want to be too far from my family. I also chose to come here because of Rowan Choice​. It was a cheaper option and saved me a lot of money. Since you are technically enrolled in a community college, you still pay community college tuition. It helps a lot and makes the transition to Rowan University easier.”

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TRANSFER NOW

Story and photography by:
Edris Forde, junior radio/TV/film major

Skylar Lands Dream Internship with the Disney College Program

Skylar sits outside the student center at a solar panel powered bench

Skylar Calvello, a sophomore advertising and public relations double major from Washington Township (Gloucester County), NJ, excitedly accepts the Disney College Program experience in Florida this spring semester! My hand was trembling as I stared at my phone waiting for the phone call. I don’t think that I had ever been so nervous in my […]

Three Tips on Dealing with Social Anxiety and Meeting Friends in College

Iman sits on the Bunce steps with her bookbag

Here’s a secret that no one bothered telling me: it is not easy to meet people in college if you aren’t a social butterfly. Dealing with social anxiety is both increasingly common and increasingly difficult as college progresses. I’m almost done with my first semester of sophomore year and I still don’t talk to very […]

Faculty PROFile: Sports Cam Emil Steiner

Professor Emil Steiner standing outside Rowan Universitys football stadium

Emil Steiner, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Program Coordinator: Sports Communication & Media Program Department/College: Journalism; College of Communication and Creative Arts Twitter: @EmilSteinerPhD Degrees: Ph.D., Media & Communication – Temple University, 2018 M.A., Journalism – Temple University, 2012 B.A., Political Science, Psychology – University of Pennsylvania What is your area of expertise? My research areas are […]

Rowan University Student with Spondylo-Epi-Metaphyseal Dysplasia (SEMD) Shares Her Campus Experience

Mackenzie Trust outside Rowan University Bunce Hall

Two years ago, Rowan University student Mackenzie Trush shared her experience with Spondylo-Epi-Metaphyseal Dysplasia (SEMD), an extremely rare form of dwarfism (less than 100 known cases exist). After the previous article, “Dominating the Stage at 3 ft tall,” Mackenzie received an overwhelming amount of support from readers all over the world. In honor of Dwarfism […]

Writing Arts Major Interns for International Cosmetics Company in New York City

Nicole stands in front of the window front of NYC's Sabon for her Rowan University internship

Nicole Cier is living her life beyond the classroom by interning with Sabon, an international cosmetics company in New York City.  A junior writing arts major and strategic communications minor, Nicole is a social media marketing intern – Sabon’s very first intern, in fact. In her paid summer internship she commutes to the city two […]

Poyani, Video Tour Bantivoglio Honors Concentration in the Honors College

poyani on rowan university campus

Hey! I’m Poyani, a sophomore at the Bantivoglio Honors Concentration in the Honors College. Welcome to my College, and to Rowan University. Like what you see? Register for a tour or open house.  Video Created By: Alexander Belli, public relations and advertising double major Vanessa Vause, public relations major Jayce Williams, music industry major

Rowan SOM’s Ashley E. Sam Wins National DO Award

Rowan University SOM

We are excited to share that Ashley E. Sam, a fourth-year osteopathic medical student at Rowan’s School of Osteopathic Medicine has been named the AACOM 2018 National Student DO of the Year! Each year, this prestigious award is presented to one osteopathic medical student nationwide who demonstrates superior leadership capabilities, robust research experience, and a […]

Sweltering Winter at Rowan University

Rowan student stands next to the prof holding hot sauce

Vanessa Vause, a junior at Rowan University, reports live, covering the student experience here at Rowan. Today’s big story is the weather forecast expected at Rowan University this winter. Hot! Hot! Hot! That’s right, folks, thanks to President Houshmand’s hot sauce flying off shelves to support student scholarships, Rowan predicts having a sweltering winter. We […]

Faculty PROFile: Jordan P. Howell, Environmental & Sustainability Studies

Professor Jordan Howell outside the Student Center

Jordan P. Howell, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Program Coordinator: Environmental & Sustainability Studies Department/College: Geography, Planning & Sustainability; in the School of Earth & Environment His website: users.rowan.edu/~howellj His Degrees: Ph.D., Geography – Michigan State University, 2013 M.S., Geography – Michigan State University, 2010 B.A., Anthropology – College of William & Mary, 2008 What is your […]

A Late Night at the Writing Center

Writing center helpers

Fighting the end-of-the-year drag we students know oh-so-well, students and tutors alike gather each semester in the Rowan Writing Center for the long NAP (Night Against Procrastination) event. Students take advantage of a first year writing portfolio station, workshops, slime and stress ball crafts, a meditation station, English language support, research and citation help, and free […]

#PROFspective PROS Edition: Engineering Entrepreneurship and Music Industry Major Jeff McConnell Jr.

unified sports club

Today, we speak with Jeff McConnell Jr., a sophomore engineering entrepreneurship and music industry double major from Marmora, NJ, who will live on campus in Whitney Center this year. Jeff will give us insight on his career as being a member of Rowan PROS and will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like […]

Roommates Reflect: What It’s Really Like to Live With You, Triad [VIDEO]

two roomates

What will they say?  Triad roommates Annie Busarello (junior advertising and public relations double major) and Melissa Banuelos (junior psychology major) dish on what it’s really like to live with roommates at Rowan University. By: Jen Green, senior public relations major Like what you see? Register for a tour or open house.  Related stories: Sophomores Give Advice: What It’s […]

Rowan 4+1 Getting You Closer to Your Master’s Degree

rowan bunce

Meet Emily Strauser a current 4+1 writing arts student from Stratford, NJ, who is undergoing her senior year as an undergrad while concurrently taking her first year of graduate courses. She is focusing on a dual-specialization in creative writing and new media and publishing within her bachelor’s degree. She earned her associate degree in English […]

Dragons in the Student Center: A Night at Rowan After Hours

students in line at RAH event in the student center

You might think the Chamberlain Student Center would be empty on weekend nights, but think again! It’s packed Thursday through Saturday evenings because students are going to Rowan After Hours, known as RAH. Through the Office of Student Activities, RAH puts on events and activities in the Student Center every weekend. In the past there has been Disney themed dinners, a […]

Why I Love Working at the Rowan Writing Center

student library

Morgan Douglas is a senior at Rowan University double majoring in writing arts, with a concentration in creative writing, and biology, with a concentration in pre-med. A mouthful, right? Even with all of her school work, Morgan took a job working at Rowan University Writing Center in Campbell Library as a writing tutor at the beginning of spring semester […]

#PROFspective Elementary Education and Mathematics Major Kaitlee Francisco

student in education building

Today we speak with Kaitlee Francisco, a sophomore elementary education and mathematics  major from Washington Township, Gloucester County, who lines on campus in the Townhouses. She will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: […]

#PROFspective Liberal Studies Sequence Business and Sociology Major Tiara Nock

student in dance club

Today we speak with Tiara Nock, a senior liberal studies: sequence business and sociology major from Franklinville, Gloucester County, who rents an apartment off campus. She will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: […]

#PROFspective Spanish; Secondary Education; Modern Languages and Linguistics Major Christina Terry

student outside international building

Today we speak with Christina Terry, a senior Spanish, secondary education and modern languages and linguistics triple major from Voorhees, Camden County, who lives on campus as an resident assistant in the International House. She will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college […]

#PROFspective: Health Promotion and Wellness Management Major Alison Pelose

student and ix club banner

Today we speak with Alison Pelose, a sophomore health promotion and wellness management major from Clinton, Hunterdon County, who lives on campus in Robo. Alison will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof.  Name: Alison Pelose […]

#PROFspective: Elementary Education & Literacy Studies Major Katherine Brown

Today we speak with Katherine Brown, a senior elementary education and literacy studies major from Cherry Hill, Camden County, who lives off campus. Katherine will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof.  Name: Katherine Brown – […]

#PROFspective: Communications Studies Major
Hamish James Silva

students in True Color club meeting

Today we speak with Hamish James Silva, a junior communications studies major from Hammonton, Atlantic County, who lives off campus with friends. He will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof.  Name: Hamish James Silva Major: […]

#PROFspective: Education and History Double Major Erin Anderson

student outside office of admissions

Today we speak with Erin Anderson, a junior education and history major from Marlton, Burlington County, who lives off campus. Erin will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof.  Name: Erin Anderson Major: Subject Matter Education: History […]

#PROFspective: Philosophy & Religious Studies and Communication Studies Major Vincent Colantuoni

Today we speak with Vincent Colantuoni, a senior philosophy and religious studies and communication studies double major from Brick Township, Ocean County, who lives on campus as the assistant resident director in Rowan Blvd. Apartments (Robo.) Vincent will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s […]

#PROFspective: Secondary Education & History Major Joseph Bittmann

student poses for honor society

Today we meet Joseph Bittmann, a senior secondary education and history double major from Washington Township, Gloucester County. Joe talks about his #PROFspective on his final year at Rowan and how he’s successfully balancing being a club president, honor student, and Rowan Prof! Name: Joseph Bittmann Major: Dual major in Secondary Education and History within the College of Education […]

“Be With Each Other, For Each Other” at Dining for Diversity

students at club meeting in library

Dining for Diversity welcomes students to their biweekly meetings to explore diversity and multiculturalism through the discussion of current local and national events. Sit down with students in an open environment and discuss issues that will impact students, and don’t forget to snack too! So what exactly will you talk about? Political events, historic events, […]