Alumni

Alumni Success Story: CEO Steve McKeon

Posted on by Jen Green
Steve McKeon working on his desktop computer in his home office

An entrepreneurial mindset paired with an interest to solve problems prepared Steve McKeon, a first-generation college student, for a future in the technology business. As CEO of MacGuyver Media, Steve discusses how Rowan University taught him the networking skills and technical foundation that led to the success he finds today leading a software development company from his home office.

“I’m hoping that in five to 10 years MacGuyver Media will be a $50 million company with 300 employees. I hope that many of them come from Rowan University,” he said. 

Steve McKeon posing for a portrait photo on his porch.

As an Engineering major turned Computer Science major, Steve knew that problem solving would be his biggest asset in information technology and that his degree would support him. Because technology is always changing, he found it important to emphasize learning how things work so he could always stay ahead of the technology curve.

“Computer science taught me how to learn and comprehend things quickly. It’s important that I’m continuously learning and reading new things to stay on the cutting edge of technology,” says Steve. “I see what people are looking for and I always try to be a little ahead of the trend. I’m always making sure I’m not just following them, I’m leading them.”

In 2015, Steve launched MacGuyver Media, a software development company dedicated to being on the forefront of technology. To be a leader in his field, he’s immersed himself in all things technology since he wrapped up his degree in 1998.

A benefit to being a business owner is having an in-home office that allows Steve to enjoy the flexibility working from home. With his dog Lola by his side, he supports his family and business.

Steve and Lola the Dalmatian sitting on a grey couch.

Most of Steve’s day-to-day work is based on problem solving. A business may call and need a process or software streamlined, and it’s up to Steve to reverse engineer it to find a tech savvy solution, fast.

It’s most important to him that he and his team can provide value to their clients. From custom web applications that cover accounting, inventory management and reporting, to web redesigns, Steve’s team does it all.

Alumnus Steve McKeon working in his at-home officeBeing a business owner requires Steve to constantly meet other like-minded colleagues at networking events to grow professionally and personally.

“My position as social chairman in Alpha Phi Delta at Rowan helped me immensely as a business owner. In my position, I was in charge of publicity, event planning and Greek relations, which taught me how to work with all different personalities,” says Steve. “I can now confidently find value in people quickly and come up objectives and goals much quicker because of my experiences in Greek Life when I was younger.”

With now 20 years of experience in the software industry and the CEO of his own company under his belt, Steve looks to the next generation of Rowan University Computer Science majors to help support his business.

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Where is She Now? PCI Alumna and PR Grad Troi Barnes

Posted on by Iridian Gonzalez

PCI alumna Troi Barnes attended the Student Leadership Conference in the Chamberlain Student CenterMeet Pre-College Institute (PCI) alumna Troi Barnes, a 2017 graduate from the department of Public Relations and Advertising. She is from Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County). Today, Troi will share with us what she’s up to now and how PCI helped her prepare for Rowan.

What are you currently doing? “I am a public relations account coordinator at Skai Blue Media, located in Philadelphia. I lead accounts such as The African American Museum in Philadelphia, I handle all their communications. I work with [teen activist and author] Marley Dias, I lead her account for #1000BlackGirlBooks. I also work with [author and producer] Fanshen Cox DiGiovanni, who does a one-woman show called “One Drop of Love.” She is also a consultant for Matt Damon and Ben Affleck for Pearl Street Films. So, I secure their accounts for speaking engagements and different social media partnerships.”

PCI alumna Troi Barnes attended the Student Leadership Conference in the Chamberlain Student CenterHow did PCI help you prepare for college? “It helped me a lot. My mother is Dr. Penny McPherson Myers [from the Division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Rowan]. So, I was 12 when I started coming to the PCI summer program. It helped me to get to know people prior to even before coming to Rowan. And when I was actually in the program in 2013, I met so many lifelong friends. It also prepared me for college with being able to take courses that would eliminate me taking them in the school year, building up my GPA and just having a family going into the school year and college life in general.”

Were there any classes that stood out for you during the summer program? “I took a writing class that really helped me strengthen my writing before I entered college. I wasn’t that strong [in writing], and that helped me to eventually get where I am now, where I am writing press releases and media alerts.”

Any advice you would give to PCI students? “Give your all. As much as you give is as much as you get from the program. So, if you engage with everyone, you will become family. If you put effort to become friends with the people you are here with for six weeks, then you will definitely get a lot out from the program.”

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major

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Finance Major to Starting up His Own Marketing Agency

Posted on by Iridian Gonzalez

Meet alumnus Derek Morgen, a recent graduate with a degree in Finance from Rohrer College of Business. Currently living in East Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County), he works for Agilis Chemicals as a digital marketing specialist. Today, Derek will share with us his story of how he went from a Finance major to a digital marketing specialist and how he launched his own marketing agency.

Derek first attended Drew University but decided to transfer to Rowan University his sophomore year. “Once I made the decision that Drew wasn’t for me, I immediately went straight to Rowan. My sister also graduated from Rowan, so it was either Drew, Rutgers or Rowan. And then I decided that Rowan was the perfect fit. I didn’t even go to the school [Rowan], since my sister went there, so it was a whole new campus that I found when I transferred there,” Derek said.

Derek decided to major in Finance and minor in Economics because growing up he had relatives working on Wall Street who also taught finance. “So, I grew up wanting to simulate that. Over time I grew out of it, which kind of led me to do marketing. And now I do digital marketing full-time,” he said. 

In 2017, Derek started up his own social media business called Expansion Marketing. “I was bored of doing social media online for different companies, so I ended up making it to a business,” he said. As a sophomore, Derek worked with Hollywood Tans, which is located on Rowan Boulevard, and with Royal Bargains in Blackwood, NJ. “So, I basically started doing social media marketing for them, running all their pages. Then it got into website development, and then I expanded it to SEO [search engine optimization] and things along those lines,” he said.    
As Derek’s agency grew, he knew it was time to register his business. “Now that it’s a full-service digital marketing agency, I got the LLC in April 2019,” he said.       

When Derek first started his business, he said he struggled at times but kept going. “I spent hours each week studying digital marketing and reading on my own, basically all self-taught. So, when I first got started it was pretty difficult, but I just kept going with it. Eventually I was able to grasp most of it,” he said. “Also, when I was struggling at first, I spoke to Professor Jon Vogel, who’s at Rowan and has his own digital marketing company too. He helped me create a plan for my own company.”

Apart from running his own business, Derek is currently working full-time as a digital marketing specialist for Agilis Chemicals. “It’s a tech startup based in New York and New Jersey in the chemical industry. It’s a commerce platform for chemical products, which is new to the whole industry, so it’s a cool start up.”

He also started his own sports podcast with two current Rowan students. The podcast is called This League. “We have a couple of interviews lined up with NFL players and a couple of coaches. It will be on Spotify and Apple Music,” Derek said.

His advice for all future freshmen: “Be very open minded. You’re not going to know exactly what you want to do when you first start. I transferred to a whole new school, became a Finance major and Economics minor and then I ended up moving into marketing, sports and digital marketing at the same time after graduation.”

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major

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Alumnus Brian Jones: Man of the Year

Posted on by Chad Wittmann
Rowan alumnus Brian W. Jones at the First National Bank of Elmer, where he is President and CEO

Today we speak with Brian W. Jones, who currently resides in Woodbury, NJ (Gloucester County). Brian graduated from Glassboro State College in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in Administration Studies. 

Alumnus Brian W. Jones outside of the First National Bank of Elmer, where he is President and CEO.
Alumnus Brian W. Jones outside of the First National Bank of Elmer, where he is President and CEO.

Brian Jones is the human embodiment of hard work paying off. He began his journey in banking at Glassboro State College, which would later become Rowan University, where he majored in Administration Studies. He described this program as parallel to Rowan’s current degree in Business Administration. While in this major, he studied Labor Relations and Law as his minors for the opportunity to gather the full scope of business knowledge. After attending classes at night at Glassboro State and working his way through college, Brian graduated with his degree in 1981. 

A pin on the jacket of Brian Jones that says "Bank of Elmer"
Brian proudly wears his First National Bank of Elmer pin. He has led the bank for more than four years. 

He then took up an internship with the National Bank and Trust of Gloucester County. From there he officially started his career in banking. However, nothing comes for free. Brian started with a janitorial position at the bank. Since working as a janitor, Brian has worked in almost every other field within banking, such as marketing, retail, audit, business development and commercial lending. There’s not much that this man can’t do.

In August 2015, Brian took on his current position as president and director of The First National Bank of Elmer. His knowledge and compassion have led to a wholesome work environment for the whole staff. He believes in the “soft community bank model,” which establishes personal connections with customers so their questions and concerns can be heard.

He is currently an Executive Advisory Council member for the Rohrer College of Business at Rowan, where he aids in the effectiveness and outreach of the business school programs. Brian wants nothing more than to give back to the school that helped him achieve his dreams. 

Brian’s accomplishments and character certainly do not go unnoticed. In 2018, he was named one of South Jersey Magazine’s Men of the Year. The Volunteer Center of South Jersey named him its Humanitarian of the Year in 2015. 

The plague for "Men of the Year" in Brian Jones' office
In 2018, South Jersey Magazine named Brian one of its “Men of the Year” for his many community engagement and fundraising activities.

In Brian’s wise words: “There is no substitute for hard work! You have to differentiate yourself from everyone else. It’s not just about your skill set, it’s about your emotional IQ and your ability to communicate.” 

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Story and photography by:
Chad Wittmann, senior journalism major

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Communication Grad to CEO

Posted on by Iridian Gonzalez
Rowan alumna Denise Vitola with her team at her agency

Rowan alumna Denise Vitola at her agency

Meet alumna Denise Vitola, a 1997 College of Communication and Creative Arts graduate. Originally from Howell, NJ (Monmouth County) and now residing in Myrtle Beach, SC, she is cofounder/CEO of Vitola Strategies. Today, she will share with us how Rowan helped her find her passion for public relations and what inspired her to open her own agency.

Denise started out at Fairleigh Dickinson University and transferred to Rowan University her junior year to play basketball. “I always liked sports, I’ve played sports my entire life. I’m a sports fanatic,” she said.

Growing up, Denise wanted to be an FBI agent. It was not until Rowan that she started to fall in love with the public relations field.

“The way they designed the curriculum with advertising, news and TV … we didn’t have social or digital back then, but all the elements of the marketing mix really gave me many options of where I could take my career,” she said.Rowan alumna Denise Vitola giving out a speech

Denise loved that Rowan was near Philadelphia because she got the chance to do a couple of different internships. Some internships were on TV and one was at a hospital, where she did public relations. “I just really loved the variety of what they taught me under the whole communication discipline,” she said. “And it served me in my career later on because I started out doing public relations, but I’ve evolved in doing more integrated marketing now.”

What caught Denise’s attention about the communication field was that it’s a field where communicating and talking to people is a must. The ability to communicate to a larger audience and being able to share information to them also caught her attention.

Denise’s first job after graduating from Rowan was at the Alan Taylor Communications (now called Taylor Communications), a sports and entertainment PR firm. “It was really event related, so I had the opportunity while I was there to support my clients like Mastercard, Ford, NYC Marathon, the Super Bowl, the Olympics and the Major League Baseball World Series. So, I was able to really do a lot of exciting things like travel the world and meet a lot of famous athletes,” she said.

Before starting her own agency, Denise worked for 20 years in some of NYC’s top 10 agencies. “I started my own agency because I started moving away from doing the actual work. And I became more of a business head in that organization where I was looking at numbers,” she said. “So, I went off on my own to really begin working with the clients again, and that is what I’ve been doing.”

For Denise, the best part of owning and running her own agency is that she gets to call all the shots. “I get to work with clients that I like and love. I get to take on projects that are meaningful, and I get to do the work. I don’t hand it out to anyone else, I do it all. And I have an extremely flexible schedule,” she said.

Headshot of Rowan alumna Denise VitolaShe has recently worked with clients such as P&G, The Home Depot, Purina, Merial, Abbott Nutrition and PayPal.  

Denise has earned several awards for her hard work, dedication and passion for what she does. PRWeek honored her as one of its “40 Under 40” PR professionals, and PRNews named her one of the Top 25 Women in PR. She won the 2016 Stevies Award/American Business Award for Executive and Woman of the Year, and Women’s Health Magazine selected her as one of its Action Heroes of the Year.  

“Well, it’s fantastic. It’s nice to be recognized for the work that you’ve done. I feel very blessed that I won those awards,” she said.

Her next goal is making her clients award-winning brands. “I was able to achieve those things at a young age, and what’s next for me is to do the work for my clients. For me, it isn’t too much about me anymore, it’s about what I can do for my clients,” she said.

Her advice for anyone wanting to major in the communication field is to know how to work with new technology. “I would say that understanding social media and having a good idea about how to work with influencers and how to manage social channels is a must. You want to go into your job knowing much as you can, because your manager who is going to be 44 years old isn’t going to know much as you do. So, technology is key.”     

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major

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Pre-College Institute Alumna Shares Her Story

Posted on by Iridian Gonzalez
PCI alumna Yaniris Patton-Cintron in Chamberlain Student Center

Yaniris Patton-Cintron (right) with a group of PCI alumni at the Chamberlain Student Centerin
Yaniris Patton-Cintron (right) reunited with fellow PCI alumni at the Ascend Pre-College Institute Student Leadership Conference in July 2019.

Meet Pre-College Institute (PCI) alumna Yaniris Patton-Cintron, a 2016 graduate from The Department of Health and Exercise Science. She is from Mullica Hill, NJ (Gloucester County) and works for Inspira. Today, she will share with us how PCI helped shape her Rowan experience.

What inspired you to choose your major? “I have always been in health care, so I came to Rowan wanting to do Physical Therapy (PT), but Rowan did not have the program. So, I switched and stayed with Psychology. After my first semester, I went into Athletic Training. Then I was like ‘No, I don’t want do just [work with] athletes, I want [to work with] special populations, so then — health and wellness.”

What do you do at Inspira?
“I’m a patient engagement specialist for Population Health, where I facilitate transition care from emergency room visit follow-ups to preventative care outreach. Inspira likes to make sure that our patients are not left behind or alone with their next steps in health care.” 

Samantha Noguera (left) and Yaniris Patton-Cintron at the Chamberlain Student Center
Samantha Noguera (left), a 2013 graduate in psychology, mentored Yaniris during her PCI experience.

How did the PCI program help you prepare for the Rowan experience? “They do a lot of outreach with their students. I’m almost considered a first-generation college student, and I still wanted to do something that was not too broad. I wanted to work with special populations. Health care in my family was a little bit different, so I felt, well, ‘What special populations can I reach out to?’ And that is what Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) did.”

How did EOF help you? “I’m a William Myers scholarship recipient through EOF, [which] had a lot of specialized things. They had a lot of workshops that were tailored to what you wanted to do and honed in on what your skills are. EOF allowed you to be your own person. A lot of programs have a set thing they want you to follow and they mold you into something, while EOF allowed you to mold yourself with their resources.”Rowan PCI alumna Yaniris Patton-Cintron at the Chamberlain Student Center

What advice would you give for today’s future freshmen? Keep going. I’m actually still in college, I’m in nursing school. I finished my bachelor of science and now I’m tackling [my nursing degree] at Rowan College of South Jersey. One good thing is that Rowan is diverse, so there are a lot of things you can do. You’re not [restricted] to one major or one program.”

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major

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Engineering Alumnus and Entrepreneur Finds His Dream Job

Posted on by Chad Wittmann
Peter DAmico at his Rowan graduation in 2013

Meet Peter D’Amico, a 2013 Rowan alumnus from Mays Landing, NJ (Atlantic County). Today he shares his experience in the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering and how far his time at Rowan has taken him. 

“Rowan taught me how to talk to people, be social and gave me the ability to get the job I want.” 

Rowan engineering alumnus Peter D'Amico working for the FAA

After struggling to choose a college, Peter decided to attend Rowan University for its smaller class sizes and more intimate learning experience. Before going away to college, he wasn’t fully set on a career path. The one thing he knew for sure is that he loved to “break things down and figure out how they worked.” 

Eventually, he decided to pursue Electrical and Computer Engineering. Peter noted that he is forever grateful for the College of Engineering, especially Professor John Schmalzel. He recalls spending time in Professor Schmalzel’s office, where they talked about everything under the sun. 

After leaving Rowan, Peter began his career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where he worked as an electrical/computer/mechanical engineer. His job was to travel around the country to collect pavement data for the National Airport Pavement Testing Facility. After two years of working as a contractor, he was promoted to a computer engineer position. Now within the test and evaluation branch, he became the first member of the storyboarding team, where his job is to “communicate the complexities of the National Airspace System (NAS).”

Rowan College of Engineering alumnus Peter D'Amico (pictured at right)

“I work directly with the engineers, programmers and human factors experts to tell the story of the NAS. I love the fact that I am on the front lines communicating these elaborate programs to people all over the country,” he said.

Along with being a successful engineer upon graduating, Peter is also a businessman and entrepreneur. A year after graduation, he purchased his first rental property in Glassboro. He has since bought two other properties and provides affordable housing to a number of current Rowan students.

Rowan alumnus Peter D'Amico wearing a T-shirt with his business namePeter also started a YouTube Channel, The Sundae Drive, where he and a fellow Rowan alumnus perform DIY car maintenance tips. This channel currently has more than 5,000 subscribers. On top of all of this, he launched a supplement company, PWR Supplements, with another Rowan alumnus. 

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Story by:
Chad Wittmann, senior journalism major

Photos courtesy of:
Peter D’Amico 

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Alumni Success Story: Lauren O’Donnell from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Posted on by Justin Borelli
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where Rowan alumna Lauren O'Donnell works

Rowan alumna Lauren O'Donnell from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)Today we are speaking with Lauren O’Donnell, a Psychology alumna from the 2000 class. Originally from Chatham (Morris County), O’Donnell now lives in South Jersey and works as a Reward and Recognition Program Lead for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. 

“What really caught me when I first visited Rowan was how beautiful and comfortable the campus is, it just felt right.

“Rowan really gave me a strong foundation — one class in particular was Organizational Behavior. It really was not at all what I expected it to be, but it was the best class and really confirmed that I wanted to pursue the business world instead of the clinical side of my degree (Psychology).”

How did Rowan help you achieve your goals?

“Rowan always had amazing opportunities to get involved with the university, lots of clubs, events, there was always something going on. I was involved in Greek Life and because of that I met a lot of great friends, who helped me a lot. I also learned a lot of leadership skills and how to work well in group settings.”

How did Rowan help you with any job opportunities?

“The Career Advancement Center was great and helped me set up some of my first interviews. Not only did they help but all of the other connections I made through networking, my World Religion professor wrote me a letter of recommendation.”

What is your favorite accomplishment at your current job?

“I currently am working my dream job and absolutely love it, but my biggest accomplishment would be the event we held at the Philadelphia Zoo and over 11,000 employees were in attendance.”

What is some advice you would give to future graduates?

“Be proactive, ask questions and don’t be uncomfortable with making the initial contact with the job you want.”

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Story by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major

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Pre-College Institute Alumnus Shares His Story

Posted on by Iridian Gonzalez
PCI alumnus Minelson Louis-Baptiste

Rowan and PCI alumnus Minelson Louis-Baptiste in the Chamberlain Student Center

Meet Pre-College Institute (PCI) alumnus Minelson Louis-Baptiste, a first-generation student and 2016 graduate from the College of Science & Mathematics. Baptiste lives in Lindenwold, NJ (Camden County) and is currently pursuing two master degrees. Today, he will share with us how PCI helped shape him and his Rowan experience.

Major: Biological Sciences; now studying Biomedical Sciences at Rowan Global 

First-generation college student? YesRowan alumnus Minelson Louis-Baptiste with fellow PCI graduates at the Student Leadership Conference

What inspired you to choose your major? “I always wanted to go into the health field. I love science, I love questioning and figuring out things. Biology was one of my strongest subjects in high school. I really wanted to learn more about biology, so I decided to go into biology.”

What are you currently doing? “Right now, I’m working on my second master’s in public health and looking out for job options.”

How did PCI help shape you and your Rowan experience? “Well, I always look back at my high school self. I was not very outgoing and was afraid to speak in front of people. PCI helped shape me and showed me there’s way more out there and to be open. This is a very lively campus with a lot of things going on. I used to be in my own world, so going into the six-week process, Rowan and PCI alumnus Minelson Louis-Baptistelearning how to talk to people and networking that put me out there and opened my eyes.

I still have some close relationships with some of my PCI sisters and brothers. I thank them all the time because when I’m feeling down, I reach out to them and when they’re feeling down, they reach out to me. I would say my counselor from PCI, Mr. [Israel] Laguer, has been one of my rocks. He’s one person I can go to and talk to. He knows me and knows what I’ve been going through in my personal life and school life as well. He’s always been there for me.”

Any advice for future freshmen? “Make sure you take every opportunity seriously and make the best use of it, because you never know where a connection might come from or where you might get your next opportunity.”

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major

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Journalism Alumna Tells Her Story of Giving Back

Posted on by Chad Wittmann
Callie Condo and her fellow Whit employees during a fire drill during her time at Rowan University

Calista Condo, a 2008 alumna, has made her way from working at Rowan’s The Whit student newspaper to her role as an outreach specialist for Temple University’s Career Center. She has Rowan’s Journalism department to thank for her communication skills and her ability to transmit information to the public. 

Condo began her journey as a commuter from Deptford, New Jersey (Gloucester County). At her time at Rowan, she studied Journalism with a concentration in editing and publishing. She also had a minor in Art with a concentration in photography. Classes such as Media Studies and News Reporting impacted her professional career. Within those classes she learned how to analyze our society and the way we view media. She developed a close relationship with Professor Kathryn Quigley, who was not only one of her favorite professors, but the faculty advisor for The Whit. 

Condo and her husband on their wedding day
Calista and her husband on their wedding day.

She also met her husband at Rowan!

While at Rowan she also participated in two intensive internships. The first was an internship with Next City, a nonprofit organization about city planning. She was an art intern whose main job focused primarily on copy editing and design editing for their magazine.

She then ventured on to intern for the South Jersey Times as a photojournalist. According to Condo, both internships were amazing experiences that really prepared her for the field of journalism. In fact, the South Jersey Times appreciated her efforts so much that they offered her a part-time job after her graduation in 2008. 

Rowan alumna Calista Condo volunteering with a youth soccer league in Camden.
Volunteering with a youth soccer league in Camden.

In the midst of working for the South Jersey Times, she developed a strong connection to her community. She started volunteering for a nonprofit youth soccer organization in Camden. After some time of volunteering, she became a board member for this organization and eventually helped run the program.

Her passion for community, volunteerism and youth, in addition to her keen communication skills, led her to eventually begin working for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. While working there, she helped recruit volunteers for their school-based programming. Through this organization she worked with student organizations all over, one of them being the Temple University Career Center.

After this long journey of giving back, Condo eventually landed a position with the Temple University Career Center as an outreach specialist for employer partnerships. In this position, she helps students find employment through career fairs and special events. 

Rowan alumna Calista Condo with her relatives, who are also graduates of Rowan
Condo (left) with her relatives, who are also Rowan graduates.

Her time at Rowan, especially as a Journalism major, made her able to look at information and make it digestible to the public. She believes, “Journalists are some of the most intelligent people [she] has ever known, which makes them so versatile and with those important communication skills, they can settle into any position with ease.” 

She still holds the fun and goofy times, working late at night for The Whit, near and dear to her heart. 

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Story by:
Chad Wittmann, senior journalism major

Photos courtesy of: Calista Condo

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Where Is He Now? Rowan Chemical Engineering Alumnus Theodore Cohen

Posted on by Iridian Gonzalez
Engineering Hall at Rowan University

Rowan alumnus Theodore Cohen at his office at IPS

Today we feature chemical engineering alumnus Theodore Maxwell Cohen, originally from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County). Now residing in Gladwyne, PA, he works as a project engineer on the design of pharmaceutical facilities at Integrated Project Services, LLC (IPS). Cohen shares with us how Rowan University helped him figure out what he was truly passionate about.

Before getting his bachelor’s in 2009 and his master’s in 2016 from Rowan, Cohen had to choose what university he wanted to attend. 

“I applied to nine schools and got into all nine of them. I eliminated five of them that were pretty far away. Both of my sisters had gone to college far away, and I saw that it wasn’t all that fun. I filtered it down to Rowan, Rutgers and Udel (University of Delaware),” said Cohen.

After eliminating Rutgers from his list due to the immense campus Rutgers has, it was down to the University of Delaware and Rowan. Cohen visited the University of Delaware and asked, “How are you going to help me succeed?” Cohen said the University of Delaware responded, “We take about 100 chemical engineering majors (ChE’s) every year. We graduate 50 of them as chemical engineers, and the rest we find something for them to do.” He thought, “Huh, those aren’t terribly great odds.”

Cohen then visited Rowan and met with Dr. C. Stewart Slater, professor and founding chair of the chemical engineering department. He asked the same question, and Dr. Slater said: “Well, we take about 30 ChE’s and we graduate around 23 of them as chemical engineers. But if you are willing to work hard, we will help you be successful.”

“At the end of the day, that and my scholarship is why I chose Rowan,” said Profile picture of Rowan alumnus Theodore CohenCohen.

The program has since doubled both its enrollment and full-time faculty, yet still maintains a small faculty-to-student ratio.  

During his time at Rowan, Cohen mentioned that he met some incredible faculty mentors, who really made a positive influence on him.

“I had a couple of great mentors that impacted my life. One of them was Chuck Clerecuzio. He was an adjunct professor who taught a senior level course in biopharmaceutical facility design,” said Cohen. “It was the course that I took that made me realize what I wanted to do in my life. Chuck was my mentor for many years. Unfortunately, Chuck passed away recently.”

Another great mentor who helped Cohen was Dr. Brian Lefebvre. Dr. Lefebvre was a chemical engineering professor at Rowan University from 2004-2008. While completing research for Dr. Lefebvre, Cohen was able to get a paper published as the primary author.

“His specialty was bio process, which is what I really loved. I did three and a half years’ worth of lab work and research for him learning the basics of upstream and downstream bioprocessing. He helped me get a paper published while I was an undergraduate on anion-exchange chromatography,” said Cohen. “We became friends while I was a student, and continued that friendship with him long after I graduated. Brian helped me get my first job out of school at DuPont working on a similar project to his.”

Cohen is currently working at IPS as a project engineer for the design of pharmaceutical facilities. His role is to ensure that the design of the facility is cohesive and meets all of the numerous requirements from both the client perspective as well as regulatory.

His advice for Rowan students is: “Work hard. Try to learn as much as you can. Don’t be so wrapped up in your grades, they’re important but not that important. Learn the information and try to figure out what you love because you will spend the next 40 years working. Do something you enjoy.”

Cohen is thankful for figuring out what he loves. “Brian and Chuck helped me figure out what I was passionate about,” said Cohen.

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Story and photography by: 
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major 

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Where is He Now? A First-Generation PCI Alumnus

Posted on by Iridian Gonzalez

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 ofIshmaqel a mechanical engineer in a navy blue suit 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.”

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major

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Danielle’s Journey from the Ed.D. Program to Overseer of $20 Million

Posted on by Alex Belli
Woman sitting in pink lawn chair laughing while the sun shines down

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 used to help New Jersey adults attain a stronger education and hopefully lead to a brighter future. Learn how Rowan’s Ed.D. program helped prepare her for making a powerful impact in the New Jersey community.Professional business woman smiling at the camera

Danielle started her Rowan University journey 20 years ago, finishing her undergrad with a B.A. in English with a secondary education certification in 2003. Five years later, she earned her M.Ed. in teacher leadership with a writing arts concentration, and then completed her Ed.D. in 2013.

“Education has always been a passion of mine,” said Danielle. “One of my fondest memories is playing school as a child over summer breaks.” Danielle’s passion for education was easily matched at Rowan — a fact she knew early on as her mom attended the school when it was known as Glassboro State College. It became a “no-brainer” for her to attend, pairing the school’s positive reputation with its affordability.

“The rigor for this doctorate was intense, the amount of research requirements helped me to become a stronger writer and speaker, and the cohort portion allowed me to grow from others with different perspectives,” Danielle revealed. The cohort allows students to build off one another in the program, providing an experience with diversity and multiple facets for students to grow from.

At the beginning of the program you conduct research into a topic of your choosing associated with education, leading you to write the research portion (Chapter 1) of what will become a dissertation. Once this portion is completed, it must be presented to a dissertation chair (chosen by the student) for review and approval. “Presenting to the dissertation chair allows them to judge whether you can read, write, research, synthesize information and demonstrate your dedication,” Danielle explained.

Following this initial check-point you continue with the required coursework, with each class acting as a different puzzle piece for the dissertation. “You may begin to meet folks in-person and may be doing surveys or phone interviews,” said Danielle, referring to the bulk of the program. “In another class you’ll learn about social justice — potentially writing a chapter about why it’s important to learn about the perceptions and professional development people are receiving to produce a well-versed teacher.”

Once you’re finished writing the dissertation, you present a Rowan-formatted package to a dissertation committee (a group of individuals selected by the student to review and critique the work). After passing their approval, you schedule the dissertation symposium. This openWoman leaning against a wall while the sun shines through a window behind her event allows the student to present all findings while arguing their research to a committee that will judge whether you’re ready to receive the title of doctor.

The experiences Danielle had throughout her time in the Ed.D. program prepared her for her current role as the State Director for Adult Education & Literacy Services. As a representative for the state of New Jersey in Washington, D.C. she needs to hold strong communication skills that allow her to defend her views and argue for her opinions. “All of these pieces of the Ed.D. program: multitudes of research, the rigor, the accountability, speaking components all factor into my job,” said Danielle. Rowan’s Ed.D. program provides students all of these opportunities for an impactful career that can help change lives for the better.

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Story and photography by:
Alexander Belli, new graduate with a B.A. in public relations and advertising

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Journalism Alumnus Tells His Journey to His Dream Career

Posted on by Chad Wittmann
Rowan alumnus Leon Purvis conducting an interview for Redwood News

Leon Purvis, a 2018 Rowan alumnus, has made a name for himself in the world of multimedia journalism. From internships at “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and “Good Morning America” to “The Today Show,” Purvis made the ultimate journalism victory lap. However, it all started right here at Rowan University. 

Headshot of Rowan alumnus Leon Purvis

Purvis, born and raised in Glassboro, made it all the way through the Glassboro school system before eventually heading to Rowan. In order to get the full scope of communications-based experience, he double majored in Journalism and Radio/TV/Film (RTF).

During his time at Rowan, he participated in the Rowan TV Network, Rowan Radio and The Whit newspaper. He acknowledged the amazing support and experiences he gained at Rowan that helped propel him into his successful careers. Classes like Media Law and On-Camera Field Reporting really opened his eyes to the journalism and broadcasting industries. Professors Quigley, Kelley, Garyantes and Berkey-Gerard were first to come to mind in terms of who made the biggest impacts on his journalistic career. 

Leon Purvis reporting on the Philadelphia Eagles for Rowan UniversityAnother wonderful experience provided by the Rowan Journalism department was the opportunity to take a class and cover the Democratic National Convention in 2016. This experience made him feel like a true reporter. He even referred to this as “the Super Bowl for journalists.” He covered protests, made livestreams and networked all from a South Jersey perspective. He said this experience helped in the transition from college journalist to professional.

As an RTF major at Rowan, Purvis had the opportunity to apply for an internship at “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” based in Los Angeles, California. With his position, he allowed for Rowan RTF majors to apply for the prestigious internship. While working in LA, Purvis said that this experience taught him “all of the puzzle pieces that go into putting on a successful talk show.”

Rowan alumnus Leon Purvis with GMA hosts Robin Roberts and Michael StrahanAfter his internship at the Ellen Show, Purvis moved onto another big-name internship, “Good Morning America,” where he learned how to create a morning TV show at the network level. Along with getting the network TV experience under his belt, he also made some recognizable friends along the way! Once again Purvis followed one amazing internship with another. In fall 2017, he began his work for “The Today Show.”

Upon graduating in spring 2018, he accepted a position in Eureka, California, as a multimedia journalist for Redwood News. For all future Rowan journalists, Purvis wanted to share a little advice: “I applied to over 100 on-air jobs across the country, and I wanted to go anywhere that would give me the chance to gain that on-air experience. All it takes is that one yes. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get your dream position right away. That one yes just happened to be Eureka, California. You have to work for it. Even when you get the job, there is so much growing and room for improvement.”

Recently, Purvis got to fill at the anchor desk. And in August 2019, he will attend the National Association for Black Journalists convention in Miami. 

Rowan alumnus Leon Purvis reporting on air for Redwood News

“It is an honor and a privilege to be a reporter and give a voice to the voiceless,” said Purvis. “You’re a public servant, and they are trusting you to tell their stories. Journalism is about telling the story and making an impact. If you want to be in this industry, you have to work really hard. I was determined, put myself out there and accomplished my goal.” 

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Story by:
Chad Wittmann, senior journalism major

Photos courtesy of: Leon Purvis 

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How My Theatre Degree Opened Up Many Doors

Posted on by Christina Lynn
Rowan alumna Vanessa Vause in a performance of "The Little Mermaid"

Confidence, personality and dedication. These are three of the biggest things my theatre degree drilled within me. They’re often three words employers add in job descriptions, too. Companies want to work with people who are dedicated with a strong work ethic, confident in themselves and when carrying out tactics. Most importantly, people want to work with someone who stands out, has a good personality with a big heart and open mind.

Rowan alumna Vanessa Vause
In costume for a performance of “Shootout at Shadow Mountain.”

With self-confidence, I tell myself that I can truly do whatever it is I put my mind to. Learning a new skill, taking on a different job, working in a new environment … all of these things can be quite scary, especially for a fresh post-grad. I feel exceptionally prepared when entering new experiences with the confidence the Rowan Department of Theatre and Dance taught me to have. 

Parents often have worries when their child wants to pursue a degree in theatre. It really is like entering the world of the unknown, but trust me when I say your child will gain the confidence to excel at any job they get after graduation. 

Being a part of the theatre department, I was taught to be prepared and to stay on top of my timeline. This is a skill that every single person should have, but especially in the performing world because jobs aren’t always traditional, and they don’t last for lifetimes. This field consists of new job after new job, and so you have to be dedicated to your craft and always willing to work. 

Rowan alumna Vanessa Vause (at left) posing with fellow castmates
At left, before “A Little Mermaid” performance at the Pickleville Playhouse.

Because of what I was taught here at Rowan, I applied (auditioned) for jobs beginning in December of 2018 to have a job after May 2019 graduation. My education and professors provided me with so much knowledge on so many topics. I was prepared with technique, but most importantly, I was equipped with life and people skills. 

The theatre degree taught me so much more than how to sing, dance and act. I feel highly advanced with “reading the room” and knowing what people (employers) want. But there needs to be a balance between providing the employer with what they’re looking for and showing the real you. Being a theatre major taught me how to stick to my guns, yet adapt to what people want, in order to make a living while staying true to myself. 

Rowan alumna Vanessa Vause and her dad stand at the entrance to the state of Utah
Hello, Utah!

I have no regrets going to college for a theatre degree. The relationships I’ve made, the life skills and performing knowledge I’ve gained … these things are priceless. Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance blessed the past four years of my life. Not only do I cherish everything I learned in the past, but I’m so thankful that it has set me up with the job of a lifetime post-grad. In the spring semester, I landed a dream job, one that I had my eyes on ever since I looked up their website www.picklevilleplayhouse.com

I got to drive across the country to Utah where I’m working all summer long, performing 10-13 shows a week for sold-out crowds in the beautiful lake town of Garden City. I’ve met my soulmates here, friendships that I know will last forever.

Utah mountains captured by Rowan alumna Vanessa Vause.
What a view!

I’m also learning more about myself than ever. Being around breathtaking nature in a new environment with a brand new crowd has brought out the best in me. There sure aren’t mountains like this in Jersey. To top it off, I’m making connections that are leading to new jobs in the area, something I’m very grateful for. 

This wouldn’t have been possible without the skills I’ve learned while earning my theatre degree. I definitely landed this job because of my personality, confidence and dedication to the craft. If I can do it, you can too. A theatre degree has opened many doors for me, and I’m excited to see what’s next.

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Story:
Vanessa Vause, B.A. in theatre (musical theatre concentration) and B.A. in public relations

Photos courtesy of: 
Vanessa Vause

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History Major Grad to Sales Account Executive

Posted on by Iridian Gonzalez
Outside of Business Hall on Rowan's main campus

Profile picture of Rowan alumnus James Malfitano at his company.

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.

James an alumnus of Rowan is surrounded by his family.

“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.”  

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major

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MBA Alumnus and Medical Student Nathan Carroll

Posted on by Chad Wittmann
Lab coat of Nathan Carroll labeled "Rowan University: School of Osteopathic Medicine"

This is Nathan Carroll, a 38-year-old recent Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate from Washington, NJ (Warren County). Carroll is a prime example of using Rowan’s MBA program to its fullest potential. 

Nathan Carroll standing outside of the Business Hall on Rowan's main campusAfter studying counseling and graduating from Rutgers University, Carroll worked for the Department of Child Protection and Permanency for nearly a decade. He then decided he wanted to have a greater impact on the medical field. In order to do so, he needed to study medicine. After extensive research on the medical schools in New Jersey, he fell in love with the one offered right here at Rowan University. On top of a medical degree, Carroll believed it was in his best interest to take on the Master of Business Administration as well. Although it was traditionally unconventional to pair an MBA with a medical degree, he knew it would be easier to understand the healthcare system. The MBA program looks at business systems and examines them from all disciplines of business — accounting, finance, marketing, management and statistical analysis. The business degree gives him a new perspective on the financial implications.

“Medicine is an Art, but Healthcare is a Business” 

Rowan MBA alumnus and medical student Nathan Carroll inside Business Hall.

According to Carroll, “The better you know how to use business as a tool, the better you’re able to serve your patients. The better you’re able to understand the financial implications in the decisions that you’re making, the better you can serve your patients.”

Luckily, through Rowan’s accommodating facilities, Carroll was able to get Rowan MBA alumnus and medical student Nathan Carroll outside Business Hallhis MBA at an accelerated rate and complete it within a year. In between attending classes at Rowan, he used his free time to start up businesses and charities in the medical field. The classes that had the most impact on Carroll’s career moving forward were Organizational Theory, International Business in Society, Statistical Methods and Marketing. Dr. Dominik, a Rowan professor, gave Carroll a worldly perspective and kept him engaged throughout his time at Rowan. 

In the future, Carroll wants to go into psychiatry and start his own practice. With this MBA and medical degree he hopes to increase access of care to populations who might not be getting the mental health care they need, due to financial reasons. 

Rowan MBA alumnus and medical student Nathan Carroll outside the entrance of Business Hall

He is currently in his third year of medical school and hopes to graduate in the next year. 

Not only should you work for the program, you have to make the program work for you! Follow in Carroll’s footsteps and see just how far the Rowan MBA can do for you! 

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Story and photography by:
Chad Wittmann, senior journalism major

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The Ed.D. Program Showed Christina Just How Strong She Truly Is

Posted on by Alex Belli
Family of four strolling down a side walk on the main street of a town

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!

A woman in a pink top and white pants with her hand on her hip posing on a busy town street sidewalkChristina, 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 A family of four with a son and daughter sitting at a coffee shop table happily talking to each othercomplete 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 A woman wearing a pink shirt holding a baby girl in front of a decorative chalkboardworking 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.

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Story and photography by:
Alexander Belli, new graduate with a B.A. in public relations and advertising

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From MBA to Big 4 Accounting Firm EY, Shivani Launches Career

Posted on by Alex Belli

Meet Shivani Shah, a recent Master of Business Administration (MBA) Rowan graduate from South Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County) who will hold an Assurance Staff position at EY (Ernst & Young) this September. Shivani worked hard over the past four years at Rowan, earning her B.S. in Accounting and, immediately after, achieving her MBA. Learn how her experiences at Rowan led her to a position at one of the “Big-4” accounting firms. 

Young lady with a grey shirt that references Rowan University's Roher College of Business standing in the foreground with trees in the backgroundThrough her involvement at Rowan, Shivani became connected with EY’s recruiters, leading to an internship at the company. She held the internship while finishing her graduate program; eventually ending with an offer for a full-time position. “The reason I got this job was because of Rowan and having the opportunity to work alongside the EY recruiters,” Shivani revealed. Through the MBA program, Shivani got to work alongside similar minded people – students who want to be there and see you achieve your goals.

Young lady wearing a black jacket and jeans standing under a Earnest & Young Accounting Firm sign
Shivani eagerly posing at her new job.

“It’s very exciting but it’s also nerve-wracking because they expect a lot from you, but they really want you to learn a lot,” Shivani says, referring to her upcoming role at EY. As an Assurance Staff member, Shivani will act as an auditor reviewing various EY clients, potentially working with companies including Hewlett Packard, Coca Cola, Lockheed Martin, and many others.

Young lady in a graduation gown with a dozen cords posing inside a white gazeboDuring Shivani’s freshman year she quickly took the initiative, joining various clubs including the Accounting Society, Beta Alpha Psi (international honor organization for financial information students and professionals) and Beta Gamma Sigma (business honor society.) She eventually became the academic senator of the Rohrer College of Business, events coordinator of Rowan Rangeela, and a volunteer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). “A lot of people might not realize as a freshman you can gain a leadership position.” Shivani continues, “As you get more involved you hear about more opportunities that interest you.”

“Get to know your professors – these are the resources that can help you network. What you put in is what you’ll get out of it,” Shivani advises future MBA students. 

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Story by: Alexander Belli, new graduate B.A. in public relations and advertising
Photos contributed by: Shivani Shah

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2 Alumni Donate $25M to Expand Fossil Park

Posted on by Natalia Panfilova
yellow sign unveiled for the Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park, as people clap

On Monday morning, October 17, 2016, Science Hall swarmed with curious students, faculty and media portending a big day in Rowan’s history. Two Rowan alumni, Jean and Ric Edelman, founders of Edelman Financial Services,  pledged $25 million to expand and transform the Rowan University Fossil Park into a world-class citizen science marvel and a global tourist destination.  […]

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