Senior #PROFspective: Serving Others & Finding Self

Justin posing on campus.Today we feature Justin Roldan, a graduating biochemistry major from Galloway, NJ (Atlantic County), who is a first generation college student. Justin lived on campus, as a resident assistant at Rowan Boulevard Apartments.

On-campus Clubs: Alpha Phi Omega (APO) and Rowan University Philippine American Coalition (RUPAC)

Could you share with one happy moment you had with friends, professors or other members of the Rowan community that made you realize Rowan felt like “home”? Alpha Phi Omega is one organization that helped me turn Rowan into a house from a home. As a co-ed service fraternity, I joined for the service, but I stayed for the people. I became a brother in Spring ’17, and I can truly say every experience through the organization has been transformative. Every brother I met became a friendly face that I had the pleasure of getting to know, and these same brothers I met inspired me to hold two Vice President positions, and eventually become President. Completing service projects and being selfless for others releases all those feel-good hormones in your body, but completing them with people you care about truly spikes your serotonin levels.

Justin posing with pumpkins.Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you? As transformative as APO has been for me, it was RUPAC that first showed me how welcoming the Rowan community can be. Just like any freshman looking to get involved, I reflected on interests and hobbies I hold close to my identity. Luckily, I came across a flyer in Science Hall advertising RUPAC’s first general body meeting; as a Filipino-American that hasn’t ventured too deep into his Filipino identity, this was a perfect opportunity to do just that.

When I arrived at the meeting, I was met with a room full of people that looked just like me, exuding bundles of energy and warm welcomings. They had just met me, but they showed genuine interest in getting to know me almost instantly. Thanks to them, I found a pamilya (family) that I can rely on for just about anything.

What is your favorite thing to do on a typical Thursday? Before the pandemic ensued, my absolute favorite thing to do on my typical Thursday was volunteering through Rowan’s Get FIT program. As a pre-Occupational Therapy student, this program helped get my feet wet for the profession. This program brings in young adults with cognitive and physical disabilities seeking to enhance their physical well-being through exercise. The young adults can even work out with their family members as well. During my short time in the program, I had the pleasure of being paired with a nonverbal client that brought joy to my face whenever we met. Seeing him smile from exercises I taught him brought me happiness, and helped reassure me that I was making the right career choice for future.

What is one thing about Rowan that was a happy surprise for you? Coming to Rowan, one happy surprise was realizing how close the campus is to Philly. It was an even better surprise when I learned that Rowan has a free shuttle to Philly every Friday. This allowed me to venture into the city just about every other weekend, learning about different neighborhoods and people of the city. Through different networking opportunities offered by RUPAC, I met incredible people from the Filipino clubs of Philly schools. Ultimately, it was these networking opportunities that helped me decide on attending University of the Sciences in Philadelphia to earn my master’s in Occupational Therapy this upcoming May.

Justin in the city.

Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a professor or staff member in which you felt like they truly cared about your wellbeing. In my third and final year on staff with ResLife, my Resident Director, Bri Vogel, made me feel as though someone truly cared about my wellbeing. As RAs, we have biweekly one-on-one meetings with our Resident Director. These meetings turned into free therapy sessions between Bri and I; she fostered an environment in which we were comfortable sharing personal details about our lives both in and outside of ResLife. Bri was an integral part of my journey in coming to terms with my suffering mental health, and I can’t thank her enough for encouraging me to start counseling through the Wellness Center. When people say that some of the biggest lessons you learn from college come from outside of the classroom, I feel like this small snippet of my four years at Rowan is a true testament to that.

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Story by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Senior Reflects: Biological Sciences Major, Future Veterinarian Kimberly Zullo

Biological sciences major Kimberly Zullo and friends

Today we feature senior Kimberly Zullo, a biological sciences major from Rockaway, NJ (Morris County) with an honors concentration.

Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? Working in Admissions, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know a lot of the professional staff in the Admissions department. Dr. Jessica Syed oversees the Admissions Ambassador program, and through my years at Rowan, I think my favorite moments were the conversations and meetings I had in her office. As a Coordinator, we have a LOT of meetings, but we always have fun and I will always cherish the time that I got to spend working with JP. 

Biological sciences major Kimberly Zullo poses with Rowan University friends.
Biological sciences major Kimberly Zullo (top row, middle) poses with Rowan University friends.

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? I think my favorite personal moments at Rowan were spent with my service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. We have been able to participate in service projects both on campus and in the community, and the bond that I’ve created with my APO brothers is something that will last a lifetime. 

Biological sciences major Kimberly Zullo poses with Cornell t-shirt.What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? I have dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since I was a child, and next year, I will be able to pursue that dream at Cornell University! I think the programs at Rowan have definitely helped me pursue this dream because they’ve given me endless opportunities both within my field and in extracurriculars. The programs at Rowan have allowed me to hone my skills in the sciences but also remain well-rounded by staying involved in clubs and music! 

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? Thank you to my parents and grandparents for always believing me and supporting me in everything that I do. Thank you to all of my campus family: Admissions Ambassadors, APO, Pre-Vet Club, the Hecht Research Group, and my Holly Pointe A-Pod squad, for keeping me sane and making life at Rowan something I’ll never forget. I would also like to thank all of my professors, especially Dr. Hecht, for pushing me to be my best. 

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Senior Reflects: Chemistry Major Mia Meola

Photo of Science Hall.

Today we feature senior Mia Meola, a chemistry major from Hackettstown, New Jersey (Warren County) who lived on campus in Whitney Center. She plans to further her education at Rowan next spring. 

Photo of chemistry major Mia in her cap and gown.Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? The faculty at Rowan University is incredible. One of the greatest people I have had the pleasure of knowing at Rowan is Philosophy and World Religions Professor Dr. Whitney Cox. I have been able to take classes with Dr. Cox for the last three consecutive semesters. I have learned so much from Dr. Cox and had a lot of fun in her classes. Her office door was always open, and she was willing to listen and provide guidance no matter what it was about. She would never rush us or show any sort of disinterest in our thoughts or ideas. Even if I came to her office to vent for an hour about my life being a mess, she was there to listen, give snacks, and let me hang out with her dogs.

There was not a day I left her class or office without a smile on my face and a huge sense of fulfillment. She helped me in so many ways and fostered my passion for World Religions (I added it as a minor this year!). Dr. Cox is not only an amazing educator, but an amazing person. She truly cares about her students and it was refreshing to feel so validated. I have grown so much in my time at Rowan University, and Dr. Cox played a key part in that.

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? I had the privilege of being involved in Women Inspiring a New Generation of Scientists (W.I.N.G.S.) since my freshman year, serving as an e-board member the last two years. We had the opportunity to go to different schools around Glassboro to teach lessons and conduct experiments with students. We also held events for the local Girl Scouts. My favorite personal moments at Rowan are when I have gotten to work with these children and young adults. I will never forget the times that I have seen an interest or love for S.T.E.M. be born firsthand. Getting to play a role in this and being able to show young girls that they can be scientists too, has been so meaningful.

Chemistry major Mia posing in her cap and gown outside of Science Hall.What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? After finishing this degree, I plan to continue my graduate studies at Rowan. I will be pursuing a master’s in S.T.E.M. Education starting next spring. My goal is to become a high school chemistry teacher. The people and programs at Rowan have been crucial to helping with these goals and aspirations. From being an e-board member, a learning assistant for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, working as an undergraduate research assistant, and to every class, club and event in between. Rowan has afforded me so many incredible opportunities to pursue my passions. There is nowhere in the world I would rather continue my education!

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? I would have never made it to this day without all the amazing people in my life. I’d like to thank my family, who have never stopped supporting me for a second. Every time I fell, they were right there to pick me back up again. And they have always celebrated even the little victories. I would also like to thank every professor, advisor, and faculty member I have had the chance to cross paths with at Rowan University. These people have pushed and inspired me in ways I never thought possible. I am forever grateful for every person, memory, and opportunity Rowan has blessed me with.

A huge shout out to the College of Science and Mathematics and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, (especially Dr. Gregory Caputo, Dr. Timothy Vaden, The Vaden Lab, Dr. Matthew Pilarz, and the ladies of W.I.N.G.S.). Lastly, to all the friends I have made along the way. You all have made me the person I am today. You have become my family and made Rowan my second home. Thank you for all the memories! The last four years have been a rollercoaster, but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Congrats to the rest of the Class of 2020. Things might not have turned out the way we pictured it, but we did it.

Chemistry major Mia and her friends.

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Senior Reflects: New Grad Molly Worek Seeks to Teach Across the Globe

Exterior photo of James Hall on Glassboro campus.

Today we feature senior Molly Worek, an English major from Mullica Hill, NJ (Gloucester County). Molly, who commuted to campus, transferred to Rowan from Bloomsburg University & RCGC.

Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? My favorite moment can’t be defined because there are simply too many to speak of. I think my favorite thing that happens in class is when I make references to something from outside of class that I am passionate about, and find out that my professors are either just as passionate, or super interested and want to learn more from me.

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? I aspire to be a TEFL/TESL high school or corporate level teacher abroad in Japan. I have been on the CADP BA-MS program to become certified as a teacher in NJ, and I have also pursued the international studies minor to become more culturally aware of the world, my future students and myself. I also will have a certificate in Japanese, as well as TEFL. I hope to acquire the NJ substitute teacher endorsement as well as an exceptional education endorsement.

Portrait of English major Molly Worek in a kimono.

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? My favorite personal moments are showing on the Rowan Equestrian Team at away shows competing against several other schools at the same time as a team and as an individual.

Molly riding a horse.

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? I want to thank all of my friends, near and far, for making this journey not only possible, but enjoyable. I consider my professors, advisors and mentors to be my friends, not just Rowan employees.

This spring break I had the incredible opportunity to travel to South Africa while riding horses and learning about international culture. Two years before, I did the same in Japan. Everyone at Rowan has helped me learn that I can never stop learning, no matter where I am in the world or what I am doing.

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Senior Reflects: Accounting and Finance Double Major Stephanie Revas

Stephanie poses in front of business hall.

Accounting and finance double major Stephanie poses outside Wilson Hall.Meet Stephanie Revas, an accounting and finance double major with a human resources management minor for her CPA from Bellmawr, NJ (Camden County). Stephanie is a member of Beta Alpha Psi, the international honor organization for financial information students and professionals, and lived on campus during her time at Rowan.

Favorite experience: One of my favorite experiences was working with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for four years. By volunteering with the program, it opened up so many doors and connections that truly shaped my experience in college.

How did you meet your closest friends: One of my closest friends I met during summer orientation, and then our paths kept crossing. I met others through our residence halls or clubs. 

Career Aspirations: I’m currently studying for my CPA exam, and eventually I plan on working as an auditor. 

Shout outs: I couldn’t have gotten through university without the support of my parents, friends, and the business faculty specifically those in the Dean’s Office, Accounting and Finance Department, and Human Resource Department. 

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Senior Reflects: Health & Physical Education Medallion Winner Angela Lakatos

Exterior shot of Rowan owl statue on Rowan's Glassboro campus

Today we speak to Health and Physical Education major Angela Lakatos, a new alumna from Pennsville, NJ (Salem County)! Angela is a transfer from Georgian Court University who lived off campus. Angela is a first-generation college graduate.

What was your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite Headshot of health and physical education major Angela Lakatos.experience in one of your classes? There are so many favorite experiences I’ve had at Rowan. Some of my favorite memories and moments are from my Physical Education classes! My group of classmates are so competitive and every class was so much fun!

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? One of my most meaningful moments was when I was told that I was not only nominated but I was awarded the Cone Award Medallion for Teaching Students with Disabilities. This award means so much to me because I have learned so much from teaching the students with disabilities at my elementary student teaching location and my passion for Health and Physical Education grew even more because of those students.

Health and physical education major Angela Lakatos with her family.
Angela (left) with her family.

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? I hope to become a Health and Physical Education teacher! Every professor has helped me get to where I am today, along with a few of my fellow classmates.

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? Shout out to Professor McCall and Professor Lieberman! These two awesome humans have taught me so much as a future educator. They are the best, and I know that all of my fellow classmates would agree with me on that!!! Also, of course shout out to my parents! If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know where I’d be or what I would be doing. They have always supported me and have been my back bone. I believe I have the best parents in the whole wide world (I might be biased)!!!

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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major

Senior Reflects: Studio Art Major Carlo Martines

The Rowan University Art Gallery

Today we feature Carlo Martines, a Studio Art graduating senior from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County). Carlo transferred to Rowan from Chestnut Hill College, and before social distancing, he commuted to campus. 

Could you please share your favorite social memory? My favorite socialPortrait of Carlo. memory was becoming acquainted with all peers from Cross Country/Track and Field. Another funny one (before I was even officially a Prof) was going to a summer party/kick-back and asking an AEPhi girl if she was in DPhiE. My buddy, who had brought me to this social event, thought it was hysterical.

Could you please share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? My favorite moment with a faculty member was answering a handful of questions correctly in a row for a final review for Macro-economics. I wasn’t sure why I was so strong in that class but I received a B and that was my best mark all semester.

Carlo poses for a selfie.What advice would you give to incoming freshmen or transfers about making the most out of their college experience while choosing a university close to home? Stay grounded by doing your best academically. Social life will come no matter what. But if you are doing poorly in class it will affect all aspects of your life as a Prof.

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? Shout-out to André Baldarrago, Paulo Nascimento, Kenny Stetser, Joe Paolini, Jan Conradi, Herr Schmidt, Joe Finoochiaro, Eric Dubois, Coach Dimit, Nick Neville, Jenna Pumphrey, Tyler Kline, Adam Lovitz, Rowan Club Soccer, Stephen Kümmer, Michael Schillo, David Vaccaro, Joey Baldarrago, and Zach Bruno, as well as my family, all of my professors from my time at Rowan, and all Profs involved with extra-curricular activities. 

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Senior Reflects: Kelly Auletto Gives a Shout Out to Favorite Professor

a yellow and white classroom full of students sitting at rows of desks.

Today we feature senior Kelly Auletto, a Human Services major from Maple Shade, NJ (Burlington County). Kelly transferred to Rowan from Rowan College of Burlington County, and commuted to campus. She is a first generation college graduate.

Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?

I truly enjoyed Prof. McCann’s lectures, she always had us thinking outside of the box. One night during class she had us work as a group drawing the steps to make toast, who knew there were so many steps involved. She had the class laughing and engaged and even with this simple task, she had us thinking on a whole different level.  She always pushed us to be our best.

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan?

Working with the Human Services Club, brainstorming ideas and ways to give back to the community. I will miss this amazing group!!

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations?

Working my three field placements during my time at Rowan University has assisted me in my professional development. I was able to move up to a managerial position within my agency and entered a program that I never thought I would if it wasn’t for my field placement. Working as a vocational specialist with adults with mental health has been an amazing experience.  Watching my clients grow and become integrated into the community is so rewarding, I am thankfully to have been given this opportunity.

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?

YES… Professor McCann – you have been my rock!!! Thank you for all your support (personal and professional), guidance, words of wisdom and putting up with my insanity. I never would have made it without you. You are an amazing person and thanks for being you. My human service people… I will miss all of you. We did it!!! Thanks to my family for putting up with my never ending journey, love you guys.

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Senior Reflects: Computer Science Major Looks Forward To Her Career in Cyber Forensics

Computer science major Monica and her three friends outside Bunce Hall.

Meet Monica Mahon, a graduating senior from Northfield, NJ Computer science major Monica posing in graduation attire.(Atlantic County) who majored in computer science and plans to continue her studies at Rowan with a master’s in computer science. Monica lived on campus since sophomore year, and Glassboro has been a home to her family before as her father attended Rowan University when it was Glassboro State.

Favorite moment with a faculty member: There are so many moments that stood out in my computer science classes, but one of my most memorable classroom experiences happened during my freshman year in Biology 1. My professor brought her two pet birds, a parrot and a pigeon, to class on the last day. The pigeon wore a diaper, and they flew around the classroom the whole time. It was a great last day of class. 

How you met your closest friends: I met my best friend, Michael, in one of my classes my freshman year. We didn’t know each other, but we

Computer science major Monica and her 3 friends in front of Bunce Hall.
Monica, second from left. Michael, third from left.

just picked seats next to each other anyway. We became best friends. One of my favorite memories was waiting in the rain for Hollybash last year. It was pouring, and Michael and a bunch of our friends were all huddled together under a tent waiting for the free cheesesteaks that we ordered to be finished. The absurdity of 20-ish college kids huddled together under a 10×10 tent for free food in a thunderstorm makes this stick out. 

Career Aspirations: My ultimate goal is to become a cyber forensics investigator in law enforcement. They’re the people who investigate criminals’ computers for digital evidence. My next step is an internship with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency as an Information Technology Specialist, and then completing my master’s in computer science here at Rowan next May. 

Shout Outs: I want to shout out all of the computer science professors and advisors; they’ve all helped me along my journey and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance. I also want to shout out my parents for being my #1 supporters throughout college. 

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Senior Reflects: Aspiring Elementary Ed Teacher Shares Her Story

casey and three friends posing for a grad pic.

Meet Casey Urion, a graduating senior from Pilesgrove, NJ (Salem Casey standing in front of the owl statue.County) who double majored in elementary education and literacy studies. Casey looks forward to a career as a second grade teacher and thanks her mentors and friends for years of support. 

Favorite moment with a faculty member: I can’t think of a favorite moment or experience but I do know that one of my favorite professors and classes taken at Rowan was Principles and Pedagogies with Corine Brown. Through this course, I was able to explore different topics centered around multicultural education and student diversity within the classroom. Corine Brown was always welcoming and engaging and her approach to teaching the material was eye-opening. I left that class with a greater appreciation for student diversity and more knowledge on how to create and develop an inclusive, safe, and nurturing learning environment for all students. 

How did you meet your closest friends at Rowan? I actually met my two best friends, Julia Barr and Karlyn Harlow, prior to attending Rowan through a program called RUTA (Rowan Urban Teacher Academy). We attended this program the summer of our junior year in high school and I was lucky enough to come back the following summer, along with Karlyn, to be mentors for the program. Before coming into my freshman year at Rowan University, I signed up for the Freshman Connection Adventure program in order to meet new people and make my transition a little easier. Before official move-in day, the Freshman Connection groups held a picnic and that is where I reunited with Julia as she was in the Leadership program. I was so surprised but happy to see a familiar face and we hung out for the rest of the day. When school started, I bumped into Karlyn on campus and asked her to hang out with Julia and I and from that day forward, we grew to become best friends, roommates for 3 years, and sisters in Theta Phi Alpha. They are a huge part of what made my college experience so memorable and I’m so lucky to have them in my life.

Career aspirations: Casey and a friend in front of the rowan owlMy career aspirations are to become an elementary school teacher (preferably second grade) and go back to school to receive my master’s in education. I hope to get involved as much as possible within the school community and eventually become a dean of students at an elementary school. 

Shout outs! I want to give a special shoutout to my grandparents, Earl and Eileen Urion, for supporting me all these years and giving me the opportunity to achieve my dream in becoming a future educator. I want to thank all of my Rowan professors and advisors, Achieving the Dream Program, and the LLSC Department for the guidance and support. I want to thank Theta Phi Alpha Fraternity for the opportunity to grow as an individual and the amazing people and friendships I’ve made through this organization. I want to thank my cooperating teacher, Elizabeth Schneider, for being so welcoming, kind, and willing to help me succeed in every way possible. I appreciate all of your feedback and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with you. Thanks to my best friends, Dana Terry and Sarah McGoldrick, for always sticking by my side and being my biggest fans since we were in Elementary School. Without you two, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I want to thank my other best friends, Julia Barr and Karlyn Harlow, for being my rocks throughout college. You are both so inspiring and I am so lucky to have you in my life. Last but not least, I want to thank my amazing, hard-working, and caring boyfriend, Brandon Bedilion. You have given me endless amount of support in everything I do and you push me to be a better person. I wouldn’t want to continue on this journey with anyone else by my side. 

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TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Elementary Education/Literacy Studies Major Samantha Shralow

View of James Hall, the education building, with purple flowers in the foreground.

Today’s TRANSFERmation Tuesday features Samantha Shralow, a junior transfer from Camden County College. Samantha is an elementary education and literacy studies major who commutes to campus from her home in Marlton, NJ (Burlington County).

Samantha sits criss cross apple sauce in front of blooming tulips, laughing.

Could you share with us one moment that made you feel inspired or confident that you’re in the right field for you?

Since I have transferred to Rowan, I have felt super confident that I am in the right field. Ever since I was a kid, I have wanted to become a teacher and now that I am taking the steps and am close to fulfilling my goals, I feel very inspired and confident that I can make a positive change in students’ lives. All of my professors at Rowan have been great and truly practice what they preach to make school a positive and enriching experience. They have inspired me to impact others’ lives like they have impacted mine. 

Why did you choose Rowan?

I chose Rowan because many of my friends have graduated from Rowan and have only said good things, so I decided to apply. Rowan was the only school I had applied to, so it was all or nothing for me. Rowan also has a great education program and many graduates I know have become successful teachers. 

What are you most looking forward to at Rowan next year?

I am really excited to start my student teaching next year. I am looking forward to developing relationships with students and helping them in any way I can. This will be the first time that I am actually creating lesson plans and teaching students, so I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from it! 

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Story by:
Samantha Shralow, junior elementary education and literacy studies major

#PROFspective: Degree in 3 Grad Now Earning MBA

Victoria Ieradi: Graduate student MBA

Today we feature Victoria Ieradi, a third-generation Rowan student (her paternal grandfather, maternal grandmother, father, brother and cousin all attended or currently attend Rowan). From Mount Laurel, NJ (Burlington County), Victoria is a graduate student in the master’s in business administration (MBA) program with a management concentration, after earning a bachelor of science in marketing in three years through our Degree in 3 program. Before the campus closed in response to COVID-19, Victoria lived in 220 Rowan Boulevard. 

Victoria (second on the left) with her family members who attended Rowan with President Ali Houshmand.
Victoria (second on the left) with her family members who attended Rowan, with President Ali Houshmand.

On-campus job? I worked at the Rohrer Center for Professional Development as a marketing intern for three years. Currently I’m a part-time graduate coordinator for the College of Business and the Wellness Center.

Clubs/Organizations: I was a ProjectNest competition winner. I pitched free colon cancer screening tests at the Rowan Medical Clinic in Lindenwold. I also compete with Rowan club swim, and was a part of the American Marketing Association and the Outdoors Club during undergrad.

Take us through one typical Rowan day for you.
My typical day at Rowan usually starts with waking up, then getting dressed and ready for the day while I make a cup of coffee. I grab a quick breakfast and walk to either Business Hall or the Wellness Center, depending on what job I am reporting to. I work from 10 – 3 then go back to my apartment to get some homework done. I make dinner in my apartment and walk to class. The MBA program has all night classes, online, or hybrid, so it is really convenient to those who work full time.

If my class is one of the hybrid courses, you can find me driving to my hometown where we meet for the class in person for half the semester at the RCBC campus in Mount Laurel. I’ll spend the late evening with my parents and then drive back to my on-campus apartment. If it is a Monday or Wednesday, I take my swim bag with me to class and go to the Rec Center to go to club swim practice. Here, I hang out with my teammates and get a great workout in.

Victoria competing at a club swim meet
Victoria competing at a club swim meet

Once I am settled into the apartment for the night, I make a cup of tea and watch Netflix or the news with my roommates (it seems like it is the only time they get to see me as I am out most of the day). Having a schedule that is pretty much full actually helps me focus on my homework, assignments, papers, and studying for exams. If I had too much time to myself, I would get distracted. Being busy may not work for everyone, but it definitely keeps me on task. During the weekends, I try to spend time with my friends and boyfriend outside if the weather is nice! We like to go hiking, skiing, rock climbing (at a gym or outside), and kayaking.

Why did you chose your major?
I chose this major because I want to work in product/brand management, where you develop the voice of a brand and how consumers perceive it. I also have an interest in healthcare management, and I knew that an MBA would be really beneficial for me to get into that field if I wanted to later on in my career. 

What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned this year in one of your classes?
The most interesting thing I have learned in my classes this year has been through my class Managing Organizational Strategy. My professor uses a lot of real time examples and helps teach us using current topics as to how not only internal, but external, factors can affect the success of a company. Especially as times are rapidly changing for corporations big and small right now, I am able to see what we learn in class being applied to companies every day. 

Victoria (second from the right) with some of her closest friends that made Rowan feel like home.
Victoria (second from the right) with some of her closest friends who made Rowan feel like home.

Tell us about one moment that made you feel that Rowan was the right fit for you:
One moment that made Rowan feel like the right college for me was freshman year on my birthday. My birthday is early in September, so I didn’t think I had close enough friends yet to celebrate. I called my mom a little sad that I wasn’t going to have a good time as I was walking to my statistics class that night. I got back to Holly Pointe and sat on the floor to wallow in self pity. Then, my roommate at the time (now forever friend), came bursting through the door with people from our pod and people I knew from high school with a cookie cake and chocolate covered pretzels! It made me feel so welcome I was grinning ear to ear knowing I was a Prof, had a new family, and belonged at Rowan University! 

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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, senior advertising major

Senior Reflects: History Major Christine Katherine Elizabeth Ellis

Today we feature senior Christine Katherine Elizabeth Ellis, a History major from Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County). Christine, who commuted to campus,  transferred to Rowan A portrait of Christine.from Camden County College.  

Could you please share your favorite social memory?

Among my favorite memories are my watercolor class, History of Photography class, my Modern Latin America class, and every history class I took that encouraged discussion among the students. 

Could you please share a favorite experience in one of your classes?

Being able to present my poster for the President’s Day Poster Session Event (pictured below).

Christine presents her poster with the support of her family.

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?

Thank you so much to my Mom and Dad for putting me through college and thank you also to both my grandmas for their help and support. Thank you to my Aunt Darlene and my cousin Dontrell for supporting me at my event. And thank you to everyone else who has encouraged me with my schooling. 

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Senior Psychology Major Says Young Son Was “Motivation” For Her Degree

Today we feature Ashley D. Steever, a Psychology major from Atco, NJ (Camden County). A first-generation college student, she transferred to Rowan from Camden County College. Ashley shares her favorite Rowan moments and thanks those who encouraged her as she worked full-time and raised a family while studying at Rowan. 

Headshot of Ashley SteeverTell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or favorite experience in one of your classes.
My favorite moment was from last semester while taking the course Drugs, Alcohol & Tobacco (which is my career field). The professor was very real and down-to-earth and seemed to really engage the students. She and I chatted often after class about relevant topics and our personal experiences. She actually asked me to do a Narcan presentation/training for the class. I was really excited to educate my fellow classmates and was really appreciative of the opportunity. She was a great professor and made a great listener. 

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan?
Honestly, bringing my young son to Mommy’s school was a pretty meaningful moment. He was only about a year old, but it meant a lot to show him around campus. After all, he is my motivation for getting my degree and starting my career. 

Ashley's son is wearing Rowan Prof gear

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations?

I am a Psychology major and did not know much about it when I first started. Rowan, and especially the Psychology as a Profession and Practice course, helped me to understand exactly what I could get out of a career and not just a degree. I am working toward my bachelor’s and then eventually my CADC to become a drug and alcohol counselor. 

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?

I’d like to give a shoutout to my family for all of their support through my very long educational journey. With working full-time and raising a family I have only been able to attend 2-3 classes a semester at Rowan. So it has taken me longer than expected to finish. My mom and my husband have supported me through it all and never gave up on me. I also want to thank my counselors, Megan Kately and Talia Musero, for always being there with answers, advice and feedback to keep me on track. It feels great to be so close to the finish line.

Ashley Steever at right with her husband and son

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Senior Reflects: Future Middle School Teacher Jessica Lynn Heady

Meet Jessica Lynn Heady, a first-generation college student and graduating senior who commuted from her home in Mantua, NJ (Gloucester County). Jessica, who majors in Subject Matter English Education and minors in Psychology, transferred from Rowan College at Gloucester County (now RCSJ). Here, Jessica shares her favorite moments from Rowan and thanks those who helped her as she pursued her teaching education path.

Headshot of Subject matter education major Jessica Heady

Tell us about your favorite classroom experience. 

One of my favorite experiences was in Dr. Viator’s Shakespeare class. The class was held in Winans Hall in a room with paper-thin walls, and the class next door was always loud. So one day he was not having it and decided to give them a taste of their own medicine. He shouted as loud as he could at the dividing wall to tell them to stop laughing. Ironically our class howled with laughter. Once we were all settled down Dr. Viator said, “You won’t remember anything from today’s lesson, but you’ll remember your crazy professor yelling at a wall.” And he was absolutely right.

What was your favorite moment at Rowan?

One of my favorite personal moments at Rowan is when I would hang out with my friends after class in the pit or on the third floor of the student center. We would always say we would get together to do homework, but we would really just sit there and people watch, laughing way too loud and way too hard.

What are your career aspirations? How did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations?

My career goal is to become a middle school English teacher to inspire students to learn. The professors and the staff members of The College of Education have supported me to do so. My professors have modeled excellent teaching strategies that I can use in my classroom and created learning environments that encourage and motivate me to do my best. The staff members of The College of Education have given me the guidance and support that I needed to succeed in my journey at Rowan University. Without them, I would not have the resources I need to have a successful future.

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?

I’d like to thank my mom, my dad, my sister, and my grandma. Thank you for all the love and support you have given me throughout my college career. Thank you for being there for me when I thought my best wasn’t good enough. Thank you for staying up late with me as I wrote my essay after essay. And thank you for always encouraging me. I love you.

Subject matter education major Jessica Heady and her family

I would like to thank my cooperating teacher and mentor, Christine Neri. Thank you for all your support and guidance during my student teaching journey. Thank you for having faith and confidence in me when I did not have it in myself. I have learned so much from you. And I appreciate all that you have done for me. You’re the best.

I would like to thank Dr. Timothy Viator. Thank you for creating classes that are both educational and meaningful. Thank you for all your teaching and life advice. But most importantly thank you for continued support even in your time of retirement. I am forever grateful for that.

I’d like to thank my friends. Thank you for the laughter and the tears we have shared. Thank you for our late-night study sessions that would always get us sidetracked. And thank you for not letting me be the only person who would jokingly say I was going to drop out at the smallest inconvenience. Without all of you, my college career would have been extremely boring.

Jessica Heady holding a bag that says Miss Heady on it

Lastly, I would like to thank my advisor, Nadia Rahin. Thank you for all the support you have provided me during my college career. Through all the ups and downs you were always there to help me keep my eye on my goals. And thank you for introducing me to classes that I would have never thought of taking. Because of you, my original goals have expanded from being an English teacher to being an English teacher who loves history, psychology, and women and gender Studies. Thank you for all that you have done for me.

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Senior Reflects: Political Science Major Jacob Haulenbeek

Today we feature Jacob Haulenbeek, a senior Political Science major and International Studies minor from Fieldsboro, NJ (Burlington County). Before leaving campus because of social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19, Jacob lived in 220 Rowan Boulevard. He transferred to Rowan from Rowan College at Burlington County.

A portrait of political science major Jacob.Tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?

My favorite moment in a class at Rowan might just be the Model UN trip to New York City last April. Spending time with the whole class, experiencing the city, and feeling the important weight of being in the United Nations — interacting with student leaders from around the world. It was enlightening and a blast.

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? 

Getting close to everyone in the Rowan Democrats was an amazing experience for me. I built lasting friendships in that club that I hope to carry with me throughout my life. The work we did and the experiences we had (such as inter club debates, volunteering) will remain in my memory for years.

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations?

I am not sure of exactly what I want to do with my whole life yet. I’m sure that isn’t unique among college graduates. I plan to start Political science major Jacob poses with three friends under a wooden gazebo.my professional career this month working for International SOS. I will work for them in government services for at least a year and then attend law school. I would like to specifically and emphatically thank Dr. Dworkin and the Rowan Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship (RIPPAC) for all of the incredibly enriching events and activities they hosted on campus. RIPPAC stressed to all students the importance of internships and they provided the skills and resources to students in order to get their career aspirations off the ground: to get that internship, find that job, to write a professional resume.

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? 

I want to thank my whole family for supporting me throughout my academic career. I want to thank my friends and my instructors for standing by me when I needed them most and pushing me to achieve what they knew I was able to. Rowan is a special place, and I am grateful for everyone I’ve had the pleasure to meet and grow with.

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Senior Reflects: Radio/TV/Film Major Nicolas Matteo

Nicolas and other students at a film festival

Today we feature Nicolas Matteo, a senior Radio, Television & Film major from Washington Township, NJ (Gloucester County). Nicolas transferred to Rowan from Rowan College at Gloucester County (now RCSJ), and commuted to campus prior to temporary shutdowns in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He is a first-generation college student.

Could you share your favorite moment or experience in one of your classes?A self portrait of radio/TV/film major Nicolas.

My favorite moment was getting my hands on the Black Magic 4k cameras in my Film Production 2 class.

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen or transfers about making the most out of their college experience while choosing a university close to home?

Join and participate in the Cinema Workshop. I haven’t been able to, but I hear it’s totally worth it.

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?

I want to thank my parents, my sister Sophia, my beautiful girlfriend Destiny, and my brother-from-another-mother Jeremy, for sticking by me and helping me along the path of greatness.

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Senior Reflects: Geographical Information Science Major Jonathan Sharp

An aerial view of land and water mass

Today we feature Jonathan Sharp, a Geographical Information Science major from Pilesgrove, NJ (Salem County). Jonathan transferred to Rowan from Anne Arundel Community College, and before social distancing in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, he commuted to campus. 

Could you share your favorite social memory? 

Socially the place to be in the department is our GIS lab. This where everyone comes to print off their stuff, work on their projects, and find GIS help from the mentors. I go here to get my work done and sometimes to hang out with the other people in the department getting ready to graduate, looking for help with their resumes, or just grabbing a bite to eat. I also always had a blast on the GeoClub hikes.

Jonathan and two colleagues stand in front of a black background with the Earth on it.
Jonathan, center, with classmate Kristina Wallace, left, and Dr. Ashley York, right.

Could you share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?

The Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability has the best faculty by far. Most have an open door policy and always have time to work through a hard problem or just check in with how you are doing. They also fill the department with extracurricular activities like the GeoClub and Planning Club so that even on the weekends they are giving their time and attention to the students. Even during the quarantine, it seemed like I’d talk to the faculty every day as I attended class online or was looking for help on a project. 

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?

My biggest mentors: Dr. Ashley York, Prof. Richard Federman, and Dr. Zachary Christman and Kristina Wallace. They got me through this last semester. My sister Becky got me through the last two years. She’s my favorite sister by far.

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Senior Reflects: #RowanPROUD Political Science Major Kazi Hafiza

Exterior shot of the Chamberlain Student Center

Today we feature Kazi Hafiza, a graduating senior from Gloucester Township (Camden County). Kazi, who majored in Political Science and minored in Sociology, shares her favorite Rowan memories, including becoming an organization’s founding member and future leader.  

Portrait of  Kazi Hafiza in the Chamberlain Student CenterTell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes. 

I would say my favorite class was my sociology classes with Dr. Rich. We had so many great discussions in those classes.  She really made me want to go to class each week. 

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? 

I was a founding member of the Rowan Democrats since freshman year and the President the past two years. Joining the Rowan Dems and helping build this club to where it is now was the best thing I experienced at Rowan University. Not only did it give me friends for a lifetime, I loved being at Rowan because of it. I was always told to join activities at college and it was the best decision ever. I learned so much from the events and the networks the club provided. I am sad that I am graduating and not being able to be a part of the Rowan Dems anymore but I am so happy that I created great memories throughout my four years and wish the club the best luck in the future. 

Group shot of Rowan Democrats

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations?

I am not sure where I want to end up in the long run, but I know I want to stay in politics if I can. During my junior year, Rowan brought in its Institute of Public Policy and Citizenship (RIPPAC). Dr. Ben Dworkin really made being a poli sci student at Rowan so much better with his events and internship guides. He really cares about his students and it shows every time he checks in with you about future aspirations. Thank you, Dr. Dworkin, for all the help these past two years and for helping me find a better passion in a field I love.  

Kazi Hafiza with then-candidate Phil Murphy and other students

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? 

I want to sincerely thank my family for supporting my dreams since I was a child. To all my friends thank you, college was tough for all of us but you all made my life at college enjoyable and I will never forget all the great times we had and hope to have in the future. To all the professors and faculty I’ve met over the years, thank you for all the support and pushing me to the best I could be. Thank you Rowan for being my home for the past four years. I am so proud to be a Prof!

Kazi Hafiza and her friends in the park on High St.

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Senior Reflects: Literacy Studies Graduate Jodi Lynn Heady

Rowan University Child Demonstration Center.

MeetJodi posing with a rose. Jodi Lynn Heady, a graduating senior concentrating in literacy studies under subject-matter education with two minors in education and psychology. Jodi commuted to Rowan during her last semester from her home in Mantua, NJ (Gloucester County). She’s a first-generation college student who transferred here from Rowan College of Gloucester County.

Favorite Classes at Rowan: My favorite experiences at Rowan with my classes would have to be School Reading Problems and Supervised Clinical Practice in Reading. In those classes, I got to tutor children, seeing how much they grew from the beginning to end of tutoring was wonderful. They were the best classes to look forward to each week. 

Two sister and their parents pose for a family photo.Favorite Memory: My favorite moment at Rowan was working at Rowan University Early Childhood Demonstration Center. The children and staff there were all so sweet, and it was the best way to either start or end my school day! 

Career AspirationsJodi waving a rowan university flag: My career aspiration is to teach and shape young minds and get them ready for the years ahead of them. The College of Education supported me throughout my journey. They have provided wonderful classes with great professors. 

Shout outs! I would like to give a shout out to my family (my mom, my dad, my sister, and my grandma), my friends, the children I babysit and their families, Rowan University Early Childhood Demonstration Center, my advisor (April Ellerbe), and my favorite professors at Rowan (Dr. Lee, and Professor Atwood).

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Future In Roller Coaster Design for Mechanical Engineering Grad Matthew Mazalewski

four grads toss their hat.

Meet Matthew Mazalewski a graduating senior who majored in Matthew Mazalewski pops champagne.mechanical engineering. Matthew lives with his three engineering roommates (above) for all four years at Rowan

Favorite Classroom Experience: Finishing thermal/fluids systems was a huge accomplishment that I’m sure many mechanical engineers (MechE’s) can relate to.

How Did You Meet Your Roommates? I simply reached out to a random person and asked them if they like their room frigid year around, and if they liked cranberry juice. Weird questions, right? But, both of those answers were a yes and we’ve been close friends ever since. 

As for my friend group, we all shared the  similar drive, passion, and interest that was needed to succeed in such a challenging, yet rewording major and career. 

four grads jump in commencement attire.
Matthew Mazalewski, far right, with his fellow mechanical engineering classmates.

Career Aspirations: I want to create/design, build, and program awesome roller coasters and jaw dropping themed attractions. Stay tuned!

Shout outs! Of course, I wouldn’t be where I am today without my friends, family, advisors and my mentors. Words can’t describe how thankful I am for everything that everyone has done. Thank you all!

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Senior Reflects: Elementary Ed/Mathematic Dual Major Thanks Professors

Meet Jacob Kauffman, an elementary education/mathematics dual major who commuted from Glassboro, NJ (Gloucester County.)

Favorite momJacob Kauffman posing for a portraitent: A number of favorite moments come to mind so with that in mind I’d like to take this time to thank the entire mathematics department in Robinson Hall for always being there and willing to answer any questions that I had about my math courses!

Most Meaningful Moment:  The most meaningful personal moment that I had at Rowan has to be the friends I made while student teaching. I never would have made it through it all without them! You know who you are!

Career Aspirations: I finished my degree in mathematics and it was one of the most difficult things I had ever done. Once I finally start teaching, I can’t wait to help my students overcome the obstacles that I struggled with for so long. None of this would have been possible without a select number of extremely helpful and kind math professors.

Shout outs! I’d like to thank my family for supporting me all through my college career and I’d also like to give a special thanks to Dr. Charalampos (Babis) Papachristou and Dr. Edward Dougherty both from the Rowan mathematics department who always went above and beyond whenever I asked for help.

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Future In Holocaust Education for History Grad

Today we feature first generation college student Sylvia Hogue, a graduating history major who transferred to Rowan from Camden County College. Sylvia commuted to campus from home, in Pine Hill, NJ (Camden County.)

Could you please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
I’d have to say my favorite moment experience at Rowan was my second visit to the South Jersey Tech Park to work on the Warsaw VR Project. That day I got to experience the VR project inside of the CAVE and I knew then that the Warsaw Project was going to be very special and would be worth all other time and effort our multidisciplinary team puts into it.Sylvia stands in broken light for a selfie.
What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan?
Last semester, I went to the New York Jewish Heritage Museum with the Rowan Center for the Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights (RCHGHR) to see the first traveling exhibit about Auschwitz outside of Europe. Being there and seeing the remnants of the atrocities of the Holocaust solidified my desire to pursue a career in Holocaust education. Sylvia stands with a flag.

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations?
It is my goal to work in public history, helping to educate others on the horrors of genocide so that hopefully, one day, such tragedies no longer occur. I also wish to help design a federal Holocaust curriculum and develop teaching resources for public schools. The entire history department is endlessly supportive of its students. However, I personally own much to Jennifer Rich, Stephen Hague, and Jody Russell Manning.

Dr. Rich brought me onto the Warsaw Project with open arms and never misses an opportunity to lift up her students and makes them feel like they can do anything. Dr. Hague always pushes back, challenging me to do better and to look at things from a different perspective. Professor Manning, apart from always adding into my personal reading list, always makes me ask the bigger questions and never accept the easy answers as true. Such skills not only serve to make me a better historian in general but also give me a wider lens to see the world.

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? 
I never would have made it this far without the endless support from my parents (Pat and Ken), my fiance (Phillip), and my best friend (Steve) who have spent the last 4 years being the most patient and understanding people on the planet. I would also like to give a shout out to my friend Gina Torres who’s been stuck proofreading my papers since we met in Historical Methods.A close up of Sylvia and her fiance.

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Senior Reflects: Law & Justice Major Emilyann Colbert

Emilyann poses with her family.
Emilyann Colbert poses in front of Bunce Hall.
“All that I am & hope to be I owe to those who *believe* in me.”

Meet Emilyann Colbert, a graduating senior from Sickerville, NJ (Camden County) who majored in Law & Justice and minored in Psychology. Emilyann graduated in Dec. 2019 and celebrates during the 2020 commencement.

Favorite moment with faculty: The professor who has made the biggest impact on me during my time at Rowan would be Dr. Kimberly Houser. She is an amazing professor. During my sophomore year of college I lost my uncle and it was a very difficult time in my life. Dr. Houser truly went above and beyond for me.

Favorite Rowan memory: Rowan University has been full of great memories, one of my favorites would be taking a tour of the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City for my Casino Crime class during my junior year.

Career Aspirations: In the future I hope to pursue a career within probation or parole. During the summer of 2019 I had the opportunity to intern with the New Jersey State Parole Board, where I was assigned to the Sex Offender Management Unit. My internship allowed me to observe parole board hearings and tour the New Jersey State Prison. It was a great experience.

Shout outs! I want to thank all of my family and friends for always being so supportive. Throughout my life my mother, brother and grandparents have always been there for me. They have taught me how to be strong, determined and hard-working. My boyfriend, Dominic, and best friend, Samantha, have also been a strong support system for me.

I will forever be appreciative of them. I love you all.

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Senior Reflects: Jonathan DeLair Celebrates Commencement with Fellow Engineers — from a Safe Distance

4 rowan grads jump in graduation attire.

Meet Jonathan DeLair, a graduating senior from Piscataway, NJ Jon poses for a commencement portrait.(Middlesex County) who majored in mechanical engineering. He and his closest engineering friends met at Bunce Hall for a social distancing graduation farewell.

Favorite Class Memory: My favorite moment would have to be when my partner and I got the air engine we built from scratch to run great after a real bad failure in Dr. Bhatia’s TFS II class.

How did you meet your closest friends: I met Matt my freshman year on GroupMe. We were both searching for a roommate and we decided to be roommates because we both loved cranberry juice and cold rooms. We’ve been roommates/apartment mates for 4 years.

four graduates throw their caps in front of bunce hall.
Kristin, Jonathan, Matt and Dominick toss their graduation caps.

Career Aspirations: I aspire to be a successful engineer in my professional life and maybe even secure higher management roles in the future.

Shout outs: I first want to thank my parents, without them I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am today. I also would like to thank the rest of my family and friends I’ve met for believing in me and being there along the way. Lastly, I’d like to thank all the staff at Rowan for bringing love and hard work to class and for giving us the tools we need to handle the professional world.

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Senior Mechanical Engineering Major Launches Career, Looks Back on Rowan Experience

Senior mechanical engineering major Jason Fisch

Meet Jason Fisch, a graduating senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering from Camden County, NJ who lives on campus on Rowan Boulevard. Jason shares a few highlights from his Rowan career and has several people to thank along the way. 

Tell us about a favorite experience in one of your classes.

My favorite memory in one of my classes would be the Air Engine Project in my junior year TFS [Thermal-Fluid Sciences] class. Over two semesters, mechanical engineering students work in groups to fabricate their own engine, which runs on compressed air. It was a very challenging but rewarding project.

Mechanical engineering major Jason Fisch in front of a Rowan Student Government Association sign

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? 

My most meaningful moment at Rowan was being elected as the SGA [Student Government Association] Executive Vice President by the student body. It was such an honor to serve the undergraduate population, clubs, and organizations this past year, and I learned a lot along the way.

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations?

Upon graduation, I will be working as a strategy analyst at Accenture. Rowan’s interdisciplinary and project-based learning allowed me to grow into the leader I am today and build critical thinking and problem solving skills, which I will use throughout my career.

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? 

Mechanical engineering major Jason Fisch and his family on vacationI’d like to thank my parents and my brother Jared for supporting me and pushing me to achieve my goals and aspirations at Rowan. I have had many amazing professors and got to know some fantastic administrators.

While I cannot thank them all individually here, I’d like to give a shout out to Dr. Lowman, Dr. Tinnin, Professor Amadoro, Dr. Jha, Dr. Ik Jae Lee and Dr. Krchnavek. Every faculty member at Rowan that I have had the chance to interact with over my four amazing years has had a positive impact on my life.

Mechanical engineering major Jason Fisch in Zion National Park
Jason, seen here at the summit of Angels Landing in Utah’s Zion National Park, will embark on new adventures after graduation.

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Senior Reflects: Health & Physical Major J Renee Collazo

a cyclist riding by on the road.

Meet J Renee Collazo a hJ Renee Collazo posing for a portrait.ealth and physical education major from Burlington County who transferred after 15 years at Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC). Before COVID-19 she commuted to campus.

Favorite Experience: I have to say, my favorite experience was completing the crate stacking/climbing in Adventure Learning class!

Favorite Personal Moment: My most meaningful, personal moment was my first day starting at Rowan! I went back to school after 15 years from graduating from RCBC. 

Career Aspirations: I want to teach people the tools it takes to live a healthy, active, and meaningful life. The programs at Rowan were an inspiration to learning the methods I can use to accomplish this goal of mine!

Shout Outs! Shout out to my family for always supporting me, my friends helping me along the way, Dr. Willis, Professor Lieberman, Dr. McCall, and many more were such a great inspiration to the success of my time at Rowan! Thank you so much everyone!

Renee Collazo and family

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Liberal Studies, 3+1 Program Senior Reflects

senior reflects- Chinasa Nwankwo

Meet Chinasa N. Nwankwo, a senior liberal studies major graduating this semester as part of the 3+1 program, in which students attend classes at community college for three years and at Rowan University for one year. Chinasa, from Cinnaminson, NJ (Burlington County) attended 3+1 through Rowan College at Burlington County. 

Could you share your favorite memory?
I joined the Philosophy Club of Rowan University, for me it’s very exciting. I was very honored when I got an invite to join. Unfortunately the season we are witnessing has limited our club activities. I look forward to keeping in touch with the club since Phi Kappa Tau stands for everything I believe.

Chinasa (left) with her husband
Chinasa (left) with her husband

Could you share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
My experience with the academic advisors for the 3+1 program was impressive. I encountered my advisor Allie when I was looking to transfer to a four-year college from RCBC. She is an amazing individual whose professionalism is second to none. She followed up with me, and her attitude convinced me to complete my degree program through the 3+1 initiative.

My personal go-to adviser, Holly Ann Ashton, is a wonderful woman who is hands-on with any issues that I brought to her attention. This spring semester, Holly Ann went above and beyond to assist me with providing a space within the office to take my online exams for a class that required Proctotrack, which I couldn’t do in my home. It wasn’t her job, but she was interested and invested in me as a student of Rowan University that she made it possible for me to finish without issues. That’s what I call dedication and service. I appreciate Holly Ann Ashton.
Chinasa (middle) with her son and husband
Chinasa (middle) with her son and husband
Chinasa (right) with her son
Chinasa (right) with her son

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?
I want to thank my husband, who assisted me all the way without complaining. He stood by me and encouraged me that I could do this and be proud of myself. My son Zee, who believed that “Mommy is smart,” I want to say thank you. I missed out on your soccer games, volleyball and other activities because of my evening classes. I love you, son. You make me proud. I celebrate you as you go to college in the Fall of 2020.

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Senior Reflects: Athletic Training Major Phil Brenner

A family photo at Disney World.

Meet Phil Brenner, a graduating senior from Westville, NJ (GloucesterPhil posing in front of the ocean. County) who majored in athletic training. Phil lived on campus in Evergreen, on Rowan Boulevard and in off-campus campus during his time at Rowan.

Favorite Class: One of my favorite moments in a class was during Mr. Christy’s therapeutic exercise class when our class had to go into the cold whirlpool for 20 minutes at 8 a.m. in the morning. It was definitely better than the effect of any coffee. 

Most Meaningful Memory: One of my most meaningful experiences at Rowan was joining the Unified Sports Club my freshman year. I had so much fun competing with all of the athletes and partners. It was one of the things I looked forward to most on the weekend when it was soccer or basketball season. 

Career Aspirations: My career aspirations are to continue in the athletic training program at Rowan so I can get my master’s in athletic training. I aspire to be an athletic trainer for a high school. I got to learn alongside two of the best high-school athletic trainers (shoutout Mr. Evans at Woodstown and KB at Delsea Regional High School). They taught me the ins and outs of what it takes to be a high-school athletic trainer and I’m very grateful for their mentorship. Also, the professors and educators of the athletic training major helped me reach where I am. They have challenged me and pushed me to be the best I could be. It was definitely a lot of work but without their guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am at right now.

A group photo of Phil and his famiy.

Shout outs! I want to give a shout out to my mom, sisters (Jenna and Kristina), my brother Chris, my girlfriend Grace, and my close friends who have supported me throughout my academic journey. I also want to give a shoutout to Colleen Grugan, Dr. Sterner, Dr. Mann, Dr. Pletcher, Dr. Bullard, Mr. Christy, KB, Mr. Evans, Steve Shultz, and Chris Pantellere for being educators and preceptors for me throughout my courses and residencies. My knowledge base is a cumulation of these high quality educators and I could not be more grateful for that. 

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Senior Reflects: Sports Communication Major Austin Michael Jones Graduates with Pro Team Aspirations

Exterior shot of owl statue on Rowan's campus

Today we feature Austin Michael Jones, a Sports Communication and Media major from Franklinville, NJ (Gloucester County). This first-generation senior, who transferred from Rowan College of New Jersey, lives off campus. Austin shares his future plans and favorite Rowan moments, including meeting a basketball Hall of Famer.

Exterior shot of Austin Michael Jones on Rowan Boulevard with the Rowan Shuttle behind himTell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?

My favorite moment with a faculty moment was going to Atlanta, Georgia for the NCAA Inclusion Forum with Professor Yannick Kluch. Rowan students Thomas Cardona, Kayla Santiago and Alexandra Brooks also attended the event. We got to learn and make connections with fellow professor and students who are devoted to make a cultural change about diversity.

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan?

When I got to meet basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley. He gave us students such great advice about life and the obstacles he had to overcome. The coolest thing was I was literally sitting next to Barkley.

What are your career aspirations?  How did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations?

My career aspiration is to work front office with an NFL or NBA team. The Pizza with the Pros helped me because I got to make some connections that have been able to help me with my future career. Also, speaking with Yannick Kluch and Neil Hartman have allowed me search for positions that best fit me.

Austin Michael Jones (in center) celebrates his graduation with members of his familyDo you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?

I want to give thanks to my family, friends and all the faculty members that have helped me through my educational path. I also want to say thank you to my late mother who has been watching above me. Lastly, thank you Rowan University for being part of my life.

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Senior Reflects: Law & Justice Major Tylar E. Bradley Looks Forward to Practicing Law

An American flag flying in the wind.

Meet Tylar E. Bradley, a law and justice graduating senior from Delran, NJ (Burlington County) who transferred here from Howard University. Tylar shares her favorite memories, professors and her plan for law school. Tylar commutes to Rowan.Tylar posing for a portrait.

Favorite Memory with a Professor: I do remember having a very good conversation with Dr. Stanley Yeldell. I took his victimology course, which was a great class. We exchanged stories about our respective times in Washington D.C. where he went to college and where I transferred from. I also had great conversations with Professor James Jones. You can just tell he’s very passionate and knowledgeable about his job. I always loved hearing him speak. 

Club Involvement: I had high hopes of getting involved in more clubs/organizations this upcoming semester but COVID-19 messed up those plans. Making friends as a busy transfer student is harder, but I can say that every person that I came in contact with was very nice. 

Career Aspirations: I aspire to go to law school and practice law before ultimately becoming a judge or getting involved somehow with the FBI orCIA. I haven’t decided yet, but I plan on taking the LSAT regardless. One professor that supported me with my aspirations was Professor Hoerner. She was very informative on certain aspects about entering that field and was always very encouraging. Tylar and her two year old daughter.

Shout outs! I want to thank my family, friends and professors for helping me through this transition as a transfer student while also being a single mother to a 2-year-old boy. It’s been very difficult but with my family and friends’ help and understanding professors– I’ve managed to not only succeed but excel in all of my courses. 

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Senior Reflects: Aspiring Music Educator Kayode Gloster

A wide shot of one of Rowans concert halls.

Meet Kayode G, a graduating senior majoring in vocal music education who lives on campus on Rowan Boulevard. Kayode commuted to Rowan during his last semester, from his home in Pine Hill, NJ (Camden County). Kayode shares his favorite memories as president of the Table Tennis Club and as a performing arts student.Kayode poses for a portrait.

Favorite Memory with a Professor:
My favorite moment with a faculty member was when Professor Art McKenzie, my high school and Rowan men’s choir director, asked me to choreograph/stage one of the men’s choir concerts. He had a brilliant vision and he believed in me to help bring it to life.

We had many creative meetings on the order of the music for the program, lighting & staging ideas, transitions, and choreography. He allowed me to have a voice in the process, and he didn’t have to. He is one of the most selfless, egoless, and talented people I have ever met. I learned so much from this experience. I felt honored to be able to work on this huge project with one of my inspirations.

Favorite Rowan Memory:
My personal favorite moment at Rowan was when I was the President of the
Table Tennis Club. My goal for the club was to get the history of the club to 100 members on Proflink. When I was elected president, there were about 40 students in the history, and by the end of my term, the club had over 100 members! That was a very ambitious goal, but I exceeded that goal. This accomplishment stands out for me because this club allowed me to meet and connect with many great students on campus.

My motto for the club was: It’s more about collaboration than it is competition!

Table tennis group portrait.

What are Your Career Aspirations:
I aspire to be a music educator and work in all areas of performing arts. I love to sing, dance/choreograph, play the piano, write music & poetry, and of course teach and inspire others to get involved in music. I have had many opportunities to teach and showcase my gifts whether it was front stage (singing solo/duets, piano recital) or behind the scenes (choreographing, staging and lighting). I thank all of the teachers who allowed me to share my love of music in a variety of ways.

Kayode and a professor pose for a photo.Shout outs! I would love to say thank you to my family and friends who have been there during this long journey. All of the love, laughter, support, and meaningful moments have truly kept me alive.

Thank you to my table tennis friends. You will never truly understand how much this group has helped me through some of the hardest times at Rowan.

Huge thank you to Mr. McKenzie for all of your love and support! Thanks to Dr. Christopher Thomas and the choir who sang at my mother’s funeral. I will never forget that moment. Lastly, a huge shout out to Professor Karen Brager!!!!!! You truly mean so much to me! You are a huge reason why I made it to graduation. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Much love to you all.

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Senior Reflects: My Most Interesting Classes at Rowan

A stock image of a laptop and a notebook with pens

Today’s story is from Devon Graf, a senior communications studies major self-distancing from her house in Camden County, NJ. Devon joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Enchanted Celebrations was cut short prematurely due to COVID-19 affecting business.

Coming to an ending of my college experience, I get to reflect on the little things and the big things. From the amazing memories I have had at Rowan University I reflect a lot on my friends, as well as my professors and peers.

One of my favorite classes I have taken as a Communication Studies major is Integrated Communication Marketing. Although I would have to say a number of my classes became my “most” interesting one, as each course brought me different knowledge within my field.Communication studies major Devon Graf studying outside Holly Pointe Commons

My coursework at Rowan provided me with an excellent foundation and allowed me to put my skill sets into practice. Courses such as Participatory Media helped my skills in social media strategy. I helped to kickstart The Daily Challenge Social Media Campaign through regular posts and interact with users on multiple platforms, analysis of analytics and observing marketing trends. This provided great insight into the likes and dislikes of college students.

Communication Studies major Devon Graf working on her Daily Challenge Class Project.
A peer and I posing for our class project for Communication Studies, we had to create our own social media platform!

My Integrated Marketing Communication class allowed me to create a product and marketing plan for a specialized portable solar charger. The last course I will highlight is Public Relations of Law and Ethics. Upon learning about the theory of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, in its relevance to marketing, I was able to understand and tend to my client’s needs on a higher level during my internship at Enchanted Celebrations in West Creek, NJ.

I believe a college course is what you make of it. Sometimes we students have to take courses we don’t want to, or we don’t think we need, but those courses can pay off. Trust me. Down the line, you might actually refer to something you learned in Art Appreciation or American Government. Not all majors need to stick with one specific course load. Broaden your knowledge! Take each course you are signed up for with a positive attitude.

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Story and photography by:
Devon Graf, senior communication studies major

Senior Prepares for Last Year of 4+1 Program, Gives Advice to Future Educators

Today we speak with Jacob Emig, a senior chemistry major pursuing a master’s degree in education as part of a five-year program at Rowan. Jacob transferred to Rowan from Rowan College at Burlington County and commutes to campus from his home in Marlton, NJ (Burlington County).

Chemistry major Jacob Emig sits at home in front of his open laptop.Why did you choose Rowan?

I went to Rowan College at Burlington County, and I knew a lot of my courses would automatically transfer over to Rowan, which made the financial aspect much better. I commute from home, which isn’t too far from Rowan, which makes it easier. My drive is usually around 30 to 40 minutes. I try to schedule my classes for two or three days a week, and stay on campus pretty much all day. This allows me to also work on the days when I don’t have classes.

What inspired you to choose chemistry and education?

I went into the chemistry major directly set on teaching — the end goal was to become a chemistry teacher the whole time. I studied autobody at a trade school, and I loved that, but I also had a love for chemistry and teaching in high school. Teaching came naturally to me, and I thought it could be a very rewarding career.

I am in the Combined Advanced Degree Program (CADP) with a BA in science for chemistry and a master’s in education, part of the five-year program. Over the past four years, I’ve been taking chemistry courses with some education classes mixed in, and next year I’ll be student teaching as part of the requirements for my master’s degree. I’ll be student teaching at a high school with students in the class probably ranging from freshmen to seniors.

Jacob Emig stands outside wearing goggles and a white lab coat.How do you think your Rowan education will benefit your student teaching experience?

What I learned at Rowan will definitely benefit me. You usually don’t get the chance to understand teaching until you’re actually in the classroom environment. A lot of my courses explain how students learn information and the most beneficial ways of teaching, and it’s all helpful information. I was talking to one of my old high school teachers, and she suggested definitely going for a master’s and gaining that student-teaching experience. It’s very helpful to have a teacher guiding you as you learn your way through navigating the classroom and its challenges.

Tell us about your favorite class in your major that might have had an impact on your studies. 

I had a lot of fun chemistry classes because I just find [chemistry] interesting. A lot of them go into in-depth studies, and my professors are great. My favorite is the one I am wrapping up this semester, STEM Teaching and Research Methods. I was disappointed it was transitioned to an online format because of Covid-19, because it’s a very discussion-based class. We talk about how students learn and the things to keep in mind while teaching. It’s given me a perspective that people wouldn’t normally think about while teaching, like the way you approach a lesson, and the ways you can answer a question. I got to see the opinions of not only my professor but also my classmates.

Have you had any mentors or faculty role models to guide you?

Professors can really influence your experience as a future educator. Professor Trevor Smith is always encouraging to us as students and seems to genuinely enjoy his job. He’s passionate about his subject matter, and being in his class and seeing the way he teaches and seeing how excited he was about teaching was inspiring.

Any advice for future educators?

When you get into the higher level STEM courses, they can become pretty difficult. If you’re in the field more for the teaching side, it can seem like more work than necessary to become a teacher. But if you’re passionate and genuinely care about helping students and making an impact in their lives, it’s definitely worth it in the end. You just have to put in the work to get you there.

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Senior Reflects: Samantha Maynard Shares How Her Double Major Supports Her Aspirations

Students working on a disaster prepardness project.

Meet Samantha Maynard, a graduating senior who double majored in disaster preparedness and emergency management, and community health. Samantha lived on campus and is originally from West Milford (Passaic County.)

Favorite Faculty Memory: My favorite moment with a faculty member is when Dr. Willis helped me plan my big trip to Europe. Thank you!

Samantha in front of a world map.Favorite Personal Memory: My favorite personal moments were the nights my roommates and I, from this past year, would hang out and just talk about random things, and have a blast doing it. We would talk about anything and everything and have the best conversations that we somehow never remembered the next day, but were amazing to be a part of when they happened. 

Career Aspirations: My career aspirations are to work in communities that often need the most help, whether they are or have been underserved for some time, lack health foods, are not safe or accessible. I want to support people who are often neglected due to racism or other prejudicial acts. I am also open to working in a position where I can help underserved communities better recover after a disaster and finding ways to help them get back on their feet. Being able to work in both the community health and emergency management field is a dream.

The professors at Rowan helped to support my ideas by just having experience working in both fields and seeing how beneficial having both Samantha's family photo.backgrounds can be for jobs, or even just or educational components. Whenever I would remind my professors of this other major I was pursuing, they would always include it as something to consider when making a plan. I learnt that we shouldn’t exclude ourselves from the most obvious answers or career paths but that we have to consider everything that can effect this one thing. 

Shout Outs! I want to say thank you to Dr. Willis, Dr. Vaughn, Dr. Miller, and Professor Kneeshaw-Price because they were the ones who helped me out the most, were there to answer all my questions, and were the ones who really helped me to push myself and do the best I could. 

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Senior Reflects: Law & Justice Major Thanks Family & Faculty

Bunce Hall, a flag, and the sun.

Meet Shira Helena, a Law & Justice major from Camden, NJ (Camden County.) Shira shares her favorite Rowan memories and thanks faculty and her family for all their support during her college career.

Favorite Experience: My favorite experience at Rowan was being able to A portrait photo of Shira.meet my counselor Dr. Lesley Mateo, who along my college journey became a friend.

Most Meaningful Moment: My favorite meaningful moment is meeting friends who supported me along the way, and helped me overcome all my obstacles.

Career Aspirations: My career aspiration is to become a DEA agent. I had several professors who shared their experience and have helped me get me on track to accomplish my dreams step by step.

A family photo of Shira.

Shout Outs! I will like to thanks my counselor Dr.Lesley Mateo who helped me not to quit. My family for supporting me all this time. My mom Jackeline Oquendo Who teach to fight for what I want and teach values that got me where I am today. Odesta Harrow and Melissa Harrow for always being there for me and giving me support. Bethairy Rosario And Rosanna For being supportive all the time. My daughter Alayza Ocasio because you motivated me to become the woman that I am today. The Upward Bound program  that helped me to get into Rowan University and helped me to be ready for college Waldemar Ocasio I will like to thank you for supporting me when I need the most.

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Brand Management, My Favorite Class at Rowan

Julia McAleavey- my favorite class at Rowan

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

Today’s story features Julia McAleavey, a senior from Monmouth County, NJ, graduating with a bachelor’s in advertising. Julia transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, from Eastern University in Pennsylvania. 

During my time at Rowan, I have taken a lot of really incredible classes. These include classes within the Department of Public Relations and Advertising as well as general education classes.

My favorite class I ever took, however, was a graduate course called Brand Management.

Last year, during my spring semester advising appointment, I was told that I was eligible for a program called Senior Privilege. I learned that I had enough credits to take six credits of graduate courses as a senior. I hadn’t thought to much about graduate school, but figured this would be a great chance to find out if it is a good fit for me.

I had a few options to choose from within the program, but I chose Brand Management because I am someone who could talk about brands for hours and not be bored. Being that this was my first-ever graduate course, I was very nervous at first. It did help, however, that I already knew the professor from previous courses. The course was taught by Dr. Kristine Johnson, a well-known and loved professor in the Public Relations and Advertising department. Additionally, there were a couple other students who were still undergrads, which also made the situation more comforting. 

Graduate courses aren’t too different from undergrad, but there are a few distinctions that I really liked. The classes are smaller, so it’s easier to build relationships with peers. They are also much more discussion based. Every week, we sat in a circle so we can easily talk about brands and other topics. One discussion I remember having was when we compared and contrasted Sprite and Mountain Dew as if they were people. As I stated before, I could talk about brands forever and not get bored, so I loved activities like these. 

301 High St. building shot from aboveBrand Management also consisted of several projects and presentations, both group and individual. We did individual presentations on brands in the news, which kept us up to date on what was going on with different brands. We also did a ‘my brand’ presentation, where the presenter presented themselves as their own brand. I liked this one a lot because it showed that people are their own brand, that brands have personality, and it helped my classmates and I get to know each other.

For the group projects, we did a full brand audit and a case study. My favorite project, however, was one where we worked with real clients. Two men who owned a gym wanted help to get more people to join their gym, so we pitched ideas to them that they could use. Helping out actual projects made the project seem more worthwhile and rewarding. 

As a whole, Brand Management was an amazing class and a perfect fit for me. I would recommend it to any ECCCA major who qualifies for Senior Privilege.

As far as Senior Privilege goes in general, even if grad school isn’t in your final plan, try the program if you’re eligible. It’s a great way to find out if you’d like to try grad school in the future, and you might really enjoy the experience like I did. 

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Meet #Rowan2024: Full Ride to Rowan

Stock image of pennies spilling out of a jar.

Today we feature Analiz Santana, an incoming freshman from Pennsauken, NJ (Camden County) who will live on campus. Analiz will be a biological sciences major, with a pre-med track

Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan because I was offered a full ride because of my academic achievements. It is also close to home and my sister is a student at Rowan as well and lives on campus so I will be around her more. On top of that, Rowan made me feel most comfortable, without any worries. Rowan allows for me as a student athlete to be able to have an academic life, social life and still be an athlete if I chose to be.

Analiz smiles proudly wearing her new Rowan shirt.

Why or how did you choose your major?
I chose my major after talking to my guidance counselor about options. I plan on being a OBGYN and this major will lead me in the direction of my intended career path. 

What are a few things you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I am looking forward to experiencing living in a dorm and handling an on-campus life. I also look forward to making friends at social functions like football games. 

What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? (Or a new one you’d like to try?)
I have played high school basketball all four years. I am not committed to playing at Rowan but am planning on either trying out for the women’s team or playing club basketball. 

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Meet #Rowan2024: Film Major Ambbar Marrero

Stock photo of film unrolling against a white background.

Today we feature Ambbar Marrero, an incoming freshman from Cumberland County, NJ, who will live on campus. Ambbar will major in Radio/TV/Film (RTF.)

Why Rowan?
Why not Rowan. I did research and I applied to a handful of universities but this one in particular has an amazing Radio/TV/Film program, to add to that a beautiful campus, and it’s also conveniently close to home.

What are a few things you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I am looking forward to living on my own for the first time and being fully independent, looking forward to meet new people, and to know more about my major.

Ambbar stands in front of the Washington monument.

Why did you choose your major?
I chose my major because film has always played a big part in my life, I want to make an impact on the world through the art of film.

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Meet #Rowan2024: PA Resident To Jersey Guy

Connor S wears a backpack.

Today we feature Connor Shields, an incoming freshman from Holland, Pennsylvania, who will live on campus. Connor will major in theatre, with a concentration in music theatre, and he will add the pre-teaching concentration once the school year starts. 

Why Rowan?
Well, it was tied with West Chester for my number one spot, so I decided to shadow both schools to see if that could help me make a decision. Once I got to do my shadow day at Rowan and started experiencing a class, I just told myself that I want to go here! Plus the opportunity to explore both musical theatre and education was a very big plus for Rowan, as there are many schools that, if you’re going for musical theatre, you’re stuck in that program and unable to double major.

Connor shows off his new Rowan hoodie.
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? (Or a new one you’d like to try?)
One activity I’m excited to continue doing is theatre, of course! That’s why I’m majoring in it. I do really want to try to learn ASL, so that’s something I’d want to try and learn while at Rowan. 

How or why did you choose your major?
The reason why I chose theatre with a concentration in musical theatre and adding ore-teaching is because I love performing and want to see if I can possibly make a career out of it, while also giving me the chance to explore teaching. Teaching is something I’ve always wanted to do, and I thought why not try to go to college for both?

What are a few things you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan
I’m really looking forward to the campus life at Rowan. For the few times I’ve been on campus, I’ve just loved every second of it. I love the vibe and I can’t wait to be a part of it in the fall. 

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Meet #Rowan2024: Aspiring Athletic Trainer

Stock image of a person's ankle going into a cast.

Today we feature Bridget Richards, an athletic training major from Brick, NJ (Ocean County) who attended St. Rose High School in Belmar, NJ. Bridget will live on campus. 

How or why did you choose your major?
I’m an athletic training major and I was inspired by my cousin who is an athletic trainer in Michigan.

Bridget tugs on her t-shirt to proudly show that it's a Rowan t-shirt.

Why did you choose a university relatively close to home?
Rowan is about an hour and a half away from where I live now, so it’s close but not super close! I also plan to live in NJ when I am older so going to a college in state just made more sense. 

What are some things you’re looking forward to at Rowan next year?
I’m extremely excited to meet new people and make fun college memories next year. I plan on rushing a sorority in the spring of my freshman year!

Why Rowan?
Personally attending Rowan just made the most sense. I fell in love with the campus and everything it has to offer!!

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Meet #Rowan2024: Location & Major Key for Chinmayee Narayan

drone view of campus highlighting Holly Pointe Commons.

Today we feature incoming freshman Chinmayee Narayan, from Deptford, NJ (Gloucester County) who will be a biomedical engineering major and live on campus. 

Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan because of the amazing biomedical engineering program as well as the campus environment. Rowan is its own little niche in Glassboro, a home away from home! The staff has also shown how much they care and want to help from the start and I’m beyond excited to get to be a part of the College of Engineering.

Chinmayee stands in front of a high school graduation sign, wearing a Rowan shirt.

What are a few things you are looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I look forward to meeting new friends and joining clubs! I’m excited to be living on campus and I can’t wait to have late night study sessions with friends.

How or why did you choose your major?
I chose biomedical engineering as my major because it’s such an innovative and prominent field in medicine. As a society we can’t progress medically without the research and technology created by biomedical engineers. It’s such a diverse field and there’s so many options in terms of areas of focus!Chimayee proudly wears a Rowan shirt.

Why did you choose a university that is close to home?
I chose a university close to home so that I can still be close to my family and still be involved in my community back home. Rowan is perfect because it’s like its own little area away from home, but close enough that I can feel at home too!

What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? (Or a new one you’d like to try?)
Something I’d like to continue from high school is playing my instrument! I’d also like to hopefully pick up swimming again, something I used to do competitively a few years ago.

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Meet #Rowan2024: Tyrone Rashaun Pursues Community Health

Stock image of a face mask laying across a laptop.

Today we feature Tyrone Rashaun, who is a first-generation college student (first in his family to go to college) from Lawnside, NJ (Camden County). Tyrone will live on campus and will major in Community Health

What are a few things you’re looking forward to at Rowan next year?
I am looking forward to meeting new people, dorming, and living the college life.

Why did you choose your major?
I chose my major because ever since I was young I always wanted to be in the medical field.

Tyrone tugs at his new Rowan shirt to indicate how proud he is to be with Rowan.

Why did you choose a university closer to home?
I felt Rowan has more to offer than schools out of state and further from home.

Why Rowan?
Because Rowan is close to home and I see that it can give me a successful career path for my future.

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Meet #Rowan2024: Biological Sciences & Ice Hockey, George Genzel

A close up of George wearing an ice hockey uniform, standing close to a young woman.

Today we feature incoming freshman George Genzel of Clementon, NJ (Camden County), who will live on campus. George will be a biological sciences major and is interested in Rowan Ice Hockey. 

What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? (Or one new thing you’d like to try?)
One activity I am planning on continuing at Rowan is ice hockey. I have been playing all my life and hope to contribute as much as I can to the program. Also I am open to joining clubs and meeting new people on campus.George stands wearing his ice hockey uniform, holding skates, with his arm around a young woman.

Why did you choose a university close to home?

I chose a University close to home because of the activities in the area. Rowan is a short drive from many popular places like Philadelphia or Ocean City so there will always be plenty to do besides school work.A close up of Genzel's face with friends.

How or why did you choose your major?
I plan on majoring in biological sciences. I chose this major because in high school my sciences classes were more interesting to me than any other subject. Whether it was anatomy or chemistry I always took a liking to these classes.

Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan because of the exciting atmosphere on campus and the many activities students can be a part of. Being able to pursue a degree while attending a university where there is always something new and exciting to do is important to me and I believe Rowan offers this better than many other colleges.

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Meet #Rowan2024: Rowan “Feels Like Home” for Music Therapy Major Maia Morales

Exterior shot of Wilson Hall on Glassboro campus

Today we feature Maia Morales, an incoming freshman from Millville, NJ (Cumberland County). Maia will major in Music Therapy and plans to commute to campus.

How or why did you choose your major?
I chose my major in music therapy because not only do I love music, but I love helping others. To have the opportunity to do the two things I love all in one is so special to me!

What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? 
One thing I am looking forward to at Rowan next year is to partake in the many of the music programs that are offered, and hopefully also make some new friends while I am at it too! 

Maia proudly displays her #Rowan2024 acceptance package from Rowan University.
Maia proudly displays her #Rowan2024 acceptance letter.

Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan because not only is it close to where I live, being on campus feels like home and I love the atmosphere of it all. Knowing I do have the opportunity to commute back to home does mean a lot, as it makes life financially better! 

What are a few things you are looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I definitely would like to partake in Rowan’s Performing Arts program and audition for their plays and musicals! All the way through high school I participated in theater, so I would love to be a part of it hopefully at Rowan! 

Why did you choose a university that is close to home?
Rowan is not only [like I said] a place that feels like home for me, but hearing from my brother who is graduating from Rowan say how much he loved it only made me love it more. Meeting others who attend Rowan and just hearing them talk so highly about the campus and their classes and professors just makes me so excited to start working hard and begin a new chapter in my life! 

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Meet #Rowan2024: Maria Mousa Has Pre-Med Aspirations

Stock photo of a hand covered with a blue medical glove holding a plastic container.

Today we feature Maria Mousa, an incoming freshman from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County) who will be a biology major and live on campus. 

How or why did you choose your major?
I chose my major because I have always wanted to go into medicine and I have always been really interested in science so Biology felt like the perfect choice for me. Rowan is also very well known for preparing students for going into medical school.

What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? (Or a new one you’d like to try?)
I played field hockey throughout high school so I am thinking about looking into playing club. I would also like to do student government because I did that in high school and I would love to continue that. I am also looking forward to joining other clubs. Maria stands in front of a statue of Henry Rowan at Rowan University.

Why Rowan?
Rowan is a perfect school. The campus is the perfect size and there is a good amount of people. They have amazing pre-med programs and their own medical school which makes it even better. 

What are a few things you are looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I am looking forward to moving into my dorm room and meeting new people, I am also excited to join new clubs.

Why did you choose a university that is close to home?
I wanted to be able to move out and get that college dorm experience but at the same time I wanted to be able to come home whenever possible.

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Meet #Rowan2024: Exploratory Studies Major Keeps Doors Open

Stock image of a yellow door and a blue door side by side.

Today we feature incoming freshman Renna Manno, from Blackwood, NJ (Camden County), who will commute to campus. Renna is choosing to start her Rowan career as an exploratory studies major to keep her options open, but feels she may go into a field related to psychology or sports. 

Classic senior portrait of Renna, wearing a black off the shoulder gown.

What are a few things you’re looking forward to at Rowan next year?
I am looking forward to pursuing my academic and soccer career at Rowan. Rowan feels like home so I am very excited to be in that environment!

Why did you choose a university close to home?
It works out perfectly for my family and I can get my education, play soccer, and get the college experience all while being close to my family. My family plays a big role in my life. 


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Meet #Rowan2024: Ph.D. Aspirations from Brick, NJ Native, Rebecca Ingenito

Stock image of a close up of a microscope.

Today we feature incoming freshman Rebecca Ingenito, who will double major in translational biomedical sciences and biological sciences. She is from Brick, NJ (Ocean County) and will live on campus. 

Why did you choose your major?
I just remember being about 11 years old, and asking my mom for a microscope because of my interest in the things we can’t see. I chose the major I did because for as long as I can remember I have been curious in hot topics in the biomedical field such as stem Cell research and CRISPR Genome Editing. I knew for about 7 years now that I wanted to pursue science and earn a Ph.D. I’m happy I finally get to pursue that. 

What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? (Or a new one you’d like to try?)
In high school I did computer club where I learned about another huge interest of mine: cyber security. So I’ll probably join Cyber Security Club. I also intended on joining the Chabad Jewish Student Association.

Rebecca takes a selfie, head slightly tilted.

Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan because the graduation rate was better than other schools I previously looked at, I also love how the university is a very STEM based school. Because my intention is to earn a Ph.D., I wanted to attend a university that offered graduate programs and Rowan just seemed like the perfect fit for me.

Why did you choose a university that is relatively close to home?
Choosing Rowan did not have much to do with location. I was looking at schools out of state, but chose Rowan because of the great reputation they had. 

What are a few things you are looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I am looking forward to learning more about my passion and progressing in the field of STEM. 

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Meet #Rowan2024: D&D Fan Joining Our Team

Stock image of dragon from Dungeons and Dragons game.

Today we feature incoming freshman Aspen Mercado, a Haddon Heights, NJ (Camden County) resident who will major in computer science and commute to campus. 

Aspen holds a frame to herself while wearing a Rowan 2024 shirt.

What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
I really want to continue playing D&D at Rowan because I’m relatively new at it seeing as I’ve only been playing for two years, but I enjoy it so much. I’ve really found out a lot about myself through playing, and I just have so much fun with it. I haven’t had so much fun with something as I do with D&D and even if I can’t continue through Rowan, I’m going to anyway because I’m not going to let it go. 

Why did you choose a university closer to home?
I had chosen a university that is so close to home because I enjoy my hometown a little too much to leave just yet. Also most of my friends are staying within town and I want to be able to experience a few more years with them while I can. It also makes it easier for me to continue part time work to finance my education partially if I don’t leave town. Purely from a financial standpoint, it was simply just easier on me to not leave and I happen to enjoy NJ. A selfie of Aspen smiling with a male off to her side.

Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan because it was cost effective, and out of all the colleges I had researched for computer science, I had seen the biggest positive response from Rowan. I also looked at the campus and it was so pretty. As I’ve said previously, Rowan has appealed to me for quite a long while and it’s such a dream come true of mine to finally be attending. I’m a mix of extremely excited and terribly nervous, I can’t wait for the fall. 

What are you looking forward to at Rowan next year?
There are a lot of things that I am looking forward to next year at Rowan, the thing I’m looking forward to the most I’d say is a looser schedule. Second to that, would be the opportunity to meet new people. A few friends of mine are also attending Rowan and seeking the same major, but I’m very excited to meet new people and make new friends, connections and memories. 

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Meet #Rowan2024: Biomedical Engineering Major Ariana Torres

Ariana posing against a white wall.

Today we feature incoming freshman Ariana Torres, a first generation college student and Biomedical Engineering major from Vineland, NJ (Cumberland County) who plans to commute to campus. 

Ariana poses in her Rowan gear against a white wall.

What are a few things you are looking forward to next year at Rowan? Something I look forward to doing at Rowan is joining plenty of clubs and really being involved in school activities. 

How or why did you choose your major? I chose biomedical engineering to be my major because I took a campus tour of the engineering department when I was in eighth grade. Once the Admissions Ambassadors showed us the biomedical engineering aspects, I fell in love with the program and knew that’s  what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Ariana poses in her Rowan gear against a white wall.Why did you choose a university that is close to home? I chose a university that was close to home because I didn’t want to move too far away from home but I wanted some kind of commute to make me more independent.

What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? I hope that I can continue to play softball at Rowan. I also hope to join some more clubs and activities.

Why Rowan? I chose Rowan because from the first time I toured, I knew that it was going to be my home for the next four years after high school. The school was perfect in my eyes and I never had a doubt about choosing Rowan.

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Organized by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major

Meet #Rowan2024: Student Athlete Shane Vostenak

A stock image of a close up of running feet.

Today we feature Shane Vostenak, an incoming freshman from Delran, NJ (Burlington County) who will live on campus and major in mechanical engineering.

Shane stands holding a homemade sign that says Rowan2024.

What are a few things you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan?
Next year I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates on the cross country and track team and getting to know all my professors and classmates. I’m really excited to be on my own and have a sense of self-sufficiency. I think it will be a challenge but one that really brings excitement. I’m also looking forward to learning new and interesting things about my major and about how the world around me functions. 

Why did you choose your major?
I chose mechanical engineering because I have always been the kid that wanted to tinker and find out how and why things worked in a mechanical/physical sense. I would always take apart random things in my house to see what made them tick. Most times I couldn’t get them to go back together the right way but it was the interest that made me choose this major.

Why did you choose a university close to home?
The fact that Rowan is close to my house is comforting but it was too major of a factor for me. I plan on staying on campus most of the time and really enjoying the new freedom and trying to really soak up the college experience. However it’s nice to know that if need be I could be home in less than an hour.Shane wears his cross country uniform.

What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
As I said above I will be running for Rowan’s cross country and track team and I’m really hopeful to grow a lot as a person and as a runner in my four years. Another club however I might like to join is an investment club if one is available. At my high school we didn’t have one of these but in the past year I have become more and more interested in the stock market and how money circulates the country and the world.

Why Rowan?
Rowan for me was the right school because of its value. I see it as the right bang for my buck sort of. It’s is one of the top engineering schools that I know of and it is half the price of most other colleges I looked at. I also fell in the love with the new updates that the school has made to the engineering building and all the advancements that have been made to increase the technology and modernity of the supplies.

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Meet #Rowan2024: Music Industry Major Sam Poku

Stock image of music industry technology.

Today we feature incoming music industry major freshman Sam Poku, who is from Old Bridge, NJ (Middlesex County) and will live on campus. 

Why Rowan?
Choosing Rowan was probably the best decision for me particularly because of how great the overall Rowan environment is, staff, and education of my intended major. But, there was just a unique “feeling” deep down that had sat with me, that it was the right place to go. Knowing that picking Rowan will help me reach my greatest goals in years to come.

A side view of Sam singing into a microphone.

What are a few things you are looking forward to next year at Rowan?
As a freshman at Rowan University I’m really looking forward to meeting a lot of people, networking with different talents in my major, and spreading positive energy/wisdom across campus.

How or why did you choose your major?
I chose the Rowan Music Industry program as my major because of my passion and creativity towards music in general, and wanting to leave a mark in the field of A&R someday on the big business of the music industry as well as Rowan’s Music Industry program.

Why did you choose a university that is close to home?
Choosing a university close to home was very beneficial in a way considering finances, and being near family as well.

What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? 
An activity I would love to continue with at Rowan University from high school is the overall art of band and playing in musical ensembles.

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Meet #Rowan2024: Mullica Hill’s Grace Harris

Grace Harris: Freshman Voices

Today we feature incoming freshman Grace Harris, an electrical and computer engineering major from Mullica Hill, New Jersey (Gloucester County) who will commute to campus.

What are a few things you’re looking forward to at Rowan next year?
I’m looking forward to making friends and making all the memories that come with being a college student! I’m also excited to work with faculty who are respected leaders in their fields, and network with other people my age who share the same interests and passions. 

How or why did you choose your major?
There are so many different reasons I could give! However, my primary motivation for choosing my major is because electrical and computer engineers have left their mark all over modern society with innovations that have transformed our world, from computers to cell phones to electric power and everything in between. Engineers will undoubtedly continue to leave their fingerprints all over technology and play a vital role in shaping the future. Being able to take part in this digital renaissance is an exciting prospect for me, and I can’t imagine anything else I’d rather be working towards, at least in my academic major and career.

Grace smiles toward the camera, wearing a flannel.

Why did you choose a university close to home?
The convenience of remaining close to family and friends I have in the area, while at the same time immersing myself in the college experience, appealed to me very much!

Why Rowan?
There are several reasons I chose Rowan. Rowan was more affordable than the vast majority of other college options I’d considered before, and it didn’t hurt that I lived close enough to Rowan to easily commute. However, the major deciding factor for me was the quality of the Electrical and Computer Engineering program, which is ranked #15 in the nation in the US News Best Colleges report. The prospect of attending a nationally recognized engineering program that is affordable and close to home was an opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up! 

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Meet #Rowan2024: Environmental & Sustainability Studies Major Aarushi Gupta

A headshot of Aarushi with a white background.

Today we feature incoming freshman Aarushi Gupta, an Environmental & Sustainability Studies major from Marlton, NJ (Burlington County) who plans to live on campus. 

Aarushi wears a brown Rowan t-shirt and holds up her admissions package.

What are a few things you are looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I’m looking forward to decorating my dorm room the most! I’m also very excited to meet new people and make some friends!

How or why did you choose your major?
I chose Environmental & Sustainability Studies because I have always loved nature and I am concerned for what the future holds. I am also interested in the 4+1 program that allows me to complete an MBA. I believe that understanding the finances of businesses and industry is integral to getting them to follow the proper environmental policies and regulations. 

Female student stands in the sunshine looking over her shoulder. What is one activity that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
I’ve played the violin since third grade and although I’m not a music major, I’d like to continue to practice and perform music. I’m also looking forward to seeing which art or graphic design clubs I want to join. 

Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan because it seems like a small community that offers a host of new opportunities for me. It also seems to be a solid, affordable education that will allow me to pursue my dreams in the future. But the main reason is because I don’t think I could stay away from my dog, Rancho, for too long! He’s a border collie mutt and he’ll be two years old this July!

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5 Benefits of Going to College Close to Home

A welcome home mat to signify the importance of staying close to home

There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home! While many people like Dorothy want to venture off to a place far away, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. There are a lot of benefits of staying close to home for college. I’ve learned this myself […]

Biology Alum Thanks Professors for Guiding Him Toward Medical School

Today we speak with Nick San Juan, a former transfer student and biological sciences major who graduated in 2019. Nick commuted to Rowan for his undergraduate studies from his home in Deptford, NJ (Gloucester County), and is working his way toward medical school to continue his education.

You mentioned you were a transfer student and a commuter. Where did you transfer from, and why did you choose Rowan?

I went to Rowan College at Gloucester County originally, then transferred to Rutgers New Brunswick for a year and realized that it didn’t fit me personally. I wanted a school closer to home in South Jersey that was smaller and more personal, and so that’s why I chose Rowan.

My first class at Rowan was with Dr. Gregory Eaton. On the first day of classes, most professors like to get to know students, so we did one of those ice breaker activities. I told the class that I was a transfer and this was my first day at Rowan and that I was a little nervous. He took the time to ask me questions about where I transferred from. He shared that he also transferred to Rowan from RCGC, and said that if I had any questions about campus or the biology department to ask him. I really appreciate the time he took to make me feel comfortable.

Nick leans against the bridge by the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering.How did you meet new people and stay involved on campus as a commuter? 

I went to several club meetings and tried my hand in a few different clubs I was interested in. Because Rowan is a smaller campus, you get to see certain faces regularly and recognize them, and eventually build relationships with some of these people.

Do you have any advice for future transfer students or commuters?

I definitely recommend going to events and trying to be more involved. It can be lonely as a commuter and a transfer student because you don’t really know too many people right away and don’t stay on campus, so you have the mindset that you’re just here for class and not to make friends. But I think that’s a negative outlook, and I’d recommend getting out of your comfort zone and building up the courage to make new friends. College is a unique experience for everyone, and the way to get the most out of that experience is to meet new and different kinds of people.

How did you get involved in your major?

I didn’t have a linear path to biology or a conventional desire to pursue it out of high school. I initially studied math and engineering, until I realized that particular branch of science wasn’t for me. I decided to take a look into biology, and once I considered the potential careers [I could pursue], I decided that this was the major for me. 

What has your career path looked like since you finished your undergrad? 

I am applying to medical school this summer. I will be pursuing medicine, and aim to become a physician at some point. It’s still up in the air for me, which branch of medicine I want to practice, but I know I’ll have plenty of time to explore the different branches of medicine. The two institutions I’m primarily considering are Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.

[On the day these photos were captured], I [am] actually on campus to ask Dr. Gregory Hecht for a letter of recommendation. He’s very approachable and personable. My experience in his class was very positive. I’d go to his office hours every week and ask him questions. I think we definitely built a relationship to the point that I felt I could approach him to ask for a recommendation, because we got to know each other over the course of the semester I was in his class, and I think he was someone who took note of my work ethic. 

What are your goals for the future? How do you feel that Rowan has prepared you?

I really enjoyed my time in the science courses at Rowan. My professors really developed me professionally and taught the material in ways that just made sense. Almost everything I was able to learn really stuck with me, and I think I can use that background and the things I have learned here in the medical education I will be fortunate enough to receive in the future.

photo of Nick on the bridge

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Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

Gaining Professional Skills Through On-Campus Experience

Field at Wackar Stadium

One of the biggest decisions that a student has to make when they come to college is what path they wish to take career wise. The classes and the extra curricular activities that students can join on Rowan’s campus can help boost them towards the overall goal of starting a career. 

The University offers countless amounts of clubs and internship opportunities that span across all majors and interests a student may have.

These organizations give students the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge for the fields that they might want to go into such as the Advertising Club, Writing Arts Club, and the Athletic Training Club. As we all know experience can mean everything when it comes to the end of your college career and the job search begins. 

This year I was given the opportunity to be an intern for Rowan University’s Center for Sports Communication & Social Impact. My job entailed with making graphics and promotional material for our social media pages and editing the website for the center. The center is a part of the Sports Communication major and the newly named Ric Edelman College of Communications & Creative Arts

A graphic of upcoming events that Mark produced during his internship

Internships through the school can be very rewarding to students. I gained experience in an office setting working with a team of students and university faculty. For someone working in graphic design such as myself, having to stick within the guidelines of an institution such as Rowan University gave me an experience I never had before. I never had to follow the rules of a company while designing; this would have been something I would learn the hard way if it wasn’t for the experience I gained through the internship. 

A graphic of an upcoming event that Mark produced during his internship

Though most of the internships at Rowan are not paid like a job on campus would be, a student can recieve class credits. This helped me make sure that each semester I had enough credits to reach the graduating goal of 120 credits while gaining extra knowledge outside of class time. 

Students listen to a professional in sports communication during a Pizza with the Pros event

Internships and club experiences can be very valuable to students. They can give students unforgettable memories for their college experience and give them something to pad their impressive resumes for the future. My internship is something I am very thankful for and every student should take the chance to experience it for themselves. You never know what it might give you in return.    

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Story and photos by:
Mark Baugh, senior radio/tv/film major

TRANSFERmation Tuesday: History Major Peter Macrina

Stock image of a close up of aged brown wicker.

Today’s TRANSFERmation Tuesday features Peter Macrina, a junior transfer from Camden County College. Peter is a first-generation History major whose hometown is Philadelphia. He commutes to Rowan from Bellmawr, NJ (Camden County).

Peter stands clasping his hands in front of his suit, smiling proudly in front of his poster at a poster session.
Here I am at the Rowan President’s Day poster presentation held by the History department.

Could you share with us one moment that made you feel inspired or confident that you’re in the right field for you?

One moment that made me feel that my field was meant for me was when I was accepted into the Phi Alpha Theta International History Honor Society conference to be a speaker, which was unfortunately canceled, but it still means something to me nonetheless!

What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned in your major this year?

The most interesting thing I’ve learned pertaining to my major this year is an enormous amount about Woodrow Wilson’s time as governor of New Jersey.

Why did you choose Rowan?

I chose Rowan because I heard about its History program as being one of the best in the state, my mentor being an alum, and it being close by!

What are you most looking forward to at Rowan next year?

I’m looking forward to being back in the classroom and on campus. I miss my second home, the library!

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Story by:
Peter Macrina, junior history major

First Year Voices: Theatre Major Lydia Riddell

Drone view of Holly Pointe curved building with trees in the horizon.

Today’s (FRESH)man Voices features Lydia Riddell, a theatre major from Swedesboro, NJ (Gloucester County) who lived in Holly Pointe Commons until COVID-19 shut down the campus. 

Lydia has a sunkissed face and windblown hair in this selfie.

What did you most enjoy your freshman year at Rowan?

What I enjoyed most about my freshman year was all of the welcome events in the beginning of the year. With all of the food truck festivals and little events at Holly Pointe, I was able to meet some great people really fast!

Could you share with one happy moment you had with friends, professors or other members of the Rowan community that made you realize Rowan felt like “home”?

One of the happiest moments this year was when I decided to switch my major to theatre. I was nervous, but everyone in the department was super welcoming and really helped me feel like Rowan was my home.

Large group of theatre majors pose together in front of Bunce Hall.
My new home away from home, fellow theatre majors at Rowan.

What advice do you have for future freshmen looking at colleges right now?

Advice I have for future freshmen is: be yourself and stay optimistic. Go in to college with a positive view, it makes it much easier to enjoy the transition and make friends.

What are you most looking forward to next year at Rowan?

Even though my first year was cut short, I’m looking forward to seeing all of my friends again and having even more fun at Rowan next year!

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Growing up in Glassboro: Why I Chose Rowan

Today’s story is from Maria Mancini, a senior public relations major self-distancing from her house in Glassboro, NJ (Gloucester County). Maria joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Nexus Properties was cut short prematurely due to COVID-19 affecting business. 

For many of you, Glassboro, NJ is just a town where Rowan University is located; but for me, it’s home and has been my entire life. I went through Glassboro’s public schools, played sports here and graduated from Glassboro High School. I lived here as Glassboro transitioned from a small town to a big college destination. So if I have been here my whole life, why would I want to stay here for college, too? 

Here are three main reasons why I chose Rowan University.  

1. Family is Here

Author Maria Mancini (far right) with her siblings

I grew up in a very big Italian family.  I have two older sisters and a younger brother, 15+ older cousins, many aunts and uncles. Growing up, my Nonna would watch my siblings, my cousins and me while our parents went to work. As we got older, we were only there after school. Being able to grow up with all my cousins and siblings around created a bond with my family that is truly irreplaceable. I do everything with my family. We cook together, play sports together and pretty much everything else together. When the opportunity came to go to college, I honestly didn’t think twice about leaving my family. I knew that I belonged right here in Glassboro where I could stay close to them. 

2. Financially Smart 

Piggy bank to represent saving money

Picking Rowan meant I got to live at home, eat my mom’s food and not pay any bills. I wanted to go to college after high school, but I didn’t want to be in debt. Rowan University is reasonably priced per semester, and not having to live on campus or needing a meal plan made that price go down even more. Choosing Rowan also meant that I would be able to find a job and work part time. Rowan was the choice for me because I was able to save money while also making money.  

3. Opportunities 

Drone view of Rowan's Glassboro campus

Because I grew up in Glassboro, I have seen the progression of Rowan University. I have watched as Rowan started to take over Glassboro. I could see that Rowan was growing and not at a slow pace. I watched as houses in my neighborhood turned into rentals for college students. I watched as buildings started to go up all over Glassboro and on Rowan’s campus. For me, this only meant one thing — opportunities. I could see that Rowan was turning into a highly recognizable university. I would research Rowan and see all of their programs and degrees that they had to offer. I saw all the awards Rowan was getting. I knew that if I went to Rowan, I would succeed, not only academically, but also after college. Rowan University was an opportunity for me to further my education with amazing professors and staff along to help me. 

I might have lived in Glassboro my entire life, but choosing Rowan University was a no brainer for me. I don’t miss out on any moments with my family, I get to graduate college debt free and I am given endless opportunities. If you live in Glassboro, or even in the surrounding towns, go to Rowan University. You won’t regret it.

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Story by:
Maria Mancini, senior public relations major

The Perks of Completing Multiple Internships

Nicole with employees and mentors at FitGrid, one of the organizations she interned for

Starting your first internship can be stressful. I was so nervous on the first day of my first internship! But after long summers and semesters at various companies, I learned to embrace the once-in-a-lifetime role of being an intern and make the most of every experience I was lucky to have.

Here are some of the benefits I’ve discovered while juggling multiple internships throughout college.

  • It’ll help you narrow down your career choice

Internships are like a test-drive for your potential career. With each new role as an intern comes an opportunity to learn something you didn’t already know about your field. Your responsibilities and tasks will differ with each internship, and experiencing a little bit of everything will help you determine what you enjoy doing (and maybe what you don’t like doing, which is also helpful). When I started my first one, I wasn’t sure if it would be the perfect fit for what I wanted to do.

a stack of skincare products from the brand Sabon NYC, next to a coffee mug and slices of lime on a pile of magazines.
At my first internship with Sabon NYC, I got to expand my product photography skills, which was something I never expected to do, but ended up enjoying!

The next summer, I began another internship and learned that this one was more my speed. Noting the similarities and differences between each opportunity made me realize what was important to me in a future job. No two internships are the same, and getting a taste of what life is like at different companies will help you focus on what you are looking for in a future career.

  • The more experience, the better

Employers like to see a range of experience showcased on your resume. Having a handful of internships to talk about will not only show them that you are a hard worker, but it will portray how well-rounded you are. Every company operates in its own way, and showing how you adapted to each new atmosphere is a chance to impress. Having at least some background knowledge in different software, strategies and skills that you’ve learned at each internship shows how flexible you are as a worker. This experience can qualify you for more opportunities in the future and make you feel more prepared to enter a new professional environment. For example, one company I interned for used a certain software to schedule their posts, while the next company used a different one. I was able to put both softwares on my resume, which diversifies my skills.

  • You can make mistakes and learn from them
the Brooklyn bridge against a clear blue sky, with cars and school buses lined up on the streets below.
Another perk of internships: you get to see new places you wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to. My last internship was in NYC, and I made time to visit Brooklyn after the day was over!

The best advice I’ve received as an intern? You’re allowed to make mistakes — in fact, it’s almost expected of you. Your bosses know that you aren’t an expert in your field yet, and that’s why you’re here to learn as much as you can. Don’t panic if your work isn’t perfect; instead, ask about how you can improve it next time. Take advantage of the proximity you have to professionals in your field, and ask to be a part of any projects that interest you. Internships are a lot less structured than salaried jobs, and you’re allowed to be hands-on in different areas of the company that you want to learn more about. Even just observing others or asking questions can open the door to new knowledge or skills that can help you in the future.

  • You’ll gain confidence

It can be intimidating to start at a new workplace, especially as an intern. But remember that you were hired for a reason, and your employer sees potential in you! Building up your portfolio and playing a role in new projects is invaluable experience that makes you all the more appealing as a job candidate. At first, I felt embarrassed about being the youngest, least experienced person in the room. But I quickly learned how empowering it can be to learn how a company operates before graduating college! Overcoming the challenges that your work may present, and learning to interact in a professional manner, are skills that benefit you in any role. Plus, you can carry the skills you’ve acquired to new opportunities and feel a lot more prepared to handle any challenges that come your way.

Nicole sits among her coworkers, lined up side by side in two rows behind a table.
I was lucky to learn from so many of my talented mentors at my third internship with a company called FitGrid.
  • It can open doors for new experiences

If you hit it off with your colleagues or supervisors, stay in contact with them! They can endorse you for skills on LinkedIn, write you recommendation letters and serve as references for your next internship or job applications. At my internship this past summer, my boss worked one-on-one with me a lot, and we still keep in touch. When the company needs some extra help, she’s presented me with several freelance opportunities that look great on my resume and provide some extra cash on the side. You never know when the connections you make at your internship will come in handy to help you navigate your future career.

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Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Haddonfield Native Marybeth Coyne

Marybeth Coyne- Senior exercise science major

Today we speak with Marybeth Coyne, a senior Exercise Science major from Haddonfield, NJ (Camden County) who rents off campus. She transferred from Stockton University her junior year. 

How did you end up at Rowan?

“I attended Stockton for my first two years of college, and I wasn’t getting the college experience that I had originally hoped for. My three older brothers all attended Rowan and had great experiences, so my mom really encouraged to transfer. I couldn’t be happier with my decision.”

Marybeth Coyne in the pool for swim meet warmups

What made Rowan feel like home?

“When I first transferred to Rowan, I knew that the best way to be successful and to meet people was to get involved. I was a swimmer my whole life, so I joined the Swim Club and made a bunch of friends there.” 

This photo was taken at last year's homecoming football game. Marybeth was on the winning battleship team for the swim club and is featured holding the trophy.
This photo was taken at last year’s Homecoming football game. Marybeth was on the winning Battleship team for the Swim Club and is featured holding the trophy.

How has Rowan helped your professional development?

“I am the treasurer of the Exercise is Medicine Club. This position has given me leadership skills and other learning experiences for me to be successful in my field. I have also attended many conferences needed for professional development hours that have taught me a lot along the way.”

You are about to graduate. Do you have plans for after graduation?

“I want to be a physical therapist and am currently applying to physical therapy schools in the Philadelphia area.”

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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, senior advertising major

Pandemic Profs: Working at a Pizza Place in Bergen County During COVID-19

Bags at pizzeria lined up on a counter ready for pick up.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Jess Squilanti, a sophomore advertising major who is spending the rest of her semester at home in Riverdale, NJ. (Bergen County.) While on campus, Jess lived in 114 Victoria.

Jess stands for a portrait, wearing a black top and ripped jeans.I live in Bergen County which has become the most populated area in NJ with the COVID-19 virus in a very short amount of time. Personally, my town has about 40 cases and that keeps increasing every single day. It is crazy but life still needs to go on, so I started doing what I would be doing while I’m home normally: working.

I have two jobs; one I acquired this past summer at TJ Maxx, which is currently closed due to the virus, and the other a job I’ve had since high school at a local pizza place. The restaurant and pizza parlor, Della Cucina in Hillsdale, NJ, is still open for takeout and delivery, with the restaurant side closed. I enjoy working there and have made relationships with all my coworkers that make it not even feel like work. 

Storefront of pizza place.Since the virus has started to spread more rapidly, a state curfew has been issued and lockdown put in place, altering our hours. Now, we need to be very cautious; I am always washing my hands when leaving to take a delivery or even after a customer comes in to pick up food.

We get new customers every day which is great, and we are also doing things to help the community. We are preparing meals such as our special family dinner deal for people who cannot leave the house to even go to the grocery store because they are at risk. A minister from our local church has helped us with delivering these to families, and even to hospitals in our area. It’s been really nice to be involved in something that is helping my community during this insane time period.

Since this is a time that local businesses may not be not be doing well, last week at work I took public relations and advertising photography of the dinners packed up and sitting on the counter in the pizza area for my boss to upload to the website to promote business.

Row of square pizzas coming out of the oven.My experience recently at Della Cucina has also opened my eyes to how serious and scary this is right now, from seeing people come in with gloves and masks on to doing no-contact deliveries and curbside pickup. It has changed everything as far as how we do things at the pizza place.

It is obviously crazy to be living in this situation, but working at my job and getting this experience is making me grow as a person. I’m always looking at it in a positive light. 

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Journalism Student Reduces the Negative Stigma of the Word “Homelessness” Through Her Blog

drone shot of Philadelphia skyline

“It’s important not to judge someone before listening to them,” says Lauren Purnell, a first-generation college senior majoring in journalism and minoring in new media from Florence, NJ (Burlington County).

Lauren used her passion for storytelling and giving a voice to the voiceless to create a blog called Naming the Homeless, where her mission is about reducing “the stigma and the negative connotations attached to the word homelessness,” by interviewing homeless individuals to share their stories.

Rowan student Lauren Purnell interviews a subject for her blog on the homeless

Lauren’s effort has led her to gain lots of support from her community, fundraising more than $1,000. Today, Lauren will share with us why she started the blog and what she has learned through the process of interviewing homeless individuals.

The idea of creating the Naming the Homeless blog came to Lauren when her Intro to Journalistic Writing professor at Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) explained to her class the importance in having outside work experience.

“I took that into heart and said, ‘OK, let me do a blog.’ I didn’t really know what to write about and … I didn’t want to write about myself. I was thinking about different issues that were important to me, and one of them is homelessness,” she says. 

Lauren chose to venture to Philadelphia to find people to interview (Philadelphia has become a city with one of the highest poverty ratings in the nation). Each time Lauren went she took a couple of care packages that she put together with the help of her mother (who has supported Lauren from the very beginning) going with her to Philly each week.

The first time Lauren went to Philly, it took her a while to build up the courage to ask someone for an interview. “It’s kind of uncomfortable at first because you are just asking these searching questions. You never know what they are going to say and that is the best part, because you don’t know what they are going to tell you,” she says.

Rowan student Lauren Purnell interviews a subject for her blog on the homeless

Lauren recalls one of the sweetest moments she has encountered:

“I had done my interview already for the day, but we passed an older lady and I asked her if she wanted a sandwich. She looked at me and my mom and was like ‘Thank you so much, I was having such a rough day, and this was a sign that I needed. Everything will be okay; this is my kids up in heaven telling me that it’s going to be alright and thank you so much, it really means a lot to me.”

In the beginning, Lauren made care packages that were paid out of her pocket, but as her blog grew and more people knew about her project, she started getting support and recognition. Lauren was interviewed by Fox 29 — “that got a lot of attention and I ended up having a GoFundMe, the biggest donation I got was from an organization who gave $250. Each of my care packages are like $20 so that really helped make an impact.”

Burlington County Times, Lauren’s hometown newspaper, interviewed her and gave her an internship opportunity over the summer. South Jersey Magazine did a feature of her as well. Lauren also won two awards. “At RCBC I got an award for journalism and I also got their Civility Award,” she says.

Lauren’s blog currently has over 1,200 subscriptions and over 500 likes on the Naming the Homeless Facebook page. “When I first started it, I was just doing it for personal reasons and then it took off. It was really because of my community [because] without their support I wouldn’t have been able to do it.

“Every time I leave an interview, I just want to take them home. You obviously want to see them again, but you really hope you don’t see them again because if you run into them again it means that they are probably in the same situation when you first saw them.”

Rowan student Lauren Purnell interviews a subject for her blog on the homeless

After graduating, Lauren would like to continue writing community stories and continue giving a voice to the voiceless and working her way up to investigative reporting.

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major 

Photos courtesy of:
Lauren Purnell/Naming the Homeless

Pharmaceutical Sciences Grad Student Discusses Her Research

A passionate graduate student who works on computer-aided drug and molecular dynamic simulations, Holli-Joi Sullivan’s research primarily focuses on different cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. First drawn into this field after taking a course with Dr. Chun Wu, Holli-Joi has been in love with the work that she does every day since. A graduate student in […]

Pandemic Profs: Clinical Internship Teaching Spanish Remotely

Rosalba standing with her cooperating teacher.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Maria Rosalba Trejo-Mendiola, a student in the master of science in teaching program. She is isolating from her home in Vineland, NJ (Cumberland County.)

Portrait of Rosalba in woods, standing against a tree.My name is Maria Rosalba Trejo-Mendiola. I was born in Querétaro, Mexico. I moved to the United States at the age of 11. At an early age, I discovered my biggest passion in life was helping others. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to work with people. Of all the possible careers that I could have pursued, I fell in love with the one profession that makes all other professions possible: teaching. I attended Cumberland County College, now known as  Rowan College of South Jersey, where I completed my associate degree in Liberal Arts. I then transferred to Rowan University where I completed my bachelor’s in Spanish. Then, I started working as a Career Placement Developer for Pathstone, a non-profit organization.

Currently, I am earning my master of science in teaching and completing a full-year clinical internship as a Spanish teacher at Vineland High School. My student teaching experience has been one of the most rewarding experiences. I have learned many strategies that I plan on incorporating in my own future Spanish classroom. From my professors, I have learned that to serve all students, it is very important to implement a Universal Design for Learning and that developing meaningful lesson plans goes a long way.

Yellow shoes customized with the word Ms. Trejo.
I love these custom shoes that will help me to kick off my teaching career!

My classes at Rowan University have allowed me to go into my field placement and put into practice what I have learned in class. This year, as part of World Language’s methods sequence: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment I: World Languages and Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment II: World Languages,  I learned about High Leverage Teaching Practices (HLTP) for World Languages (Glisan & Donato, 2017). One of the biggest takeaways from these classes was learning about these practices and being able to incorporate it into my lessons. This also allowed me to learn about my own strengths and weaknesses. Rosabla in mid-jump, wearing a Rowan sweatshirt, in front of Bunce Hall.

From my classmates, I have learned that it is very important to be supportive of each other; to give each other feedback and to be willing to share ideas. From my Cooperating Teacher, Sra. DeJesús, I have learned that it is important to develop  positive relationships with the students. I have also learned different methods of teaching. One of my favorites methods of teaching is learning centers. Through Sra. DeJesus, I have become a strong believer that learning centers offer students the opportunity to be responsible for their own learning. If learning centers are well-designed, students will be able to walk away with valuable information. I am very thankful that my cooperating teacher has been very supportive throughout this learning experience. Sra. DeJesús allowed me to be involved in the classroom since day one of my field experience, allowing me to have as much practice as possible. I have developed strong bonds with the students, confirming for me that I have chosen the correct field to pursue a career in, teaching. From my field supervisor, I have learned about lesson planning. I have learned to reflect on what worked well and what can use improvement.

Rosalba stands with her cooperating teacher holding a book.
My cooperating teacher, Sra. DeJesús (left) and me.

I am very thankful to everyone that has helped me grow as a professional in one capacity or another. I also want to thank my family for always supporting my daughter and myself, throughout this learning process.

As far as my remote work, the transition has been really smooth. My cooperating teacher has been using Google classroom  for a long time now. We have been collaborating together to teach remotely. We have incorporated Zoom meetings and Google meets on  a weekly basis. Other technological applications that have been useful are Quizlet, Kahoot, and FlipGrid. Through this transition we have been maintaining communication with students and parents.

Rosalba stands in her graduation gown holding her daughter, with Bunce Hall in the background.
My daughter and I at my undergraduate graduation ceremony.

We understand that the transition is not easy for students, therefore we continue to be available to support our students. I am currently working part time from home with Pathstone, completing my field hours at Vineland High School via virtual communications, and spending quality and instructional time with my four year old, Suheily Carrasco.

Although it can be challenging at times, I love what I do. I learned that in this profession it is very important to love what you do and the rest comes with hard work and determination. In May 2020, I will complete my master’s of science of teaching. Although I never imagined that my last year of graduate school would be the one that forced us to practice social distancing to protect us from the spread of COVID-19, I want to remain focused and positive that it will end soon.

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First Year Voices: Anjeliah Chiodo

Close up shot of Anjeliah

Our spotlight (FRESH)man Voices this week is Anjeliah Chiodo. I had the wonderful opportunity to write a story about her. She is an iconic Instagram influencer with 25.1k followers.

Anjeliah Chiodo portrait while she is wearing an orange sweater and jeans.This first-generation college student let us have the amazing chance to get some insight on herself, her lifestyle and her opinions on some topics. Her major is Entrepreneurship. An entrepreneur is person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so. So cool, what a great goal!

Her hometown is Pine Hill, NJ (Camden County) … which is not too far from Glassboro! Anjeliah is also 18 years old.

She chose to live on campus. She lived in Evergreen Hall before they shut the campus down due to coronavirus. 

A portrait of Angeliah with her hand running through her hair while she's wearing a baby doll dress and thigh-high boots.Sometimes freshmen have a hard time transitioning into college, but not Anjeliah! She went through a six-week program in the summer before starting her first fall semester called the Pre-College Institute (PCI), a program to help students financially and academically. In this program, a student can be considered an EOF student or a RISE student, and she was considered a RISE student. She stated how this program gave her a lot of structure, it taught her how to prioritize, manage her time with a full schedule (with classes, study sessions, meals, meetings, extra activities), how to become organized, and also helped her get used to the campus life. She also met a lot of people — people who she is still friends with to this day and also very important people that helped build her network … how awesome? During these six weeks, they took everyone’s phones, which many students were mad about, but she didn’t mind at all because it forced her to talk to other people (which built genuine relationships without the social media). This brought her out of her shell, and helped her look elsewhere for fun activities rather than social media! 

Anjeliah’s goal is to be a successful serial entrepreneur, she wants to own several different businesses, like a coffee shop, tattoo shop, nail salon, restaurant, and most importantly a retail store (clothing brand), while also modeling for her very own clothing brand. She has decided to take a step forward, start small by taking baby steps, and start her own lip gloss line, called Anjel Allure, (right now it is under construction). So please, stay tuned!!! I’d love to try it myself. For her short term goals, right now she is working as a bank teller at TD Bank, and she also hope to get promoted as much as possible before she started her own future business. 

Anjeliah has many hobbies such as shopping, having photoshoots, exercising/lifting, eating, taking pictures to post on Instagram/promoting brands as an ambassador, making lip gloss, coming up with creative ideas for a future business, drawing self portraits with charcoal and chalk, playing the piano, saxophone, and clarinet, working on hair/skin care, playing tennis. Talk about well rounded!!! A successful student, and someone who loves her hobbies. Anjeliah wears a puffy brown coat framing her face with her hands.

Rowan was always her third choice when picking where to go for college, but it turned out to be the best decision she’s ever made because of the great people that she’s met, the opportunities she has come across, and the events that she has got involved in that exposed me to a lot of publicity. The reason she came to Rowan was because they offered her more money than the other universities, especially when she became a RISE student. At first, she was told that she was not eligible to be an EOF student (when grants are given to low-income students, and their grades are high enough, so they can attend school), she realized that because of that, she won’t be able to afford to go to Rowan…and she felt lost, like the only other option she had was community college. However, ONE very important person at Rowan went above and beyond to help her become a RISE student (when a scholarship is given to students whose household income is too low, but too high to meet the requirements of an EOF student, and their grades are superior and exceptional). Therefore, she made it into the ASCEND program for the summer, and was able to afford to go to Rowan. This showed her how one person can make a great impact on her life, and it showed her how much they cared for her to do that. How wonderful! 

She is also involved in the Beauty in Distress Club, CEO Club: Collegiate Entrepreneur Organization, Society for the Advancement of Management club, Student University Programmers, MOCA: Men of Color Alliance Organization, Keep the Code Organization (she is the Event Coordinator), Harley Flack Mentoring Program, and the Bronze Leadership Program. These clubs are definitely something for any one at Rowan looking to gain some more opportunities with campus.

I also wanted to ask Anjeliah about her opinions on this pandemic going on in the world right now. She honestly feels like people want to get sick because no one is staying home. Working at TD Bank, she is constantly being exposed to people all time, and it is not helping when people like to be out of their homes and endanger their health & safety and her own. She also believes that people should take advantage of this time of staying at home and pick up a hobby, eat healthy, exercise, start a new routine, read a book, etc. People can be doing anything else besides leaving their home. They do not realize that this virus spreads fast, and by being out, they are also threatening the health & safety of others. And for the people that are sick, she is sorry for their struggles and for their pain, and she hopes they are fighting with all of their strength to stay strong. As far as for the people who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19, she is very sorry for their loss and she cannot imagine what they are going through. And for the people that are still living healthy, she hopes they are appreciating that, she wishes for them to recognize that they are helping prevent the virus by staying home, and that we are all alone in this together. #alonetogether

Anjeliah, you are amazing! Keep up with your hard work and dedication to success. You have given us a story that holds leadership, dedication, talent and enterprise. For all you readers, check out Anjeliah’s Instagram and give her a follow. 

Anjeliah Chiodo Instagram page

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Story organized by:
Devon Graf, senior Communication Studies major

Photography and story contributed by: Anjeliah Chiodo

How Construction Management Major Jeremiah Cason Earned a Degree From Across the Country

Photo of a banner located in the College of Engineering.

Jeremiah takes a selfie at a construction site.Name: Jeremiah Ryan Cason

Class of: 2019

Degree: B.A. in Construction Management

Hometown and county: I live in Beaumont, CA with my wife and 3 kids.

First-generation college student? Yes, I am the first student in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree.

What inspired you to choose Construction Management?

Honestly, it was the need to provide for my family that caused me to enter the field. Money as a union tradesman was good, and I knew I was good at building things and putting things together with my hands. It felt natural and I have excelled at the field of construction. I now work for the 4th largest general construction management firm in the U.S. I love seeing the final result of a project and knowing I was a part of the greater picture. I feel like a conductor of a concert hall music symphony, and I love knowing I made this group of people come together to make a beautiful sounds (or building).

Jeremiah poses with a coworker.What would you share with a future student interested in Construction Management?

This program is a great way to get your feet and mind into this line of work. The teachers are great, and they have amazing experience in the line of work that they can offer great advice and even suggestions on paths toward future employment. However, don’t go into construction management unless you understand it is challenging, stressful, and you work a lot of hours. There are a lot of times where you are going to struggle to and even fail, but that is how you learn and become better and grow.

Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge?

I never had any uncertainty, I was and am fully invested in this line of work. I have poured myself into this career. I did not go to college like most at a young age, I went back to school in my 30s to finish my degree after I had already started my path in construction. I knew I wanted to advance and I knew I was going to need a degree to do it, so I had to go back to school.

Did you feel supported throughout your college career by the Rowan community? 

I took a study abroad class and got to meet some Rowan students face-to-face for the first time. I live in Beaumont, CA and I never got to meet anyone or even any teachers at Rowan until this study abroad class. Not only did the students and teachers from the study abroad class embrace me and help me, they have all been there for me after the class and given me help and advice after in other classes as well. If fact, Dr. Hague from the WWII Study abroad class and I have stayed in touch since my graduation and we still text back and forth. My fellow students (Dan Cirino) even came to graduation and gave me a personal tour of the campus during my trip out to Rowan [for] graduation.

How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field?

I think my line of work (and what I do) is the cornerstone of building America’s infrastructure. I am proud of what I do, and I look forward to being a part of my line of work in the years to come because I think methods for construction are going to get very high tech and demanding for new, “greener,” methods to improve building life cycles and reducing waste in the industry.

What is your biggest career accomplishment so far?Jeremiah takes a selfie with his family in Hong Kong, Korea.

Aside from providing for my family (because that was my whole motivation and drive when I started my line of work), I think it was, and is, earning my degree. I think that it’s going to open doors to finally get to the next step and place in my career. Not only that, but I also felt so blessed and proud that my family (especially my children) got to see me earn my degree. My kids now know that you can never be too old to go back to school and better yourself and your chances at advancing your career.

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Story by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Photos courtesy of Jeremiah Cason

Pandemic Profs: Keeping My Skills Sharp

Stock image of a laptop at a home work station.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Mark Baugh, a senior radio/TV/film major isolating from his off-campus house in Gloucester County, NJ. Mark has a specific interest in graphics and production. 

Being a Radio, TV, Film student I heard a lot of different worries through the halls the week leading up to spring break. “How will we be able to use the equipment?” “Will we just not learn how to use anything?”  Instead of doing nothing while seemingly locked in my house, I am taking this time to spread my wings a bit and open up my creative skills to other elements of art and creation through creative projects. 

My girlfriend Julia Lewis, a junior marketing major from Washington Township, NJ was looking for a way to make money on the side while she was taking a full slate of classes. One of her hobbies is “thrifting” where she buys trendy clothing from thrift stores and makes slight changes to them. She took this hobby and made it into a business by selling these clothes on social media platforms such as Instagram (@juliascloset). 

Orange, gray and white logo for Julia's closet, featuring a palm tree against a brick background. I thought helping Julia would be a nice project for me to keep my skills sharp even while classes are online. After talking to Julia she said that she wanted a new logo for her page and graphics for when she is running a giveaway or when new clothes are going to be posted. Being a big fan of the beach and spending most of her time down the shore that was the theme that she was going for. We were able to sit down and pick out a color scheme and typography that she believed fit her the best. It was a win-win for both of us. She got some new content for her page and I had the opportunity to try new things that I have never tried before on some of my projects. 

Orange, gray and white sales logo for Julia's closet, featuring a palm tree against a brick background, saying New clothes TONIGHT.

I think that this is something that everyone should try to take advantage of, whether creative or not. Try to find yourself a project along the lines of your major or try something that you have never tried before. It is a good way to keep your brain active during this time where everything seems repetitive and boring. You never know you might find yourself a new hobby or a skill where you can excel.

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Story and Designs by: Mark Baugh, Radio, TV, Film (RTF) major

Interning Remotely as a Business Management Major

Stock image of woman hand working on a laptop.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from senior Alyssa Marroccoli, who transferred to Rowan after beginning her college career at the University of Rhode Island. Alyssa is a business management major who rents a home off campus and is originally from Newton, NJ (Sussex County).

When looking to complete a second internship before graduating with my bachelor’s of science in Business Management in May, I decided it was the perfect time to get involved in my family’s business. My father is the President and CEO of National Forensic Consultants, a forensic investigation firm that provides expert investigation services for the legal, insurance, product manufacturing and construction industries. I am currently positioned in the South Jersey office in Pennsauken, NJ as a Business Development and Sales Intern for the spring semester, where I have been learning about the company’s structure and how to successfully manage a business.

Alyssa stands armed folded in her living room.
My work-at-home colleague, Dexter.

I have been working under my supervisor, Vice President of Business Development and Sales, Dean Gentner, where I have been developing a business plan to increase messaging between our clients and experts, as well as maintaining our partnerships and client relations.

Our goal has been to grow our bridge of communication via email and through phone conversations, where we inform our clients about our newly added experts, as well as educate them about our other wide range of services that we offer.

Several duties I have as an intern at NFC consist of selecting clients to receive the appropriate messages and put forth content relating toward those receiving them, developing a variety of scripts to appease the particular company or law firm I am offering services to, following up with clients and providing requested information about our experts and services, and working with management to develop different approaches in their business development strategies.

Alyssa stands on a balcony outdoors with sunlight streaming through her hair.As National Forensic Consultants’ first intern, two major takeaways I have gotten from this program are how to professionally connect with people and get an internal perspective of how a business and its employees are managed.

I was lucky enough to be given the responsibility in assisting with the development of the internship program itself when working with my supervisor throughout my time at NFC.

It has been both challenging, as well as rewarding, to have the opportunity to see my plan for the program be considered so seriously. It is a great privilege to be respected so highly, even as an intern, at such an established company.

I truly enjoy my work at NFC, and love to see the results of adding new clients and regaining previous one’s attention, yield such positive effects for the company. I really like the corporate aspect of my job that I didn’t get to experience as much of in my previous internship. My coworkers also made my experience so welcoming and fun.

Working remotely has had its challenges in terms of getting accustomed to such a different routine. I miss being in the office and going to classes during the week, which I always seemed to take for granted when I felt so busy and consumed with responsibilities. I’m very grateful to be in a position where my work can be adapted to being completed remotely, and to not have my program be discontinued, where others are not so lucky. Personally, I like to get ready and dressed as if I was going to the office to feel more motivated to complete my work day. Another aspect I appreciate when working from home is the opportunity to work with my dad each day that I’m ‘in office.’ Where I usually only got to see him once every couple of weeks while working in South Jersey, I now get in-person advice, opinions and assistance during my work day that many cannot.

Alyssa's tidy and bright work space which includes a laptop, notebooks and scented candles.
My internship workspace at home.

National Forensic Consultants offers a service in a range of industries with incidents that do not stop occurring, even during a pandemic. It is truly amazing to see this organization come together so quickly to make themselves available for their customers under these trying circumstances. I believe how a business responds and adapts to a changing environment says a lot about a company’s stability and value it holds. While no one could have predicted such a rapid interruption in our daily lives, one of which most of us have never seen in this lifetime, it really is a privilege to be a part of a company who puts forth the best business practices, while still keeping their employees safe and working, when most cannot be.

I am so appreciative of the opportunities National Forensic Consultants has given me, and look forward to apply all that I have learned in this internship program when I begin my full-time job post-graduation as a Management Trainee at Enterprise Rent-A-Car!

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Studio Art Major Helps Heal with Sensory Paintings

Jessica wears a yellow shirt while holding a paintbrush to her canvas, a nature painting of koi fish.

Jessica Hedum, a senior studio art major from Cape May, NJ (Cape May County), has always been fascinated with art.

In high school, Jessica spent most of her time in the art studio, learning the fundamentals of painting and developing her love for it. Her teacher was a mentor, opening her eyes to many careers in art and ultimately, suggesting she look into art therapy based on her experience and values.

When her dad and sister — both Rowan alumni — recommended she transfer to the art program at Rowan after community college, she took their suggestion to heart. “I checked out Rutgers and Temple too, but everything seemed big and overwhelming, and nothing really felt like home to me,” she says. “But I walked into the painting studio [in Westby Hall at Rowan] and just felt at ease. That was the moment when I thought, ‘Okay, I want to keep this family tradition going.’”

Jessica leans over a canvas with lily pads, holding a paintbrush with a paint pallette in front of her. Based on a suggestion from her high school art teacher and mentor, Jessica is working toward a career as an art therapist at a nearby hospital or cancer center. “[Art therapy is] really important for me to pursue. My sister had cancer, so it’s something that definitely hits home for me. And the possibility of working with little kids or anyone on the spectrum is something that’s so rewarding for everyone,” she says. “Art doesn’t have to be perfect; it doesn’t have to come out like you expected it to. Just the act of physically [making art] is so much more impactful than people might realize.”

Jessica reflects these values of helping people through art in her own work, too. A mixture of glass beads and modeling paste, applied to the canvas, dries hard and allows her to sculpt shapes onto the flat surface of her paintings. Her paintings contain 3D sensory details that viewers can touch, and she invites them to do so, because of the soothing effects of feeling the different textures in her art.

Jessica with her series of textured paintings hanging in Westby Hall, inspired by her hometown of Cape May, NJ.

“I started doing this because I heard how successful and engaging the Please Touch Museum is in Philadelphia. Giving people a sensory experience is my goal. Especially for people that have learning disabilities or are on the spectrum, they have something to feel and touch that engages and connects them with the painting more. As a child, you are always yelled at in museums “Do not touch the art!” but my pieces invite children to explore and feel the art. Physically feeling the art can be very appealing to those that struggle to understand art; maybe they do not grasp the concept of the visual but they are pleased by the experience they get from running their fingers along the shape. It’s kind of like Braille for the blind, but in shapes for recognizing the texture and objects in paintings for children or adults that may struggle to understand fine art concepts and subject matter.”

When it comes to dealing with the personal hardships and mental health challenges that many college students face in some form, Jessica turns to art for healing and relief. “I’ve just been painting through it and believing in art therapy. Even just physically getting out of bed, and being in the [art] building and absorbing the environment helps. It’s been a dramatic shift in my life, but I feel like my artwork speaks for it in a way.”

“It’s a really powerful thing, to be able to touch people through art, with PTSD, Alzheimers or anyone on the spectrum. It’s really a premise to how art has helped me through a lot of personal struggles,” Jessica explains. “Whenever anything was going on that gave me trouble, I found so much peace and relief in painting, so that’s where I started to really get involved with art therapy. I just want to help people through art the same way it’s helped me.”

Jessica wears a Women of Westby t-shirt and stands with her peers in Westby Hall, as they prepare an installation.
Jessica and her peers recently set up an installation in Westby Hall to call attention to underrepresented artists and women (from the @womenofwestby Instagram).

Jessica expresses her love for art on her Instagram page through behind-the-scenes looks at her painting process and personal captions about her adventures in Westby. “A lot of people like when I post art videos of me physically painting. It’s very therapeutic and I’m just trying to imitate that calming feeling you see in YouTube videos where people play with sand or cut soap. I feel like recording myself painting gives people a more personal look into the layering process of painting with oils.”

She also runs Women of Westby with her colleagues in the art building, to draw attention to underrepresented artists. To learn more about Women of Westby, and how you can get involved, follow @WomenOfWestby. Everyone of all genders and majors is welcome!

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Story and photos by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

Alumni Success: Psychology Major Natalie Torres

A headshot of Natalie Torres.

Today, we speak to Natalie Torres, from Morris County, NJ, who is a Rowan alumna. She graduated with a Psychology undergraduate degree in May 2016 and then earned her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in August 2018.

We speak to Natalie about why she originally chose Rowan and how Rowan has prepared her for her success as a child psychologist and her current pursuit in becoming a board-certified behavior analyst. 

“I originally chose Rowan because I felt like I would not be just another number. The size of campus and the size of the classes were perfect for me. I didn’t have to take a packed bus to different locations just to get to class, and everything was close by.”

Natalie also had heard that Rowan had a great Psychology program. She instantly knew that with the distance, size, affordability and the great reputation, that this was the school for her. 

“I always knew from a young age that I had wanted to go into psychology. So many people would come up to me asking me for advice, I enjoyed helping them and working through their problems. I find psychology to be extremely fascinating and helpful! When it came time to start thinking about college and what route I wanted to take, I discussed the possibilities with a teacher of mine. I told her I wanted to go into psychology but more specifically, I wanted to work with children who have autism.” 

Natalie feels passionate about helping the education, growth and development of children with disabilities and behavioral disorders. 

“Autism hits close to home for me and my family. So when she told me that Rowan had an applied behavior analysis concentration and a master’s program as well, I knew that Rowan was where I needed to be!” 

When Natalie wasn’t studying Psychology in her classes, she was pushing her education even further with her on-campus job. 

“I first worked for the payroll services at Rowan, then the Rowan mailroom for two more years after that. Then, I finally began working as a research assistant for my professors in the ABA program. During my master’s, I worked for the ABA center as well.” 

However, Natalie admits, she has had her fair share of obstacles during her time as a college student.

“The biggest thing I had to overcome was my time management skills. Once I knew that I had successfully gotten into the master’s program, I knew that I had to juggle doing hours of research, staying on top of my classes and doing my assignments on time. Time management was essential for me!”

Natalie has achieved so much during her time at Rowan, so we had to ask, did the future seem bright? 

“Throughout my time at Rowan, I was fortunate enough to have amazing professors who were willing to help me at any time. My professors were extremely credible and well-known in the field, so that gave my classmates and I the advantage of receiving great advice and mentoring. I not only felt prepared, but extremely confident that I would succeed!” 

Natalie was not only successful in finding a great education at Rowan, but she also made an amazing connection and relationship too. 

Gene sitting on the living room couch with his dog, Carsen sitting in-between his legs.
Gene and their dog, Carsen.

“I believe Rowan has not only prepared me, but also my boyfriend of seven years, Gene.”

Natalie’s boyfriend, Gene Maier, is also a Rowan alumnus with two degrees in accounting and finance. He now works for the accounting firm Baker Tilly in Philadelphia.

Natalie shares: “Rowan has really helped us both in building our careers. Currently, I’m working for a specialized school for children with disabilities in their autism campus. There, I work with children from various locations ranging from toddlers to adolescents. We bought our first house a year and a half ago here in Cherry Hill. We also got our first dog together too, Carsen!” 

While Natalie has so much success around her currently, we still wanted to know what she has planned for the future.

“I’m currently working on taking the test to get my BCBA certification. Once I become a board-certified behavioral analyst, I can continue to help and support so many more families and children.” 

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Story and photography by:
Bianca Torres, junior music industry major



Rowan Women in Leadership: Arielle Gedeon

Arielle sitting in the Student Government Association office.

Along with being Student Government Association (SGA) president, Arielle Gedeon is a junior Radio/TV/Film (RTF) major with double minors in political science and new media. The Galloway, NJ (Atlantic County) native lives on campus and, in addition to her role as SGA president, serves as president of the Lambda Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha […]

Degree in 3 Success Story: Amanda Devers, Radio/Television/Film

Amanda wears a Rowan shirt and sits on the ground smiling in front of a Rowan logo on the ground.

“Rowan was always in the back of my mind, since my mom went here for her undergrad and master’s,” says senior radio/television/film major Amanda Devers, from Gibbstown, NJ (Gloucester County). “We drove through campus all the time, so I was able to see it from a younger age.”

Amanda discovered at GCIT (Gloucester County Institute of Technology) vocational high school that she enjoyed working with film and audio, and kept that in mind as she began her college application process. She kept RTF in mind as she considered the universities she wanted to apply to, and discovered that Rowan met her needs. 

Amanda writes at a desk with a microphone and audio mixing equipment at the Rowan radio station.
Amanda on the job as operations manager at the Rowan Radio station, WGLS-FM.

“Rowan has a quality RTF program, and going [here] would allow me to mix that closeness to home with my passion for RTF,” she reflects.

Amanda’s acceptance letter to Rowan came with an option to participate in the Degree in 3 program, and RTF was one of the majors offered. “I talked it over with my parents, and we decided [Degree in 3] was a great idea. I wouldn’t have to pay for tuition, room and board, or dining for a whole additional year. I’d be saving a lot of money, and I could even live on campus,” she says, as a current resident of the Whitney Center apartments

Upon entering campus as a freshman, Amanda was interested right away in becoming a part of Rowan’s radio station, WGLS-FM.

“I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t get involved immediately, so I could have the longest time to be [at the radio station] throughout college,” she recalls, “this time last year, i applied to be operations manager, the highest position for students, and I got it! 

My responsibilities included helping the station manager and faculty-run Rowan Radio. It was such a professional environment, and I was surrounded by a lot of cool people who really love what they do. Rowan Radio was like my second dorm.”

Amanda and her friend, Alex, hold up their nametags at an event.
Amanda and Alex, her co-operations manager at Rowan Radio, at a radio event.

Amanda, who has a minor in audio recording and an honors concentration, knew that an accelerated program such as Degree in 3 would be challenging, but she felt that the workload was worth the money and time she’d save in the long run.

“For the program, we’re encouraged to take six classes per semester, instead of the typical five for traditional four-year students. As the years went on, I got a job and became more involved with the radio station, and had to learn to balance everything in my life,” she says. “Time management was definitely something I struggled with during my busiest semesters, but support from friends and my parents helped get me through the challenges.”

To stay organized, Amanda started keeping a bullet journal her freshman year, where she wrote to-do lists to prioritize and keep track of her assignments. 

“Being an RTF major, I had a lot of hands-on projects to do, so it helped to block off steps of each project for one day at a time. I would do a certain step one day, and another step the next. I looked at each part of the process as a separate task, instead of looking at the whole picture, to help me feel less overwhelmed.”

Amanda, wearing glasses, holds up the Rowan Radio Operations ManualAs Amanda wraps up her last year at Rowan, she recommends the Degree in 3 program for those who are interested. “It definitely has shaped the way I view my workload,” she says. “My whole mentality has changed when it comes to work, and I’m able to balance a lot of tasks and manage my time better. I feel like I work harder now and when it comes to my workload, I don’t have the same mindset anymore.”

And as for her future career plans? “I would like to continue work in RTF, especially radio and broadcasting. I’ve learned this past year that I like to manage people and projects, and would like a similar position at a radio station. I feel like I’m well-prepared for that now.”

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Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

Photos submitted by:
Amanda Devers, senior RTF major

#PROFspective: Dietetics Major Hannah Holzhauer

Hannah smiles, wearing a gray Rowan sweatshirt.
Hannah lays on the ground with colorful fruit and vegetables surrounding her head like a halo.

Meet Hannah Holzhauer, a sophomore dietetics major from Sussex County, NJ who lives on-campus in the Rowan Boulevard Apartments. Hannah is on track for a 5 year master’s program to support her future career in nutrition.

Name: Hannah Holzhauer
Year: Sophomore
Major: Dietetics major (5 year master’s program)
Hometown: Green Township, NJ (Sussex County)
On campus resident or commuter: On-Campus resident in Rowan Boulevard Apartments
Academic or social clubs you are a part of: I am a member of the Exercise is Medicine Club, Nutrition Care Club, and the Culture in Green Club. I am also in the National Honor Society fraternity Phi Sigma Pi as the scholarship chair.

Why did you choose Rowan University?

“I chose Rowan because it is the perfect fit for me. It is the right distance away from my home; far but not too far. It has a big campus with lots going on, but at the same time, it feels safe and inviting. It is reasonably priced for in-staters like me. The biggest deciding factor, however, was that it offers the field I so badly wanted to study … Nutrition.”

Hannah smiling and posing in front of a yellow shed with a purple door wearing a Rowan University hoodie.

What inspired you to choose your major?

“I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at 7 years old. For most of my life, my body had been at war with itself. I was tired of being a victim to my condition and accepting that my pain, frustration and sadness were inevitable. I knew there had to be some way that I could help myself, but never did I imagine ending up where I am today. After doing extensive research on the impact diet has over disease, I decided to try it out myself. I changed my diet overnight and stuck with it out of hope and pure desperation that it would do some good. It not only did some good, it put me in full remission. This is something no pill, injection, or procedure has ever been able to do for me. I knew from this point on that I had found my purpose; to help others heal their bodies and regain control of their lives.”

How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field?

“The field of nutrition is ever-expanding, with new discoveries and research coming out every single day. I am living proof that food is medicine and that what you put into your body matters. If we shift our perception and start treating food more like fuel, we have the potential to improve the wellbeing of our nation and change the way health care is looked at for good.”Hannah sits criss cross apple sauce surrounded by colorful fruits and vegetables while holding a pineapple.

Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a Rowan professor in which you felt like you were working with a visionary in your field.

“One of the best people I have had the pleasure of knowing at Rowan has to be Dr. Leslie Spencer. She teaches the Health Behavior Theory and Counseling class that I am in this semester. Never have I met an educator so dedicated to her work, her students, and the university as her. She is incredibly smart and passionate about health and wellness, which makes being in class with her such a joy. The life skills and personal growth I have attained from her class has turned me into a better human being with a greater understanding of those around me. I have no doubt that the things I have learned from Dr. Spencer will stay with me forever and benefit me in my professional career. I honestly believe that everyone, regardless of what you are studying, should take this course with her. She has so much to teach you.”

Any advice for students interested in Dietetics or any advice in general?

“Nutrition is an exciting field to study with endless career opportunities. The biggest thing when choosing a career path, whether it be Dietetics or something else, is to establish your “why”. If you can’t effortlessly answer why you are studying what you are, then maybe you are not where you are meant to be. Find your why.”

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Story by: Bianca Torres, junior Music Industry major

Dr. Rosetta Treece, Ed.D. ’16, Spearheads Mental Health Initiative [VIDEO]

Rosetta shaking hands with another dog trainer.
https://youtu.be/EFuGFOkhxNI

Dr. Rosetta Treece, a 2016 graduate of Rowan’s doctorate of educational leadership (Ed.D.) program, serves as Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Hopewell Valley School District in Pennington (Mercer County) in what she calls her “dream job.” 

Dr. Treece is in charge of K-12 curricula, school technology and programming such as equity and basic skills. 

However, her spearheading of the school district’s mental health initiatives is deeply personal, as she lost her son to suicide in early 2017. 

Dr. Treece and her superintendent crafted policies and professional development to support suicide prevention throughout the Hopewell Valley School District. 

She partnered with Attitudes in Reverse (AIR), an outreach program, to train therapy dogs — even her own — for the schools. “It’s amazing to see a student that’s completely shut down, not open to talking … and then the dog would come in, and they would just open up,” she says.

Dr. Treece says mental health is a challenging issue to take on with schools because there’s a stigma around it. She’s making it her mission to break the stigma. 

“I put myself out there. I let people know what I’ve been through so that I can start tearing down those walls of the stigma of what mental health looks like,” Dr. Treece says. “This is a lifetime commitment for me.”

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Degree in Three: Taylor Jachts, Law and Justice Major

Drone view of brick and white columns of Bunce Hall.

Why did you choose Rowan University?  “I actually chose Rowan University because of the Bantivoglio Honors Program and the Degree in Three Program. They are both things that look great on a resume!” What made you choose your major? “I chose to be a Law & Justice major because I wanted to go to law school. There are […]

Alumni Success: Chemical Engineering Major Brad Johnson

a drone photo of engineering hall at sunset.

Brad Johnson is a Chemical Engineering alumnus from the Class of 2016, from Langhorne, PA (Bucks County). Brad was part of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society, University Orchestra, String Ensemble and Republican Club. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate for the Department of Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.

What inspired you to choose Chemical Engineering?Brad Johnson lecturing in a chemical engineering room.

“In high school I was interested in chemistry and, in particular, physics. I was drawn to engineering in general because of its hands-on nature and emphasis on applying scientific principles to improve the world.”

What would you share with a future student interested in Chemical Engineering?

“Chemical engineering unit operations and processes are pretty cool. There are so many inventive ways to transport, transform, separate and combine different materials.”

How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field?

“Chemical engineers have a hand in developing and producing almost anything you can imagine: energy, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food and advanced materials to name a few. We excel at process modeling, utilizing math, chemistry and physics to create products in a safe and economical fashion.

“My sub-field is process systems engineering. We develop and apply rigorous mathematical optimization and modeling methods to improve the design, operation and control of chemical engineering processes.”

Can you share a current research project you’re working on?

“I’m currently developing computationally efficient dynamic models for powder flow in pharmaceutical drug product continuous manufacturing. For example, one model leverages our knowledge of powder properties to predict how fast a powder can be fed through different screw feeders and under different process conditions. Predictive models can speed up a new drug’s time to market by reducing the need for experimental data to begin process development.”

What is your biggest academic/career accomplishment so far?

“Successfully proposing my thesis, ‘Theory and Application in Best Subset Selection and Constrained Regression,’ last September.”

Tell us about your transition into graduate school and how you pushed through any challenges.

Exterior shot of Engineering pond“The biggest difference between undergraduate coursework and graduate research is the switch from solving curated, self-contained problems with well-tested methods to having to pose your own problems and solutions with no guarantee they will work. This difference, in part, made it challenging to transition my strong undergraduate work ethic into my graduate work. To combat this, I’ve scheduled a period of time each day to focus on meeting small research goals. This helps me keep momentum even when unexpected challenges arise.”

Do you have any plans after graduation? 

“I don’t have firm plans for after graduation. In the future, I hope to continue developing technical software and algorithms. I’d also like to help teach the next generation of engineers.”

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Story by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Three Things I Love About My Major

Bianca stands in front of a Music Industry bulletin board.
Bianca stands in front of a Music Industry bulletin board.

Hi! My name is Bianca Torres. I’m from Morris County, NJ (North Jersey). I am a junior Music Industry major with a minor in Marketing here at Rowan University and I love my major!

Bianca sits at a desk, arms folded, in front of a laptop and a keyboard. Back in high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do in the future or where I wanted to go for school. I knew that I wanted to go in the direction of music because I love it so much but I didn’t know what I could do with that. Then through my choir class, I met a friend who was a senior in high school at the time who had told me they were going to school for Music Business. Once she told me more about it, I instantly knew that music industry is where I needed to be. 

After looking at a couple options, I came to the conclusion that Rowan definitely had the best program for the affordable price I was looking for. When I found out that I had gotten into the Music Industry program, I was extremely excited! Now that I’m a junior in the major, I can definitely say that I have no regrets about the program and I’ve had so many opportunities as well. 

  1. The faculty and students are amazing! 

The professors are very down-to earth and are willing to help with anything you might need. They are also extremely highly regarded in their careers and have so many connections into the industry. They’re honest and very accepting of all the different areas and backgrounds of the music industry! The program offers students the option between two concentrations; the business side of the music industry, the tech side, or there is even the option of both! The professors, no matter what “side” they are on,  are very knowledgeable of all aspects of the Music Industry and it clearly shows. 

I’ve also made so many connections and close friends through this program. We can all bond over the love of music and the strengths we all have in different areas of music. Everyone is extremely talented. I’m so happy that I’ve found a community within my major. 

2. The hands-on experiences.

Another great thing about the program is all of the hands-on experiences they offer to their students. Within our department, we have a student-run record label called Rowan Music Group (RMG). Through that label, we are able to sign, assist, and create Rowan student music and help them further their artistic careers. 

Within our department, we also have our own studios in which students can create, produce, and mix their songs, whether it be for a class or project.

A group of approximately 20 Rowan students grouped together inside a concert venue.
My class and I at the Trocadero in Philadelphia

Through our Touring and Concert Promotion class, we find talented artists, book them, and then host our very own show. Most recently, my class has hosted one of the last shows at the legendary Trocadero Theatre in Philadelphia.

Through these experiences, there are so many ways to network and connect to people in the industry that could be of great use to students in the future.

The program has also been able to send students and student-artists SXSW in Austin, TX.

3. They offer so many opportunities for Internships and jobs!

Lastly, one of the best things about my major is all of the internship and job opportunities the department notifies us about. Looking for an internship/job is already a hard and stressful task that many college students struggle with. I can proudly say because of the Rowan Music Industry program, I have already completed one internship and am currently working at another internship right now at the Ardmore Music Hall in Ardmore, PA! Whether it be for smaller labels, venues, or paid-sound engineering opportunities in the Philadelphia area or even bigger record labels and venues, all the way from New York to Nashville, TN, the Music Industry program will always help out and let their students know. This is a great help for any students looking for internships or paid-jobs once their time at Rowan comes to a close. 

The Rowan Music Industry program has made me a more well-rounded and hardworking individual. I’ve met so many amazing, talented, and inspiring people through this program that have helped me through tough-times and have supported me through good times. In my opinion, music is a universal language that can bring different people from different cultures and backgrounds together through one shared experience.

 For me to have the opportunity to be apart of that experience through Rowan’s program, is life changing! 

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Written Story by: Bianca Torres, junior music industry major
Photography by: Nicole Cier and Jen Green



Music Education Grad Shares His Insight & Advice

Sean Clancy music teacher.

Sean Clancy music teacher

Welcome to Rowan at Home, our new series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story features alumnus Sean Clancy, and was captured by senior Iridian Gonzalez, journalism, before quarantine. 

Meet Sean Clancy, a 2014 graduate from the College of Performing Arts. Sean earned his bachelor’s in music education and a minor in dance studies. He teaches general music to elementary students, while singing professionally around the country as well. Today he will share with us his journey in becoming a music teacher and what he learned throughout the process.

How did you know you wanted to pursue a career in music and Sean Clancy music teacher education?

“In high school I did New Jersey All-State and Regional chorus, it was just really inspiring. I was inspired by the people who conducted it and I always knew I wanted to get into education I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I noticed how it [music] affects your grade. It gives you a sense of responsibility and time management. And you’re always working in a team, it’s not a one-person thing, it’s about everyone succeeding.”

How did you like Rowan’s music and education departments?

“It was amazing, they have one of the best education departments in the country. I feel like we got so much experience with kids. From my freshman year we were working with kids and watching teachers. That’s what I like, the moment you are here you’re in the game.”

Sean said he liked how his first courses for music education all started at 8 a.m. because he said that if you can’t handle waking up that early to go to class then how are you going to wake up that early to teach.

“I have to be at work at 7:30, which means I’m up at 6. So, if you can’t handle getting to class by 8 you can’t handle being a teacher.”Sean Clancy music teacher

What does a typical day at work look for you?

“Now with my elementary job my day starts at 10 and ends at 3. I have a one in a half hour lunch break and that’s it.  I have duty at 8:20 and I am on duty until 8:50. Then from 8:50 to 10 I either have a meeting with my team or have prep time. Right now, we are in the spring concert mode, so we are learning the spring concert music and I love doing music from different languages, because that’s what I learned here [Rowan]. My third graders are doing a song in Japanese and my second graders are doing Nigerian. I find that kids are connecting. They might not like all the songs, but even if they like one part of one song then they will be in it for that.”

Any advice for students wanting to major in music education?

“They always tell you to take the job you get, if you get it just be grateful, Sean Clancy music teacher but they don’t tell you get the job your supposed to be in. My first job I got it at the wrong place. I left it mid-year; I didn’t like it. It was my first interview after college, and I got the job. I was like ‘dream job amazing’ but I had no support and I was doing too much, I was 22 teaching high school. I took the job, but that job wasn’t right for me, but of course I don’t regret it because I learned a lot and learned about myself. Learned how to get right up when you hit rock bottom. A year later I started working a part-time job in Belmawr, my hometown, trying to revive their chorus program and through that process I learned that I am a good teacher and that I could make an impact in kids and that I was just in the wrong place. Since then I’ve been a full-time teacher.”

Sean said that when you’re a musician your teachers become like your parents; they guide you through on how to make your instrument the best it can be.

“There’s such a special connection.”

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major

Photos courtesy of:
Sean Clancy/Jamie Jung Photography

Rowan at Home: Glimpse into Biomedical Arts & Visualization with Emily Higgins [VIDEO]

Emily carving a clay skull in a classroom.
https://youtu.be/PWxhg_Ohegg

Welcome to Rowan at Home, our new series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story features Emily Higgins, a junior isolating in her house in Morris County, NJ. Emily is a Biomedical Art and Visualization major who normally spends a lot of time in Westby Hall, which is her home away from home at Rowan University. 

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Video by: Peter Planamente, senior journalism major
Dean Powers, sophomore radio/TV/film major
Music by: Tommy Bell, junior music industry major

As We Evolve, So Does Our Music

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Allegra sits on the second floor of the Campbell Library.Meet Allegra Giannini, junior English major, from South Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County.) Allegra wrote this article to connect the Rowan community. She shares, “I wrote this piece on music because I feel that music is a universal thing that connects humans together. From the meme in Bee Movie where he asks, “Ya like jazz?” music never fails to be a talking point. I’ve met countless people who have said music has saved their lives or impacted them in an equally large way. Ask practically anyone who their favorite musical artist is, and you see their eyes light up. It’s one of my favorite things because it makes me happy to see people talk so passionately about something. My article talks about how normal it is to let music have an impact on you. How it’s been clinically proven that the right music can decrease anxiety and simultaneously elevate your mood. It’s an important, yet overlooked part of our lives. But it’s a discussion worth having.”

Music has been around since the dawn of time. It began most likely with a rhythmic beating of rocks against a hard surface, and humming, to downloading a music program and mixing sounds with a keyboard. One easy way to study societal evolution is by exploring the wide range of music. Most people on this planet have a type in music. The answers often heard range from rock, indie, rap, R&B, the list is endless. One interesting question though, is what makes people have a taste? Do people tend to enjoy music they’ve grown up on? Or is it scientifically speaking people’s neurological reactions to the aesthetic sounds created. Perhaps both answers are true, but maybe there is one more. The other answer would be where one is developmentally influences the kind of music they listen to. Not just because of rhythm or melody, but perhaps because of the lyrics. 

What do people most remember about songs? Everyone has done that thing where they try to look up a song in Google, but can’t remember the title so they either type in the rhythm which looks something like, “that song that goes dum da dee dum.” Or they Google a snippet of the lyrics, they may Google, “Same as it ever was” and learn the song they were looking for is “Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads. Whatever the case may be, they Google the lyrics that stuck out to them the most, the ones they resonate with. Maybe the lyric “same as it ever was” perfectly describes how they feel on the inside. Those lyrics hit home, they mean something to them. 

If people correlate how their lives are going with songs, they may find that they gravitate towards artists, albums or songs they feel perfectly encapsulates how they are mentally feeling, or brings up a memory. An article written by Nancy Shute for NPR from September 2013 said, “Music is a powerful cue for retrieving strong personal memories — when you kissed that girl at summer camp; the blue polka-dot dress you wore to prom; how lonely you were freshman year.” (Shute, npr.org)

That article may be from 7 years ago, but the message still stands. Music is a lot more powerful than some give it credit. Hearing a song can change someone’s mood instantaneously. It is important that it’s power is embraced. So, when the going gets tough, it’s a good idea to put on a song. Make a “Happy Times” playlist, or even a “Rad and Sad” playlist. Sometimes listening to the songs that bring on the tears is just as healthy. What’s most important is embracing the effect music has on one’s personality.

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Story by:
Allegra Giannini, junior English major, Wellness Center intern

Photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Pandemic Profs: How to Take Better Photos as a College Student

Nicole stands in front of a magnolia tree with a camera.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Nicole Cier, a senior isolating in her house in Middlesex County, NJ. Nicole is a writing arts major who normally lives in Rowan Boulevard Apartments during the school year. Find Nicole’s photos for Rowan Blog here

As college students, we are experiencing what most people reflect on as some of the best years of their lives. We have unlimited opportunities, live close to our friends, and find unique ways to have fun. The memories we make during these four (or so) years of our lives can last a lifetime — but why not take photos, just in case we forget? Whether you want to post these photos on social media, store them in an album, or hang them on your dorm room wall, here are some tips to up your photography game. 

Make the most of natural light

Nicole stands in front of a magnolia tree with a camera.Most of us don’t have the money as college students to invest in a fancy camera, but we can make the most of our phone cameras with a few lighting tricks. Natural light is going to be our best friend, so try to shoot during the day time when you can use minimal overhead lighting. Fluorescent lights usually don’t work well with photos, and can distort the exposure (brightness) or colors in your photos. Avoid shooting in direct sunlight, especially if there is a person in the shot, so they don’t have to squint. Typically, overcast or cloudier days are best, as they prevent overexposure of your image and distracting sun flares or glares. Wherever your light is coming from, it should illuminate the subject in your photo so that they stick out from the background. Have your subject face the light source, as opposed to having their back to the light, so they are clearly visible.

Jelani leans against a fence, hands in his pockets, with bikes next to him.
This photo of my Rowan Blog colleague, Jelani, is one of my favorite photos that I’ve taken and makes good use of natural light.

Consider your composition

To take the best photo, pay attention to your surroundings! The composition of a photo pertains to how the subject(s) in your image are arranged in relation to other objects nearby and the background. One of the biggest mistakes people make in photography is not noticing distractions in the background that could take away from their photo. Make sure that things such as telephone poles and trees are not “poking out of” your subject’s head in the photo, and make sure to remove any objects you don’t want in the frame. Sometimes even people in the background can distract from the main subject.

a hand holding a yellow phone case, with the camera app opened on the phone
The subject is in the middle of the frame, following the Rule of Thirds.

Use lines & symmetry as a guide

The Rule of Thirds is another important aspect to keep in mind while taking photos (here is a short YouTube clip explaining the Rule of Thirds). It ensures that your photo’s composition is “balanced,” so the viewer’s eye knows exactly where to look, and so your focal point — the part of the photo you want to draw attention to — is the star of the show. Symmetry and leading lines make your photo easier on the eyes, and pave a simple path for the eye to follow to the focal point. Turning on the gridlines in your phone or camera’s settings makes using leading lines and symmetry in your pictures much easier.

Shoot with intention

One of the biggest mistakes people make in photography is not thinking about what they want the photo to express. Take into consideration what your goal is for each photo, and strive to capture that. For example, if you want to portray someone as powerful or important, shoot them from a low angle, with your camera pointed slightly up towards them. If you want to take an “artsy” portrait of your friend, consider props or a particular scenery that will set the tone you have in mind. Having an idea of what you want a photo to look like, before you even take it, will help you get the best picture possible!

The final image.

And as with any art form, don’t be afraid to try new techniques! Experiment with different lighting and composition options, and compare your photos. Looking at two photos side by side, that have the same subject matter but were shot differently, can teach you a lot about photography. Take as many photos as you can and find what style you like the most. Each photographer has a unique style in their pictures, and there is no “wrong” way to do it. Make the most of your college memories and preserve them, too, by snapping the best photos you can.

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Story and photography by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

Rowan at Home: Glassboro Native Builds Sports Career in Her “Own Backyard”

Kayla smiles and stands in front of Wackar Stadium

Welcome to Rowan at Home, our new series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story features sophomore Kayla Santiago, and was captured by senior Nicole Cier, writing arts, before quarantine. 

Sophomore Kayla Santiago, of Glassboro, NJ (Gloucester County), had never considered applying to Rowan, though it was just a five-minute drive from home — “it’s practically in my backyard, and I didn’t want to commute.” She feared she would miss out on the typical college experience of living in a dorm, but soon discovered that Rowan was the perfect missing puzzle piece in the search for her future career. 

Kayla stands in front of the Prof statue by the Rowan University team house.“I originally didn’t even apply until the day of the [application] deadline, and then I found out about the Sports Communication and Media (Sports CAM) major, and realized it was perfect for me,” she reflects. “It brought me back to the passion I’ve had for sports since my childhood, when my dad would take me to the Phillies batting practice and I’d be chanting players’ names at three years old.”

Taking on the Sports CAM and Journalism majors, with a minor in Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Kayla dove into the world of Rowan athletics. She asked her advisor for advice on getting involved in the major as a freshman and found her place with Rowan Television Network right away as a football sideline reporter. 

“RTN allowed me to get experience right away. I mentioned that I was interested in sideline reporting, and they needed a sideline reporter that weekend for football and asked if I could do it,” she says. “I had never done it in my life, and it was a really great learning experience to just be thrown into it right away and have to figure it all out.”

Kayla commentates on a Rowan Athletics game.The following year was a whirlwind of experience, as Kayla found more ways to get involved with sports communications and strengthen her resume. She jumped into play-by-play, color commentating and sideline reporting for Rowan Athletics, as a TV broadcaster. She even broadcasted the first football game of the fall 2019 season against Widener by herself! “We usually don’t [broadcast without a partner], but we were first getting into a groove for the season and figuring out our roles. It was definitely difficult, but it was cool to have that pressure and experience to get me started,” Kayla recalls.

Since her first year as a Prof, Kayla has expanded her athletic commentating experience to include football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, hockey and more! Broadcasting allows her to study team rosters, examine player records and statistics and interview coaches — tasks that allow her to implement the journalism skills she learns from her second major. Kayla even made Rowan Athletics history as the first female play-by-play commentator for football and basketball on TV!

Kayla holds a microphone up for basketball coach Demetrius Poles during a sideline interview.
Kayla interviews head coach of the Rowan Women’s Basketball Team, Demetrius Poles.

“It’s not just about being a sports broadcaster; it’s also about making relationships with the coaches and players. You develop a gain of trust, and they want to give you good answers [to your interview questions] and tell you what’s going on as much as they can,” she says.

“For me, [Sports CAM] is more than just being a fan. I want to keep growing my knowledge and passion about sports and see where it can take me. Now, my whole course load is sports, and how could I not love that? It’s exactly what I wanted to do.”

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Story and photography by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

Alumni Success: Staff Engineer for Hershey Company’s Reese Plant Christopher Dromgoole

Christopher Dromgoole, a chemical engineering alumnus, graduated with his B.S. in 2000 and M.S. in 2003. He is from Gloucester Township, NJ (Camden County). During his time at Rowan, he was an Undergraduate Lab Assistant and Graduate Assistant. He is a Staff Engineer at The Hershey Company’s Reese Plant. 

Chris Dromgoole smiles for a selfie on the beach.What would you share with a future student interested in Chemical Engineering?

“There are many career opportunities and pathways to choose from for those with a Chemical Engineering degree such as: food and beverage, pharmaceutical, energy, medical, legal and sales.  Don’t just focus on the word ‘chemical’!”

Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge?

“Sure, Chemical Engineering was difficult and required a lot of hard work, which made me question whether I really wanted to be an engineer. The key for me to overcome this challenge was to maintain focus and persevere through the rough times knowing that graduation was right on the horizon.”

Did you feel supported throughout your college career by the Rowan community? If so, explain.

“Yes, I most definitely felt supported by the Rowan community, especially my professors and classmates. I was part of the first graduating engineering class, so at that time, the program was small and each semester only had one section per course due to the minimal amount of faculty. This forced our class to be together for every required course, and we became like a second family. If anyone had trouble understanding classwork, homework or projects, there was always someone willing to sit down and explain things differently in hopes of making you understand.”

Chris Dromgoole poses with his children.Tell us about your transition into the work field and how you pushed through any challenges.

“I had a relatively smooth transition into the work field having been well prepared by learning how to work in teams during my various Rowan Engineering Clinic projects. As an engineer, one of the most important skills that you will need to learn is how to effectively troubleshoot an issue or a problem. This skill will greatly improve over time as you become immersed within your field of concentration or industry, but as a new engineer, you can’t be afraid or too proud to ask others for help or advice…”

What is your biggest career accomplishment so far?

“My biggest career accomplishment so far was the commercialization of the Hershey’s Air Delight Bars and Kisses. I worked together with the marketing and product development teams to create and scale up the production of aerated milk chocolate products in multiple plants that were located within different countries.”

How did you begin working for Hershey?

“I believe that working on one of my Senior Engineering Clinic projects, which was the reassembly of a donated, Specialty Chemical Pilot Plant, helped me to stand out from other Chemical Engineering candidates that applied for the entry level position of Associate Process Design Engineer. The clinic project had required me to learn how to read Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), which was needed for the role at Hershey.”

Can you explain your duties for the External Advisory Board?

“I help to advise the Rowan University Chemical Engineering department on ways that they could improve their curriculum based on the skills that are needed and preferred for the Food & Beverage Industry.”

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VISIT CAMPUS

Story by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Photos courtesy of Christopher Dromgoole.

#PROFspective: DJ and Resident Assistant JT Kurtz

JT poses in front of Chestnut Hall.

Name: JT Kurtz,JT poses in front of Chestnut Hall with his laptop and headphones.
Year: Junior
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Egg Harbor Township, NJ (Atlantic County)
On campus resident or commuter: I am a resident assistant in Chestnut Hall

First-generation college student? Yes

Academic or social clubs you are a part of: I am a part of Rowan University Philippine American Coalition (RUPAC), I do research for the psychology department and College of Business, I am a learning assistant for Introduction to Computer Science, and I oversee the computer science learning community.

What inspired you to choose your major? I aspire to be a full-stack developer, which is a person who has the ability to design and develop both the front-end and back-end of a software program.

What would you share with a future student interested in your major?
Persevere. Going into computer science is challenging, but very rewarding. When you see results, you will recognize the work you put in, and it is a lot of work. Rowan’s Computer Science department has so many opportunities. There are so many internships, jobs and co-op program opportunities. Also, be independent, but don’t be afraid to ask people for help.

Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge? I can’t pinpoint a certain moment, but there come times where you really can’t figure things out and it gets tough. I got through it by having my RA staff around and being honest with them. JT and his friend are working on homework.They were motivational. Listening to music and getting in the zone helps. I learned to not be afraid to ask for help from some of my computer science major friends, then that translated into feeling comfortable asking for help from professors. 

Tell us about one moment that made you feel like Rowan was the right fit for you. When I first stepped on campus, I felt at home. Rowan isn’t too big, or too small. It felt just right. During orientation, Professor Jack Myers really hyped up computer science, which motivated and influenced me to pursue my degree. He got me excited about the major and made me feel like computer science was what I wanted to do with my life. I also knew Rowan had the tools to help me go far.

How has DJing impacted your experience at Rowan and vice versa? I love to DJ. I DJ for on campus events, formals, and I also outsource to otherJT is DJing at an event. universities. When I outsource to other universities and in the outside world, I am representing Rowan. Being an RA has made me more confident and comfortable, as well as increases my interpersonal skills. These qualities are transferrable to my DJing. Both jobs have also taught me how to be adaptable and make people feel welcome. Also, DJing has helped me make many connections, and being an RA people reach out to me to DJ their events. 

How will being a DJ and an RA affect your future career? Both jobs go back to the fact that I love technology and helping others. My goal to be a full-stack developer is to help people, and both jobs allow me to help others in different ways. For example, as an RA, I was able to redesign the duty system for housing. The system made scheduling a lot easier for everyone. Being a DJ, if a party or event is dying and starting to become slow, I rescue it and bring the event back to a party level. 

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Story and photography by:

Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

History Major Finds Her Passion for Archiving During Internship

books aligned on a book case.

Julianne at the library

Julianne reading a book at the library

Before COVID-19 social distancing, through her internship with the Historical Society of Pennsylvania this semester Julianne Tarrant was able to figure out what career path she wants to take after graduating in May. The history major from Nutley, NJ (Essex County) also minors in political science and international studies

Julianne at the library choosing a bookJulianne has always liked history, more specifically presidential history. “Their personal lives is the better part, because you learn so much about what they did in class but then you get to know more about them as people and that kind of makes a bigger picture.”

After a tour at Rowan University Julianne really liked the university, as did her mom. “My mom really pushed me to come here and I am really thankful she did that.”

Julianne started off as a history education major, but then decided to drop education and focus on history. “It was really the faculty from the history department that showed me that there was so much more I could do with history aside from teaching, which I never knew before. The faculty opened my eyes, there is so much I can do.”

Dr. Jennifer Janofsky, a professor who teaches public history courses has become one of Julianne’s mentors. Dr. Janofsky was the one who told Julianne about the Historical Society of Pennsylvania internship. “She kind of knew what I wanted to do and what my experiences were already with different internships and she was like ‘you should try the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.’”

When Julianne applied, she did not think she would get the internship Julianne reading a book at the librarybecause she though that other students from other colleges in Pennsylvania had a better chance due to them being closer. To Julianne’s surprise, after her interview within an hour she was already signing papers to start interning there. “I wouldn’t have heard about it if it wasn’t for Dr. Janofsky, I am very thankful.”  

Julianne is currently working on the Philadelphia Orphan Society collection, where she transcribes lots of documents into Excel sheets, to then use that information for the genealogy research that the Historical Society of Pennsylvania performs. Through this internship she has learned to read other people’s cursive writing much better. “It was really hard at first and now I’m starting to get the hang of it.”

Thanks to this internship Julianne said she learned that she really likes archiving and hopes to one day work at one of the presidential library museums.“There are 13 of them in the country, different presidents and just based around them. So, I definitely want to work in museums, preferably ones that relate to presidents.”

Julianne’s advice for future history majors and current history majors is to read all assigned readings. It may seem tedious reading about World War II over and over again, but it is worth it.

“And don’t just study one area of history, try to take it all in because we have a really diverse history staff so take as many classes as you can.”

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major 

Pandemic Profs: Writing Arts Club Suggested Reading List

Stock image of an open book fanned against an orange background.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Paige Stressman, a sophomore writing arts major holed up in her house in Mount Ephraim, NJ (Camden County).

Hi, I’m Paige Stressman, secretary of the Writing Arts Club on campus. Our executive board decided to create this suggested reading list together to help the Rowan community combat boredom during social distancing. The books are a mix of young adult, graphic comics, fiction, poetry, and nonfiction – there is something for everyone. Happy reading!

Barnes & Noble on Rowan Boulevard may be closed, but you can visit any book retailer online for delivery. Side note: support your local, independent book sellers!

Her by Pierre A Jeanty
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur 
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
The perks of being a wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Arc of a Scythe series (Scythe, Thunderhead, and The Toll) by Neal Shusterman
1984 by George Orwell
The Game of Love and Death by Martha Brockenbrough
The Infernal Devices (Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, and Clockwork Princess) series by Cassandra Clare
The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak
Memory Man by David Baldacci
Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder
The Remnant Chronicles (Kiss of Deception, Heart of Betrayal, and Beauty of Darkness)
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao
Intensity by Dean Koontz
The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett (second in series)
Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Jim Kay
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Comics/Graphic NovelsMan sits on a couch reading a book with a red cover.
All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison
Seven Soldiers of Victory Vol 1-2 by Grant Morrison 
The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
Kid Eternity by Grant Morrison 
Watchmen by Alan Moore

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Pandemic Profs: Music Industry Major’s Advice to Help Musicians [Spotify Playlist]

Jen Green stands in the Rowan University bookstore, looking toward her phone with the Badflower album cover OK I'm Sick

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Tommy Bell, a junior isolating from his home in Atlantic County, NJ, during spring break. Tommy is a music industry major who normally lives in Triad Apartments.

With concerts and tours being canceled or postponed because of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, musicians have already felt big monetary losses. For smaller artists, the impact is huge and immediate. 

Soraia on stage in the middle of a show.
Philadelphia-area band Soraia had their East Coast tour cut short due to coronavirus. Singer ZouZou and drummer Brianna live in Pitman, the town next to Rowan. (Photo courtesy of Soraia. Photo credit: Jen Green.)

Not only are musicians not getting paid for playing shows and not able to sell merchandise at shows, but they are also missing networking opportunities. Smaller bands thrive off of networking at their shows. Meeting new people and getting to know them is what helps a band grow. 

But all hope isn’t lost, there are still a few ways that you can support local artists from your house.

Here is what I’m doing – and how you can help local artists. 

  1. Add smaller artists’ songs to your playlists. Streaming platforms pay attention to this, and will suggest artists to new listeners based on related artists from playlists they’re on. 
  2. Even though streaming doesn’t provide much of an income to most artists, listening to and sharing their music could lead to them making it onto a major Spotify playlist which is great exposure. 
  3. Go to artists’ websites and buy merch. If they don’t have a website contact them on social media to buy. Most artists are still able and willing to send out merch to fans. 
  4. Follow artists’ social media pages and have your friends follow them. 
  5. Stream music in the background while you’re home. 
  6. Some artists are hosting virtual shows to watch and listen online. Buy tickets for this alternative type of show. 

I created a Spotify playlist of my favorite local bands to listen to. It includes a lot of Rowan student bands (Pastelephone, Upon Knee Hill, Aftyn, and Sanity Falls) and local bands such as Soraia, The Underground Thieves, Deal Casino and a few others. So go and stream while you’re stuck at home and support local artists!

Pastelephone singer kicks in the air during Battle of the Bands.
Rowan music industry students make up Pastelephone, shown here during a Battle of the Bands on campus. (Photo courtesy of Pastelephone.)

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Story by: Tommy Bell, junior music industry major

#PROFspective: Women’s Ice Hockey Vice President Emily Render

Emily stands in front of the women's ice hockey trophy.

Name: Emily RenderEmily poses in front of a white background.
Year: Junior
Major: Radio/Television/Film within the Ric Edeleman College of Communication and Creative Arts

Hometown and county: Nutley, Essex County

On campus resident or commuter: I live in 114 Victoria, on campus.

Academic or social clubs:  Women’s Ice Hockey Club Team

Why did you choose Rowan? I met one of the Women’s Ice Hockey coaches at a game. The coach reached out to me and told me to look into Rowan. I came for a visit and I really liked the Radio/Television/Film program.

Group photo of the Women's Ice Hockey Team.
Emily, pictured front left.

What inspired you to get involved on campus? I Wanted to make more friends, and I knew if I got involved on campus, I would find people with similar interests to me, such as art, hockey, and Radio/Television/Film.

What made you want to join Women’s Ice Hockey? The coach was dedicated, there was a promising future for the team, and it seemed like a good environment. I also grew up playing hockey and wanted to continue.

Emily is wearing her ice hockey uniform, standing in front of the goal net.What would you share with a future student interested in joining Women’s Ice Hockey? Joining is definitely worth it. The team is like a family. Everyone is collaborative with putting in effort, the coaches are great and helpful, and every teammate has your back on and off the ice.

How has being on the Women’s Ice Hockey team impacted your Rowan experience? Being on the team helps me stay active and relieves stress. Being on a successful team has definitely had a positive impact on my college career. Also, I have a great group of friends with similar interests as me, and I enjoy the sport.

What are some good memories that you’ve had with the Women’s Ice Hockey team? We played really well freshmen year with 6 skaters. It felt great to prove that we can accomplish a lot with a small team because we worked so hard. Also, my sophomore year, we won the championships in overtime to get a seat in Nationals, and it was an amazing experience to be able to go to Nationals.

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Story and photography by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major

How One Professor Changed My Perspective on Math

Adriana and Professor Smith smile in front of the Mathematics suite.

Meet Adriana Simiriglio, a junior Elementary Education major specializing in Mathematics from Gloucester County. Today she shares how her mathematics professor changed her outlook on teaching and learning that ultimately made her a better problem-solver and soon-to-be teacher.

Adriana sits outside Education Hall.

I’m an education major. This means that I will relearn nearly 12 years of schooling, but this time from another perspective.

I was a little hesitant to take my math class my first year. I was good at math, but I was never the strongest at it, and I was afraid that college math would be at least 50 times harder than what I experienced during my regular school years.

It wasn’t.

I walked into the classroom to meet my bright-eyed professor, William Smith, who welcomed me with open arms and was already practicing everyone’s names. He placed us sitting in different groups, where I was able to meet three other education majors who were scared of math just like me.

He started out by handing us all a pencil because he knew a lot of us would ultimately forget. However, it was what he had inscribed on the pencil that got my mind reeling.

“Math is not a spectator sport.”

A close up photo of a pencil that reads "Math is not a spectator sport."
Adriana still holds onto the pencil that Professor Smith gave to the class.

Professor Smith began to explain what this math class really was. We had to relearn all of math, starting with regular addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and then next semester, we’ll continue with fractions and probability. I was shocked. I had to relearn addition and subtraction? That was a kindergarten skill that I had already mastered many eons ago.

I thought I knew it all. I was wrong.

To help support us, Professor Smith made his own textbook and made it available in a PDF form. He explained he would never to assign too much homework because assigning book problems that don’t give us an answer and show us how to solve the problem are useless because we will never learn that way.

As soon as he was done explaining, he put addition problems on the board. Simple addition problems, but this started the epiphany of why math isn’t as scary as it looks.

The problems were easy, 2+2, 5+5, 20+10. When he asked us to explain our answer, we just simply said that “we knew it.” There was no explanation.

That’s the problem. We are never forced to explain. We are robots to the common knowledge, but we don’t know why or how we got the answers to the problems.

Now for the big guns, 367+83. Everyone was amused by what we thought was humor. So, we grabbed our papers, carried and borrowed with confidence, and all came up with the same answer. When we were asked why, it was just because “we were taught that way.” We had absolutely no knowledge of why we did math the way we did math.

Adriana and Professor Smith chatting at a table.

This is when he explained the pinnacle of what math truly is:

We are forced in our classes to memorize formulas, patterns, ways of solving problems the quickest. We are never taught to look at the problem, become problem solvers, and think of our own way to solve it. He asked how many of us were told by our teachers “not to use your way,” or “don’t use your parents way, just stick to this” even though we were getting the right answers. We were forced to copy the work of our teachers, and expected to get the right answers. All of us raised our hands. He told us he is going to guide us through this class, but he is not going to teach it, we are.

We are going to explain our thinking of answers to the class, share our own ways of solving the problem so others can try, and most importantly: scrap all formulas and shortcuts because they will never show you what math truly is. No more carrying and borrowing, no more solving from the right to the left. He taught us so many different ways to add, subtract, multiply, and divide so we could find what works best for us. Tests told us on every question to use the method that works best for us.

Throughout the semester, he had us volunteer to lead the class lessons, and as I started to feel comfortable and confident with my own work, I took strides and led the class multiple times, even within the first week of school. He told us that if we are going to be teachers, we have to get up in front of the class and explain something that is our biggest fear to our peers first. 

But why? Why did we feel confident? The answer is simple: We were allowed to let our brains work out and process problems in a way that we could figure out. We weren’t force-fed information that we had to mimic, but instead, we were given full range to expand our minds and understand what we were learning.

Adriana and Professor Smith hug.

So yes, math is not a spectator sport. It requires effort, thinking, and problem-solving skills. But when you open your mind to the different possibilities that math has to offer, it is only the beginning of what you can accomplish. Not only did this class change my perspective on math as a future teacher, but it made me feel confident instead of belittled when I couldn’t solve a problem, it made me feel empowered that I could solve the problems the way that I saw fit, and most importantly: this class taught me that math isn’t something to be afraid of. It is only yourself that can make you afraid, but when you have the right teacher, math can be as easy as 3.14.

Interested in education? Learn more about our majors.

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Story by:
Adriana Simiriglio, junior elementary education major

Faculty PROFile: Experiential Engineering Education Department’s Dr. Kaitlin Mallouk

Professor sits at her desk, hands clasped

Meet Dr. Kaitlin Mallouk, Assistant Professor within the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering

What is your area of expertise? Currently, my main area of expertise is engineering education pedagogy – basically, what are the best ways of teaching engineering students. I am also working on developing expertise in faculty development and leadership practices and diversity, equity, and inclusion in engineering education. These new areas have synergies with each other and with my existing expertise, so I’m very excited to learn Dr. Mallouk sits at her desk in Rowan Hall.more.

Share an “aha!” moment that you’ve had within your discipline that made you feel passionate about your field. A few years ago, I championed the inclusion of weekly reflections in our first-semester first-year engineering clinic course that all engineering students take. As I began reading my students’ first reflections, I was struck by how many of them so clearly needed an outlet beyond what we typically provide in engineering (i.e., problem sets and lab reports). Their reflections were personal and honest and gave me a window into their lives that I don’t normally get. It reminded me that our students are whole people, and I had newfound motivation to provide them the best classroom experience I could.

Describe for us an experience you’ve had with a student that made you feel excited about educating the next generation in your field. I developed a project for our first-year engineering clinic class during which students learn about Net Zero Energy buildings and sustainability – we talk about solar power, heat transfer, and low energy appliances in the context of the engineering basics students are learning (like engineering economics). I think the project is super interesting and relevant, but I was so gratified when a student emailed me after the semester was over to let me know that his internship was going to require him to analyze solar panels and energy reduction measures and that he felt totally confident going into the internship having worked on the Net Zero project in my class! Our current students are the people who will be solving the most challenging engineering problems our society has ever faced and I’m proud that I can contribute to their development as engineers and people.

What is one thing you wish people knew about your academic discipline or your research focus? Just because a particular way of teaching/learning things worked for you doesn’t mean it works for everyone (or even the majority of people). Our education system has been designed to select for particular strengths, which means we’re missing out on a huge amount of talent that doesn’t happen to thrive in our current system.

What is a current project you and your students are working on? I have several students working on analyzing the reflections our first-year students are writing in their engineering clinic course. We are taking a few different approaches to this work—one is to try to understand how students think about the entrepreneurial mindset (curiosity, connections, creating value) and another is investigating how students conceptualize themselves as learners based on their responses to the prompt “Tell me about yourself as a learner”. We have found some interesting results—the publications are forthcoming!

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Story and photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

#PROFspective: Radio/TV/Film Major Adam Clark

Adam looks into the distance, while wearing a crisp white button down shirt and fall colored trees behind him.

Adam Clark, a senior from Bridgeton, NJ (Cumberland County), is a Radio/TV/Film (RTF) major. Today, we will talk with Adam about his experience with filmmaking and how Rowan has prepared him for his future goals. Year: SeniorMajor: Radio/TV/Film (production focus)Town/County: Bridgeton, NJCommuter: YesJob on campus: No, jobs elsewhereClubs/Activities: Cinema Workshop What inspired you to choose […]

A First-Gen Radio/TV/Film Major Starts Up Company, Joins Town Government

Jamal sitting in the library with a green beanie on.

Meet Jamal McPherson from Swedesboro, NJ (Gloucester County), a junior majoring in Radio/TV/ Film (RTF) at the Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts. Jamal is a first-generation college student who loves to get involved in the community and try new things. Last year, he was appointed to the town board committee in Swedesboro. Today, he will share with us his journey to getting appointed and his experience so far at Rowan University.

Before coming to Rowan, Jamal first attended Salisbury University in Maryland, where he was a political science major and football player. Jamal has always had a passion for video production, so at Salisbury he joined their sports media production team, but eventually decided to transfer.

RTF student sitting outside the library “What I was looking for was not at Salisbury, Maryland. Don’t get me wrong — I had a great time, but sometimes having a great time doesn’t mean you’re being productive,” Jamal says.

When Jamal decided to transfer to Rowan, he also switched majors. “My dad used to wrestle professionally in his day, that is why I’ve always had an interest in sports entertainment,” he adds.

While being back in his hometown, he saw a few vacancies in the board committee. He decided to apply, and he got the job. He is currently a member of the Parks & Recreation Committee and Economic Development Committee.

“I looked at the requirements and I emailed them saying I had great ideas. I joined last year, and I took an oath of office … They are a great group of mentors and they understand that school is first.”

Being a part of the committee is a four-year commitment; after Jamal’s contract is over, he isn’t sure if he will continue pursuing government committee positions. He recently started his own company called Aniville, where he plans concerts and festivals.Getting ready for the show

“Right now, I do concerts for my company Aniville, that’s what I’ve been working on lately.  I had a show in the Pfleeger Concert Hall in October, called ‘Aniville Jam’ and I had a show in Philadelphia over the summer too, it went pretty well. After the show it opened a few doors for me.”        

Jamal thinks Rowan does a great job in making sure everyone brings their A-game wherever they go, and he thinks the staff at Rowan University are exceptional.

“I love Rowan,” Jamal says.

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major

From ‘Sister of Justice’ to Court Service Supervisor

concrete facade of Mercer County Court House with flag in background

The daughter of a welder/steamfitter father and a mother who did a little bit of everything, Kristen Cunningham knew she wanted to continue her education after high school, but wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. She also wanted to make her parents proud and be the first person in her family to go to college. Initially drawn to education and journalism, she shied away from those options when her hearing began to deteriorate as a young adult and she felt her hearing loss may hinder her in those areas. 

She completed her associate degree at Mercer County College, while working full-time as a cook in a restaurant. Her colleague there, Cheryl Buono, a waitress, told her about then-Glassboro State College and said, “You’ve got to come to this awesome school with me.” Kristen checked out a few options, including other state schools and an art school, but ultimately decided, “If Cheryl’s there, sure. That will make the transition to campus life much easier. I didn’t want to risk not getting a degree.”

Kristen Cunningham smiles outdoors, wearing a purple shirt while leaning against a concrete building.Once at Rowan, something just clicked with Kristen with criminology. “It blew my mind. I could still do the writing and the research that I enjoyed, but also focus on justice.” The law and justice studies alumna graduated in 1998, saying that the advice of her professors “saved” her. “I had one professor, Salerno, who asked me, ‘What do you want to do?’ We talked about it for a bit and he said, ‘I can see with your personality you’d be better at this, you’d be better at that.’ And he was right. He definitely geared me toward something that was a fit for me. He cared.”

Another professor taught her the importance of observation. “People never look up and that’s what criminals take advantage of. There’s a lot happening outside of your eyesight. To this day, when I’m walking down the street I always have eyes up. Those little nuggets, those were real-life experiences in that department. It was amazing and I loved it. We had people with years of experience in the field, being investigators, police officers and they were teaching these classes.”

Kristen also considers her involvement in Greek life to be paramount to her success at Rowan. “You went to classes and learned, but after class it was like family. Greek life made me feel like a part of the school.” Kristen affectionately earned the nickname “Sister of Justice” (something she is still sometimes called to this day) and led her sorority, Alpha Delta Epsilon, as president. 

Kristen Cunningham stands outside the concrete building of the Mercer County Courthouse on a sunny dayToday, Kristen is a 20-year employee of the judiciary within Mercer County. She started as an investigator, moving up to a probation officer after a year. She was voted Probation Worker of the Year in 2003. Two years later she was promoted to supervisor, a position she still holds today. As a court service supervisor in Probation/Child Support, she manages a team of six probation officers. “You get a lot of complaints. But as a civil servant you take the good with the bad. It’s rewarding because once in awhile I’ll get a letter that says that their lives changed for the better. That’s better than a bonus, when you hear that someone’s life has been bettered by an action you did – you go to bed that night feeling pretty good about yourself.”

As for her friend and waitress Cheryl? Successful in her own right as a leader in the marketing industry, she and Kristen are still dear friends 20+ years later.

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It’s OK to be Scared

cassidy stands in front of a brick wall.

Moving away from home is scary. I’m not going to sit here and lie Cassidy posing for a portrait on train tracksand say that the transition from high school to college was easy for me. I’m sure other people had smooth transitions and would love to share their stories, but for the people who are scared to move away, I want to let you know that you’re not alone.

The longest I had been away from my parents before moving to college was on a school trip to Europe that was a week long, and by the end of the week, I called my parents crying.

Believe it or not, I was excited to move into college. Buying all the things I needed for my dorm was exciting, but there was always a voice in the back of my mind that said, “What if I’m making a mistake?” My boyfriend who lived close to me was commuting, so why was I going to live on campus? I pushed those thoughts out of my head and told myself I wanted the “full college experience.”

Cassidy holding a sunflower umbrella by red foliage.I moved in a day before move-in day because I had a late orientation date. I had talked to my roommate before I moved in and we decided to live together because we were both Theatre majors. My family moved me in, we had dinner, and then they left. Then I was alone in a place I was not familiar with. I had no idea where anything was and I felt alone. I decided to reach out to my friends from home and we hung out all night. I felt a little more comfortable. The next night, my roommate Faith invited me to hang out with some people from the department. Little did I know that I would make a ton of friends that would help me through this rough transition.

Cassidy and her sister on her first move in day.During my first week of classes, I met professors who made sure I was comfortable and taking care of myself. I quickly learned that everyone cared about me and I wasn’t alone. I joined clubs, performed in shows and made friends along the way who have changed my life for the better.

If you are scared or anxious about moving away from home, I want to let you know that it’s OK. Once you get to college, you will quickly realize that everyone here wants to help you and they want to see you succeed. So don’t be afraid, call your parents every day, and don’t forget that if you’re having a really tough time, just reach out.

Story by:
Cassidy Anderson, sophomore public relations and theatre major

Photos by:
Scott Anderson

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Iridian Shares 3 Ways She’s Gotten Involved as a Transfer

After completing two years at Atlantic Cape Community College, I decided to transfer over to Rowan University to get my bachelor’s in Journalism. Transferring over to a new school can be both exciting and intimidating. You’ll get to create new memories, meet new people and experience new opportunities.Student portrait of Journalism major Iridian outside on Rowan's campus

At community college I was involved in many extracurricular activities, like being part of the communication club and assistant editor for the Atlantic Cape Review. For me, getting involved has always been important. It improves leadership and interpersonal skills, but most importantly, it gives students practical experience.

When I first transferred to Rowan, I did not know anyone, but I immediately felt welcomed by all my professors and classmates. I knew I wanted to get involved and create new memories, just like I did at my community college.

I started asking other students what they were involved in, and I checked Rowan’s Student Organization Services page, where I found clubs and organizations that caught my attention. There are many ways to get involved — you’ve just got to be open to new experiences and opportunities.

Here are three ways I’ve gotten involved as a transfer student and commuter.Copies of The Whit, Rowan's student newspaper where Journalism major Iridian works as a copy editor

  1. Joined The Whit,The Campus Newspaper: As mentioned earlier, I am majoring in Journalism; for me, getting outside the classroom experience is extremely important. By joining The Whit, I got to meet the most amazing group of people. I created new friendships that I know will last forever and help each other out even after college. Aside from making friends, this past fall I got elected to become one of the copy editors for the paper. It’s all about being open to new opportunities.A screenshot of Rowan Blog's main page featuring one of Journalism major Iridian's stories
  2. Became a content writer for Rowan’s blog: By becoming a writer and working for the Admissions office, I have gotten the chance not only to work on my craft, but meet so many people, from students, to faculty and alumni. Now I walk through campus seeing familiar faces all the time, from interviewing so many people, and that feels amazing.
  3. Attended campus events: One thing I really like about Rowan is that there are always events going on. I like to say that there is an event for everyone here at Rowan. If you are interested in art there are events at the Art Gallery in 301 High St. There are many lectures you can attend, and many special guests are brought in as well. One way I check to see for upcoming events is by checking an email announcer we all get in the morning.

Journalism major Iridian sits outside on Rowan's campusThese are just three ways how I have gotten involved here at Rowan, but there are so many other ways to get involved. It’s all about being open to new experiences and being OK with getting out of your comfort zone.

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major

Ed.D. Program Paves the Path to Success for Educational Leader

Exterior shot of Sussex County Community College, where Rowan Ed.D. student Ketan Gandhi works

Ketan Gandhi, from Asbury Park (Monmouth County), is well-versed in higher education, so his standards were high when considering the universities he could potentially earn his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree. After completing his undergraduate studies at Bombay University in India, and earning an MBA in general administration at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he still wanted to learn more about the world of education.

Rowan Ed.D. student Ketan Gandhi meets with students as CFO of Sussex County Community College His experience in leadership positions at Burlington County College, Rutgers University and Sussex County Community College (where he is currently the CFO and EVP of Administrative Services) inspired him to explore the differences in leadership styles between private educational institutes and higher education.

“What motivates people in higher education is different than in a private business scenario,” Ketan says. “Understanding the type of leadership required to govern a higher institution could set me up for a more successful career in education.”

Rowan Ed.D. student Ketan sits at a desk with his laptop open, smiling.He came across the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program at Rowan University through recommendations from colleagues who had had a positive experience in it.

“I also looked at a few other institutions, but what I liked about Rowan’s program is that it is led by faculty members with higher levels of experience and education. The faculty are actual presidents or provosts at universities, and can give me direct, relevant advice based on their experience.” 

The quality that secured Ketan’s decision to attend the Rowan Ed.D. program was its concentration in Community College Leadership Initiative (CCLI), which pertains directly to his professional experience and interests.

Though he has not been in school since 1986, Ketan was concerned about the transition back to intense learning. Luckily, “faculty members are open to allowing me to adjust, and I have support from my boss, my wife and my family,” he says.

“Each member of my cohort works at a different college or university, which allows us to share different experiences and perspectives,” he says. “It makes for better discussions and more learning opportunities.”

Leadership Theory, the first course he is taking for the program, has already ignited his passion for education and leadership. “This course has allowed me to truly understand the way I come across as a leader and who I want to be. I’ve already learned a lot about myself,” he reflects. A book that he has read during the course, “Discover Your True North” by Bill George, has also been an inspiration to him on this educational journey.

Rowan Ed.D. student Ketan Gandhi meets with students as CFO of Sussex County Community College

Ketan’s ultimate goal throughout Rowan’s Ed.D. program is to change and adapt to a new leadership style.

“I was very much a task-oriented leader,” he says. “In just a few weeks, I am already starting to see myself transforming into more of an entrepreneurial leader. It’s all about breaking habits that I’ve already established and improving them, really honing my skills.”

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Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

Photos courtesy of:
Ketan Gandhi and Sussex County Community College

First Year Voices: Chemical Engineering Major Dylan Snyder

Chemical Engineering major Dylan Snyder outside Rowan Hall

Today, we talk to Dylan Snyder, a freshman Chemical Engineering major from Wilmington, Delaware.

How has your freshman year at Rowan been so far?

“Freshman year has been great! It is so much more interesting than high school. I’ve gotten so many new phone numbers and made so many new friends. If you get yourself out there, you can create the best experience at college.

Have you joined any clubs yet?  

“Yes! I am currently a part of five clubs: The Rowan Alternative Music Club, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, MMA Club, Karate and Self-Defense Club and Student University Programmers (SUP). In that club, we plan a lot of the campus and charity events.”

How have you been adjusting to college life?

“I’ve adjusted pretty quickly. It’s a different rhythm, living on your own, for sure. If you’ve ever held a job, it’s similar to that. You just need to be responsible and manage your time well. As an engineering student, I’m constantly complaining about your lack of time; but as long as you know how much time to put aside for yourself and what you need to get done, it’s really smooth sailing. All that matters is that you’re interested in what you’re doing.”

Chemical Engineering major Dylan Snyder outside of Rowan Hall

What are some of your favorite spots on campus?

“Favorite spots on campus? Honestly, the beautiful pond out back behind Rowan Hall. The Market Place in the Student Center is really nice too. The Student Center is where all of college life happens at. Most of the clubs will meet around there. Mariachi Grill and Dawn to Dusk on Rowan Boulevard are also some of my favorite spots.” 

What is one piece of advice you can give to incoming freshman?

“Don’t be afraid of anything. Go do everything and whatever you’re interested in. I signed up for emails for at least 50 clubs my first day! It’s funny, as soon as you get yourself out there you start making so many new friends. Don’t be afraid to be friendly, get out there, meet new people. Just go for it!”

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Story by:
Bianca Torres, junior music industry major

Photos by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major