Today we feature Camryn Hadley, a leader at Rowan University. Camryn is involved with many activities on campus like SUP (Student University Programmers), Student Government Association, PRaction, Residence Life and more. Camryn is a senior from Somerset, NJ (Somerset County) who double majors in Public Relations and Advertising with minors in Journalism and New Media […]
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Leadership #PROFspective: Tara Lonsdorf, Managing Editor Of The Whit
Today we feature Tara Lonsdorf, a leader at Rowan University. Tara is the managing editor for The Whit. She is a senior Geology major with a minor in Geographic Information Systems from East Windsor, NJ (Mercer County). This story is part of a series spotlighting campus leaders during Women’s History Month. What is your role […]
Leadership #PROFspective: Alayna Harrison, VP Of WOCA And Women’s Field Hockey Club
Today we feature Alayna Harrison, a leader at Rowan University. Alayna is the Vice President of Women of Color Alliance and the Women’s Field Hockey Club. She’s a senior, first-generation college student from Lindenwold, NJ (Camden County). Alayna majors in Writing Arts with a specialization in creative writing and a minor in Elementary Education. She […]
#PROFspective: Junior Athletic Training Major Jocelyn Reuben
Jocelyn Reuben, a junior transfer student from Burlington Township, is an Athletic Training major with a minor in Spanish. She is very involved on campus and is a part of Improfs, Black Cultural League, and the Athletic Training Club. Here is a little bit about her Rowan experience thus far!
Tell us about one club, organization, or group of friends that make you feel like Rowan is home.
My friends Keyanna Meade, Keianna Williams, Alex Brown, Rob Brown, Reena Patel and Liam O’Brien have made me feel like Rowan has been home since the day I step foot on campus. Keyanna Meade is my childhood best friend who transferred here; meanwhile, I met my other friends through being an RA and Rowan’s ASPIRE Leadership Development Program. They all inspire me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. Furthermore, their dedication to education makes me work harder so we can thrive together. They have each been a part of the reason I’m glad I came to Rowan.
Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you?
Last year, during Black History Month, Black Cultural League hosted a Speakeasy Night with [Rowan After Hours]. It was the most amazing event I had ever been to on campus. The Pit transformed into the well-known “Cotton Club” and even required a password to get in. Once inside, host, Treasure Cary was dressed perfectly to fit the 1920s theme and she looked amazing. The event had an open mic, a live jazz band, card games, and a raffle. It was nice to see Black talent showcased and celebrated.
I was debating going on stage because I was nervous and my phone battery was on 5% (all my poems were on my phone). This girl next to me gave me her charger without asking questions and once I had at least 20% I mustered up the courage to perform an original poem of mine and was met with so much love and support from the audience and the people who organized the event. I gave her the charger right back and thanked her. She said it was no problem and even complimented my poem. I had only wished I dressed up for the occasion.
What’s your favorite thing about one typical day at Rowan for you?
Every day at Rowan you can meet someone or learn something new. There is always an opportunity on campus to network with other students and even faculty, and I learn new things in and out of the classroom setting at Rowan.
What is one thing about Rowan that was a happy surprise for you?
A happy surprise for me was definitely the Student Mental Health Conference. Mental Health is such an important issue/topic, it’s good of Rowan to allow students to share their stories and talk about them openly in a safe environment. I especially like that it was mostly student-led. “For students by students.” I had the pleasure of presenting at the conference two years in a row.
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.
Mrs. Laurie Dwyer, my academic advisor, is amazing! She’s definitely cared about me and my well-being on numerous occasions. When I transferred to Rowan she made the process easy and painless. Although I was a transfer, she helped me get right on track with all the requirements and classes I had to complete to even be eligible to apply to the Athletic Training Program.
She has always pushed me to be better academically and encourages me when I would get insecure about taking some of the harder classes in my major. I know she is the advisor for hundreds of students so for her to always show so much patience and care for me … I appreciate her for always having my best interest at heart. Even when I told her that I wanted to do a Spanish minor and it seemed like there was no room in my schedule to do so, she came up with a plan that allowed me to finish it right on time before it would possibly interfere with my Athletic Training classes. In short, I would not be as focused and prepared without her.
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Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major
Beyond the Classroom: Senior Emergency Medical Technician Maribeth Novsak
Maribeth Novsak, a senior Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management major from Cape May Courthouse, NJ (Cape May County), talks about her experience as an EMT with Rowan’s Emergency Medical Services squad. Maribeth shared her #PROFspective with Rowan Blog in an earlier post; read that story here.
What got you interested in becoming an EMT?
Growing up, my dad was a law enforcement officer and I watched him throughout his career. He actually got an injury in the line of duty. Through that whole experience, I saw how much he appreciated the help of the EMTs who responded. This really inspired me to want to be in public service. I always wanted to be in the medical field as well, so when I found out Rowan had an EMS squad, I took a shot and applied. I ended up getting hired and they paid for me to go to EMT school.
Was there an influential person who has helped you throughout your experience as an EMT?
Chief Vern is really here for all of us. At some point, he has given us all advice along the way. There have also been a few upperclassmen who have moved on and graduated but were so helpful, too. Rowan EMS is a family and once you’re in, we all look out for each other.
What has been the most meaningful experience you’ve had at your position so far?
In this job, you are really seeing students on their worst day. It’s meaningful to try to make them laugh or smile and try to make the situation even a little better for them.
What is your favorite accomplishment as an EMT thus far?
In June 2019, one of the crews I was working with was rewarded with a life-saving award from the New Jersey College and University Public Safety Association for a call we responded to in February 2019. We had a life-threatening call and had no advanced life-support available, but the actions we took were able to keep the patient out of critical care and the patient was discharged from the emergency room just a few hours later. In that moment we thought it was just another crazy call and had no idea we would be recognized. When we got that email that we were invited to an award ceremony to be recognized for our work, it was a really great accomplishment.
What knowledge or skills have you developed through this opportunity that you will take with you for future endeavors?
I have definitely developed great communication skills and have learned to communicate with different types of people. This job has also taught me to have empathy, time management. Another big skill is time management, we’re all balancing a 15-credit course load plus putting in a ton of hours to EMS each week.
Maribeth plans on working as a full-time EMT in Wildwood Crest after graduating from Rowan in hopes to get a position in the Emergency Management department there.
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Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major
Photography by: Joe Gentempo, senior art major
Black #PROFspective: Junior Sports Communication and Media Major Zai Smith
Today we speak to Zai Smith, a junior Sports Communication and Media major with a concentration in Sports Journalism from Trenton, NJ (Mercer County). Zai is a transfer student from Virginia State University and lives on campus.
Thank you to Tatianna Addison, senior communications studies major from Browns Mills, NJ (Burlington County), for this series idea to honor Black students during Black History Month.
What is your student experience here at Rowan, as a Black student at a Primarily White Institution?
My experience at Rowan as a Black student isn’t bad at all. I didn’t expect certain things that I’ve experienced. I feel supported by my peers and my professors, alongside my advisor.
How did you find your friend group here at Rowan?
My friend group came from the track team.
How would you describe inclusion?
In my opinion, it’s kind of seen as “human rights.”
What advice would you give to a Black high school student considering your major here at Rowan?
Just go hard, reach for the stars, because nobody will get in your way and in your head more than you will.
What are your professional goals?
I want to become a famous writer because I love to write, and I have quite a story to tell. I also want to own my own business.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Header photo by:
Anthony Paisley, senior history major
#PROFspective: Junior Biochemistry Major, Student-Athlete Caitlyn Cordell
Today we speak to Caitlyn Cordell, a junior Biochemistry major with a Psychology minor from Middletown, Delaware. Caitlyn is a first-generation college student who lives off-campus.
What is a typical Rowan day for you?
I typically start with breakfast, go to class anytime from 9:30-1:45, eat a snack between classes, I have soccer practice starting at 2, then I eat some dinner and do homework. After that, I will watch a movie or hang out with some friends if I am caught up on my work.
Could you share with us one moment during your time at Rowan that made you feel inspired or confident that you’re in the right major for you?
One time I felt inspired that my major was right for me was when I got accepted into a research program at Cooper Hospital. I felt like all my classes had prepared me well and I made the right decision.
Could you tell us a little bit about your transition into Rowan as an incoming student?
I was really excited to be living on campus for the first time, to make new friends, and study subjects I was interested in. I think my professors did a really great job of being accepting and creating a comfortable environment in their classrooms. This allowed me to connect with other students in the class easier and I made some of my best friends because of that welcoming feeling.
What are your professional goals?
I want to go to medical school and become a physician.
How has Rowan helped to support you with your professional goals?
The science department has prepared me for my medical school exam and given me an excellent foundation of knowledge. The Pre-Health Society at Rowan has been a very beneficial club, the meetings help keep me on track for success. They also host cool workshops on topics such as vital signs, suturing, or getting to view and touch different brains.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Photos by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
Black #PROFspective: Junior Law and Justice Studies and Africana Studies Double Major Jamar Green
Today we speak with Jamar Green, a junior double major in Law and Justice Studies and Africana Studies from Linden, NJ (Union County). Jamar, who transferred to Rowan from Union County College, is a first-generation college student. Jamar lives on-campus at 230 Victoria.
Thank you to Tatianna Addison, senior communications studies major from Browns Mills, NJ (Burlington County), for this series idea to honor Black students during Black History Month.
What is your student experience here at Rowan like, as a Black student at a PWI (Predominantly White Institution)?
I feel that going to a PWI will better benefit me. The experience I have had so far at Rowan had been on the positive side. I do feel included at Rowan. In both of my majors, I feel like they support Black students well.
How did you find your friend group here at Rowan?
The way I found my friend group at Rowan was by joining clubs and a transfer group chat when I first attended.
Are you involved with Black Rowan?
Yes, I am. I am on the executive board for the African Student Association and the NAACP chapter.
What advice would you give to a Black high school student considering your major here at Rowan?
Be ready to work hard and don’t give up no matter what anyone says. It’s not a field they want to see us in, but a field they’re going to need us in if they want to see change.
What are your professional goals?
I want to become a criminal defense attorney.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
#PROFspective: Chemistry Major Thomas Delmonte
Today we feature senior Thomas Delmonte, a Chemistry major with a minor in Physics. Thomas is from Jackson, NJ (Ocean County) and is a first-generation college student. What do you like about your major? I like a lot of things about it. I like the department. I like a lot of the professors. I like the […]
#PROFspective: Biomedical Engineering Major Ashleigh Jankowski
Today we speak to Ashleigh Jankowski, a sophomore Biomedical Engineering major with a minor in Chemistry from Catonsville, Maryland.
What is a typical Rowan day for you?
In the morning, I go to do research in Engineering Hall. I do research for Dr. Byrne’s biomedical engineering lab. Usually, after that, throughout the day I have various classes, and I usually grab a quick lunch from the Student Center. Typically, a nap fits in there somewhere. I work in the evenings as a Classroom Support Technician for Rowan’s IRT Department. After I get off work, I either do homework or hang out with my housemates. We watch movies together, play games, bake, and more.
Could you share with us one moment during your time at Rowan that made you feel inspired or confident that you’re in the right major for you?
In doing research with the Byrne Lab, I have realized that majoring in Biomedical Engineering was definitely the right choice for me. We have weekly meetings where fellow teammates present their work. It was in the first of these meetings that I attended where I realized that being a BME is something I genuinely enjoy and can get excited about.
Could you tell us a little bit about your transition into Rowan as an incoming student?
I was very nervous but super excited. At first, my transition was rough, but it was self-inflicted. I kept my head down and didn’t go out. But, with the coaxing of my wonderful roommate, I began attending RAH and SUP events, which is where I came out of my shell and met some of my best friends.
What are your professional goals?
I intend to pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering once I complete undergrad, and after that, I intend to pursue a research career in biomedical engineering.
How has Rowan helped to support you with your professional goals?
Rowan offers so many opportunities to help support me in achieving my educational and professional goals. I am a part of multiple student organizations, including the Society of Women Engineers, Women in Engineering (WIE), and Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), that provide networking opportunities as well as workshops for academic growth. Professors are more than supportive, offering help when needed in class and advice on career-based matters. Getting the opportunity to do research starting my freshman year has also been a big help in supporting my goals. I am learning through experience how to do hands-on research, how to work in a lab team, how to formally present data, and how to write a paper for publication. All of these things are going to benefit me in the long run as I pursue a Ph.D. and a successful biomedical engineering career.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Photos by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
#PROFspective: Accounting Major David Nicolas
Today we feature first-generation college senior David Nicolas, an Accounting major from Trenton, NJ (Mercer County). David is a part of the Accounting Society and NABA – National Association of Black Acountants. What are your career aspirations? One of my aspirations is to get my Series 6 license. I am in the process of doing that […]
20 Minute Radius: Pitman Edition [VIDEO]
Today we visit the town next door, Pitman, to check out Words Matter Bookstore and Crave Bakery. Our 20 Minute Radius series highlights things to do within a 20-minute drive of campus. Like what you see? LEARN MORE Video by: Max Morgan, senior Radio/TV/Film major Music by: Don Dewitt, junior music industry major
#PROFspective: Senior Theatre/Marketing Double Major Says “Try New Things … You’re Only Young Once”
Today we speak with Erik Kattermann, a senior theatre and marketing double major with concentrations in Acting and Honors from Montville, NJ (Morris County). Erik is a Resident Assistant and lives on-campus at 114 Victoria Street. He serves as the vice president of the Fishing Club.
What inspired you to be passionate about your major?
I’ve taken classes with Professor Michael Dean Morgan, a theatre professor, since sophomore year, and he’s had a huge impact on me. He really showed me theatre and he showed me that anyone can be an actor, the work that has to be put in. When Professor Morgan showed me what theatre was about, it opened doors for me and motivated me. I truly love going to every theatre class I have, no doubt about it. I love going to class and watching my classmates, who are super talented and super hard-working, perform. I love getting the opportunity to perform and be in the environment of the Rowan Theatre Department. I’m so grateful. I always take steps back and realize how blessed I am just to have this opportunity to learn about something that I really am passionate about. Rowan also helped me find that passion. In high school, I had nothing to do with the arts or theatre, or acting. Professors, classmates, and friends at Rowan helped open that door to me, and I really love it.
What would you say to a future student interested in a major?
Definitely don’t be afraid to try. Try new things and put yourself outside of your comfort zone. I can say from personal experience that if I never put myself outside of my comfort zone that I would not be where I am today with the goals that I have today. Something like acting or theatre or performing or even just talking in front of a group of people is something where, years ago, I would have never thought I would be doing, let alone enjoy doing, and it’s all because I put myself out of my comfort zone. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get nervous at first. I still get nervous sometimes. But you’re at a time in your life when you’re young and we’re only doing this once. So just try new things, and every day, challenge yourself to do one thing that’s outside of your comfort zone. You’re going to have so much personal growth and find so many new passions and so many new journeys that you’re going to want to go on.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned this year in one of your classes?
I took a dialect class where we learn accents. This whole semester I got the opportunity to work on an Australian accent. Everybody gets to choose their own accent. I got to work on an Australian accent, which is by no means mastered. But it’s pretty good. And we also got to talk in a New York accent. And I got to listen to all my classmates do their own accents. Some people worked on French, British, Irish, and Scottish accents, among others. So that was definitely something cool I got to learn this year.
What’s one moment that made you feel like Rowan was the right fit for you?
I knew Rowan was right for me the second my parents dropped me off freshman year. I just had this overwhelming feeling of comfortability and knowledge that I had the freedom to do whatever I wanted. There is a feeling at Rowan of everyone wanting you to succeed. I immediately felt that, and I have felt it every day on and off-campus, for as long as I have been a Prof.
Could you share one moment that you felt that Rowan was a welcoming environment for you?
There definitely was a specific moment. I was originally just a marketing major, but then I took a theatre class. The theatre major is like nothing else. It is such a unique and diverse and connected family. Everyone knows everyone and supports everyone. Everyone makes such a big effort to get to know you as a person and to get to know your goals and make sure you feel supported and comfortable. That sense of community and family is what made me want to audition for the theatre department and become a double major.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies, and public relations double major
Photos provided by:
Erik Kattermann, senior theatre and marketing double major
#PROFspective: Senior Chemical Engineering Major and Transfer Student Bob Patterson
Today we speak to Bob Patterson, a senior Chemical Engineering major and transfer student from Drexel University. Bob commutes to campus from Philadelphia, PA.
What is a typical Rowan day for you?
On a typical day for me at Rowan pre-COVID, I would spend a lot of time finding parking. Then, I would attend all my classes. In the Chemical Engineering department at Rowan, many classes are structured to emphasize group work, so many times after class you’ll find me with a group in a study room and working on homework, projects, and exam preparation at night.
Could you share with us one moment during your time at Rowan that made you feel inspired or confident that you’re in the right major for you?
It happens all the time! Every time that I’m in class and I learn new chemical engineering concepts, I am reminded that I’m doing something really cool that I love. Rowan affords me those moments daily, from professors and staff who have built something great here.
Transferring from Drexel University (top 40 nationally in Engineering), I can say that the program at Rowan is just as good. Here at Rowan, there are cutting-edge and ample undergraduate research opportunities with a real focus on undergrads. There are many industry partnerships, and the program here at Rowan College of Engineering has been established for a long time.
Every junior and senior chemical engineering class here at Rowan is just as good as what is offered at Drexel, and at less than half the price! Even out of state, my tuition is less than half I was paying at Drexel. If you’re looking for a great engineering education that compares to the expensive private schools, Rowan gives a comparable option at a fraction of the price. The facilities are new, they upgraded the existing building and built another brand-new engineering building a few years ago. Newness matters.
I feel like it won’t be long for Rowan to become a prestigious option as well, they are on the fast track with their curriculum and investments. Take it from someone who was 18, didn’t know any better, and accumulated student loans well over $100k. I’m 31 years old now, and how much debt you accumulate over your 4-year bachelor’s degree matters. Rowan affords you the opportunity to have your cake and eat it, too (great degree and less debt).
Could you tell us a little bit about your transition into Rowan as an incoming student?
A little nervous, but that’s ok! I’m very simple though, no-frills necessary for my transition. I just got a plan together, signed up for the courses I needed, and I’ll be graduating this summer!
What are your professional goals?
My professional goal is to really make a difference somewhere. A chemical engineering degree opens so many doors that I didn’t have while I took gap years and couldn’t work where I wanted. Eventually, I want to get my Ph.D. and have my own research lab. Like I mentioned earlier, I have a lot of student debt, so I’ll go into the industry, get a high-paying job, cut down on that debt and who knows next from there! With the degree, my future is looking bright!
How has Rowan helped to support you with your professional goals?
Rowan Engineering has prepared me to go into whatever profession I want. I have learned so much about so many aspects of science, applied physics, cutting edge research, chemical processing, the list goes on. I’m so happy with the opportunity that was given to me here, and I am grateful for how the amazing education has prepared me for what’s ahead.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Photos by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
#PROFspective: Junior Computer Science Major Alex Levinson
Today we speak with Alex Levinson, a junior Computer Science major from East Windsor, New Jersey (Mercer County). He lives on-campus in the Townhouses, and he is involved with Student University Programmers, Neurodiversity Club, and Colleges Against Cancer.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose my major because I’ve always loved technology-related activities, and my dad was also a computer science major in college. I thought this would be the perfect major for me. I love working with technology and learning how computers work. I like learning about programming too. I might go into IT after graduating.
How do you feel that the clubs and activities you are involved with on-campus fulfill you?
The clubs I am involved with, Student University Programmers, Neurodiversity Club, and Colleges Against Cancer, fulfill me because they give me a nice break from, you know, doing schoolwork, and also allows me to get to know my peers and other people on campus.
What would you share with a future student interested in your major?
Computer Science is a really great major, and with how common technology is nowadays, there is so much you can do with this major and in this field. It is important to work hard in the major, but in the end, it is worth it.
What impact would you like to have on the world by going into your field?
Computers and technology, in general, are so common nowadays, it feels good to help technology move forward and stay up to date with technology in the future. Also, the more I learn about computers and how they work, the more I am able to help others who may not be as proficient in technology as I am. If someone were to ask me for help with their computer, I would be able to help them fix any problems or explain how to use certain functions of their computer.
Is there a professor that has helped you get where you are today in your major?
I had Professor John Manz, an adjunct professor, for a programming class. I was not very good at programming, but he explained it very well, and some of the programming concepts clicked in my brain after taking his class.
How was your transition to Rowan?
My transition to Rowan was mostly good. I handled it a lot better than I thought I would, being in a whole new environment and not having my parents with me every day. I was able to get through this by having weekly Skype sessions with my parents. There are also times where I am able to visit home, or they are able to visit me.
Why did you choose Rowan?
I chose Rowan because I really liked the campus. I like to compare the campus to the Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It’s not too big, not too small. It’s just right. We have a main street, which is something I wanted in a college, and Rowan Boulevard. I thought the size of Rowan was a perfect fit for me.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Photos provided by:
Alex Levinson, junior computer science major
#PROFspective: Chemistry Major Conducting COVID Research, Phillip Lakernick
Today we feature senior Phillip Lakernick, a double major in Chemistry and Computing and Informatics from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County). What opportunities has Rowan been able to give you? I have been doing research this semester with COVID and researching drugs that’ll help out in some way. It is all electronic for me, I […]
Beyond the Classroom: PR/Advertising Double Major Steven Saxon on How Volunteerism Ties into His Major
Today we speak to senior Public Relations and Advertising double major and avid volunteer Steven Saxon. Steven is living off-campus in Glassboro, but he is from Haworth, NJ (Bergen County).
What got you interested in your intended field?
As a kid, both my parents were involved in business, particularly public relations. My dad was a PR representative, and my mom was an account manager. I saw that both of my parents dealt with people for their job, a lot. There was a lot of person-to-person interaction, not a lot of sitting behind a desk, and, more specifically, when you have interactions like that in the working world, it opens up a lot more opportunities than behind a desk.
I believe that the most praise you can get for doing desk work is doing an outstanding job. When you’re talking to someone, there’s so many different ways and things that can open up in a conversation that just help you, benefit you, or interest you, that don’t even relate to business. I want to do exactly what my dad does.
How did you get into volunteering?
Every single person, if you are given free time, you have to stay productive. It’s just kind of innate as humans. You can’t wake up every day and sit in your living room and look for a new TV show or just scroll through social media. It’ll bring you into a hole, and then by the time it’s time to be productive again whether you got your job or school, it becomes three times as hard now that you’re so used to doing nothing.
During school … I’m the Vice President of Public Relations for Sigma Alpha Lambda, which is the Leadership Honor Society. I’m in the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). I’m very involved at school when it is in session. So when it’s not in session, I know sometimes people look for a job, but I’m not looking at the money at the moment; I’m looking to build my resume my connections, things like that. I could get a job and I have in the past for like three months over a break. But I think there are a lot more substantial things I could do than make some money over there because I mean money’s not really a huge issue for me right now, as long as I focus on my academics.
How does your volunteer work tie in with your majors?
Volunteer work ties in with my majors for multiple reasons. First, by getting to meet these people and beginning the volunteer process, I get to know them and establish a relationship with them. After that, I can talk to them in the future and maybe get a recommendation, a new volunteering opportunity or job offers from them. Also, my major has helped me because I know that communication and public relations is key. For my current volunteer position at The Kitchen of Hope, I was applying and I was told that people call to see if they can volunteer there all the time, and I think that my knowledge of communication helped me get the position, and she didn’t even know too much about me. I’m sure she got an a three-minute phone call with everyone else, I got a five-minute phone call with her, and I finally landed the volunteer opportunity.
How did you find these volunteer opportunities?
For my volunteer position when I worked with Veterans of Foreign Wars, I looked up “social service,” and that is what led me to them. I also volunteered with Claws, a cat adoption and rescue center, and I got that opportunity by calling them. I was told to email them, so I communicated with them through email. I made sure to present myself as someone who loves animals. I secured my current position at Kitchen of Hope by talking with the people that work there for a few weeks.
What has been the most meaningful experience that you’ve had while volunteering?
While I was volunteering with Veterans of Foreign Wars, I was assigned different veterans to work with and help them with their duties. The veterans ran a restaurant and worked in an office. One of the guys I was assigned to was Sherman. Sherman was a quiet guy. I like to talk when things get awkward, and I talked to Sherman often. He loved it when I came in to volunteer, and I noticed that he became more comfortable with me. He went from mumbling orders at me to telling me stories about his time in the military.
What knowledge or skills have you developed through this opportunity that you will take with you for future endeavors?
I have learned to be more tolerant. I have also been exposed to different types of people and I met a lot of people I would not have met otherwise.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Photos by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
Black #PROFspective: Senior Art Major Ugonna Ugorji
Today we speak to Ugonna Ugorji, a senior Art major and commuter from Willingboro, NJ (Burlington County). Ugonna is a transfer student from Mercer County Community College.
Thank you to Tatianna Addison, senior communications studies major from Browns Mills, NJ (Burlington County), for this series idea to honor Black students during Black History Month.
What is your student experience here at Rowan like, as a Black student at a PWI (Predominantly White Institution)?
My experience at this school has been pretty exciting. You may say that Rowan is a “PWI,” but in my opinion, it has just the right amount of diversity in an institution. Being a Black art major and having a series of professors left and right, they have all pushed me to be the best that I can and to hone my “still developing” artistic talents.
How did you find your friend group here at Rowan?
Well, I’ve interacted with people who have the same or even similar interests I have.
Are you involved with Black Rowan?
I’m not that involved with Black Rowan unfortunately, but I would love to do more!
How would you describe inclusion? Could you highlight a Rowan classroom or campus experience that was inclusive and made an impact on you?
I would say being a part of the Expressive Drawing class that is run by Dr. Appelson. That man wants all his students to be the best at what they can do, and he will not hesitate to harshly critique your work. Instead of [letting] that make me feel insecure about my art, it made me realize that everyone has their own way of expressing themselves. Some may not like what you do or understand it, but that shouldn’t stop you from being you.
What advice would you give to a Black high school student considering your major here at Rowan?
If you’re an aspiring artist like myself and if you take Expressive Drawing with Dr. Appelson, don’t take it personally if he roasts certain assignments of yours. He knows you can do better, [you] just gotta push yourself.
What are your professional goals?
My professional goals are to become a full-fledged graphic designer/game designer. At my last institution, my major was Game Design, so I learned a few things here and there. I was disappointed when Rowan didn’t have a Game Design major so I initially went into Computer Science, thinking it was the same thing. I quickly changed my major to Art for the second semester. I feel I have a knack for character designs, in my own style, of course, so I can combine my graphic arts skills and create video game characters. That’ll be pretty cool.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Photos by:
Joe Gentempo, senior art major
#PROFspective: Electrical & Computer Engineering, Rowan After Hours and More
Today we feature Alexandra Jackson, a senior Electrical and Computer Engineering major who minors in Mathematics, from Marlton, NJ (Burlington County). She lives on campus and is a Resident Assistant, the treasurer of the College Diabetes Network, is involved in Out in STEM (oSTEM) and Catholic Campus Ministry. Tell us about one club, organization or […]
Black #PROFspective: Senior Economics Major Tamora Hill
Today we speak to Tamora Hill, a senior Economics major from Salem, NJ (Salem County). Tamora is a transfer student from Cumberland County College and a commuter student.
Thank you to Tatianna Addison, senior communications studies major from Browns Mills, NJ (Burlington County) for this series idea to honor Black students during Black History Month.
What is your student experience here at Rowan like, as a Black student at a PWI (Predominantly White Institution)?
I started at Rowan in Spring 2020, so I’m not really sure how Rowan was before the pandemic. I feel that the Black clubs we have are not pushed or marketed as much. I found the Black clubs on my own from wanting to have more extracurricular activities at Rowan.
How would you describe inclusion? Could you highlight a Rowan classroom or campus experience that was inclusive and made an impact on you?
My Intro to Africana Studies class has had the biggest impact on me compared to any other course I have taken at Rowan. I learned a lot of things about the Black culture in history, art, and even economics. I had Professor Lola Ames, and she was amazing.
What advice would you give to a Black high school student considering your major here at Rowan?
I would ask them what it is in economics they want to do. I want to work on studies and projects with the Black economy and improving its well-being nationally and internationally.
What are your professional goals?
As of right now, I am very open. I currently am a freelance writer and do different articles for websites on economic topics. My goal is to have a successful business consultant company and my own economic firm to do research on personal finance, race/inequality, and possibly global economic topics.
If you are open to it, could you share a little about your Black heritage?
Honestly, my grandparents don’t know any history prior to their parents. Their parents were born on plantations and are unsure where their parents’ parents actually came from. My grandmother knows that her grandmother is from the West Indies, but does not know which island in particular.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
20 Minute Radius: Glassboro Wildlife Management Area [VIDEO]
Like what you see? Video by:Adam Clark, senior Radio/TV/Film major In Video:Max Morgan and Josh Hedum, senior Radio/TV/Film majors Music by:Louis Testa III, music composition and jazz studies
#PROFspective: Jazz Studies Major Luis Ozoria
Today we feature first-generation college student Luis Ozoria, a senior Jazz studies major from Galloway (Atlantic County). Luis has been a part of the jazz band, wind ensemble, some time in the orchestra, small jazz ensembles, Rowan brass band and the choir. Why did you choose your major? I always knew I wanted to go […]
Keeping Houseplants In Your Dorm or Apartment
Today we speak with three Rowan students about living on campus with plants in their living spaces.
Tara Lonsdorf, a senior Geology major from East Windsor, NJ (Mercer County) has three plants, all of which were given to her from different people. She says she has, “a tiny air plant given to me by my dad, an aloe plant given to me by my boyfriend, and a jade plant given to me by Lindsay Johnson at the Wellness Center after completing counseling with her.” Tara’s reasoning for her having those specific plants are that they are convenient for her. She explained, “All of the plants are small, easy to transport, and super low-maintenance.” Tara also advised, “Don’t get a plant just to have a plant. Get a plant that will be meaningful to you and fit your lifestyle.”
Kalie VanDewater, senior Journalism major from Mt. Holly, NJ (Burlington County) said, “I have three plants: an aloe, a cactus, and the other one is a vine plant.” Kalie said, “I just got them because I thought they were cool. I honestly can’t remember why.” Kalie’s advice is, “I recommend a cactus because that’s my most resilient plant and does well without a lot of water.”
Rachel Rumsby, a sophomore Communication Studies & Public Relations double major from River Edge, NJ (Bergen County) said, “I have one bamboo plant. My roommate, friend and I went to a Rowan After Hours event because we heard they were giving away pumpkins. They ran out of pumpkins so we were not able to get one. However, they had these bamboo plants so we each got one of those instead.” Rachel’s tip was, “Buy something easy to take care of and small to start off.”
Among the three of them they all are happy and enjoy living with their houseplants.
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Story by: Luke Garcia, junior music industry major
#PROFSpective: Civil and Environmental Engineering Major Muhammad Akhtar
Today we feature first-generation college student Muhammad Akhtar, a senior Civil and Environmental Engineering major. Muhammad is involved in the Rowan American Society of Civil Engineers (Mentorship Chair), Rowan Muslim Student Association (Secretary), Rowan Racquetball (Active Member) and outside of school works as a Structural Engineering intern at HNTB and is a Big Brother with […]
Student Leadership with Volunteerism: Fresh For All [VIDEO]
Rowan University students share their volunteer and leadership experience with Fresh For All, an on-campus initiative partnership with Philabundance that brings free, fresh fruits and vegetables to campus every week. Video by:Adam Clark, senior Radio/TV/Film major Music by:Louis Testa III, music composition and jazz studies Thank you to New Jersey Digest for recognizing Rowan Blog […]
#PROFspective: Geology Major James Milward
Today we feature James Milward, a junior Geology major with minors in Geographic Information Science and Geography from Pitman, NJ (Gloucester County). James is a first-generation college student and has a passion for climate change. Has there been a club or group that made you feel like Rowan was home? My freshman year I played […]
Beyond the Classroom: Ad Major Discusses Discord Recognition
Today we speak to senior Advertising major and Marketing minor Joseph Laggy. Joseph is a first-generation college student from Marlton, NJ (Burlington County). He is a commuter student who graduated this semester.
Since 2018 I have been partnered with Discord, which is a platform dedicated to gaming communities. Through that, I have developed some of the largest online gaming communities dedicated to some of the world’s most popular video games. It is one of the most fun things I have ever done in my life. I have gotten recognition from Microsoft, and so many of the communities on there I have participated in. There’s just so much you can do through helping them grow their numbers. I have a website in development right now for people all over the world. The website is for Nintendo oriented discussion. Xbox’s social media manager will come in and hang out with us and a lot of the influential figures from Xbox’s marketing team come and hang out with us. I love all video games, every console, every game I’m just obsessed. It’s a lot of fun to be able to do stuff like that.
I knew that I wanted to do something in marketing and advertising since I was about 14. I always had the ability to connect with people through social media, and I’ve always developed social media accounts throughout many platforms. I always developed them to have a lot of followers and to make an impact. However, I retired that a bit to focus solely on Discord and Reddit now. But that is only because those have been the most beneficial and fruitful. I would say every month or so there is a new game developer reaching out to me to promote their game and its so much fun to be able to do that not just with in house marketers, but with public relations agencies all across the world, just to have them reach out to me is so cool. My major has helped me with those things because it really shows you how to connect with people and target your audience, and how to make an impact.
My advice for anyone who wants to get into the field would be that before one chooses a major like advertising and marketing, need to know where they want to work in the industry. You can pursue that, and there are a million routes you can take, but by specializing in a specific area, you will put yourself much further. Me in particular, while I was doing everything with Discord, I interned in healthcare. I didn’t particularly think I would work with newborn babies, I knew nothing about that. But I learned quickly, and I wanted to feel out everything, but people in this major definitely need to decide what they want to do in the future, and more importantly, think about what they themselves like. You enter the marketing field, and you’re doing marketing for something you aren’t interested in, it’s not gonna be a fun job because you won’t know how to sell it or interact with people if you don’t know much about it or care about it.
There are a few industries that I wouldn’t mind working in, but I already have had some game developers reach out to me, which is so cool to know that you play these games as a child, and 10 years later they recognize you on the internet. I never thought that would happen, but, that’s a testament that you can do anything. Don’t underestimate the power of social media. And a lot of these companies are online and looking at places like Reddit and Discord that help develop communities. They are looking at these places to say “this is what these people think”. Platforms are up and coming and all of these companies are looking to get involved. It’s easy for students to start getting involved with that, and next thing you know some of Microsoft’s most influential people are talking to you. It’s so cool what you can do. I have been doing this since 2017, and it has been very fruitful.
Rowan has taught me through its marketing courses how to connect companies with their customers. Rowan has also shown me how fast things can change in just a short amount of time— and how I, businesses, and others can adapt to these changes. Over these past few years as I have developed communities with hundreds of thousands of subscribers, I have been able to understand people on a deeper, more personal level, which is important— and Rowan has taught me how to do just that.
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Story and photos by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
What Profs Are Listening to: First Year, Sophomore Edition
Today we hear from Rowan freshmen and sophomores about what music they have been listening to. Nyds Rivera is a first-year student with a Writing Arts major and psychology minor at Rowan from Mount Laurel, NJ (Burlington County). They said, “My Chemical Romance is probably my top favorite but I have been listening to a […]
#PROFspective: NASA Grant Recipient Emilio Vega
Today we feature Emilio Vega, a senior Physics major with a minor in math and a certificate of undergraduate study in health physics from Monroe, NJ (Middlesex County). Emilio talks about his research and his time here at Rowan. Why did you choose your major? I first fell in love with physics when I was […]
#PROFspective: Brett Mayer, An EMT At Rowan EMS
Today we speak with senior Law & Justice Studies and Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management double major Brett Mayer. Brett is an EMT at Rowan EMS. He also lives on campus and works as a resident assistant in the Rowan Boulevard Apartments. Brett is from Manalapan, NJ (Monmouth County).
Are there any professors you feel are a visionary in your field?
Definitely. Dr. Stanley Yeldell in the Law and Justice Studies department, and Dr. Demond Miller in the Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management department. They both send their students job opportunities, and, especially senior year, it is important to look at all the opportunities and try to line up jobs. They have both been big helpers with my internship. They also both gave me a lot of help along the way with helping me decide what courses I should take, and helping me maximize my education.
What career field do you see yourself in after graduation?
As of now, I am still deciding, but I am thinking of going into the Law and Justice field and becoming a police officer, or something in emergency management.
Why did you choose your majors?
I chose my majors because of being an EMT. I knew I wanted to be in the emergency response field, whether that’s the police or EMS. I figured, I love it so much, why not study something in that field? I had an interest in it, and I was already working in the field, so I thought I might as well study it.
How do you feel that your field impacts the world?
Especially today, a lot is going on in the world. Especially in the Law and Justice and police area specifically. The Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management side definitely impacts the world, because disasters happen all the time, and the emergency managers are the people who handle those disasters. Someone is needed to run operations when there is a disaster or big storm, and these events are always going to happen. There is not only job security, but the field has a great impact on the world.
What would you share with a future student that was interested in one of your majors?
Get involved within the major. Law and Justice has a few clubs, one that I know of is the Criminal Justice Preparation Club. In clubs related to your major, you can meet other people in your major, discuss job opportunities. It is a great way to meet other people in your major, as well as get ready for your future.
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Story and photos by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
#PROFspective: Biochemistry Major Erin Gray
Today we feature senior Erin Gray, a Biochemistry major from Mickleton, NJ (Gloucester County). Erin is involved on campus with sorority Theta Phi Alpha, employed as a student worker as an Admissions Ambassador, and participates in the Rowans Honors College. She talks about how she has made friends and her experience being on campus. Tell […]
Prof Style: Laptop Stickers
Rowan students share with us a little bit about their laptop stickers. Alyssa Putiri is a senior Biological Sciences major from Mount Laurel, NJ (Burlington County). She says, “I picked these stickers because some of them just look really cool, while the others sort of represent my interests! It’s really hard for me to pick […]
#PROFspective: Mathematics Major Alisa Patel
Today we feature Alisa Patel, a junior Mathematics major with a Statistics of Operations Research and Data Analysis minor. Alisa is a first-generation college student from Cedar Grove, NJ (Essex County). Alisa is a tutor through tutoring services, a resident assistant (RA) through Residential Learning & University Housing and a mentor with Dr. Harley E. […]
#PROFspective: Future Physician Keertana Jonnalagadda
Today we feature Keertana Jonnalagadda, a junior in the 7 year BS/DO program with Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM). Keertana is a Biological Sciences major, is a part of the Honors College and is from Edison, NJ (Middlesex County). Keertana shares with us about her time at Rowan and the opportunities she has been […]
#PROFspective: Translational Biomedical Sciences Major Neha Alaparthy
Today, we speak to Neha Alaparthy, a Translational Biomedical Sciences major from Princeton, NJ (Mercer County). Neha is a junior and looks forward to joining the club Active Minds. She talks about why she chose her major and her time here at Rowan. What inspired you to choose your major? Growing up, I have always […]
#PROFspective: Accounting and Finance Double Major, Debate President Allison Gould
Today we speak to sophomore Allison Gould, who double majors in Finance and Accounting. Allison is from Whippany, NJ (Morris County) and is a part of the Financial Management Association and the Law and Justice Debate team. What is your favorite thing about a typical day at Rowan? I actually like the food a lot […]
Beyond The Classroom: Senior Liam Cutri-French On Engineering Opportunities
Today we feature Liam Cutri-French, a senior Civil and Environmental major with an Honors concentration. Liam is from Glen Gardner, NJ (Hunterdon County). He is the local project lead for Engineers Without Borders, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and a member of the Engineering Honors Society. He also stays active on […]
Cuddle Up, Profs, for National Cuddle Up Day!
To celebrate National Cuddle Up Day, we’re featuring some Profs who are spreading the love and snuggling up with their friends, family and pets!
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photography by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
Beyond the Classroom: Martin Gonzalez on His Role with Rowan Television Network
Today we speak with senior Radio/TV/Film (RTF) major Martin Gonzalez. Martin works on numerous broadcasting projects at Rowan through the Rowan Television Network (RTN).
Senior Martin Gonzalez is a key contributor for two of Rowan Television Network’s programs titled “On the Couch” and “Rowan Roulette.” Martin is in the Radio Television and Film major and a part of Rowan University’s Cinema Workshop.
“On the Couch” is a daytime talk show that covers a range of topics from current world issues, to pop culture and fashion. They also always interview someone who is in some way involved on Rowan’s campus. “Rowan Roulette” is a game show that always has a new weekly theme. Both of these shows can be found on Rowan Television Network’s YouTube channel.
Martin was asked about his individual involvement in RTN with which he responded, “I am the floor manager/camera guy.” As a camera operator, he stated he is tasked to “frame up all the shots, make sure everything is perfect and make sure the frame is perfect medium shots of the host.”
As a floor manager of these two shows, Martin’s responsibilities can vary. He said sometimes his job is “clear the floor” while other times it includes preparing everyone for mic checks. It’s up to him to try to control the general vibe of the production so sometimes he has to do tedious work, such as telling subjects which camera to look at. When talking about these parts of his duties Martin added, “That’s also really fun, and I’m learning as I go as well.”
Although COVID-19 is still a very real concern for everyone, RTN is still safely functioning in-person. Martin actually started off the semester as a remote student and then said that after a while he started to get “the fear of missing out.” At a certain point Martin decided it was time to go back to campus safely in his mask and rejoin his RTN coworkers so that he could get back to doing what he’s passionate about.
Even though he had an initial concern about being exposed to the virus, Martin stated that he felt like “Rowan is doing a really great job right now” of allowing people to work in person in the safest way possible. He explained, “Everybody is distanced and we’re just constantly cleaning and disinfecting.”
Rowan’s RTF major offers professional level broadcasting equipment to the student run organization, RTN. This makes it an exceptional opportunity to gain experience for students with career aspirations in broadcasting. This value does not go unappreciated to Martin. When explaining his decision to come back to campus this semester he said, “I just really like to be there and get in hands on and actually feel the equipment underneath my fingers. That’s the best part about it.”
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Story by:
Luke Garcia, junior music industry major
Photos by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
#PROFspective: Bio Major Alyssa Putiri Talks Campus Life, Diversity of Clubs
Today we feature Alyssa Putiri, a senior Biological Sciences major with a Pre-Med concentration from Mount Laurel, NJ (Burlington County). She is a part of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS), Pre-Health Society, Leadership Rowan (LR) and Residential Learning and University Housing (RLUH). Tell us about one club, organization or group of friends that […]
#PROFspective: Senior Biomedical Art and Visualization Major Amanda Rosa
Amanda Rosa, a senior Biomedical Art and Visualization major and Dance/Biology minor from Freehold, NJ (Monmouth County), sums up her Rowan experience.
On your busiest day, what personal, academic, non-academic and social responsibilities are you juggling?
On my busiest days, I juggle at least three classes, rehearsal or practice with my ballroom partner, sorority obligations with Theta Phi Alpha and looking for my future job!
Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge?
I did have a moment of uncertainty with my first two majors, and then I switched to my current major, which is Biomedical Art and Visualization. This major is challenging, and sometimes I questioned if I was good enough to finish and continue it. I got through it by talking to my teachers, asking them what they thought and going to them for continual guidance.
Tell us about one moment that made you feel like Rowan was the right fit for you.
I chose Rowan because it was close to home and I needed a place where I could drive home if needed. It was just far enough away that I could stay on campus, but close enough at home was in striking distance. I really felt at home at Rowan during my sophomore year when I found my current major because not many schools offer it.
Tell us about your transition into college and how you pushed through any challenges.
My transition into college wasn’t as hard as I thought it was going to be. In high school, I was in a college-prep program where we took many AP classes. The humanities program at Howell night prepared me well for college. My biggest challenge was finding the right major for me. It took two tries but eventually, after a lot of research, I found the right one.
What advice would you give your high school self about choosing a college?
Come in open-minded. I was positive that I wanted to go to school out of state, but I’m glad I gave Rowan University the chance. Think about what’s gonna be best for you, and your family. Now I’m lucky enough to have my brother joining the Rowan family in the spring. You may not always end up going to the college that was your first choice but don’t worry: you’ll find the good in wherever you end up.
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Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major
Photography by:
Quintin Stinney, sophomore radio television and film major
20 Minute Radius: The Miracle on South 13th Street
Sophomore Music Industry major Stephanie Batista has discovered a fun Christmas activity to do with her friends. Around the holidays, South 13th Street in Philadelphia showcases lights and decorations on a one-block strip of homes between Morris and Tasker Street. For years, people have been driving or walking down this block to view the amazing […]
Beyond the Classroom: Meet Africana Studies Club President Nafisat Olapade
Today we feature Nafisat Olapade, president of the Africana Studies Club. She’s a Biological Sciences and Psychology double major and a first-generation college student. Here, she tells us more about the club and her leadership role in this campus organization.
Can you tell me about the Africana Studies Club?
Africana Studies Club is here to promote a higher level of consciousness for students when it comes to whatever path they decide to choose after Rowan. It’s important to emphasize Africana Studies as a major or a minor. It’s important to battle racial disparities in its forefront in whatever career you decide to get into.
Is the Africana Studies Club involved in any events?
We have events that are planned, currently this year we plan on doing volunteering programs. We’re partnering with NJAC, which is the New Jersey Abolitionist Collective; they work with the communities that are less funded and have less opportunities. They are also really big on advocating for the rights of inmates. We plan on doing a volunteering outreach programs with them.
What do you hope to get out of the Africana Studies Club for yourself?
Africana Studies itself allows me to learn more about how I can use whatever position I gain in the future to help people in communities that need help. It allows me to be aware of the disparities and just the structural racism that is in a lot of different fields in the world and how I can do my part from where I stand.
Does the Africana Studies Club have a different meaning this year with the Black Lives Matter movement?
I think right now we have a lot of people who care, and that’s something great to hold onto. I feel like this momentum is great for our club and it’s great for also gaining members. People need to translate their caring and social media activism into things that are tangible in real life. I think this momentum that we currently have could be used in the club and having people just gain awareness in what racism means in day-to-day life.
What is your favorite thing about the Africana Studies Club?
I really like that I’m friends with my e-board members, some of them are my roommates actually. I like the passion behind a lot of the members in the club and I like that I get to leave something at Rowan before I move on.
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Story by:
Luke Garcia, junior music industry major
Photography by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
20 Minute Radius: 5 First Date Ideas in Glassboro
Sure, watching Netflix is cool and all, but here are five first date ideas that are a lot more fun!
1. Breakfast at Dawn to Dusk Café
Rise and shine! Going on a breakfast date is a great way to start the morning. I would recommend Dawn to Dusk Café. Located right on Rowan Boulevard, this is a great, convenient spot to take your date on campus. They accept Rowan Bucks and dining dollars, so no money, no problem. Their menu offers a wide range of breakfast and lunch options, fancy coffee drinks and a great outdoor seating area. If you check out this spot, I recommend the banana and Nutella waffles with a side of home fries. Chef’s kiss!
2. Exit 4 Escape Room
Scared your date will be awkward and want to break the ice? Visit the Exit 4 Escape Room on Rowan Boulevard. They have four different rooms you can book, which include Ben Franklin’s Inferno, The Police Station, Cain of the Jersey Devil and Three Suns Cantina. These rooms give participants an hour to solve puzzles and find clues to ultimately “escape.” This is a great date idea because you can work together, invite other friends for a double date and be occupied the whole time. They also accept Rowan Bucks, so it doesn’t break the bank. I’ve escaped from all four rooms and have had so much fun every time I’m there. Exit 4 is the perfect first date spot.
3. Visit the Rowan Art Gallery
Want to do something a little more sophisticated for your first date? Visit the Rowan University Art Gallery. Located on High Street, this local spot is perfect to do something unique for a first date. Art in this museum is from emerging local and nationwide artists. This is a great place to talk and take cute first-date pictures. Since it’s an art gallery, get a little dressed up and walk around to see the beautiful pieces on display. The Rowan Art Gallery is free to Rowan students, which makes this a savvy first-date option.
4. Liberty Virtual Reality
If you’re looking to have fun on your first date, visit Liberty Virtual Reality on Rowan Boulevard. This is a great interactive entertainment experience that is sure to impress your date. They offer a zombie fighting simulation, a snowball fight, laser tag and a virtual Angry Birds game. Liberty Virtual Reality is a great way to let loose and have fun on our first date. Use your Rowan Bucks at this spot, too!
5. Alaura Kitchen Homemade Ice Cream
Leave campus for date night and visit Alaura Kitchen Homemade Ice Cream. Located in the quaint, beautiful town of Pitman, this spot is perfect for a date. After walking around the shops and restaurants of Pitman, stop in and get delicious treats at Alaura’s. They offer a small bites menu that has fries, grilled cheese, hotdogs and other yummy food options. You can’t leave this place without dessert, though. Alaura’s offers a wide range of hand-dipped ice cream flavors that are sure to please your date.
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Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major
#PROFspective: Computing and Informatics Major Niyati Patel
Today we feature Niyati Patel, a junior Computing and Informatics major with a Computer Science minor and concentration in Data Analysis. Niyati is a first-generation college student from Burlington, NJ (Burlington County). She is also involved with Beta Alpha Psi honor society. What inspired you to choose your major? “I have an interest in technologies, […]
#PROFspective: Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management Major Maribeth Novsak
Maribeth Novsak, a senior Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management major from Cape May Court House, NJ (Cape May County), shares some highlights of her Rowan experience.
What inspired you to choose your major?
I actually started as an Athletic Training student here at Rowan. After my sophomore year, I realized I wasn’t happy in the classroom but I was happy working as an EMT and learning about mass casualty and shelter operations, that’s what really drew me to switch my major to Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, as well as a great group of friends and family.
How are you involved on campus? How does it fulfill you or support your future goals?
I currently volunteer with Rowan EMS as well as hold one of their two student worker positions. When I am there as a student worker I coordinate non-emergency transports for students to doctors’ offices. When I am there in a volunteer capacity, I answer 911 calls, assist in the training of EMTs as well as help with the driver training program. I’m usually at the squad about 48 hours a week.
Could you share with us one moment that made you feel inspired or confident that you’re in the right field for you?
Every interaction that I have with my classmates and professors as well as every time I hand in a quality paper or project shows me that this is where I am meant to be and I made the right choice in changing my major.
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.
All of our professors in our program are great. There is one professor in particular that I have connected with, and she has become a great mentor to me. Not only have I had her for multiple classes she has helped me with career advising and has let me talk through all of the different scenarios with her.
The thing with my field is, I feel like learning the curriculum is important but learning the networking and building capital for yourself is even more important because one day you are going to need to use it.
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Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major
Photography by:
Quintin Stinney, radio/television/film major
20 Questions With Autumn [VIDEO]
Psychology major Autumn Vilchez-Cruz shares what it’s really like to be a Prof, while answering 20 quick questions. As we walk through campus to the Wellness Center, Autumn answers questions about her major, on-campus jobs, and leadership positions.
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Video by:
Adam Clark, senior Radio/TV/Film major
Max Morgan, senior Radio/TV/Film major
20 Minute Radius: Glassboro Wildlife Management Area [VIDEO]
Join us as two Rowan students visit a nearby nature preserve.
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Video by:
Adam Clark, senior Radio/TV/Film major
Music by:
Louis Testa, junior music composition major
Beyond the Classroom: Fresh For All Coordinator William Hendrixson Reflects on Giving Back
Today we speak with William Hendrixson, a fifth-year senior from Egg Harbor Township (Atlantic County) who is currently on track to complete a dual major in Management Information Systems and Computing and Informatics. He also has a leadership role with the volunteer program Fresh For All. Learn more about William and his strong passion for helping the community.
William Hendrixson is the top coordinator in charge of Fresh For All, a food distribution program on campus with the goal of getting fresh produce to the campus and surrounding communities.
Will explains: “Fresh For All is a program where we work with a couple of different organizations to get fresh vegetables, fruit and sometimes dairy, to students and local community members who need it.”
The program is set up every Friday from 10-11 a.m. in parking lot D by the Engineering building. The food comes from an outside organization called Philabundance, which goes out to farmer’s markets and grocery stores seeking donations.
When asked who is eligible for free food, he says anyone at all. “You don’t need ID, you don’t need proof of need, or anything. We distribute every Friday, year round,” he adds.
According to Will, Fresh for All serves on average 150 families a week.
“Our highest is around 170,” he says.
In terms of the ratio of students to families, he explains, “It’s definitely more families. More from the local communities. I would say it can be up to about a quarter students, but the majority is definitely locals [who] need it.”
Will works with the Office of Volunteerism at Rowan, which put him in charge of the Fresh for All program. He says his individual responsibility on Fridays during distribution is to “make sure the event goes smoothly.”
Fresh For All has given William the opportunity to to go out and help people. Even though it has nothing to do with his majors or career, he still just enjoys the feeling of putting a smile on someone’s face.
When asked if this was something that he sees in his future, William responds: “Not necessarily as a career, because as I mentioned I’m kind of more from a tech background. But I want to be successful enough where I can give back to the community.”
Will’s favorite thing about Fresh For All is the genuine difference that it makes. He says, “You can kind of see on people’s faces that it really helps and that’s definitely it, just knowing that you’re making a difference in someone’s week.”
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Story and photography by:
Luke Garcia, junior music industry major
Photos by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
#PROFspective: Studio Art Major Hannah Spronz
Today we feature Hannah Spronz, a senior Studio Art major from Belvidere, NJ (Warren County). Hannah is president of The Rowan Arts Collective and a part of Rowan After Hours (RAH). On your busiest day, what personal, academic, non-academic and social responsibilities are you juggling? When I’m super busy, I’m probably balancing classes with my […]
Beyond the Classroom: Biomedical Art and Visualization Major Emerson Harman on Starting Queer Voices Project
Today’s “Beyond the Classroom” features Emerson Harman, a freshman who has already joined numerous on-campus organizations. They also launched the “Queer Voices” Project, aimed at spreading awareness and showing the presence of the LGBTQIA+ community at Rowan.
Freshman Wisconsin native Emerson Harman has not hesitated to get involved on campus in this first couple of months of the semester. They’ve already joined Rowan’s Wind Ensemble, the Biology Club, the Biomedical Art and Visualization club and PRISM. Being part of all these organizations already is a huge head start for a freshman, and the crazy part is that none of these is even Emerson’s most impressive accomplishment at Rowan so far.
Emerson started “Queer Voices,” which involves interviewing (and photographing) Rowan faculty and students who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community and uploading the content to the Queer Voices website. Emerson meets with students, faculty and alumni to ask various questions relating to Rowan’s LGBTQIA+ community and other related topics.
Emerson says the “whole goal of [the project] is to raise awareness and presence of the LGBT community on campus.”
Emerson is hoping that word of mouth will help grow Queer Voices into something bigger. It is only November, and they already have content on the website from seven faculty members, nine students and two alumni.
“It started off with just faculty … and then it grew, and other students heard about it and were like, ‘Hey, can I get involved too?’” Emerson explains.
With the current state of the pandemic and social distancing still being enforced, it is not an easy time to make new friends in a new place. When Emerson was asked about how difficult this is, they did not act like it was a huge issue.
“I think there has been a lot of good programming from the university itself for new freshmen. Even though most things are virtual, I’ve still been able to meet a lot of people both in my dorm and in classes,” Emerson says.
Emerson decided to go to Rowan all the way from Wisconsin because of their major. Emerson is a Biomedical Art and Visualization major, which is only offered at three schools in the country, Rowan being one of them. It is likely that the atmosphere and culture in Glassboro is much different than that of Dodgeville, Wisconsin, but Emerson has seemingly adjusted quickly.
“It feels like a small university but at the same time it’s obviously not. It’s really close to a lot of major cities too which is nice,” Emerson says.
Click here to visit Queer Voices.
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Story by:
Luke Garcia, junior music industry major
Photography by:
Quintin Stinney, sophomore radio/TV/film major
Prof Style: Computer Science Major Matthew Kresge Shows Off His Colorful Hair
Today, we feature sophomore Matthew Kresge, a Computer Science major with a minor in Mathematics from Douglasville, PA. Matthew tells us more about his fashionable hairstyle.
Why Rowan?
Honestly, I knew I wanted to go a little bit away from home. I kind of wanted to go to a school that I knew a lot of classmates weren’t going to go to, so I thought this would be the right school for me.
What did you use to get your hair color?
I use Arctic Fox for my hair.
How did you decide on the color?
So, when I first dyed it, I bleached my hair because it was a brown. It turned blonde, then when I dyed it again, it turned into a darker blue. This is like two weeks of fading so it turned into this shade of green! At first, my parents were very hesitant to let me dye my hair, but now they don’t really care.
Have you dyed your hair before?
Before this, I dyed my hair red, like a very bright red, and then it faded into orange.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photography by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
Beyond the Classroom: Generation Action’s Rowan Chapter President, Alexis Thompson
Today we feature Alexis Thompson, who goes by Lex, from Lawnside, NJ (Camden County). They are a senior, first-generation college student and Psychology major with a minor in Africana Studies and a focus on reproductive justice. Lex transferred to Rowan from Hampton University in Spring of 2018. Lex tells us about Generation Action, what their […]
#PROFspective: Learning by Doing with Engineering Major Nicholas Kreuz
Today we speak to junior Nicholas Kreuz, an Electrical and Computer Engineering major from Pennsylvania. Here, Nick shares his Rowan experience through his work in Engineering Clinics, including creating a quadcopter drone and a rocket, which he will enter into a competition in New Mexico.
Nicholas Kreuz of Quakertown, Pennsylvania is the epitome of “involved” at Rowan. He has an on-campus job as a building manager for Campus Recreation while also being a part of Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity.
Nick is on track to get his bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. His goal with this degree is to work in the field of aerospace engineering. Nick said he “would love to work for a company like Boeing or Lockheed Martin” when he is finished at Rowan.
Nick grew an interest in engineering at an early age due to his desire to be very “hands-on and technically oriented.” He said throughout middle school and high school he knew he would want to pursue something involving engineering, but it wasn’t until he arrived at Rowan that he became interested in the electrical and computer engineering aspect to it.
“When I came to this college in particular I really liked how they combined the two majors into one and really had a hands-on focus to their curriculum, especially the clinical classes through the engineering building,” Nick says.
Engineering Clinics are the signature aspect of Rowan’s engineering programs. For all four years, engineering students participate in these clinic classes, which involve various hands-on projects. With the guidance of a credentialed engineer, students in groups have the opportunity to learn by doing.
One of the things that Nick has accomplished in a clinic class involved “constructing and testing a fully submersible Underwater Remote Operated Vehicle (UROV).” Kreuz explains the concept of the project and what was asked of him and his group:
“We had to simulate a task that a UROV in the field would have to do. For example, work on an oil rig and go to the seafloor to examine something. So we had this obstacle course set up and had a basic system of motors and a receiver that we could use that would be the actual operation of the vehicle but as far as constructing the vehicle and designing it to complete all its tasks was completely up to us.”
One semester later, Nick was tasked with creating a “Quadcopter Drone,” which unfortunately he was not able to finish once all students were sent home for Covid-19. He says this project’s objective was a similar concept to the UROV because there was a certain task that the drone had to perform. Like his last project, this too was going to be tested on an obstacle course that was meant to simulate a real-life situation.
Perhaps the most impressive part of Kreuz’s college career so far is his most recent endeavor. Nick is a part of a team with nine other students and one professor to build a rocket and compete in the Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition in New Mexico.
This is a yearly competition that hosts around 40-50 schools in a desert in New Mexico. Anyone who is a part of a college or university is allowed to enter the competition. Teams at the competitions will test their rockets in front of a group of judges.
“The way it works is they judge us on our documentation, our predictions, and our calculations, and the second half of the competition comes from how well our rocket actually performs,” Nick says.
Projects in the engineering clinics can be so involved and advanced that they can last as long as five years. Nick will work on this one through this entire school year, and the competition in New Mexico will take place after next semester.
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Story by:
Luke Garcia, junior music industry major
Photos by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
20 Minute Radius: Fall Fun at Hill Creek Farms
Loredonna Fiore, a junior Public Relations and Advertising major, and Olivia Smithson, a Biological Sciences alumna, recently visited Hill Creek Farms in Mullica Hill to get into the spirit of fall just in time for Halloween.
Looking for an aesthetically pleasing place to take photos and get in the fall spirit? Hill Creek Farms is the perfect spot. Located in Mullica Hill, this destination offers a wide range of attractions that make it a must-visit spot.
On the 24-acre farm, Hill Creek Farms offers apple picking, pumpkin picking, vegetable picking, sunflower fields and cornstalk fields. This makes for a great socially distant atmosphere where you can enjoy nature and appreciate the colors of fall.
Hill Creek Farms has a farmer’s market on-site that is filled with freshly made baked goods and household decorations. Apple cider and apple cider donuts are a staple for the market, which I highly recommend. Hill Creek Farms also has a wine garden with wine made with the apples that are grown on the farm.
This is a great local spot to visit if you’re looking to get off campus for a fun afternoon. The views, food and friendly staff make this a great place to get into the fall spirit!
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Story and photos by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major
#PROFspective: English and Writing Arts Double Major Destiny Hall
Today we feature Destiny Hall, a first-generation college student and senior double majoring in Writing Arts and English with specializations in Shakespeare Studies and Creative Writing. She also has a minor in Women and Gender studies and is from Gloucester City, NJ (Camden County). Destiny shares her thoughts on her major, feminism and her future. Why did […]
#PROFspective: Senior Psychology Major and Africana Studies Minor Cheyenne Uhuru
Today we feature Cheyenne Uhuru, a senior Psychology major and Africana Studies minor from Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County). Cheyenne is a commuter to campus. She is a member of PsiChi, a Psychology Honors Society, and the Africana Studies Club. Can’t find her on campus? Meet Cheyenne at work at H&M in the Deptford Mall.
Why did you choose your major?
I’ve always really like giving advice to people, and I figured out over time that I can help people with what they are going through. I like helping with whatever issues are in their lives, especially African American adolescents. I feel like my experience can provide them the information they need to succeed in life and to get through what they need to get through.
What would you share with a future student interested in your major?
I would say that psychology offers a lot of insight into yourself as well as the people around you. It allows you to have a better understanding and have more empathy for people who may act a certain way towards you. It gives you a better understanding of why people are the way they are — also, insight into yourself and the way you act and the root of how you go about your daily life.
How does your field impact the world?
Psychology impacts the world in a very large way. All of our actions and the way we move about in the world really come back to our mind state and our environment growing up. The impact I would like to have on the world is giving African American people a better sense of belonging and understanding of themselves in this world because it does get hard. I would like to provide them with a sense of motivation and inspiration to let them know they will get through what they are going through no matter what their circumstances are. They have the ability to succeed.
How are you involved on campus?
Being a part of PsiChi Honor Society has given me a push because I am applying to grad school, so I think showing that I am dedicated to my major will help. It is helping me succeed for the future and my future career. Being a part of the Africana Studies Club also supports me in my pursuit of where I want to work with African American adolescents. The combination of the two helps me to succeed in my career and give me necessary tools.
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.
Professor Chelsea Young was very connected to us as a class. She used pop culture references to help us understand the concepts we were learning about. I just really appreciate the time I had in her class, it was a really good experience.
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Story by:
Camryn Hadley, senior public relations and advertising double major
Photography by:
Quintin Stinney, sophomore Radio/TV/Film major
PROFpets: Sarah Prosser and Slinky The Miniature Dachshund
Sarah Prosser talks about the new addition to her family — Slinky, a miniature dachshund. “In general, if you want to get a dog just get it. He brings so much happiness.” – Sarah Prosser Story and photos by: Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
#PROFspective: Music Education Major Austin Kurbansade
Today we feature Austin Kurbansade, a sophomore Vocal Music Education major from Roxbury Township, NJ (Morris County). He is an on-campus resident and is involved in the National Association of Music Education, American Choral Directors Association and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He tells us today about his student experience and how connected he has felt at Rowan. […]
20 Minute Radius: Lucy’s Creamery
Craving more ice cream? After sourcing 10 local ice cream places for Rowan Blog, contributor Camryn Hadley, a senior double major in Public Relations and Advertising, has discovered a new spot right in Glassboro.
It’s no secret that I have a large sweet tooth. When I heard a new ice cream shop opened behind my residence hall, I had to try it out!
I got the chance to meet with Lucy’s Creamery owner, Nikki, and got the inside “scoop” on Rowan’s newest local business.
Lucy’s recently opened amid the pandemic summer in July and is located on 211 West High St. The location is perfect for a walk around campus and ending on the Glassboro Town Square with some treats.
The ice cream shop was originally founded by Nikki’s dad in Sewell, NJ in 2002. Nikki met her husband and now co-owner while working there when they were 16. The two recently bought the shop and made the move to Rowan to appeal to college students and offer indoor ice cream dining year-round.
This family-owned business has some insane sundaes! But the most popular? The Peanut Butter Lover’s and Brownie Sundaes take the cake. If you ask Nikki, her favorite would be a hand-dipped Strawberry Cheesecake with soft serve as a close second.
As for my favorite? I’d have to go with the Cereal Killer Sundae with Fruity Pebbles and Rice Crispy Treats!
Of course, Lucy’s has some awesome promotions for Rowan students. When picking up your sweet treat, make sure to show your Rowan ID for 10% off your order. And don’t worry, using Rowan Bucks as a form of payment will be coming soon!
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Story and photos by:
Camryn Hadley, senior double major in public relations and advertising
#PROFspective: Sophomore Health and Exercise Science Major Erwin Lopez
Today we feature Erwin Lopez, a sophomore Health and Exercise Science major from East Windsor, NJ (Mercer County). Erwin, a first-generation college student, lives on campus in the Rowan Boulevard Apartments. He’s a member of the Pre Physician Assistant Club, Crew Club Team and the Exercise is Medicine Club, for which he’s Fundraising Chair. Erwin also works for the Office of Orientation and Student Leadership Programs.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose Health and Exercise Science as my major because at first, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to go to graduate school, and I knew I wanted to be part of a health-related field. Health and Exercise Science gave me a broader spectrum of things that I can do, such as medical school or PA school or PT and OT, and so on.
What would you share with a future student interested in your major?
The major is fun and you can do a lot with it. It is very versatile and there isn’t only one thing you have to do with it. It is very flexible in regard to what you can do with it.
How does your field impact the world?
It’s helping people, no matter what field you go into after completing the Health and Exercise Science program. No matter what you do with it, there’s always going be that aspect of helping people and providing a service to people.
Have you had any professors that you felt really cared about your wellbeing?
This isn’t major-specific, but my College Composition professor, Professor Mandi Dorrell, was a really great professor. She understood that you’re also a person and not just a student. She was very helpful and understanding of people’s problems. She was very caring in that aspect.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Photos by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
Beyond The Classroom: Musical Theatre, RTF Double Major Shows Support For the Filipinx Community by Organizing a Talent Showcase For Charity
Today, we speak to Faith Lynn Diccion, a junior Musical Theatre and Radio/ TV/ Film double major from Egg Harbor Township, NJ (Atlantic County). She currently lives on campus in the Rowan Boulevard Apartments. She tells us more about her work this past summer with the nonprofit organization EmbraceRace and how she put together a Filipinx talent showcase for charity.
First, how did you find Rowan?
I found Rowan after being scouted at the NJ Thespian Festival by one of the theatre professors my senior year of high school. I had never really thought about Rowan as a theatre school, but I was instantly captivated by the faculty and campus. So, I was eager to come and audition at the school.
Why did you choose your major?
Growing up, I loved participating in theatre productions and singing. I just found it natural to pursue what I loved as a kid in college. Watching Disney movies when I was younger also left a big impression on me and gave me a push toward a career in performance and art creation.
What is EmbraceRace? How did you get involved?
EmbraceRace is a nonprofit organization that provides resources to parents, teachers and all in order to help raise children in a community based on acceptance, understanding and equity. From March 2016-2020, EmbraceRace has published 170+ articles from many storytellers, 34 Talking Kids & Race webinars with over 9K registrants per session, 30K+ email subscribers and 90K+ Facebook fans, and partnerships with well-known organizations such as The American Psychological Association and The Prejudice and Intergroup Relations Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
I happened to stumble upon EmbraceRace’s website while researching for organizations to donate to for my final project with the DIAL National Fellowship with Metro Arts Nashville under Americans for the Arts.
At the time, I was brainstorming ideas for what causes I was most interested in supporting. In light of the surge in BLM protests and rallies, I wanted to show my support as well. Also, the slogan for EmbraceRace is “Raising a Brave Generation.” It really resonated within me and further strengthened my resolve to donate.
I organized this showcase to show support not only for my Filipinx community and heritage, but also for the BLM movement that paved the way for all of the following minorities to come to America.
How did you go about finding the talent for the showcase?
Finding the talent was super fun. All I had to do was reach out to my network of friends and acquaintances to see who would be interested in participating, and it all just happened to work out somehow. Some of the talents I know very well, and some of them I had never even met before. Still, we are all connected to each other. So it was really uplifting to be able to reach out to these wonderful performers and ask them to share their talents for a special cause.
What was a typical day like working with EmbraceRace?
Because this was an individual project under my Fellowship, I did not work exclusively with EmbraceRace to accomplish this. When the fundraising timeframe ends, I will personally send the money raised as a one-time donation on the EmbraceRace website. As of [early September], our goal of $500 has been met. But because we are still accepting donations, we are still receiving donations and have exceeded our goal by a substantial amount.
Any advice to students looking to get involved with EmbraceRace or advice in general?
Browsing their official website is a great place to start. They even have volunteer opportunities available for people looking for more active roles in the organization. Also, their donation button has options to either donate as an individual or set-up up a fundraiser. The individual donation option fit the best with my showcase’s structure, so I opted out of creating a fundraiser directly though the organization. All in all, EmbraceRace is a wonderful nonprofit with useful resources and a great community open to discussion, so I highly recommend checking them out!
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photos provided by:
Faith Lynn Diccion, musical theatre and RTF double major
Header photo courtesy of:
Unsplash
Rowan Student Leaders Alexa Bassano, Sydney Ramos and JT Kurtz Share Their Insights
Read firsthand accounts from three Rowan students who talk about the benefits of their on-campus leadership positions.
First up is Alexa Bassano, a junior Biological Science major from Brick Township, NJ (Monmouth County). Alexa is a Resident Assistant at Mimosa Hall, a member of Rowan Emergency Medical Services and the Director of Collegiate Alumnae Engagement of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. She explains: “Each role has benefited me in a different way. Now more than ever, people are thanking me for my service with EMS. As an RA, my residents tell me how much they appreciate me referring them to resources or just showing them where a building is. To me, those little things are just me doing my job, but that gratification reminds me I am a part of something bigger. Being involved and helping people just makes me so happy, whether it comes with a ‘thank you’ or not.”
Next, Sydney Ramos is a junior Human Services major from East Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County). When talking about her role as a student leader, she shared her experience from the very beginning. “Overall, I have to thank Res Life for making me the leader I am today. As a freshman, I really kept to myself and didn’t explore what options were out there for me. But as soon as I found RLUH, I knew I was where I needed to be: in a family atmosphere with amazing people I really respect.” Sydney is a Resident Assistant at Mimosa Hall and a new member of the United Latinos Association.
JT Kurtz, a senior Computer Science major from Egg Harbor Township, NJ (Atlantic County), is also heavily involved on campus. He is the Assistant Resident Director of Nexus Properties, a learning assistant for the Computer Science department, a researcher in the Psychology department, and a member of the Filipino Club. “In all of my roles, I want to be a valuable resource for the people around me,” he says. “I want to push people to be the best they can be and get them to success. By coming up with innovative ways to work and help others, I get to learn and grow every day.”
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Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major
Photography by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
#PROFspective: English and Computing & Informatics Double Major Chris Finnegan
Today, we speak to rising senior Chris Finnegan. Chris is a double major in English and Computing and Informatics and is an on-campus resident. He’s also an admissions ambassador for Rowan University! Chris tells us more about why he chose Rowan and what a typical on-campus day is like for him.
Why did you choose your major?
Indecision. My advisors worked with me to find a path for me to pursue all of my personal and academic interests when I couldn’t bring myself to choose just one, which led to me landing a double major in English and Computing & Informatics.
Why did you choose Rowan?
Rowan was the third school that I visited, and as soon as I toured campus I could truly just see myself there. Rowan grants its students nearly full independence from the first day they move in and provides numerous avenues to pursue social and academic extracurriculars at your own pace.
I chose to go to Rowan because I knew they provided the flexibility that I needed to explore many different interests.
Take us through a typical Rowan day for you!
Every day starts with lots of coffee, but if I’m not giving a daily tour at 11 a.m., you would probably find me getting a breakfast sandwich meal swipe from Peet’s Coffee in the student center. I try to take all my classes in the afternoon so that I can work and study in the morning, and go to Rugby practice and do my homework in the evening. If possible, I will try and eat every meal with friends, classmates, teammates or coworkers.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photo provided by:
Chris Finnegan, senior English and computing and informatics major
#PROFspective: Meet Electrical and Computer Engineering Major Bhavik Malkani
Meet Bhavik Malkani, a junior Electrical and Computer Engineering major with a minor in Systems Engineering and an Honors Concentration at Rowan University. Bhavik is a first-generation college student from Voorhees, NJ (Camden County). Bhavik is a part of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Phi Kappa Psi and Honors College. Here, he shares his experience as a Prof thus far.
Tell us about one club, organization or group of friends that make you feel like Rowan is home.
One of the biggest organizations that made me feel like Rowan is my home is Residential Life and University Housing or RLUH. Ever since becoming a Resident Assistant (RA), I have felt like I truly have a home here. Everyone within RLUH has made me feel like family, and it was definitely one of the best decisions I have made so far in my college career.
Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you?
I think Rowan being a welcoming environment started with orientation, along with the PROS and other orientation staff who made that experience possible. I met people who immediately made me feel welcome and am still friends with today.
What’s your favorite thing about one typical day at Rowan for you?
My favorite thing about one typical day at Rowan is being able to see my friends.
What is one thing about Rowan that was a happy surprise for you?
One thing about Rowan that was a happy surprise for me was how active campus was along with how many events are put on throughout the semesters.
Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a professor or staff member in which you felt like they truly cared about your well-being.
I was a sophomore and concerned about my academic success as well as my choice of major. I talked to a couple professors together after class for a few weeks, and they gave me many study suggestions as well as encouraged me to stick with my current major. They showed me that I could earn my degree and be successful.
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Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major
Photography by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
Beyond the Classroom: Katelyn Rapp’s PR, Foreign Language Skills Help Her Give Back to Her Community
Today, we feature Public Relations major and senior Katelyn Rapp, a commuter from Pennsville, NJ (Salem County) and first-generation college student. Katelyn recently started interning for the nonprofit organization Miracle for Mateo. She’s also on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using her Spanish translation skills, Katelyn helps out her area’s testing site. Here, she tells us a little more about her experiences and how she’s helping her community.
Tell us more about your public relations internship.
I am currently working with Miracle for Mateo, a nonprofit that I have been familiar with since they started up 10 years ago. I actually got involved with them during this past semester because I was doing a couple PR and nonprofit related classwork.
Miracle for Mateo provides financial support for families with dependent children who: have complex congenital heart disease or life-threatening illness and are struggling through a lengthy hospitalization, waiting for an organ transplant, or living at home on hospice care.
I realized during a rhetorical analysis of their website that it was quite outdated and gave the impression that they were no longer a functioning NPO. I knew one of the board members personally, and I reached out to her to see if she would be open to some changes.
Before COVID started, I went to her house and we talked about all the changes needed. After some approval from the board I was able to rewrite all the body copy for the website, choose updated photos, recreate some graphics with InDesign and now we are about two weeks away from the new website going live!
Was there any Rowan affiliation?
As far as I know there is no affiliation with Rowan, but I actually think it could be a great idea to create some type of affiliation. They have some small projects that impact people on a great scale (of course I may be a bit biased). Can tab collections and food drives that benefit the families who are by their child’s side in the hospital are two of their longest-running projects that require a bit less ‘in person work’ but make a huge difference for the organization and their families.
How did you find the opportunity?
I found the opportunity by reaching out to one of the board members I knew personally. I grew up with her kids, and seeing if the organization would consider letting me help. In my ADV/PR Writing course I had to choose an organization to ‘write for’ throughout the semester, and I thought it would be a personal challenge to write for a NPO since all of my internship experience is in oil refineries and transportation. I also decided to analyze their website in my Writing for the NonProfit class since I was already writing a pretend backgrounder and had so much information on the organization. I found the website was outdated and generally needed some work, and although I know I am nowhere near an expert, I thought I might be able to help.
How did you get involved in your county’s COVID-19 response?
My mom works for the Salem County Department of Health, and so naturally when COVID hit, she and her coworkers became the response team for my county. Soon enough, my county opened up a COVID testing site, and it became apparent that my county’s Hispanic population was getting hit harder than others. My mom and her coworkers had become contact tracers/COVID test site nurses and were trying to speak what little Spanish they could to communicate. I wrote up a little speech for my mom to use when she called someone to speak with them about results or the test site and they only spoke Spanish. When she came home, she told me the whole department was using it! She also told me that her boss was interested in seeing if I would volunteer at the test site as a translator. The next week I did my fit test, and the day after I went to the test site.
Tell us more about your skills as a translator and how that’s helped in your county’s COVID response.
My skills as a translator allowed me to check in patients at the drive-up clinic, give them instructions on what to expect in the barns (testing area/hot zone), and if they had not signed up for testing before that day give them information on how and where to be screened before coming to the test site for a COVID test. I was also able to help the nurses/contact tracers by writing up some helpful Spanish phrases and a small script, which would allow them to explain who they were and that they would call back with a translator.
What are you looking forward to this semester or in the future?
I think I am looking forward to the same things as most students now, I would love to see a safe return to campus to continue my classes. This upcoming semester I am also starting the 4+1 (CAPD Program) Public Relations/Strategic Communication program, so I will start working towards my master’s while finishing my bachelor’s. Personally, I am really looking forward to traveling internationally again. I was planning on a couple of trips this year, but unfortunately traveling isn’t an option right now.”
Like what you see?
Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photos provided by:
Katelyn Rapp
20 Minute Radius: Fun Off-Campus Things New Transfers and Freshmen Should Check Out
Today’s story is from Melanie Sbaraglio, a recent Public Relations and Advertising graduate from Nutley, NJ (Essex County). Melanie joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Ace Screen Printing in Glassboro was cut short due to COVID-19 affecting business.
If you are an incoming freshman or transfer student to Rowan University, you might be wondering what there is to do around Glassboro and nearby surrounding areas. Luckily, if you have been asking yourself these questions, you’ve come to the right place.
When I was a freshman, there weren’t as many things to do on campus like there are now. Walking down Rowan Boulevard is a lot more exciting today than it was four years ago.
Since freshmen can’t have cars, getting places can be tricky; but services like Uber and Lyft always come in handy. Splitting the cost between a few friends to get places ends up being very cheap and worth it.
Without further delay, here are a few fun things to do off campus within a 20-minute radius.
Angelo’s Diner, located on North Main St. right next to campus, is a great breakfast or lunch spot in the area. The food is always really good, and the prices are very cheap.
Monarch Diner on Delsea Drive opened up last winter. The food is amazing, fairly priced, and it’s even close enough to walk from campus.
Another great find is the Regal United Arts Theater in Washington Township. This spacious movie theater is clean, easy to get to, and has reclining leather seats making the experience that much more enjoyable. There are also many restaurants in the same area as the theater to grab dinner before or after seeing a movie.
The Deptford Mall and Gloucester Premium Outlets are great shopping options close by as well. My friends and I used to go all the time freshman year even just to walk around and window shop.
Finally, Duffield’s Farm is a fun seasonal place to visit. During the fall months, you can pick pumpkins and get yourself a fresh, warm apple cider donut. It’s a great place to take photos and just enjoy being outdoors for the day.
Discovering new places off campus can be beneficial for getting to know the area as well. Take these suggestions into consideration because even though there are plenty of on-campus things to do and get involved in, exploring off campus is definitely worth your time.
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Story by:
Melanie Sbaraglio, recent public relations and advertising graduate
Angelo’s Diner photos by:
Anthony Raisley
Maggie Paige Boutique photo by:
Jenna Fischer
#PROFspective: Combined Advanced Degree Program (CADP) in Subject Matter Education: English Major Dominique DiGiacomo
Today we feature Dominique DiGiacomo, a rising senior in the Combined Advanced Degree Program (CADP) in Subject Matter Education: English program, minors in International Studies and Asian Studies, and a Certificate of Undergraduate Studies in Japanese. Dominique is a commuter student this coming year from Atco, NJ (Camden County).
On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic, and social responsibilities are you juggling?
On my busiest day, I am juggling two to three classes along with an opening shift (6:30-11 a.m.) for work as a building manager at the student center, an hour workout at the gym/kickboxing, an hour meeting for my second job, and a club meeting in which I am the vice president.
Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge?
Yes, I have experienced a moment of uncertainty within my major. There was a time in which I was not enjoying my education classes as much as my classes that were going towards my international studies minor. In order to get through this challenge, I talked to my teachers as well as those who I trusted to confide in them and ask for their opinions. This moment helped me to rediscover my passion for education and it also helped me to combine both my passion for education and international studies into one.
Tell us about one moment that made you feel like Rowan was the right fit for you.
After my freshman year, I had the opportunity to work as a PROS (Peer Referral and Orientation Staff) member for Rowan orientations, as well as an SCCA staff member in the game room. The moment I started these two jobs was the moment I felt I really belonged at Rowan University. Through these jobs, I not only met new friends, but I also formed new families within the Rowan community. Working for Rowan really helped me to feel at home within the university.
Tell us about your transition into college and how you pushed through any challenges.
Transitioning into college was definitely a nerve-racking situation. It was my first time living away from home, as well as the first time I had so much freedom in my life. These nerves, however, only lasted for the first week of school. Overcoming these nerves proved to be a lot easier than I had expected. I made sure to be social, interact with my roommate and my classmates and joined a few clubs. I also realized that every freshman in college was in the same boat; they were all nervous and looking to make friends. After realizing this, my transition to college became a whole lot easier.
What advice would you give your high school self about choosing a college?
Don’t feel pressured by your friends to choose a certain school. Go on tours, interact with students, and get excited about going to college. Choose the place you feel most at home because college truly does become your second home.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Photos contributed by:
Dominique DiGiacomo
#PROFspective: Biology Major Kait Fox on the Perks of College Close to Home
Today, we speak to Kait Fox, a Biology major with a minor in Psychology from Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County). Kait, who transferred from Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ), commutes to campus. She tells us more about why she chose Rowan and what a typical day at Rowan looks like for her.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose to be a Biology major because I was already on track with the course load previously completed from RCSJ. I am interested in the medical field and thought that a degree in biology would cover all of the bases for graduate school.
Why did you choose Rowan?
I chose Rowan because it is close to home so I am able to make the commute to and from school, not having to worry about dorms or missing my family.
Another important factor is how affordable Rowan is, and that all of my credits from RCSJ are transferable to Rowan, so I transferred in as a third-year student.
Take us through a typical Rowan day for you.
A typical day for me usually starts mid morning (I try my best to avoid the 8 a.m. classes). I arrive at Rowan around 10:30 for my 11 a.m. classes. I like to be a little early instead of late, so I’ll relax in the lobby of whichever building my class is in. I have about three classes a day and usually one lab.
When I make my schedule I try to make my classes back to back, or at least have a minimum 1-hour gap between so I’m not waiting around all day for my classes. If I do have a gap, I’ll meet up with a few friends and sit with them and chit chat, check my email, update schedules, work on assignments, maybe snack a little and “rest my eyes.”
After my classes are complete for the day, I’ll eat lunch wherever I’m at for classes and then I leave Rowan for my internship at the health department.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photos contributed by:
Kait Fox
20 Minute Radius: The Wing Kitchen
Senior Public Relations major Dominque Fiorentino has discovered a great new source for wings, fries and a delicious sweet treat right in Glassboro.
There weren’t too many things that could get me to leave the comfort of my own home during our months in quarantine. But, The Wing Kitchen was able to lure me away time and time again.
A new restaurant conveniently located just off Rowan’s campus on High Street West, The Wing Kitchen opened just weeks before our campus closed down due to Covid-19.
I had the privilege of speaking with the owner and Food Network’s “Chopped” champion, Timothy Witcher.
This chef’s love for wings all started back in 2006. A high school culinary teacher motivated to help his students raise funds to participate in competitions, Chef Witcher began selling his wings to do just that.
After the fundraisers were over, the public wanted more. Fast forward a decade of hard work, determination, and a couple of “Chopped” competitions later: The Wing Kitchen was born.
It’s no exaggeration to say that The Wing Kitchen is the best at what they do. Specializing in a small and simple menu enables them to achieve the perfection found in every menu item. You can choose either wings or tenders from a variety of delectable sauces.
My new go-to happens to be the Honey Jalapeno Wings. Of course, you can’t go wrong with Chef Witcher’s favorite dish either, the Boneless Garlic Parmesan.
Did I mention their fresh-cut fries? They will not disappoint. Make sure you save room for dessert: buttermilk-fried doughnuts with a side of salted caramel sauce. Whatever you choose, I can guarantee you will be delighted, as everything is fresh and made to order.
With two established locations in South Jersey as well as a food truck, Chef Witcher has big plans for further expansion of The Wing Kitchen. He hopes to bring his delicious menu to college campuses across the nation. Follow @thewingkitchen on Instagram for updates on new flavors, menu items, and Wing Kitchen Express locations.
And of course, #DontForgetTheDonut.
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Story and photos by:
Dominique Fiorentino, senior public relations major
#PROFspective: Rising Senior Psychology Major Callie DeMaria
Today we feature rising Senior Psychology Major Callie DeMaria. Callie is an off-campus resident from Little Egg Harbor, NJ (Ocean County). Callie is a first-generation college student.
On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic, and social responsibilities are you juggling?
On my busiest day, I usually have two classes I have to attend, then I usually spend the bulk of my day in Savitz Hall in the Admissions Office either doing office work or giving tours at the Welcome Center, then I will usually attend an event my sorority would be hosting or compete in an intramural game, and finally, I usually get dinner with my friends. To end the day, I will go to the library for an hour or two to finish up on some homework.
Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge?
I never had a moment of uncertainty within my major. I was very stressed about what I would do with my Psychology degree. Until last year, I had no idea. Then one of my professors introduced me to Applied Behavior Analysis. After hearing about it, I knew that is exactly what I wanted to do. Now, I am applying to graduate school to receive my Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Tell us about one moment that made you feel like Rowan was the right fit for you.
I knew Rowan was the right fit for me when I took a tour of the campus. My tour guide was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all my questions. I was very interested in a lot of the clubs my tour guide mentioned as well. As soon as I got to campus, I got heavily involved and through my involvement, Rowan became my second home.
Tell us about your transition into college and how you pushed through any challenges.
College was not an easy transition for me. I was a homebody in high school, so leaving my family was very hard. I won’t lie, the first few weeks were hard. But once I got involved, and started to meet new friends, I didn’t want to leave campus. Since I forced myself to go outside my comfort zone, it helped me to feel more at home and more comfortable at Rowan.
What advice would you give your high school self about choosing a college?
The advice I would give my high school self would be to choose the college that feels like home once you step on campus, that has a ton of internships and opportunities for me, and the college that has a lot of extracurricular clubs and organizations I would love to join.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
#PROFspective: Meet Japanese Culture-Enthusiast, History and International Studies Major Sean French
Today, we speak to Sean French, a senior History and International Studies dual major from Haddon Township (Camden County). Sean, a commuter and first-generation student, holds a leadership position in Rowan’s Japanese Culture Club. He tells us more about the club, his majors and why he chose Rowan!
Why did you choose your majors?
I’ve loved history since elementary school, so it made sense to study what I loved. I was originally enrolled as a History and Education major to teach history at the high school level. During my sophomore year, however, I decided to change to History and International Studies (Asia studies concentration) after falling in love with Japanese culture and decided to study abroad in Japan.
Why did you choose Rowan?
I chose Rowan because it was known for having a robust Education department, in state and nearby, so I could commute to school!
Take us through a typical Rowan day for you!
The typical Rowan day for me (pre-Covid) was waking up at 6 a.m., going to the gym near my house, making breakfast, then going down to campus to study at the library or go to class. Then, later in the day, I would go to an e-board meeting for the Japanese Culture Club (I was previously VP and will be President beginning Fall 2020).
At our meetings we would talk about Japanese culture, have activities and games such as karaoke, a bento box competition and arts nights including calligraphy and making origami.
The Japanese Culture Club is a place we’ve worked to make welcoming and open to folks of all backgrounds, where you could hang out with friends and enjoy learning and talking about all things Japan. We’re hoping to continue club meetings this coming semester, be that online or safely in person.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, rising senior music industry major
Photos by:
Sean French
Header photo courtesy of:
Unsplash
#PROFspective: Nutrition and Exercise Science Major Caroline Lippincott
Today’s #PROFspective features Caroline Lippincott, a senior majoring in Nutrition and Exercise Science from Columbus, NJ (Burlington County). Caroline, a first-generation college student who lives off campus, transferred to Rowan from Stockton University. How have you gotten involved on campus? I’m proudly a part of organizations such as Theta Phi Alpha and Inter Greek Council […]
Beyond the Classroom: Up in the Air with Mechanical Engineering Major and Pilot Jay Petersen
Today, we speak to Jay Petersen, a sophomore Mechanical Engineering major from Edison, NJ (Middlesex County). Jay is an on-campus resident and a fourth-generation college student! Jay tells us more about himself, his major and when he’s not in the classroom, his passion for flying.
How did you find Rowan?
My parents had me work with college counselors my Junior year of high school and they really encouraged me to focus on a school that matches my personality and interests. I had the chance to attend Purdue but being born and raised in NJ, I’m very rooted here. Rowan also felt more like home. The campus wasn’t overwhelming, the staff was incredibly nice and welcoming. It was an experience that made me feel very comfortable. I didn’t experience that same attention and sincereness from the other big schools. At Rowan I’m not just a number but I’m a member of a community — especially with the honors program I’m in!
Why did you choose your major?
Ever since I was young I knew I wanted to be an engineer like my dad. It’s all I’ve been around my whole life and his work motivated me to explore this option further. I contemplated a focus in medicine but in the end, engineering just aligned more to my interests.
How did you come to find your interest in flying? Did anyone push you in the right direction?
It all really started with a test flight that my parents gifted me for my 17th birthday but aeronautics has always fascinated me. Whether it’s figuring out how they put a plane together or actually getting it in the air, the whole process is intriguing. Who knows, I may end up using my degree to get into that field long term, but flying just seemed like a natural skill to obtain. Something about knowing you’re in control of this machine and figuring out how to get yourself off the ground is amazing.
Do you fly over campus often?
Yes, I try to fly by about once a month. I also try to do as many cross-country flights as possible. That’s when you fly from one airport to another that is at least 75 miles away. This gives me practice in my communications with air traffic control for neighboring commercial airports. The further you can fly in one trip, the more confident you feel.
What’s the best part about becoming a pilot?
It’s a sense of accomplishment and the freedom to go wherever I want without the Jersey traffic! Knowing I can achieve this and pass a six-hour FAA exam makes me feel like I can do much more in life. Sky’s the limit! (pun intended).
Any advice to students or those looking into getting a private pilot license or learning to fly?
Find the right school. Having an instructor that is committed to you and your goal is very important. Also make sure you are going to be able to invest the time and money. I was very fortunate to have my parents support me financially and mentally so that really did help me get through it. It’s not easy to balance this goal with school so try to do it in your summer months.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photos provided by:
Jay Petersen, sophomore mechanical engineering major
Beyond the Classroom: Music Education Major Mike Massaro Directs Two Local High School Bands
Meet Mike Massaro, a recent Music Education graduate and commuter from Swedesboro, NJ (Gloucester County). He had the great opportunity to take his musical skills outside of the classroom and was able to direct the jazz band and marching band at a local high school. He tells us more about his experience and his passion for music education.
Four years ago, every single person I knew was telling me, “All of the opportunities and resources are there, you just have to choose to use them.” Genuinely, it probably took me until my 7th semester to truly understand what that meant. However, I had been surfing the opportunities of Rowan University since the first day I stepped on the campus.
Music Education is considered a double major at RU — music and education. Because of this, my program involves being a student of both the College of Performing Arts and College of Education (two degrees, two commencement ceremonies, etc).
The most amazing aspect of this has been being able to learn from and collaborate with my student colleagues and the incomparable faculty from both colleges. Being around other people who want to see you learn is what truly can put your college education to the next level.
I’m going to be very real here: more than likely, you will graduate. You will get the paper. At the end of the day, many will earn that paper, but the paper isn’t what matters in the end. It’s the education that went INTO the paper. What can YOU do to make what is very likely to be your most enriching 4+ years of education as educational as possible for YOU?
As an educator, my belief on this is very firm and was inspired by one of our CPA adjunct professors, Mr. Gerry DeLoach. The passion for what it is that you are teaching is what will drive you forward as an educator. Your knowledge and ability in your specific subject or field is what makes you tick. It is so important to keep that flare to learn alive. What you do in your field sets your ability for what you can do as a teacher. How tall will you let that ceiling be?
Here’s a short story. I was offered a very rare opportunity to direct a marching band and jazz band at a local school, Woodstown High School, while still completing my undergrad. By my sophomore year I was directing the jazz band, and junior year I was directing the marching band. It was a dream come true come early — teaching real students.
The program showed success very quickly. One of my beliefs when it comes to teaching is that the best way to learn how to teach is to teach. I wanted to do as much as I could for this school’s music program. It seemed like every day I was at Rowan, speaking to my professors about teaching strategies, learning more about music, and sharing and listening to stories; then in the evening, I would go put it all into practice when I taught for real. One of my biggest focuses through my undergrad was on making this program grow, because I knew that the more I was able to learn as a musician and a teacher, the more I would be able to teach these students. I think it is very important as a teacher to learn from your students, as they can teach us far more than we can teach them. I certainly learned so much from them.
Rowan let me learn from these students.
If it wasn’t for the education that I received every day, the conversations and performing experiences that I had, I would have never had anything fresh to offer my students. I’ve had professors come out to Woodstown on their own time to give clinics to the bands and watch me teach. What the faculty has to offer is truly unmatched. Rowan is a growing school that still has a small school feel where it matters the most — in the classroom.
The professors here care for you and want to watch YOU learn. We don’t have massive educational lectures. We have conversations about the real world and how you can make it better. In my teaching, I can directly categorize aspects of individual professors that have molded so many aspects of my musicianship and teaching.
Thanks for making it to the bottom of my text blob. I have one more blurb. My trumpet professor, Dr. Bryan Appleby-Wineberg, once said, “You can’t change the whole world at once, but you can start by changing your corner of it.” Dr. AW’s belief about education is one that should resonate with all of us. Educators are at the center of any community. The educators teach the students, the students graduate, the students get jobs, contribute to our workforce, grow the economy — the students become the doctors, entertainers, designers, chefs, researchers who allow our community to grow. It all starts at the educator.
The educators are the students. The students are the educators. Be the best one you can be and take the opportunity. We are profs. Eruditio spes mundi — education, hope of the world.
If I knew my last time riding back from the student center on my skateboard holding my box of hot pulled pork with a piece of cornbread and a cup of red Gatorade would be my last time, I probably would have done it again. Remember that when you get nervous, it’s because you care.
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#PROFspective: Feeling Like a Member of the Student Body Through the Online Learning Experience
Meet Liberal Studies major Krystal Mannering from Atlantic County, NJ. Krystal, a first-generation college student, works full-time while running a business, providing for her household and taking care of a toddler. Read her perspective on how Rowan has made her feel “accepted and welcomed” as an online student.
Being an online student for most of my educational career, the need for a connection with a physical campus might seem like a translucent goal. Common speculation is online students aren’t receiving “the college experience” that an in-person student receives.
For many online colleges and educational facilities, this statement is true. I’ve attended two other online colleges throughout my career, and Rowan University is the first online program where I’ve felt like an actual member of the student body.
From the moment I called Rowan, I felt accepted and welcomed. My heart had just been broken by my current school at the time, and as I was sobbing uncontrollably, I began calling multiple schools and explained my situation. The first Rowan advisor I spoke to was faced with the challenge of my vulnerability but ensured me that even as an online student, my role had a place.
I work a full-time job, have a home to provide for, a business, and a toddler to take care of, so online schooling is my only option. Two other schools stated they couldn’t help me, and another didn’t answer the phone. The advisors at Rowan greeted me with a cheerful attitude and helped me every step of the way. Even though I live an hour away, the Rowan staff took the necessary time I needed to feel comfortable with my decision.
As I entered my first semester, I was armed with eagerness and fear. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wasn’t sure that I was going to feel the acceptance that I craved. I joined Rowan’s social media platforms and I was quickly comforted by fellow Rowan students. One student suggested that I attend the campus orientation and I signed up for the next available event (highly recommended!).
Walking through the Rowan campus reassured my decision to attend Rowan as an online student. It felt right to walk through the halls, dorms and college grounds. Each orientation leader was extremely informative to the incoming freshman students, and each demonstration I attended that day began to further confirm my choice.
The orientation leaders expressed that online students are offered the same accommodations as in-person students. My friend (and now fellow classmate) and I walked through the streets of the campus, and we were presented with cheerful little shops, wonderful eateries, statues and artifacts plastered throughout the campus.
As the event concluded, my friend and I decided to make our way out to Richard Wacker Stadium, the stadium that I will graduate in. Being eligible to attend a physical graduation as an online student is very important to me and is one of the many perks of studying online with Rowan University. As we stepped foot onto the track that surrounds the beautiful stadium, the reality of my choice to attend Rowan began to set in.
Overwhelmed with emotion, I was so thankful to have found Rowan University. The online classes are more organized than other schools that I’ve attended. The professors are extremely involved, and helpful if you maintain a consistent work ethic. The alumni at Rowan reassured me that my needs weren’t burdensome. Class sizes are manageable, and classmates are a welcoming wealth of knowledge. Each day, I continue to be thankful for my choice to attend Rowan University as an online student. My future is clear now that I’m a PROF!
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Story by:
Krystal Mannering, liberal studies major
20 Minute Radius: Pitman’s Alcyon Park
Is the boredom of being quarantined at home (to prevent the spread of COVID-19) getting to you lately? Luckily, the weather has warmed up and there are plenty of outdoor spaces near campus that allow you to get a breath of fresh air while still maintaining social distance!
If you’re craving some sunshine, I recommend a trip to Alcyon Park in Pitman, NJ — less than a 10-minute drive from campus! Invite a family member, pet or roommate (if you’re safely quarantined together) and set out on your journey. I suggest taking a backpack along with you, with supplies including plenty of water, some granola bars, sunscreen, sunglasses or a hat, and anything else you might need during an outdoor adventure.
The park is home to several sports fields and a playground, but if that’s not your thing, there are hiking trails and even a boat launch! The boat launch is located at the coordinates (39.7284°, -75.1433°), which you can search in Google Maps to access. This is the perfect opportunity to take a peaceful kayak ride on Alcyon Lake, which is what my roommates and I did.
Alcyon Park is a historic South Jersey location, and according to southjerseytrails.org, it used to serve as a racing track for horses and cars in the 1940s and 50s.
Information and photos about the park’s rich history is posted throughout the trails, so the further you walk, the more you learn. Pretty cool!
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Story by:
Nicole Cier, writing arts graduate
#PROFspective: Sophomore Health Promotion and Wellness Management Major Brianna Bentley
Today we feature sophomore Brianna Bentley, a first-generation college student. She is a Health Promotion and Wellness Management major with a minor in Psychology. Brianna commutes from her home in Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County). We were able to speak to her just before she was getting ready to leave campus because of social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19.
What academic and social clubs are you a part of?
I am a part of Unified
Sports, Pre-Allied Health Club, and American Sign Language Club.
Do you have any on-campus jobs?
When the campus reopens, I will be working at the Rec Center!
Why did you choose a university close to home?
I couldn’t imagine being too far from my family, and Rowan was the only college I toured that felt like “home” away from home.
How do you get that “away” feeling while close to home?
Hanging out with friends on campus, whether that is to study or have fun.
What is the most interesting thing you did on campus this year?
I helped out at the Unified Sports Championship game.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned in a class this year?
All of the material I learned in Psych of Human Sexuality! I highly recommend this course to anyone; I left each class feeling like I learned something new about myself.
What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?
Enjoy every moment, get involved, study hard, and make memories you’ll never forget!
What’s the best decision you’ve made since you got to college?
Volunteering with the Get Fit program.
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Story and photography by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
20 Minute Radius: Pitman’s Maggie Paige Boutique
Looking for some cute clothes to update your wardrobe or to wear for a fun time out with friends (while practicing social distancing)?
Maggie Paige Boutique is the perfect place to go. This clothing and accessories store is located right in Pitman, and it’s only an 8-minute drive from campus.
We talked to the owner, Emily, about her experience opening and running a clothing boutique since 2017.
Growing up, Emily loved playing with all of her grandmother Margaret’s clothes and costume jewelry. Since her grandmother started her love for fashion, Emily wanted to honor her by naming the store Maggie.
As soon as I walked in the store I could feel the rustic and quaint vibe. I felt like I was shopping in a friend’s closet. They offer several options, from cute dresses to comfy hoodies. Several accessories around the store, like bracelets, support other local businesses in the area.
Emily’s ultimate goal for the store is to create affordable and accessible fashion for women. Prices range from $19-$60.
If you mention this article you can get 10% off your next Maggie Paige purchase.
Can’t make it to the store? You can order online at https://maggiepaige.commentsold.com/store
You can also order order by phone by calling 856.218.5143.
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Story and photography by:
Jenna Fischer, rising senior public relations major
#PROFspective: Nutrition, Exercise Science Major and Aspiring Business Owner Tyler Weiss
Today we feature Tyler Weiss, a Nutrition major with a specialization in Exercise Science. Tyler, a junior from Winfield Park, NJ (Union County), lives on campus.
Why did you choose Rowan?
I chose Rowan because of its size. I felt the community wasn’t too small, so I’d have a lot of opportunities to meet new people, but I wasn’t too big.
How did you know Rowan was the right choice for you?
It was a mix of things. I always knew I wanted to be a personal trainer and eventually own a gym. My friends would always ask me for fitness advice. In high school, I talked to my gym teacher about my passion for fitness and she suggested her alma mater, Rowan University.
What clubs and activities are you involved in on campus?
I work as a personal trainer for the Rec Center. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to train anyone [right now], but typically, I’d be working with a client 2-3 times per week. I’ve also conducted body scans, gym tours, and routine obligations.
What is a topic you learned in class that you applied in your industry?
An important lesson we learn in the program is communicating with clients. Students are used to anatomy and physiology terms, but most people aren’t. I’ve learned methods to explain certain exercises in a way they’ll understand.
How are you keeping in touch with your Rowan friends while at home?
Since being at home, my Rowan friends and I keep in touch by texting.
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Story by:
Alyssa Bauer, public relations graduate
#PROFspective: Double Major Gloria Sanckon, President of the African Student Association
Today we feature Gloria Sanckon, a junior Psychology and Sociology double major from Burlington Township, NJ (Burlington County). She transferred to Rowan from Burlington County College and is a first-generation college student. This year, Gloria lived on campus at the 114 Victoria Street apartments.
Tell us about one club, organization or group of friends that make you feel like Rowan is home.
I used to be the president for the Residence Hall Association, but now I am the president for African Student Association. What made Rowan feel like home was the group of friends I made through my organization. Everyone was extremely welcoming and supportive. There’s never a boring time at programs and meetings, and you can make great friends. For instance, when we don’t have a program coming up, we spend time outside of the club playing games, cooking, and chatting at a member spot.
What’s your favorite thing about your typical Monday at Rowan?
African Student Association (ASA) general meetings have to be one of the greatest things on Mondays at Rowan. As an e-board member, I have to go to general meetings and bring Rowan ASA together. We all meet up and do activities to educate African students.
What is one thing about Rowan that was a happy surprise for you?
One thing that was a happy surprise to me about Rowan is that there’s always something to do. For instance, Rowan After Hours (RAH) hosts events every Thursday, Friday and Saturday for students on and off-campus. Before coming to Rowan, I was a homebody, but the events on campus are interesting and it forces me to come out and meet new people.
Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a professor or staff member in which you felt like they truly cared about your well-being.
During my first semester, I struggled horribly to stay on top of my work due to being a first-generation student with no support from home. Not because I was not hardworking, but because my memory was almost nonexistent. It did not imply if I went to class because I couldn’t concentrate. Not like, “Oh! I am just distracted,” but like, “Did I even go to class today? What did we talk about?” “How are my siblings back home?” “Who’s helping my mom?” It was scary and frustrating. But reaching out to my professors and communicating with them cleared my mind off a little.
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Story by:
Nicole Cier, writing arts graduate
20 Minute Radius: 10 Local Ice Cream Places
School is out and summer vacation is in! What sweet treat goes hand-in-hand with the summer time? Ice cream! Hanging out in the Glassboro area? Check out these ice cream shops that are within 20 miles from campus!
Whether you’re looking for a meal or just a sweet treat, Alaura’s is the place to stop in downtown Pitman. They change their menu weekly, so there’s tons of flavors to choose from, even dietary options! The Belgian fries are a must.
The best homemade ice cream in town! Dippy’s is great and has a variety of flavors to choose from! Their blueberry flavor is a jersey iconic. Blueberry will make your mouth water with delight and feel reminiscent of the South Jersey native fruit.
3. Scoopy’s Ice Cream and Water Ice, Sewell, NJ
Looking for your carnival favorites? Scoopy’s offers more than just your classic scoop. From Dole Whip to their arctic swirl to a classic sundae, you won’t be disappointed!
4. Cono’s Pizza and Ice Cream, Glassboro, NJ
Walking back from class? Grab a slice and scoop on your way back! Located behind Rowan Boulevard, this shop will have you visiting every day! And did we mention their pizzas come in cones?
5. Yogo Factory, Glassboro, NJ
Not completely feeling ice cream today? Stop by the Yogo Factory for some sweet frozen yogurt on Rowan Boulevard. Add your own toppings and pay with your Rowan Bucks! Yogo Factory is definitely a Prof’s favorite!
6. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Sewell, NJ
Bruster’s is the place to hang out with your friends where everyone can get what they want! Their ice cream pies are truly one of a kind and to die for!
7. Reggina Gelato and Espresso Bar, Mullica Hill, NJ
Reggina’s is the best place to stop for some Italian sweets. They have all your favorites, gelato, cannolis and more! Make sure you try their strawberry lemonade and mascarpone!
8. Stio’s Water Ice and Ice Cream, Washington Township, NJ
Who doesn’t love family owned businesses? You’ll feel a part of the family after the first bite! Skip the line and order online! You’ll need to take your time picking from their delicious hand dipped flavors!
9. Twin Kiss Drive In, Clayton, NJ
Looking for both salty and sweet? Stop by Twin Kiss to grab a pretzel and some ice cream! You’ll love their outdoor seating area!
10. Mueller’s Ice Cream and Fruit Freezz, Deptford Township, NJ
You’ll feel transported to the Jersey shore boardwalk the second you lay eyes on the menu. Order funnel cake, ice cream floats, and choose from 24 flavors of soft serve. They’re known for their Fruit Freezz drinks. They are formulated with fresh fruit juice and the pulp will definitely get stuck in your teeth in the best way possible.
Due to COVID-19, these shops are all currently available for take-out only. Got more suggestions? Share a picture of your favorite place using #IceCreamforRowan!
Story by:
Camryn Hadley, junior
Kailey Bertelsen, senior
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#PROFspective: Pre-Med Junior Andrea Owens on the Biological Sciences Major, Making Change in Healthcare
Today we feature Andrea Owens, a junior Biological Sciences major with a Chemistry minor and concentration in pre-medicine. Andrea is a transfer and a first-generation college student. She commuted from home before COVID-19 shut down campus. Andrea will share with us her #PROFspective on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof.
On campus Andrea is a member of the Minority Association of Pre-medical Students (MAPS), The Tau Sigma National Honor Society, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated (AKA). Off campus she works in retail at New York & Company. 
What inspired you to choose your major?
Since I was 5 years old, I always knew that I wanted to become a doctor. So, once I got to high school, I mastered biology and chemistry and decided to major and minor in them.
What would you share with a future student interested in your major?
My first advice to any transfer students who are majoring in Biology is to make friends who are within your major. The beginning of my first semester at Rowan, I did not have any friends in my major. I studied alone for everything, which caused a lot of stress. Once I made friends with people in my major, we formed many study groups and I found the biggest support system. The friends I have made are truly amazing, and I could not thank them enough.
How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field?
The importance of the healthcare field is that the conditions of life are always changing, and as long as there are health care providers who are specifically trained in medicine, there will always be help. An impact that I would love to have in my field is to make minorities feel heard and important. In the medical field, there are thousands of stories on how African Americans do not feel as though they are getting the proper treatment when they are being treated or examined by health care professionals. I am going to make that change.
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?
Dr. Kristen Barrett was my professor for Organic Chemistry I and II. She is a young African-American woman in her field, and she provided superb detail in everything she did while I took her courses. Her path of excellence inspires all her students, including me.
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Story by:
Melanie Sbaraglio, public relations and advertising graduate
Photos courtesy of:
Andrea Owens
#PROFspective: Sophomore Health Promotion & Wellness Management Major Hajah Carpenter
Today we feature sophomore Health Promotion & Wellness Management major Hajah Carpenter. She is a first-generation college student from Somerdale, NJ (Camden County). Before campus closed due to COVID-19, Hajah lived in the Rowan Boulevard Apartments.
How are you getting the most out of your college experience?
I’m getting the most out of my experience at Rowan by trying to participate, get involved and take walks on beautiful days. I really appreciate Rowan’s campus and how beautiful it is.
What are you learning socially and academically about yourself?
I am learning about how much I love to work and communicate with people! I love to help others, whether it’s with schoolwork or being someone to talk to!
How have you grown as a person since coming to Rowan?
Rowan has helped prepare me for the outside world and has made me very excited for my future! My ideas for the future have grown and I’m excited to continue in my education! My major has inspired me to hopefully open up my own gym one day!
What experiences have you enjoyed the most at Rowan?
I love all the events Rowan runs in the Student Center!
How do you get involved on campus?
I get involved by attending events on campus, and being a part of the Club Lacrosse team!
How have you made friends and continue to make friends?
I have many many friends at Rowan who I love dearly. I have met some friends from Willow Hall, where I lived my freshman year! I also like to keep in contact with people I have done group projects or been in classes with! I have made a good amount of my friends in study groups I join for my classes too.
How do you create that “away” at school experience while close to home?
My friends have become my family here at Rowan, so I feel at home here.
Why Rowan?
Rowan has always had a good reputation while I was growing up! My family is from Glassboro, and watching the ‘boro be built up to what it is now has been amazing!
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
#PROFspective: Javelin Thrower Daniel McAleavey
Meet Daniel McAleavey, a junior community and environmental major from Howell, NJ (Monmouth County) who lived in Rowan Boulevard Apartments this past school year. Daniel throws javelin for men’s track and field.
Take us to one typical day at Rowan for you: A typical Rowan day consists of me waking up in the morning to go to lift (as an athletic requirement), then class after, then afternoon javelin practice, and if I don’t have another class after practice I would go lift again. I usually do my homework at night.
Why did you choose your major: I choose environmental planning as a major because I liked civil engineering but it was too much material. I found out that planning was a very similar field and they often work with civil engineers, so I thought it’d be a good fit for me.
What is the most interesting thing you learned in one of your classes this year: The most interesting thing I learned in my class is about transportation planning in urban areas.
Tell us one moment that made Rowan feel like home for you: Rowan made me feel like it was the right fit for me is when i first visited the school and met all the nice people, especially my friends on the track team. It also helped that a lot of my friends from home went to Rowan too.
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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, senior advertising major
Beyond the Classroom: Future Teacher’s Clinical Practice Radically Changes Due to COVID-19
Today’s “Beyond the Classroom” features Tabitha Dougherty, a recent Rowan graduate. She majored in both elementary education and liberal studies to learn more about her “other passions of history and geography.” From Gloucester City, NJ (Camden County), Tabitha transferred from Camden County College after a career change to enter into the teaching profession. In her words, she shares how the pandemic altered her student teaching year — called a clinical practice — and how she plans to grow from the experience.
I began my journey in education about five years ago. I worked at a call center as a team leader that managed a group of about seven. I realized how much I enjoyed the teaching aspect of this position and made the decision to leave my career behind to further my education into teaching.
Each education class I took connected me with field work. The first few semesters were observations of various schools, where I saw how teachers of differing backgrounds worked within the schools and their classrooms.
Student teachers now participate in a year-long clinical practice. This entails two full days a week in semester one and five full days a week during semester two. In both semesters, it is the teacher candidate’s responsibility to fully immerse themselves in the classroom environment by getting to know the cooperating teacher, the students, the daily routine and what it is really like to be a teacher. If you begin this year long teaching practice in the fall, you get the added benefit of having the same students all year long.
This is the part of the program where you really begin to find out if this is your calling, and for me it is where I discovered that the passion I have to become a teacher is much deeper than I could have ever imagined. My passion is seeing all students succeed and finding different ways in which you can change things around to ensure that every single child gets the same opportunity.
Clinical practice is not easy, nor for the faint of heart, but it is the most rewarding thing I have ever been a part of, and it’s what solidified for me that I made the right career choice. It is my forever choice.
Sadly, my clinical practice was cut short due to the current pandemic. As of [mid-March], I have not been at the school I was assigned and have only been able to see the students through Zoom twice. I was able to create a video of myself reading a story using an interactive program on the Portal by Facebook called Story Time. My cooperating teacher shared this video with the students through their parents’ email.
The current situation really opened my eyes to the lack of technology that some school districts have. The school district I am in did not have a plan set in place for online learning and provided each student with a 10-day paper packet in the hopes it would only be a two-week shutdown.
We now know it has gone on longer than two weeks, and now some students, those with technology at home, are being directed to websites to complete activities that coincide with the standards of their grade level. Since not all students have access to a laptop, computer, or tablet, the district cannot require that all students participate in online learning. This is where the students are getting the short end of the stick and where teachers will be very busy, to put it mildly, next year.
I am hoping that students will come through this stronger than ever and ready to learn, but more importantly, I am hopeful that school districts are looking into a curriculum that is heavier in the use of technology and providing that technology to each student for online learning in the event something like this happens again.
What I take away from this is, I will be making sure that all of my lessons will be available for students online not only in the event of an emergency, but for them to review at home when needed. Not only is the use of technology important for situations such as our current pandemic, but it is the way of the future and plays to multiple levels of intelligence depending on the programs used.
I have never been more motivated to be a teacher and look forward to working in a new era of learning.
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Tabitha Dougherty, Pexels, Unsplash
#PROFspective: Biological Sciences Major Olivia Smithson
Meet Olivia Smithson, a senior biological science major from Washington Township, NJ (Gloucester County) who is minoring in German, neuroscience and psychology.
How have you gotten involved on campus?
I work as an Assistant Resident Director (ARD) in Chestnut Hall on campus, and have been involved as an undergraduate research assistant since my freshman year. I also participated in ultimate frisbee, the pre-allied health club, and GetFIT.
Describe your typical day on campus at Rowan.
My typical day at Rowan would start at 6:30 AM when I would wake up, eat a banana with peanut butter, and head to the gym by 7:00 AM. I would typically come back around 8:30 AM to shower and work on homework before class. I always have to eat before class too because I get extremely hungry super quickly! After my afternoon classes, I have office hours for my ARD position followed by dinner with friends, and then one night class. After I get back, I typically try to work on homework or fit in some volunteering as a Crisis Counselor for the Crisis Text Line. Before bed, I would give myself 30 minutes to relax and do my skin care routine and watch some funny YouTube videos (lately I’ve been into the TryGuys). I usually fall asleep around 12:00 AM, depending on how much homework I have.
What inspired you to choose your major?
I chose to major in Biological Science because my eyes are different colors, and I’ve been intrigued by genetics since I was a kid because of that. I feel that genetics is one of the most unexplored areas of science, and I knew I wanted to contribute to that field as an adult. Seeing that my older brother switched majors in college though, I wanted to keep an open mind instead of jumping into a purely pre-med concentration. I really enjoyed doing research on honey bees as an undergrad, but I definitely prefer more human-focused interactions every day! After shadowing this past summer at a few hospitals, my new goal is to attend medical school and specialize in pediatric genetics.
Describe for us one of your favorite things you’ve learned in your major.
One of the most interesting things I learned this year was in my Data Science for Biologists class, and it was that so many researchers and advertising companies filter or alter their data to convey the message they choose. We’re used to seeing scammers employ these techniques, but huge companies like Apple have even been guilty of manipulative data visualization. The thing I love the most about this class is that we can apply data analysis techniques to any industry, not just biology.
Describe for us a moment when you felt that Rowan was a good fit for you.
One moment where I felt Rowan was a good fit for me was when I sat on Bunce Green to do homework for the first time in the spring of my freshman year. I always wanted to go to school somewhere beautiful, and I didn’t always think that Rowan could fit that description. I grew up nearby, and got to witness a lot of Rowan’s expansion, so I never officially toured the campus. But when I sat on Bunce Green and started getting some assignments done that day, I looked up and realized how gorgeous Rowan really is. I felt at peace, and I knew I was going to be okay for the rest of my time here. Now I routinely go to Bunce when the weather is nice, and I get to experience that feeling all over again every time I go.
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Story by: Olivia Smithson, senior biological sciences major
#PROFspective: Computing & Informatics Major Robert Brown
Today’s #PROFspective features Robert Brown, a junior computing and informatics major from Bridgeton, NJ (Cumberland County), who lived in the Triad apartments until COVID-19 shut down the campus. He’s looking forward to being a resident assistant in Magnolia Hall when returning in the fall.
Why did you choose a university close to home? I actually commuted my first two years, which was best when it came down to cost. But now being on campus, I have the opportunity and flexibility to go home on weekends.
How do you get that “away” feeling while still being close to home? My involvement on campus has me more involved and focused on what’s going on here, so being close to home isn’t a factor when I’m busy. I make sure I’m out and exploring and discovering new things on campus when I’m here.
Where’s your favorite place to eat on campus? It’s hard to choose because everything in the Student Center is great but Freshens is always a go-to.
What advice do you have for incoming freshmen or transfers? Talk to your resident assistant (RA), even if it seems intimidating. It’s their job to let you know what’s going on and how you can get involved on campus.I’d also encourage them to check out all of the Rowan After Hours events. I didn’t take advantage of them until sophomore year and wish I went from the beginning. The midnight hot bar is worth the trip. For transfers, I would suggest to reconnect with people you know already know to get a better understanding of the ins and outs of campus.
What’s the best decision you’ve made since you got to college? I don’t think I have just one. There hasn’t been just one decision that I thought was “it.” That changed everything. So many decisions have equal value that made me who I am and brought me to where I am now. They’re all important, even if it doesn’t seem that way.
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#PROFspective: Junior Physics Major Reinaldo Vázquez Jr.
Today we feature Reinaldo Vázquez Jr., a junior Physics major and Mathematics minor from Paulsboro, NJ (Gloucester County) who has an off-campus rental.
What clubs are you a part of on campus? I am the Vice President/Treasurer of Queer People of Color (QPOC).
Tell us about one club, organization, or group of friends that make you feel like Rowan is home. Queer People of Color, or QPOC, is a multicultural and LGBTQ+ support group on campus. I spent the last two semesters as Treasurer and Vice President with the goal of making QPOC a diverse community free of ignorance and judgment. I know every meeting that all of our members are going to feel safe expressing themselves and speaking what’s on their minds.
Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you? When I came to Rowan almost two years ago, I was with a different major. I worked in the department, but it wasn’t a good fit for me. I felt disconnected and isolated, and I carried that feeling with me for my entire first semester anytime I entered the building. It wasn’t until I met my best friend, partner, and the President-to-be of QPOC, Jahnaya, at the start of the spring semester that I started to feel welcome at Rowan. Naya helped create an environment where I could feel comfortable, and proud, of who I am and does the same for everyone she meets.
What’s your favorite thing about your typical Monday at Rowan? QPOC meetings were always the best way to unwind at the end of a long day. Since the meetings were on my “off day,” I would do homework all day and then spend a couple of hours catching up with everyone else.
What is one thing about Rowan that was a happy surprise for you? As a native of South Jersey, I had the opportunity to see Rowan University as it grew over the years. I can remember when the Nexus Apartments were home to Glassboro residents and Holly Pointe Commons and Rowan Boulevard were still just expansion plans for a small-town college. I came to Rowan primarily out of convenience but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is still growing every year, both in students and new projects like the one happening right now on 322. And despite this rapid growth, Rowan has managed to keep students closely engaged with campus life.
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. My Physics professor Dr. Carol Guess is hands-down my favorite professor thus far. Whenever I needed help, whether it was for her class or just guidance during a difficult time, her office door was open. When I wanted to change my major from Engineering, it was thanks to her help in class that I knew Physics would be a better fit for me, and it was thanks to her guidance outside of class that I was able to make the change.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major
#PROFspective: Senior Environmental and Sustainability Studies Major Taylor Melillo
Today we speak with Taylor Melillo, a senior Environmental and Sustainability Studies major within the School of Earth and Enviroment. She also has three minors in Geographical Information Science, Sustainable Built Environments, and Community & Environmental Planning at Rowan. Taylor is from Brick, NJ (Ocean County) and has lived on campus all four years. Taylor will be the first person in her immediate family to go to college and get a bachelor’s degree. Taylor will share with us her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof.
How have you gotten involved at Rowan? I played club volleyball my 
freshman and sophomore year, and became a member of the RowanGeo Club. After playing volleyball I also became an active member of Unified Sports. I then joined Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed national service fraternity, my sophomore year. I even held an e-board position within this organization!
What inspired you to choose your major? I chose to be an Environmental and Sustainability Studies major due to the hardships and damage I witnessed my hometown endure during Hurricane Sandy. I was a freshman in high school when Hurricane Sandy struck us. It was life-changing and devastating to see my whole area become destroyed. It was when I saw the cleanup and restoration process that I started focusing on learning about the environment and how I can help out in anyway possible.
What would you share with a future student interested in your major? To a future student interested in Environmental and Sustainability Studies: All I can say is, you’re in good hands. You will learn a new way of thinking and be able to speak your mind and opinions about topics you care about. The professors within the department are extremely helpful, accommodating and knowledgeable. You will get to know each and every one of them pretty well! They will most definitely push you to learn new material, as well as focus on your future endeavors.
How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field? With my degree I want to be able to say I am I helping the world in a positive way, while doing what I love. I just want to feel as though I am giving back to the planet. I want to help clean up the damage humans have already done while also helping to prevent further damage. I am also a big beach girl!!
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. With the department being rather small, you will get to know almost every professor within four years. One professor that has helped me endlessly was Professor Federman. Whether it was on a club hike, a lecture in one of the three classes I had with him, or just venting about my future, he was always ready to help in any way possible. I struggled a bit with what I wanted to do with my life and what career path I wanted to take, being that I’m very indecisive, just as everyone is at this time in their lives. I had moments of wanting to be a pharmacist, a dentist, or even an FBI agent. But, confiding with him throughout my four years made me realize that I needed to do what made me happy and that was something within the environmental field. Overall you will have the support and guidance you need at Rowan and I am proud to end these last four years strong and as a Prof!
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major
Beyond the Classroom: On Campus Writing Arts Internship
Why did you choose Rowan University? I started considering four-year colleges when I was in high school. Rowan had always been on my radar since it is close enough to me that I can commute and is also affordable. However, it became my number one option when I switched my major from Biology to Writing my […]
#PROFspective: Leadership & Social Innovation Major Sarah Niles
Today we feature Sarah Niles, a Leadership & Social Innovation major wrapping up her junior year. Sarah rents off campus, and calls Haddonfield, NJ (Camden County) home.
On Campus Employment: Peer Referral and Orientation Staff (PROS), Admissions Ambassadors, and Information Desk at the Student Center
Academic or Social Clubs: SUP (Student University Programmers) Secretary and incoming Director of Live Events, member of Alpha Phi Omega co-ed service fraternity, and member of the Student Alumni Association (SAA)
Describe for us your typical day as a Rowan student.
On my busiest day, I am juggling 2-3 in person classes and two online classes, a shift or two at the Student Center Information Desk, office hours for SUP, might be giving a tour for Admissions, probably do some volunteering with my fraternity. Depending on the day I probably will need to go to a bunch of meetings, taking time for homework and other work that needs my immediate attention, and try to find time to eat through all of this!
What is one of your favorite memories from your Rowan experience so far?
The fall of my freshman year I joined the Student Center and Campus Activities Homecoming team and thought it might be something fun to do because I was already so involved with that office. My favorite part of that week had to have been the Lip Sync Competition (which I coincidentally get to program and oversee next year!). Our dance was so fun, I met a ton of new people, and we ended up winning first place! Any time I’m asked what my favorite Rowan memory is or when I knew Rowan was for me, I think back to that event.
How did you manage the transition to Rowan as a freshman in college?
My transition to Rowan was fairly easy. I went on the Freshman Connection Adventure Trip with the Student Center & Campus Activities (which, unfortunately, no longer runs) the week before classes started. It was a great way for me to meet people before the semester even started and the leader of the trip ended up being one of my best mentors and helped my transition be a little bit better. I am a pretty independent person though, so I didn’t have much trouble living by myself or taking on more adult tasks. Whenever I got a little bit homesick, my family would come down to see me and it made me feel better!
What would you tell your high school self about college? Any advice for incoming freshmen?
I would tell my high school self not to be scared or worried about transitioning to college. Yes, it’s a big change, but it’s also a really fun change and you might end up doing things that you love that you never thought you would be doing or would have never done if you didn’t go to college.
Beyond The Classroom: an “Enchanted” PR and Marketing Internship
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.
I had absolutely no idea where or what I wanted to do for an internship. Luckily, I found Enchanted Celebrations. This company is a photo and video wedding service located in West Creek, NJ. My main focus when applying to this internship was that I noticed I would be doing a lot of public relations and marketing work — perfect for me! I am a Communication Studies major with an Advertising minor. 
I went full throttle into this internship, I was able to provide my team with innovative ideas and complete all of the tasks that I was given. One thing I take out of this internship is that I became super successful in multi-tasking, stepping out of my comfort zone, and handling each task I was given with a positive attitude. Not only was the work I was given super fun and exciting, but my team members were absolutely incredible! I didn’t go one day not having a great time in the office.
All semester, I completed various projects relating to event planning and marketing within the wedding industry. For marketing, I contribute to daily blog posts that were shared with numerous clients and marketed across various social media platforms and wedding publications. I became proficient in using their system called CRM, SEO, and various forms of social media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Hootsuite, etc. In addition to this, I also got to assist the events team in coordinating event logistics and prepping for weekend staff and weddings! 
Below are some of the amazing works of photography I have worked with. Enchanted Celebrations has a numerous amount of extremely talented photographers and videographers.
I found this internship through Indeed.com! Indeed is a website agency for job positions. I recommend creating an account if you are looking for your next position somewhere! I was at a standpoint at one moment in time and was clueless where to even start searching. I simply filtered out internship positions near my area and selected public relations and communication fields. Next thing I knew, I had an interview!
I got to show my skill set and gained a whole new one. I was able to be creative and show my passion for public relations and marketing all while learning and being in a wonderful environment.
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Story by:
Devon Graf, senior communication studies major
Header photo courtesy of:
Unsplash
#PROFspective: Honors Bio Major Drusilla Appiah-kubi Sets Her Sights on Med School
Today we feature Drusilla Appiah-kubi, a Biological Science major, Psychology minor and Honors concentration student wrapping up her junior year. Drusilla is a first-generation college student from Old Bridge, NJ (Middlesex County) who lived in the Townhouses.
Academic or social clubs you are a part of: I’m the Vice President of the Rowan African Student Association
What inspired you to choose your major?
When I was little I would babysit my little cousins all the time, and I would play with them all the time until it was nap time. Even though taking care of babies is a pain :), I would always love putting a smile on their faces. I also loved it when I was younger my pediatrician would come to work so lively and energetically. At the end of the appointment, I would always receive a sticker and a lollipop, which always put a smile on my face. This showed me that they truly loved what they do and gave me a huge interest in that field.
What would you share with a future student interested in your major?
Being a Biological Sciences major isn’t easy, especially if your main focus is to go to medical school. One thing I’ve noticed is that if you like chemistry you’re not going to like organic chemistry so much. Every major consists of putting time into studying, but if you plan on majoring in science and going to medical school, you should put a lot of time into studying, be organized, and have friend groups where you guys can all study together.
How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field?
Being a pediatrician plays an important role in today’s world by taking care of children, making sure they’re well treated and healthy, and that their growth and development are where they should be in age. The kind of impact I’ll like to have on the world in my field is having my own office where kids will come and have fun.
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.
I felt like I was working with a visionary in my field when I attended [one of my professor’s] office hours. I felt like I was able to talk to her and build a great relationship. Exchanging conversations back and forth made me realize that she truly cares for students and is willing to help her students succeed. Over the semester, I told her that I was planning on furthering my education by going to medical school and becoming a pediatrician.
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Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
Photos courtesy of:
Drusilla Appiah-kubi
Junior Communication Studies Major: How I’m Gaining Lifelong Skills at Rowan
Today we feature junior Communication Studies major and Journalism minor Christian A. Browne, who commutes to Rowan from Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County) and is originally from Philadelphia. Christian transferred to Rowan from Camden County College. Going to Rowan has been one of the best experiences of my life. Through the university newspaper The Whit, Rowan […]
Senior #PROFspective: Health & Exercise Science Major
A transfer from Salem Community College, senior Harrison Goblentz will graduate with a degree in health and exercise science. His first year at Rowan, Harrison rented an off-campus apartment; his second year he rented an off-campus house with four friends.
Reflecting on his college experience, Harrison wishes that he would have devoted more time to clubs such as intramural basketball, volunteer club, and fitness club. New transfers, learn from his experience!
A typical Rowan day for Harrison included gym, school, hanging out with friends, and hanging out with his girlfriend. Harrison took six courses this last semester so his schedule was very busy. Harrison would normally take his classes in the morning, eat some lunch, do some homework, and then hit the gym at night. Harrison also worked at his Uncle’s meat business, called Niblock’s, in Salem on the weekends.
Being a health and exercise science major requires a lot of time and attention, he says. Harrison has future goals of being a nurse or a police officer. While he enjoys the fitness lifestyle and training, he also has that in mind for a career in the future.
One of the most interesting things Harrison has learned this year in one of his classes is that he got to learn how to calculate body fat percentage. This was learned in his exercise physiology class.
Harrison realized Rowan was the right fit for him when he met his friends. Harrison has such a close bond with his guys and it made his college experience so much better. He also realized when he started at this university after transferring that the academic curriculum was more up his ally. Harrison stated Rowan University has changed his college experience for the best.
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Story and photography by:
Devon Graf, Senior Communication Studies Major
Photos by: IG @Harrisoncoblentz
Senior #PROFspective: Serving Others & Finding Self
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.
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.
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
#PROFspective: Degree in 3 Grad Now Earning 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.
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.
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.
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
#PROFspective: Junior Reflects on Leaving Campus, Hopes to be “Back in Glassboro Soon”
Today, we feature Alexander Weisberger, a junior Biochemistry major from Fair Lawn, NJ (Bergen County). We were able to speak to Alexander just before he was getting ready to leave campus because of social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Next year he will live off campus, after living on campus in the Townhouses this year.
How do you feel about leaving Rowan in the middle of the year?
“I am definitely disappointed that we all had to leave Rowan in the middle of the year. I had a lot of personal and academic plans that ended up being cancelled due to the pandemic. What gives me some comfort though is knowing that we’re all in the same boat and that we’ll hopefully be back in Glassboro soon.”
What’s inside that box?
“The box I was carrying had supplies for the Pre-Health Society’s station at the Haunted Student Center event. Every year, the Pre-Health Society participates in a big Halloween event in the student center called “The Haunted Student Center,” where all of the clubs either decorate a stand or a room and hand out candy to some of the children in Glassboro in a safe and fun environment. It’s a fun event for the kids, and our club is happy to participate in it.”
What clubs are you a part of?
“This year I was part of the Rowan Pre-Health Society, Ambassadors, RUSSS (Rowan Student Scholar Symposium) and the Honors Problem Based Learning group.”
What fun things are you missing on campus right now?
“I’d say the biggest thing I am missing on campus is the Pre-Health Society Cooper Rowan Clinic Gala. The Gala is a charity event that we host yearly to benefit the Cooper Rowan Clinic that’s run by medical students at CMSRU. It’s a free clinic that gives medical treatment to the underserved population in Camden, and we host the event to raise money to assist them in buying supplies. Our second annual Gala was supposed to take place in early April, but we had to cancel it. My fellow executive board members and I had been working on setting the event up since mid-last year, so it was unfortunate that it ended this way.”
Any advice or words of encouragement to those missing school right now?
“I’d say that it’s important to recognize that we’re all in the same boat right now and the best thing to do is work on improving yourself with all of the free time we have. We’re not going to be stuck in quarantine forever, so it would be really cool to come out of quarantine in good physical health, with a few new hobbies, or even some new knowledge.”
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, junior music industry major
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
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
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
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