TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Globe Trotter Molly Worek

Molly about to jump out of an airplane.

Today’s TRANSFERmation Tuesday features Molly Worek, a transfer from Bloomsburg University and Rowan College of Gloucester County (RCGC). Molly is a CADP English accelerated to master’s in teaching major. She holds a CUGS (certificate of undergraduate studies) in Japanese, a minor in international studies and is also pursuing Teaching English as a Foreign/Second Language certificate through another entity. She earned an associate degree in English from RCGC. Wrapping up her junior year, Molly lives at home in Mullica Hill, NJ (Gloucester County) and commutes to Rowan. 

Molly about to jump out of an airplane.
Yes, I’ve “jumped out of perfectly good airplanes.”

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

One moment, among many, that made me feel inspired and confident that I was in the right field for me was when I realized that on more than one occasion I actually taught my professors something new. I realized that if I could teach my professor, I could teach anybody. It was a huge confidence boost. Inspiration drove my determination to teach someone, anyone, something new every day. If I could teach someone every day, intentionally or not, then I am a teacher not just in the classroom, but anywhere I go.  

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

The most interesting thing I have learned in my major this year is in Dr. Cindy Vitto’s course, Chaucer. There is not one thing I can specifically choose to be most interesting, as this course and its professor are simply amazing. (And yes, I have taken Dr. Vitto before, and will do so every chance I get!)

Why did you choose Rowan?

I chose Rowan because it was only 10 minutes from home, has an excellent teaching program, offers Japanese, and has an equestrian team. Rowan was also an affordable option for me. I hope to graduate without any debt to enable me to move directly into my career overseas. My choice to transfer to Rowan has also enabled me to be inducted into several national and international honor societies related to my new major including the Golden Key Society, Pi Lambda Theta, Sigma Iota Rho, and Tau Sigma.

Molly dressed in traditional Japanese clothing.
2018 Gotemba-shizuoka, Japan -I lived there for 3 months learning culture, language, teaching horseback riding, working and riding with Okamoto Riding Club, and acting as an ambassador for my county and school.

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

Next year at Rowan, I am most looking forward to my field hours teaching in schools: interacting with students, making lesson plans, learning from other teachers, and making a difference in the lives of those I influence. I am also looking forward to the possibility of studying abroad in Japan or Europe. My current goal is to teach English as a foreign or second language in Japan at the high school level! I plan to move to Japan in 2022 after graduation, and once there, I will consider obtaining my doctorate and teach at the university level.

Molly sitting on a horse.I also look forward to the fall season of the Equestrian Team as our spring season was cut short. Traveling to other universities and gaining points towards zones, regionals, and then nationals is incredibly exciting, and hard work! The hours we put in on top of our studies to fine tune our riding and participate in team activities is well worth it. Outside of Rowan, I look forward to representing my school, state, and nonprofit platform as Miss USA Petite New Jersey!

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#PROFspective: Honors Bio Major Drusilla Appiah-kubi Sets Her Sights on Med School

Exterior shot of Science Hall

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.

Biological Science major Drusilla smiles in a ballroom wearing a colorful dress.

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.

Biological Science major Drusilla stands on a marble staircase wearing a colorful dress.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.

A self-portrait of Biological Science major Drusilla.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

Christian walks with a group of students down Rowan Boulevard

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 Reflects: Psychology Major Nicole Byrne Shares Her Favorite Rowan Moments

Basketball court inside Esby Gym

Today we feature senior Nicole Byrne, a psychology major and neuroscience minor from Brick, New Jersey (Ocean County) who used to walk to campus everyday from her home she called “Lil Bed.” She originally transferred from Stockton University.

Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? My favorite experience with a faculty member during my time at Rowan was being Dr. Martinez’s learning assistant (LA) for an entire semester. I had her as a professor and I loved how she taught. When I became her LA, our relationship expanded to something more. She was there for me through graduate school applications and through bumps in the road. I learned so much from her and I am beyond grateful for the relationship we established. She was a mentor that listened to me whenever I needed it. I loved hearing her hilarious stories about her kids and she loved my crazy stories about my family. It was an amazing experience to be able to open up to my professor.

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? I was able to volunteer and be a ref at the Unified Sports this last semester. I had a blast. Being able to hangout and ref my favorite sport was one of the most memorable moments that I was able to receive while my time here at Rowan. The Green Team thought I was hilarious with the random and weird moves I would do with the basketball during time outs. It was the purest and the most fun I have had in a long time! 

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? I was fortunate enough to be a student researcher at Rowan University’s Schizophrenia-Spectrum research lab. My fellow classmates, graduate students and Dr. Dinzeo taught me so much and helped me realize that I have a passion for research. I wouldn’t have gotten the necessary tools to get into my dream graduate program if it wasn’t for that lab and the members in it. They will always have a special place in my heart!

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? I want to give a HUGE shout out to my little sister Brittany who is still at Rowan University and my other sister Chelsea who has inspired me every single day. I want to thank my friends, teammates, my “B-Town” longtime friends and Jeremy Brown. Without the love and support they all give me each and every day, I wouldn’t be where I am today!  

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Senior Reflects: Health and Exercise Science Major Ciani Eugene on Her Way to “Dream Career”

Exterior shot of Robinson Hall

Today we feature Ciani Eugene, a Health and Exercise Science major and Psychology minor from Mount Holly, New Jersey (Burlington County) who transferred from the University of Maryland. After the transfer, she commuted to Rowan University.

Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes. My favorite experience in one of my classes was when I realized there are other students just like me! I had just started the fall semester and I was pregnant. I was nervous people would not want to be friends with the “pregnant girl.” That was not the case at all! Everyone was so excited for me to have my son and always looked out for me. Interestingly enough, another student walked into the class, sat next me, and she was pregnant too! We were due five days apart and she ended up becoming one of my closest friends at Rowan! Love you Autumn and Halo!

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? My most meaningful personal moment at Rowan was being chosen to speak at commencement. Even though I won’t be able to give my speech in person, Rowan made sure my speech was heard anyway. They featured my speech on the CSM [College of Science and Mathematics] and SPH [School of Health Professions] students’ awards and recognition page. It is such a nice feeling when others recognize the hard work and dedication you put into obtaining your degree.

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? My career aspirations are to become an occupational therapist. Before I transferred to Rowan, I didn’t know anything about occupational therapy. I thought I wanted to become a physical therapist. After taking the course “Foundations of Human Performance in Clinical Settings,” I learned about occupational therapy and realized it was my dream career. I even completed a 400-hour internship shadowing a phenomenal occupational therapist, who taught me so much.

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? 
  • My mom and my Oma for always being my guardian angels, I love and miss you both more than words can describe. 
  • My dad, for making sure I followed through with my promise to my mom and my Oma. 
  • My boyfriend Isaiah for always pushing me to be the best mother to our son as well as best student possible. I can’t wait to spend forever with you. 
  • My son Izeem for keeping me on my toes no matter what and always giving mommy your lovely hugs and kisses.
  • My aunt Tayana and my best friend Kellie, for always reminding me that I can do this, even if I was upset and doubting myself. 
  • My Rowan family! Brianna, Candy, Nicole, Anthony, Lizzy, Brennan, and Gianna! You all made transferring to Rowan one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. WE DID IT, WE ARE GRADUATING! 
  • Also a big shout out to Dr. Biren, Dr. Evrenoglou, and Professor Gibb for always being there for me and all of your students. You all are amazing role models! I will miss you all dearly!

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Senior Reflects: History Major Catherine Dunn

Exterior photo of the top of Bunce Hall.

Today we feature senior Catherine Dunn, a History major from Audubon, NJ (Camden County). Catherine transferred to Rowan from RCGC.

History major Catherine Dunn with her family.Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? My favorite moment with a faculty member was over the summer in my Historical Methods course with Professor Aksel. 

What was your favorite moment at Rowan? I really enjoyed being able to broaden my education. 

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? My career aspirations are becoming a history teacher at the high school level. Rowan helped me get to this point by making sure I finished on time!

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? I would like to thank my family and friends for being by my side when times got tough. College isn’t easy, and believe me there were many times I wanted to just stop, but without them I wouldn’t be here today. 

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Senior Reflects: First-Generation Law & Justice Major Ashley Bermudez-Villacis

Ashley in her cap & gown near the Engineering Pond.

Today we feature first-generation senior Ashley Bermudez-Villacis, a Law & Justice major from Lyndhurst, NJ (Bergen County). Before leaving campus due to COVID-19, Ashley lived in the 220 Rowan Blvd Apartments

Could you tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? My favorite moment with a faculty member was this past February with Penny McPherson Myers and Amy Ruymann and the rest of the Flying First committee, preparing for the Annual First Generation Symposium. I had the opportunity to meet everyone, and they helped me practice for my welcome speech that I had the chance to give this year. 

Ashley and her parents a the First-Generation Symposium.

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? Besides all the amazing moments and great friends I made these last four years, my most meaningful personal moment at Rowan was being a part of the club swim team. I had so much fun being a part of a great team that loved to get competitive but also have fun. Swimming was a sport I’ve done since I was very little, and I’m happy I was able to continue it in college.

Ashley with Rowan's club swimming team.

What are your career aspirations, and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? I plan on working at a prosecutor’s office to eventually become a detective in the SVU unit. My advisor Rachel Budmen was a huge help in guiding me into the right direction. I’m the type of person who has many questions and I was able to get the answers thanks to Rachel. 

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? Most importantly I would like to thank my parents and family for always supporting me throughout my college career. As a first-generation student I faced many battles, but I was able to overcome them thanks to my loved ones. I would like to thank my advisor once again for always helping me and make me understand that sometimes plans can change and that’s okay. Lastly I would like to thank my friends I’ve made throughout the years. I had the opportunity to create so many memories that I will forever be grateful for, along with lessons that will help me be a better person in the future.

Graduation photo of Ashley.

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Senior Reflects: Early Childhood Education Major Already Making a Difference

Stock image of close up of adult hands guiding child's hands drawing.

Meet Candice Gavin, a first-generation college student, transfer student, commuter and Early Childhood Education and Literacy Studies major from Mount Ephraim, NJ (Camden County). She reflects on her time at Rowan and tells us some of her favorite experiences and where she’s headed to next!

Tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes:

I would have to say that my favorite experience was tutoring in the Reading Clinic during School Reading Problems and Supervised Clinical for Reading. I would tutor students in reading and writing who were struggling. It was rewarding to see such progress from the students. They would come in struggling and by the time the semester was over they had made great strides. I wasn’t expecting my student to master every topic because it was a short time spent with each other. Knowing that I made a little difference was a great feeling! It was fun to come up with engaging lessons and activities to use. It was just a great way to practice what I have learned and a great feeling to help students.”Candice Gavin stands with hands on her hips, on a sunny day.

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

I have had many moments that had a significant meaning to me during my time at Rowan. One of my favorites was when I participated with the Early Childhood Club for the Haunted Student Center. This was where I really connected with a lot of club members and had a lot of fun! We transformed a classroom into a circus theme and children would walk through and have a chance to do different activities. It was nice to have an opportunity to do something for children and have a lot of fun with club members while doing it.”

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

I hope to be a kindergarten or first grade teacher. Rowan has given me many opportunities to go out into the field and interact with students and teachers. It was a great way to network and learn hands on. In teaching we can read and study, but you really get the full experience when you are in the classroom actually teaching and working with students.”

Shout outs:

“I want to give a shout out to my mom, dad, and sister who have been there since day one. It has been a long ride, but they stuck by my side giving me support and encouragement when I needed it the most! I also want to give a shout out to Brandi White (the former Praxis Lab Coordinator) for helping me during this journey. She was always there as a mentor and friend! My group of friends all deserve a shout out too. They have experienced all the highs and lows of this journey with me too, so thanks for all your help! Lastly, my professors and advisor deserve recognition. They always wanted what was best for me and guided me in the right direction to get to this opportunity. I wouldn’t have made it this far without having the best support system, thank you all!”

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Senior Reflects: Transfer Political Science Major Finds Her Fit

Stock image of Scrabble tiles spelling law.

Meet Morgan Golightly, a first-generation college student, transfer student and commuter from Belmar, NJ (Monmouth County) who just finished her time at Rowan with a Political Science degree. She reflects on her time at Rowan and tells us some of her favorite experiences and where she’s headed to next!

Morgan stands in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Do you have any favorite moments
with faculty or a favorite classroom experience?

“My favorite moments at Rowan were in Dr. Knight-Finley’s classroom during the midterm elections. We learned in depth about the state elections and created online quizzes to help voters find ideal candidates to vote for. This class sparked the moment when I knew that Political Science was the right major for me.”

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Portrait of Morgan Golightly.Rowan?

My favorite moment at Rowan was at transfer orientation when I made an abundance of new friendships with those of similar majors and goals as myself.” 

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

With the encouraging words from many professors, I took my LSATS my junior year and am planning on attending law school in the fall of 2021. I hope to be a copyright lawyer while participating in local and state government.”

Shout outs:

“I want to thank Harold Thompson, my advisor who helped stay on track. I want to thank the professors that worked with me during some of the hardest times of my life. I want to thank the Gunderson family for their continuous support, love and guidance. I don’t know where I would have ended up without the Gunderson family supporting me through every hardship and struggle. Thank you to my aunt Christine and the select family members that offered their support. Lastly, thank you Tyler Terrribile for your continuous encouragement and praise.”

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Senior Reflects: Health Promotion and Wellness Management Major Eric Chen

Health promotion and wellness management major Eric Chen posing on the Rowan Proud yellow chair.

Meet Eric Chen, a first-generation graduating senior from Cape May, Health promotion and wellness management major Eric Chen posing in front of Bunce Hall.NJ (Cape May County) who majored in Health Promotion and Wellness Management

Favorite Class: My favorite class experience was my Public Speaking class with Mr. Paul Viggiano, he always made class interesting and he made that class very comfortable. The best moments were when he would split the class into different teams and we would have little competitions.

Experience with Alpha Chi Rho- Iota Chi Phi Chapter: Over the past couple years, I have been fundraiser, bursar, and postulant educator. My proudest experience was being able to do “Alpha Chi Rhoses,” a yearly fundraiser in which people around the Rowan community can purchase flowers and send notes to each other. The proceeds have gone to the American Cancer Society and to our local chapter of Camp Kesem.

Career Aspirations: My career goal is to become a nurse and to work in cardiac rehab.

Shout outs: Thank you to my brothers in Alpha Chi Rho and to thank you to the professional staff and student staff at Rowan Rec Center. Thank you for believing in me!!!!

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Senior Reflects: Changing Majors to Find Passion

Stock image of black ink cursive on tepia colored paper.

A close-up photo of Genna posing and smiling in front of a busy street in New York City.

Meet Genna Gaskill, a first-generation college student and Elementary Education and Liberal Studies Dual Major with sequences in Writing Arts and English. She is from Egg Harbor Township, NJ (Atlantic County). In her time at Rowan she spent half of her time living on campus and the other half in a house off-campus. She reflects on her time at Rowan and tells us some of her favorite experiences and where she’s headed to next!

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

I had some trouble when I first came to Rowan figuring out what I wanted to be. I started off as a Civil Engineering major, then I went into Music Education, and eventually Elementary Education and Liberal Studies. It took me a while, but through taking all of these different classes, I was able to realize my passion for education. I want to be an elementary school teacher and, one day, an administrator in a public school district.

The first professor who helped me realize this passion of mine was Dr. Adrian Barnes in my Music Education classes. He showed me a passion for education that I learned from and took with me in my future education classes and I will forever be grateful for his teachings. My other professors in my Education classes, such as Nancy Pagliughi, Arlene Stampa, and Gary Dentino, are who took that passion I had for teaching and shaped me into a real teacher. I will always remember their teachings when I have a classroom of my own. I would be remiss if I did not also mention my Writing Arts and English professors who helped me realize my talent for writing and showed me how to use that to make me into a better teacher. My professors Keri Mikulski, Dr. Jennifer Courtney, Amanda Haruch, and Dr. Yvonne Hammond, all saw my potential and shaped me into the writer and educator I am today. I have had so many amazing professors at Rowan that have given me knowledge and skills that I will be forever grateful for!”

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

My most meaningful moments at Rowan were when I was President of my sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha. I met so many of my greatest friends there and almost every one of my good memories comes from them. Going to Greek Week, volunteering at the Special Olympics, and recruitment are just a few things that I will always remember and treasure from my time with ASA. My roommates, Rachael, Sara, and Nicole, were with me through three years of being at Rowan and they were the reason I called Rowan my home. Looking back at my time in college in the future, I know I will fondly remember the times I spent with them the most.”

Genna Gaskill hikes in the red mountain region - here she is sitting on a rock with mountains behind her.

Tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes: 

One memory I have of my experience in the College of Education that I think I will always remember was being in Professor Gary Dentino’s class. Almost every single day, he would email us a whole letter telling us how proud he was of us and how we will change the world. He took the time out of his day to handwrite personal letters to us as a class almost daily. Even when my classes were getting tough and I felt like I was falling behind, I would read his daily email and feel like I truly had someone in my corner. His dedication to forming a positive and uplifting relationship with his students is something I hope to carry with me when I become a teacher someday.”

Shout outs:

“I’d like to give a special shoutout to my best friends in the entire world: Sara Riegel, Nicole Traeger, and Rachael Kolmins. Thank you for always being there for me through it all. Another special shoutout to all of my ladies at Alpha Sigma Alpha, especially my big Rosie Nanfara and my little Emily Fishman. Keep on joyously living each day to its ultimate good! Shoutouts to other amazing people I met at Rowan like Hersh and Fraidy Loschak from Chabad at Rowan, Celeste DelRusso and Donna Mehalchick-Opal from the Rowan Writing Center, and all of my fellow Edgewood RAs. Thank you for making a difference in my life! One more shoutout goes to my boyfriend, Mark Kozak, for being my rock throughout my years at Rowan. My biggest thanks will go to my parents, who are the reason that I am where I am. Thank you Mom and Dad for everything, I love you!”

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Senior #PROFspective: Serving Others & Finding Self

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Justin in the city.

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

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Story by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Senior Reflects: Chemistry Major Mia Meola

Photo of Science Hall.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chemistry major Mia and her friends.

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

Exterior photo of James Hall on Glassboro campus.

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

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

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

Portrait of English major Molly Worek in a kimono.

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

Molly riding a horse.

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

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

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Senior Reflects: Health & Physical Education Medallion Winner Angela Lakatos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senior Reflects: Studio Art Major Carlo Martines

The Rowan University Art Gallery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Elementary Education/Literacy Studies Major Samantha Shralow

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

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

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

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

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

Why did you choose Rowan?

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

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

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

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

First Year Voices: Casey Hofacker Reflects On Her Year

Today we feature freshman (soon-to-be sophomore) Casey Hofacker, a psychology major from Lindenwold, NJ (Camden County), who lived in Holly Pointe Commons until COVID-19 shut down the campus. 

Casey poses for a selfie.What did you most enjoy your freshman year at Rowan? What I enjoyed most about my freshman year was meeting my awesome friends and exploring my major.

How do you create the “away at school” feeling if your home is close to Rowan? The way I create the away at school feeling at home is by acting as if I were still at school and sitting at my desk to do my homework or when we could still go out is going to a local coffee shop to sit and do my work.

What clubs or activities are you involved in on campus? I play club field hockey and I love my team. It’s awesome they are amazing people who are accepting of everybody.

Casey with her field hockey team.

What advice do you have for future freshmen looking at colleges right now? Some advice that I have for incoming freshmen is to make sure that you manage your time wisely but also make sure to relax and have fun and to get involved on campus.

What are you most looking forward to next year at Rowan? I’m going to start taking classes for my minor and also take a sign language class – I have always wanted to learn it. 

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First Year Voices: Bella Hargesheimer Reflects on Freshman Year

Bella wearing Rowan gear with a foam Rowan finger.

Today we speak to Bella Hargesheimer, a freshman Spanish major from Philadelphia, PA wrapping up her first year. She lived on campus in Holly Pointe this school year.

Bella poses with her fellow PROS members.
Bella, right, with her fellow Peer Referral & Orientation Staff (PROS) members.

What is one moment you’ve had with a club or a group of friends that made you feel like Rowan is “home”? Second semester I applied to be a Peer Referral and Orientation Staff (PROS) member and part of training was a weekend camping retreat. We did so many team bonding exercises and fun activities and I finally felt that I had found my group. Obviously for our job we were supposed to be really close and we’re going to be living with each other for two months over the summer and in that weekend I had found my Rowan family.

What was your favorite roommate moment or your favorite moment with friends this year? My favorite roommate moment was right before winter break. My roommate and I were born two days apart so we planned a joint party in the Pod lounge and we had so much fun planning it. December is also just a great month and every time I’d walk into the room she was blasting Christmas music and we’d just sing and dance. 

Bella and her roommate, Jess, close to their birthday.
Bella and her roommate from this year, Jess, close to their birthday.

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 the campus is a lot smaller than I thought. For some reason on the tour I thought Rowan was huge. I was like I’m never going to get the hang of this, everything is extremely far apart and this is too disorienting. Then I moved onto campus and realized everything is a lot closer than I thought and getting from place to place is a lot less of a hassle than I had expected it was going to be. 

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

#PROFspective: Degree in 3 Grad Now Earning MBA

Victoria Ieradi: Graduate student MBA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, senior advertising major

Senior Reflects: History Major Christine Katherine Elizabeth Ellis

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

Could you please share your favorite social memory?

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

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

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

Christine presents her poster with the support of her family.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ashley's son is wearing Rowan Prof gear

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

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

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

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

Ashley Steever at right with her husband and son

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Senior Reflects: Future Middle School Teacher Jessica Lynn Heady

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

Headshot of Subject matter education major Jessica Heady

Tell us about your favorite classroom experience. 

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

What was your favorite moment at Rowan?

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

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

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

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

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

Subject matter education major Jessica Heady and her family

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

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

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

Jessica Heady holding a bag that says Miss Heady on it

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

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Senior Reflects: Radio/TV/Film Major Nicolas Matteo

Nicolas and other students at a film festival

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What inspired you to choose chemistry and education?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Any advice for future educators?

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

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Q&A: Nebraska Freshman Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management Major

Troy Becker in a tree on campus.

Today we feature Blaire, Nebraska resident Troy Becker, a Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (DPEM) major with a Certificate of Undergraduate Study (CUGS) in Counterterrorism and Emergency Response Operations. Until COVID-19 closed campus, Troy lived in Mimosa Hall.

Troy Becker sitting in a tree on campus.How did you hear about Rowan, and what made you want to come here? I searched online for schools with emergency management majors and I found Rowan. I chose this university due to it being one of the best schools in the nation for the Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management major, as well as having a counterterrorism minor, and being an Air Force ROTC Crosstown University.

Troy in front of a blurred background of Mimosa Hall.What makes Rowan your home away from home? Rowan has a great community, good selection of food, awesome facilities that non-major specify students can use, such as Studio 231 (an experiential learning lab and makerspace in the Rohrer Business Hall), and absolutely outstanding professors for my major.

Can you tell me a little bit about the field and major Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management? The classes being taught give both in-depth and practical information relating to DPEM. The information we are given … we are also given real-world scenarios and I have found it to perfectly find my methods of problem-solving and critical thinking in a disaster scenario.

What might you want to do with your degree? I’m planning and working toward going into go into the Air Force as an Emergency Management Specialist, and aim toward a position in FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) after that. 

Troy Becker sitting in a tree on campus.

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

First Year Voices: Hannah Catherine Kittrell Reflects

Hannah and friend sit outside on-campus.

Today’s (FRESH)man Voices features Hannah Catherine Kittrell, a theatre arts major from Williamsburg, VA, who lived in Holly Pointe Commons until COVID-19 shut down the campus. 

Portrait of Hannah.What did you most enjoy your freshman year at Rowan? My first semester was challenging, and I often doubted my talent and strength, but this semester I can already see some growth in my artistry. It makes me really excited for the next three years.

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”? My birthday is in November. I was really missing my friends and family. My new friend at Rowan, Mattie Millet, had helped plan a surprise dinner with all of my closest peers at Rowan and my best friend from home. I felt incredibly cared for and supported within this community that was so new to me.

What advice do you have for future freshmen looking at colleges right now? I would tell incoming freshmen to look for schools where both the students and professors’ beliefs can coalesce with your own. I decided on Rowan because I felt really comfortable shadowing. The students spoke like me, we had a shared sense of humor etc. It sounds cliche but it really felt like home.

Hannah posing on her bed in her Holly Pointe Commons dorm.What are you most looking forward to next year at Rowan? I’m looking forward to rooming with three other talented, empowered women that I’m proud to call my friends, and I’m really excited for Rowan’s upcoming main stage season.

Hannah poses with her friends.

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Finding My Place at Rowan as an Adult Learner

Rasheed sitting in business hall.

Today we speak with Rasheed McCord, a retired veteran and adult learner from Mount Laurel, NJ (Burlington County), about his Rowan experience. Rasheed is wrapping up his last semester of undergraduate studies as a Psychology major at Rowan and is preparing to earn a master’s degree in Clinical Counseling.

When did you start at Rowan? 

I became a full-time student at Rowan in 2015, after transferring from Rowan College at Burlington County.

Why did you choose Rowan?

At first I was going to Rowan College at Burlington County as a business major. I had an interest in owning my own business. I found that business can be very impersonal and I like being personal with people. One of the requirements for my degree was to take a psychology or sociology class, and when I took a psychology class it was the opener for me. I thought, ‘This is what I need to study.’ It was a no brainer for me. It gave me a way to help people and be fulfilled.

Rasheed stands outside the Rohrer College of Business.People in my life kept telling me I would be a good counselor or therapist or psychologist. People have always come to me with their problems and asked for advice. It wasn’t just my friends, but professionals in the field, who were telling me I had the right mindset for the psychology field. It was a sign for me. The more I learned, the more passionate I became. At first I was just going for my bachelor’s, but I realized I needed a master’s degree in order to help people more.

Has Rowan been accommodating to you as an adult learner and veteran? How so?

I can’t say enough about the faculty and the staff at Rowan. They really encouraged me all the way through this process. They all took time with me to let me know that I could do this. The staff at Rowan have been there for me professionally since day one. The Veterans Affairs [Military Services] office encouraged me [to pursue] this program and helped sponsor me for my master’s degree.

I haven’t had a professor that doesn’t love what they are doing. They all take a deep interest in their field. That’s something that aspiring students can look forward to at Rowan — knowing that they have a supportive, caring staff. That was a big driver for me to continue my education. 

Rasheed stands outside the modern outside of Business Hall, looking off to the side with hands in his pockets. You are working toward receiving your clinical counseling master’s degree. What has that process been like so far? 

I chose Rowan for my master’s because I already know what it’s like to be a student here, and I’ve had a great experience so far. Why would I want to go somewhere else, where I could stay somewhere I know I am cared for?

What are your goals for your degree? How has Rowan prepared you to achieve them?

I intend to become a licensed therapist or psychologist and work with veterans that may suffer from PTSD or depression. Or, I would like to work at a hospital facility where I would be counseling others who need my help. 

Any parting advice for Rowan students, specifically adult learners or those who are considering going back to school?

Don’t underestimate yourself. Don’t feel like because you’re an adult learner that you have to play catch-up. Be a constant learner, so it doesn’t matter what age you are. As long as you have your goals in mind, you’ll be successful. Being around some of the younger students gave me perspective on how they view the world, and it was good to see. I was able to share my experience with them, and it was a good exchange that we could both learn from.

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Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

First Year Voices: Biomedical Art & Visualization Major Doug Jones

a swirly line drawing by Doug Jones, a Biomedical Art and Visualization student at Rowan University.

Today’s we feature Doug Jones, a Biomedical Art & Visualization major who commuted from home in Monroeville, NJ (Gloucester County) until COVID-19 shut down the campus. 

Doug smiles at home wearing a brown Rowan t-shirt.How do you create the “away at school” feeling if your home is close to Rowan?
I create the “away at school” feeling through planning my day around my schoolwork. 

What advice do you have for future freshmen looking at colleges right now?
Don’t overwhelm yourself. The bigger and more well-known school may be appealing, but the smaller and lesser-known school will make the transition to college life much easier. 

What are you most looking forward to next year at Rowan?
The thing I am looking forward to the most would be getting back to more art classes.

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TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Marketing Major Sarah Forsman

Today’s TRANSFERmation Tuesday features Sarah Forsman, a junior transfer from Rowan College of South Jersey, Gloucester Campus. Sarah is a Marketing major and commutes to Rowan from Sewell, NJ (Gloucester County) — and sometimes with her mom!

Sarah wears a black beanie and gray cardigan and smiles under a gazebo.
How would you tell a fellow student interested in your major that they’re choosing a worthwhile field?
I chose to be marketing major because I feel that you are opening up many opportunities. You will be able to go into different fields and market whatever it is. Currently, I am working on building a startup called Uncovering Joy to help middle and high school students learn how to manage stress. With the skills I learned through my major, I am able to share new and exciting ways to market Uncovering Joy.

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

In my major this year, I have been able to learn how to create and implements a marketing plan. I am also learning about market research and how research can help campaigns. Both of these courses are helping me in the process of creating Uncovering Joy.

Why did you choose Rowan?

I chose Rowan because it is close to home and I didn’t want to stay on campus. My mom is also a Rowan student and sometimes we commute together. We will be graduating at the same time and will be able to walk together since we went to the same University! She is a finance major!
What are you most looking forward to at Rowan next year?​
There is a lot that I am looking forward to at Rowan next year! I am a very active student. I am going to be involved with Chi Alpha, and I founded Rowan’s Bowling Club. This semester was our first, and we had to stop due to Covid-19, but I look forward to continuing it next semester.

I am also looking forward to developing Uncovering Joy, a nonprofit I am building through various programs in the Rohrer College of Business. I was a participant in the 2019 Idea Challenge and 2020 New Venture Competition.

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Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

First Year Voices: Biochemistry Major Malique Prescott

Malique chilling on a porch.

Freshman Malique Prescott, a Biochemistry major from Bridgeton, NJ (Cumberland County) who lived in Evergreen Hall until campus closed due to COVID-19, reflects on his first year as a Rowan student. 

What was one way you met friends this year? One way I met my college family was through the ASCEND program (PCI) and my peers in my dorm. Then I relinked with some people I had met during orientation. Now I’m just meeting people by networking through those I already know.

Biochemistry major Malique Prescott posing next to a brick wall. What is something you’re looking forward to at Rowan next year? Next semester I plan on finishing it completely without the help of a virus. I also plan on getting more involved with the campus community and making a presence for myself and possibly joining a few organizations. 

What would you tell a future student who is interested in Rowan? As for advice to a future student, I would tell them to not be too shy and worry about it. You can put yourself out there because everyone on campus is loving and accepting. And to also have fun, you are only a freshman in college once.

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

Meet #Rowan2024: Full Ride to Rowan

Stock image of pennies spilling out of a jar.

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

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

Analiz smiles proudly wearing her new Rowan shirt.

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

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

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

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Meet #Rowan2024: Film Major Ambbar Marrero

Stock photo of film unrolling against a white background.

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

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

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

Ambbar stands in front of the Washington monument.

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

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Meet #Rowan2024: PA Resident To Jersey Guy

Connor S wears a backpack.

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

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

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

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

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

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Meet #Rowan2024: Aspiring Athletic Trainer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Meet #Rowan2024: Location & Major Key for Chinmayee Narayan

drone view of campus highlighting Holly Pointe Commons.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Meet #Rowan2024: Tyrone Rashaun Pursues Community Health

Stock image of a face mask laying across a laptop.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why did you choose a university close to home?

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

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

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

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

Exterior shot of Wilson Hall on Glassboro campus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Meet #Rowan2024: Maria Mousa Has Pre-Med Aspirations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Meet #Rowan2024: Exploratory Studies Major Keeps Doors Open

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

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

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

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

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


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

Stock image of a close up of a microscope.

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

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

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

Rebecca takes a selfie, head slightly tilted.

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

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

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

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Meet #Rowan2024: D&D Fan Joining Our Team

Stock image of dragon from Dungeons and Dragons game.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Meet #Rowan2024: Biomedical Engineering Major Ariana Torres

Ariana posing against a white wall.

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

Ariana poses in her Rowan gear against a white wall.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet #Rowan2024: Student Athlete Shane Vostenak

A stock image of a close up of running feet.

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

Shane stands holding a homemade sign that says Rowan2024.

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

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

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

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

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

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Meet #Rowan2024: Music Industry Major Sam Poku

Stock image of music industry technology.

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

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

A side view of Sam singing into a microphone.

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

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

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

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

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Meet #Rowan2024: Mullica Hill’s Grace Harris

Grace Harris: Freshman Voices

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

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

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

Grace smiles toward the camera, wearing a flannel.

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

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

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Meet #Rowan2024: Environmental & Sustainability Studies Major Aarushi Gupta

A headshot of Aarushi with a white background.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Biology Alum Thanks Professors for Guiding Him Toward Medical School

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How did you get involved in your major?

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

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

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

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

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

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

photo of Nick on the bridge

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Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

TRANSFERmation Tuesday: History Major Peter Macrina

Stock image of a close up of aged brown wicker.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why did you choose Rowan?

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

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

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

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Story by:
Peter Macrina, junior history major

First Year Voices: Theatre Major Lydia Riddell

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

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

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

What did you most enjoy your freshman year at Rowan?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Growing up in Glassboro: Why I Chose Rowan

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

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

Here are three main reasons why I chose Rowan University.  

1. Family is Here

Author Maria Mancini (far right) with her siblings

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

2. Financially Smart 

Piggy bank to represent saving money

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

3. Opportunities 

Drone view of Rowan's Glassboro campus

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

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

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Story by:
Maria Mancini, senior public relations major

First Year Voices: Football & Friendship

A candid photo of four male freshmen laughing together.

“We’ve been playing football together since we were 6,” says freshman Jared Armitage, a business management major from Estell Manor, NJ (Atlantic County) of his Magnolia Hall roommate, Chris Doughty of Buena, NJ (Atlantic County). 

Four freshmen males goofing off, with one trying to get the others to pick him up.
From left: Jeron “Smooth”, Pavneet, Chris and Jared.

“We both played for Rowan this year,” Jared continues. It was fun living with someone he’s known since childhood, he says. “It was never boring. We just goof around with everyone in the dorm, playing poker. My favorite memory from this year is goofing off in the dorms. Our whole floor in Magnolia – and someone brought water guns. We started spraying each other, and getting water bottles and throwing them at each other. (We cleaned it up, of course.)”

At orientation, Jared’s randomly assigned roommate was Pavneet Singh, a freshman entrepreneurship major  from Carteret, NJ (Middlesex County.) 

Jared shares, “We didn’t really talk much to each other at first. But, then we were both sitting there bored at 1:00 in the morning and said, ‘Hey, do you want to do something funny?’ and we ran around the hallways.”

Along the way, the friends met Jeron, known as Smooth (on left). Jared says, “Chris met him here, but he lives close to us at home. Pretty sure we played football against him in school, but we didn’t know it. “

Next year Jared and Chris will commute from home, instead of living on campus. “I’m going to carpool with Chris,” says Jared, “because I’ll drive past Chris to get to school.”

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TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Haddonfield Native Marybeth Coyne

Marybeth Coyne- Senior exercise science major

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

How did you end up at Rowan?

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

Marybeth Coyne in the pool for swim meet warmups

What made Rowan feel like home?

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

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

How has Rowan helped your professional development?

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

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

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

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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, senior advertising major

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

drone shot of Philadelphia skyline

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lauren recalls one of the sweetest moments she has encountered:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major 

Photos courtesy of:
Lauren Purnell/Naming the Homeless

Pharmaceutical Sciences Grad Student Discusses Her Research

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

Pandemic Profs: Clinical Internship Teaching Spanish Remotely

Rosalba standing with her cooperating teacher.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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First Year Voices: Anjeliah Chiodo

Close up shot of Anjeliah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anjeliah Chiodo Instagram page

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Story organized by:
Devon Graf, senior Communication Studies major

Photography and story contributed by: Anjeliah Chiodo

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

Photo of a banner located in the College of Engineering.

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

Class of: 2019

Degree: B.A. in Construction Management

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

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

What inspired you to choose Construction Management?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Story by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Photos courtesy of Jeremiah Cason

Living Close to Rowan

Today’s story is from Mark Baugh, a senior radio/TV/film major with a specific interest in graphics and production. Mark is from Washington Township, NJ (Gloucester County) and rents a home off-campus. 

Many students when looking at college might think “that’s way too close to home. I wanna go further.” I would say there is nothing too close to home. Choose the school that you believe fits you best whether it is on the other side of town or the other side of the country and make the most of whatever that school is offering – because in the long run it will make your college experience that much better. A drone image of the town of Glassboro and the horizon beyond the town.

In my case I chose the school right down the road from me. I am from Washington Township, which borders Glassboro. When it came time for me to pick a school I had a few options to choose from, the furthest being a little over two hours away. So you may be asking what made me choose Rowan with it being only about 10 minutes from my house, when I had other options further from home. 

There are a few things that went into it, much like other decisions in life. I read about Rowan’s amazing programs and the opportunities that students can take part in within their major. I was familiar with the campus as I have been going to Rowan since I was 6 years old as a part of their Kidz Rule summer camp. Rowan also has a rather large number of Greek life organizations, which was something I really wanted.

Mark and his fraternity brothers stand in a line shoulder to shoulder.
The executive board for my fraternity, Tau Delta Phi, when I was on e-board. I’m on the far right.

Thankfully I was able to live on/off campus all four years of my college career, instead of at home with my family. Some people may wonder why I would do that when I already lived close enough to commute. I wanted that “college experience” that everyone talks about. I think it can be rewarding for someone to live on their own or with friends while going to Rowan. It gives you that opportunity to meet more people and get involved in more on campus activities. I was also able to stop home from time to time if I needed that little break away from the craziness that can pop up during a college school year.

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Interning Remotely as a Business Management Major

Stock image of woman hand working on a laptop.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Studio Art Major Helps Heal with Sensory Paintings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pandemic Profs: Isolating On Campus

Marko looks to the horizon.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from international student Marko Minic, a senior sports communication and media major isolating while living on campus. Photos included in this story were taken before COVID-19.

Marko crouches in front of tall grass, holding a basketball.

My name is Marko Minic and I am an international student from Belgrade, Serbia. During these unpredicted times, I was unable to travel back home and I am actually one of the few students staying on campus during this pandemic crisis.

The whole Rowan campus is currently a ghost town. I live in Mimosa Hall which is in the center of campus, and apart from seeing someone pass by every now and then, it has pretty much been empty to its last inch. Serving as a Resident Assistant (RA) in Mimosa, I have personally seen every last soul move out of the building, with just me and my Resident Director remaining.

The good news which I was very happy to hear was that the food services, although limited, remained open for the few of us still here. I am able to go to the Student Center (SC) and choose from our Breakfast & Co. Freshens, and Pizza Crust stations as well as get some additional food and supplies from The SHOP. With the rotation of these stations in the SC, I am able to have three well-balanced meals a day while getting some snacks in between from The SHOP. Overall, while the things are not ideal right now, I am very grateful for the resources and support that I have from the Rowan community and having them be there for me during these rough times.

Marko stands behind the Business Hall.Although my spring break (and the rest of the semester) is not what I have expected, I am trying my best to stay productive and not fall into a routine of slacking back. I have made a promise to myself that I will come out of this better, stronger (both mentally and physically), and more improved. Because I am normally jammed with three on-campus jobs and taking 18 credits in school during the academic year, my usual week is pretty hectic and my days can be overwhelming.

I am taking advantage of this unique situation by having more “me time” and focusing on improving myself in as many areas as I can. With more free time on my hands, I am also on the phone with my family and friends back home more often. Being a first generation student in my family who came to study in America certainly comes with its challenges and benefits. While it is hard being on my own and far away from home, the constant support and love I get from my closest ones keeps me going. As a first gen. here, I am trying to pave the way for the rest of my family to succeed and give them a better life they deserve. 

Marko stands holding a basketball, looking to the horizon.As I will be graduating in about a month or so and will soon be out in the real world, I am using this time to prepare myself for a life after college; devoting my time to work on improving certain hard skills that employees look for, and searching for jobs that will help me get settled for a life in the U.S. upon the end of my college career.

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First Year Voices: Dance Major Sabrina Vargas

Sabrina is dancing in front of a window in the dance studio in Memorial Hall.

Meet Sabrina Vargas, a freshman dance major from Atlantic County who lives on campus in Evergreen Hall. Sabrina joined Rowan through the Pre-College Institute Program and is involved with many clubs on campus.

Name: Sabrina VargasSabrina poses in front of a white wall
Year: Freshman
Major: Dance
Minor: Sociology
Hometown: Mays Landing, NJ (Atlantic County)
Where do you live? On campus, Evergreen Hall
First-generation college student? Yes

Academic and Social Clubs: I am the Student Government Association representative for the Atomik Legacy Dance Crew, and I am involved with MOCA, which is the Men of Color Alliance.

Sabrina is dancing in her modern dance class with classmates.

What inspired you to choose your major? Senior year of high school I applied to Rowan through the Common App. I had no clue what I wanted to do as a major. I looked through my options and saw that dance was an option for a major. I talked to my dance teacher, and my dance teacher said go for it. You should audition. So I did and I love going to school for what I love.

How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field? Not a lot of us dancers can truly express ourselves through words. We express ourselves through our body art. A lot of people can relate to not speaking on certain things. A dancer can give her entire life story through a show. For me, dance is my peace. Everyone in the world should find their peace in some way, and dancers give people the courage to do so. Dance is physically and emotionally draining, and we go for it every day.

Sabrina is dancing in her modern dance class with one of her classmates.

What advice would you give your high school self about choosing a college? It’s OK to stay close to home because you make your own life at college. You can make your home wherever you are. I’m 45 minutes away from home and I barely go home because my home is at Rowan.

Tell us about your transition into college and how you pushed through any challenges. I automatically connected to everyone at Pre-College Institute (PCI). I was nervous, but I knew everyone from PCI had my back. I knew I had mentors there and that I could ask for help if I needed it. In the mix of doing the hard academic bootcamp at PCI, you get a family. I live in Evergreen with my PCI family. I walk into the ASCEND office and I feel at home. I can’t imagine my college experience without it. We did a lot of self growth activities and it taught me how to be a good student.

I took an Elements of Dance class with Paule Turner, the theatre and dance department chair, during PCI, which helped me transition into the dance department at Rowan. Paule said that him having me as a student in the summer proved to him and showed him that I deserved to be here as a dance major. I knew the department and Paule so I felt a step ahead from the other freshmen dance majors when college started. 

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

    Jeff, President of Chestnut Hall Council, Shares What He Loves About Chestnut Hall

    Jeff is sitting in the Chestnut lounge.

    Meet Jeff Wheeler, a freshman double major in Radio, Television and Film within the Ric Edelman College of Communication and Creative Jeff sits on a chair in a lounge.Arts, and Computing and Informatics within the College of Science & Mathematics – School of Health Professions. He has minors in Computer Science, Math, and Electrical and Computer Engineering. Jeff is a first-generation college student from Matawan, New Jersey (Monmouth County). He feels that Chestnut Hall is his home away from home. Today, he will share with us two things he loves about about living in Chestnut Hall, as well as his experience being President of Chestnut Hall’s Hall Council through the Residence Hall Association (RHA)

    A drone view of Chestnut Hall which shows the capital C shape.
    Chestnut Hall

    His floor community within Chestnut.  Jeff thinks that Chestnut has a great community, especially within each floor. “Moving into Chestnut was scary for me, I didn’t know anyone. However, my RA brought our floor together as a family and they turned into my major friend group. “His floor has become his best friends, and he thinks that being in the Computer Science Living-Learning Community helped group him with people that think similarly to him. He has been coding websites since 7th grade and became a freelancer in 9th grade, so computer science is his passion. 

    A row of baby geese follow their mother outside the gazebo.
    The gazebo is right outside of Chestnut, near Chestnut pond.

    The Chestnut Community as a whole. “Talking to the presidents of the other halls made me realize how lucky Chestnut is with our close community. I feel like everyone knows everyone and they’re always looking out for each other.” Every time he walks around, he sees someone he knows and he is greeted with a smile. It makes him happy to know there is such a great Chestnut community. He says that everyone is respectful and kind towards the Resident Assistants and their fellow residents. 

    “Being President of Chestnut was a big game changer for me.” Jeff says that programming events has been a lot of fun. He had the opportunity to network with a ton of great people involved in housing and created some mentor relationships that made his freshman year memorable. His role as Hall Council President of Chestnut involves event programming and discussing issues around the hall that the council can fix, such as social issues or study issues.

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

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

    Kayla smiles and stands in front of Wackar Stadium

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Recovering Philanthropy at Rowan University

    Sam smiling for a portrait outside Engineering Hall.

    Sam Bollendorf poses in Engineering Hall.Meet Samantha Bollendorf, sophomore biomedical engineering major from Sewell, NJ (Gloucester County.) She shares her passion for volunteering with the Food Recovery Network and encourages students to deepen their volunteer experiences on-campus. 

    “What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?” – George Eliot

    There are few feelings, as a college student and human being, that rival the sensation of giving back to a cause, any cause, that matters to you. Giving all that we can do individually to better the lives of those that we empathize with is just about as rewarding as it gets, and it’s safe to say that we all wish we could participate in philanthropic efforts a little more than we already do.

    It’s easy to be philanthropic when you’re a well-established gajillionaire, but as an undergraduate 20-something scraping together loose change to do your laundry and buy discount cereal from Aldi, donating to your favorite non-profits is an act easier said than done. Money is tight, and some days, starting a personal GoFundMe to keep your Spotify subscription afloat doesn’t seem all too crazy. All of this begs the question: “How can I give back on-campus in a way that works for me?”

    As a student who actively volunteers and is constantly searching for ways to be more immersed on campus, I can assure you that Rowan offers a plethora of opportunities for students to give back. The breadth of volunteer efforts on campus reach a scope far beyond the bounds of our school — philanthropic efforts tend to reach the Glassboro community, as well as greater national causes.

    That being said, it can be difficult to weed through the zillions of opportunities provided by our university to find the activities that really resonate with us as individuals. After a full year (and one semester) here at Rowan, I’ve found my own personal unsung hero of philanthropy in the form of Rowan’s Food Recovery Network.

    Rowan’s Food Recovery Network is a small, student-led organization on campus that works on a weekly basis to source unused, otherwise wasted food from Rowan University’s dining halls. Students and faculty transport recovered food to local shelters in the Glassboro community. Food Recovery Network redirects food waste to a worthy cause, and gives students a chance to positively impact their surrounding community in a way that’s meaningful, and of course, doable.

    Food Recovery Network logo Being a part of something like Food Recovery Network at Rowan, a university that encourages sustainability and practicing sustainable habits, is extremely rewarding. Being able to give back to those that have lent a hand in building beautiful Glassboro — the town that us Profs get to call home — is an opportunity I’m beyond grateful to have.

    The best part? I don’t have to dip into my Spotify subscription fund to give back — all that I need to donate is my time, energy and my drive, shared by everyone at Food Recovery, to make the lives of those around us just a little less difficult. That’s the case with most volunteer efforts at Rowan University — so enhance your college experience, and lend a hand!

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    Story by:
    Samantha Bollendorf, sophomore biomedical engineering major

    Photos by:
    Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

    Learn How This Transfer Student Graduated Debt Free

    The top of Bunce Hall on a sunny day.

    Rowan alumna and transfer student Natalia P. graduated debt free.Meet Natalia Panfilova, a 2017 graduate from the Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts. Natalia earned her bachelor’s in Public Relations without paying a single dollar for her degree.

    According to Marketplace, roughly 70% of American students end up taking out loans to go to college. It was estimated that the average student leaves school with around $30,000 in debt. Not Natalia, though, and today she will share with us how this transfer student managed to graduate debt free.

    Community College

    Before coming to Rowan, Natalia went to Camden County College. She chose to attend community college because she knew she would save up more money that way. According to Saving for College, “Students can save as much as $30,000 or more by attending a community college instead of a private four-year college.” During community college, Natalia worked in full-time jobs that were taking care of her tuition payments. Also, during community college, one of Natalia’s friends told her to work with her at one of the Wyndham hotel chains in Atlantic City because the hotel chain would cover a part of her tuition. This opportunity was one of the reasons she managed to graduate debt free.

    Tuition Reimbursement Jobs

    Wyndham is one of many organizations that offer tuition reimbursements. Tuition reimbursement is when a company agrees to help pay for an employee to further his or her education. “All you have to do is prove that you can somehow apply your career skills to your job,” Natalia says. Natalia also received financial aid, but whatever was not covered by her job took care of it. “They would cover up my books and they would cover up to $4,000 per year. So, I actually didn’t pay anything out of pocket. I got to keep my salary, because I was a commuter,” Natalia says.

    Natalia in front of the ccca sign.Commuter

    When Natalia was at Rowan, she chose not to stay on campus and decided to commute from Brigantine, NJ (Atlantic County). She commuted an hour each day, but because she commuted and was able to schedule her classes in two days, she was able to work full time at the hotel.

    She recommends students learn about finances: “Educate yourself in all things financial, the more you know the better. Just in life in general, if you know how debt works, how banks work, your life is going to be so much easier.”  

    What is Natalia Doing Now?

    Rowan alum Natalia visiting a friend in Minsk, Belarus.
    Natalia visiting a friend in Minsk, Belarus

    Natalia recently moved to New York City for her new position as a program marketing manager for WebMD. By being savvy with her spending, she was able to graduate debt free and become a homeowner. Graduating debt free allowed Natalia to travel worry-free and so far, she has visited 13 countries.

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    Story by:
    Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major

    Photos courtesy of:
    Natalia Panfilova

    #PROFspective: Radio/TV/Film Major Adam Clark

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

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

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

    Jamal sitting in the library with a green beanie on.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “I love Rowan,” Jamal says.

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    Story by:
    Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major

    It’s OK to be Scared

    cassidy stands in front of a brick wall.

    Moving away from home is scary. I’m not going to sit here and lie Cassidy posing for a portrait on train tracksand say that the transition from high school to college was easy for me. I’m sure other people had smooth transitions and would love to share their stories, but for the people who are scared to move away, I want to let you know that you’re not alone.

    The longest I had been away from my parents before moving to college was on a school trip to Europe that was a week long, and by the end of the week, I called my parents crying.

    Believe it or not, I was excited to move into college. Buying all the things I needed for my dorm was exciting, but there was always a voice in the back of my mind that said, “What if I’m making a mistake?” My boyfriend who lived close to me was commuting, so why was I going to live on campus? I pushed those thoughts out of my head and told myself I wanted the “full college experience.”

    Cassidy holding a sunflower umbrella by red foliage.I moved in a day before move-in day because I had a late orientation date. I had talked to my roommate before I moved in and we decided to live together because we were both Theatre majors. My family moved me in, we had dinner, and then they left. Then I was alone in a place I was not familiar with. I had no idea where anything was and I felt alone. I decided to reach out to my friends from home and we hung out all night. I felt a little more comfortable. The next night, my roommate Faith invited me to hang out with some people from the department. Little did I know that I would make a ton of friends that would help me through this rough transition.

    Cassidy and her sister on her first move in day.During my first week of classes, I met professors who made sure I was comfortable and taking care of myself. I quickly learned that everyone cared about me and I wasn’t alone. I joined clubs, performed in shows and made friends along the way who have changed my life for the better.

    If you are scared or anxious about moving away from home, I want to let you know that it’s OK. Once you get to college, you will quickly realize that everyone here wants to help you and they want to see you succeed. So don’t be afraid, call your parents every day, and don’t forget that if you’re having a really tough time, just reach out.

    Story by:
    Cassidy Anderson, sophomore public relations and theatre major

    Photos by:
    Scott Anderson

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    Body Positivity: A Beginner’s Guide

    Rowan Healthy Campus Initiatives contributor My’yonna Boyd on Rowan Boulevard

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

    Rowan Healthy Campus Initiatives contributor My’yonna Boyd on Rowan BoulevardMeet My’yonna Boyd, freshmen Biology major from Camden, NJ. My’yonna hopes, “Students will become aware you can make positive changes in your life and learn to accept themselves for who they are as a person. With a little a motivation and research, a body-positive lifestyle can be suitable for anyone.”  

    Body positivity has become a movement in our society. For those who are unfamiliar with the newly-coined termed, it means to help individuals embrace their image and learn to love the parts of themselves that makes one unique. Many concerned people have begun pushing the agenda that advertising companies need to be more inclusive, but still it does not seem our voices are being heard. 

    However, since we can’t go protest every company that doesn’t have someone who looks like us, we can set up steps that will help us achieve our own body positivity goals. Remember the end goal is to be more mindful how we perceive ourselves and gaining confidence in our appearance. The steps listed below will give an idea of where to start and do not have to be followed in any specific order.

    Step one: Consider a social media detox. We consume so much in one day, and sometimes we do not notice how impactful it is in our lives. Yes, social media helps us explore the world around us, but it also leaves us in a pool of pity when we begin comparing ourselves to others. Start with getting off the phone by a certain hour. This gives time to reflect the day and increases productivity, which makes us feel good. 

    Step two: Set up SMART goals. “SMART is an effective tool that provides the clarity, focus and motivation you need to achieve your goals” (MindTools 2020). SMART is an acronym that stands for: Specific (simple), Measurable (motivating), Achievable (attainable), Relevant or Responsible (result-based) and Time-bound (time/cost limit). Ensuring your goal fits the criteria will allow it to be more effective.

    Follow this example to structure your own goals.

    Specific: I want to have more positive thoughts about myself than negative ones.
    Measurable: I will compliment myself more frequently throughout the day.
    Achievable: I will say two positive things about myself for each bad thought I had.
    Responsible: I will acknowledge when I am being too negative and reevaluate.
    Time-Based: I will have weekly journals to record my journey to being more positive and kinder to myself.

    Being more body positive is definitely a journey, and the steps listed above can give guidance in the right direction. Each step we take is progress, so celebrate your small victories and note that we are all on the path to love ourselves more each day. 

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    Story by:
    My’yonna Boyd, freshmen biology major, Wellness Center intern

    Photography by:
    Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

    References: 

    Michele, et al. “SMART Goals: – How to Make Your Goals Achievable.” Mind Tools, 4 Feb. 2020, www.mindtools.com/pages/article/smart-goals.htm.

    Iridian Shares 3 Ways She’s Gotten Involved as a Transfer

    After completing two years at Atlantic Cape Community College, I decided to transfer over to Rowan University to get my bachelor’s in Journalism. Transferring over to a new school can be both exciting and intimidating. You’ll get to create new memories, meet new people and experience new opportunities.Student portrait of Journalism major Iridian outside on Rowan's campus

    At community college I was involved in many extracurricular activities, like being part of the communication club and assistant editor for the Atlantic Cape Review. For me, getting involved has always been important. It improves leadership and interpersonal skills, but most importantly, it gives students practical experience.

    When I first transferred to Rowan, I did not know anyone, but I immediately felt welcomed by all my professors and classmates. I knew I wanted to get involved and create new memories, just like I did at my community college.

    I started asking other students what they were involved in, and I checked Rowan’s Student Organization Services page, where I found clubs and organizations that caught my attention. There are many ways to get involved — you’ve just got to be open to new experiences and opportunities.

    Here are three ways I’ve gotten involved as a transfer student and commuter.Copies of The Whit, Rowan's student newspaper where Journalism major Iridian works as a copy editor

    1. Joined The Whit,The Campus Newspaper: As mentioned earlier, I am majoring in Journalism; for me, getting outside the classroom experience is extremely important. By joining The Whit, I got to meet the most amazing group of people. I created new friendships that I know will last forever and help each other out even after college. Aside from making friends, this past fall I got elected to become one of the copy editors for the paper. It’s all about being open to new opportunities.A screenshot of Rowan Blog's main page featuring one of Journalism major Iridian's stories
    2. Became a content writer for Rowan’s blog: By becoming a writer and working for the Admissions office, I have gotten the chance not only to work on my craft, but meet so many people, from students, to faculty and alumni. Now I walk through campus seeing familiar faces all the time, from interviewing so many people, and that feels amazing.
    3. Attended campus events: One thing I really like about Rowan is that there are always events going on. I like to say that there is an event for everyone here at Rowan. If you are interested in art there are events at the Art Gallery in 301 High St. There are many lectures you can attend, and many special guests are brought in as well. One way I check to see for upcoming events is by checking an email announcer we all get in the morning.

    Journalism major Iridian sits outside on Rowan's campusThese are just three ways how I have gotten involved here at Rowan, but there are so many other ways to get involved. It’s all about being open to new experiences and being OK with getting out of your comfort zone.

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    Story by:
    Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major

    Ed.D. Program Paves the Path to Success for Educational Leader

    Exterior shot of Sussex County Community College, where Rowan Ed.D. student Ketan Gandhi works

    Ketan Gandhi, from Asbury Park (Monmouth County), is well-versed in higher education, so his standards were high when considering the universities he could potentially earn his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree. After completing his undergraduate studies at Bombay University in India, and earning an MBA in general administration at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he still wanted to learn more about the world of education.

    Rowan Ed.D. student Ketan Gandhi meets with students as CFO of Sussex County Community College His experience in leadership positions at Burlington County College, Rutgers University and Sussex County Community College (where he is currently the CFO and EVP of Administrative Services) inspired him to explore the differences in leadership styles between private educational institutes and higher education.

    “What motivates people in higher education is different than in a private business scenario,” Ketan says. “Understanding the type of leadership required to govern a higher institution could set me up for a more successful career in education.”

    Rowan Ed.D. student Ketan sits at a desk with his laptop open, smiling.He came across the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program at Rowan University through recommendations from colleagues who had had a positive experience in it.

    “I also looked at a few other institutions, but what I liked about Rowan’s program is that it is led by faculty members with higher levels of experience and education. The faculty are actual presidents or provosts at universities, and can give me direct, relevant advice based on their experience.” 

    The quality that secured Ketan’s decision to attend the Rowan Ed.D. program was its concentration in Community College Leadership Initiative (CCLI), which pertains directly to his professional experience and interests.

    Though he has not been in school since 1986, Ketan was concerned about the transition back to intense learning. Luckily, “faculty members are open to allowing me to adjust, and I have support from my boss, my wife and my family,” he says.

    “Each member of my cohort works at a different college or university, which allows us to share different experiences and perspectives,” he says. “It makes for better discussions and more learning opportunities.”

    Leadership Theory, the first course he is taking for the program, has already ignited his passion for education and leadership. “This course has allowed me to truly understand the way I come across as a leader and who I want to be. I’ve already learned a lot about myself,” he reflects. A book that he has read during the course, “Discover Your True North” by Bill George, has also been an inspiration to him on this educational journey.

    Rowan Ed.D. student Ketan Gandhi meets with students as CFO of Sussex County Community College

    Ketan’s ultimate goal throughout Rowan’s Ed.D. program is to change and adapt to a new leadership style.

    “I was very much a task-oriented leader,” he says. “In just a few weeks, I am already starting to see myself transforming into more of an entrepreneurial leader. It’s all about breaking habits that I’ve already established and improving them, really honing my skills.”

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    Story by:
    Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

    Photos courtesy of:
    Ketan Gandhi and Sussex County Community College

    First Year Voices: Chemical Engineering Major Dylan Snyder

    Chemical Engineering major Dylan Snyder outside Rowan Hall

    Today, we talk to Dylan Snyder, a freshman Chemical Engineering major from Wilmington, Delaware.

    How has your freshman year at Rowan been so far?

    “Freshman year has been great! It is so much more interesting than high school. I’ve gotten so many new phone numbers and made so many new friends. If you get yourself out there, you can create the best experience at college.

    Have you joined any clubs yet?  

    “Yes! I am currently a part of five clubs: The Rowan Alternative Music Club, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, MMA Club, Karate and Self-Defense Club and Student University Programmers (SUP). In that club, we plan a lot of the campus and charity events.”

    How have you been adjusting to college life?

    “I’ve adjusted pretty quickly. It’s a different rhythm, living on your own, for sure. If you’ve ever held a job, it’s similar to that. You just need to be responsible and manage your time well. As an engineering student, I’m constantly complaining about your lack of time; but as long as you know how much time to put aside for yourself and what you need to get done, it’s really smooth sailing. All that matters is that you’re interested in what you’re doing.”

    Chemical Engineering major Dylan Snyder outside of Rowan Hall

    What are some of your favorite spots on campus?

    “Favorite spots on campus? Honestly, the beautiful pond out back behind Rowan Hall. The Market Place in the Student Center is really nice too. The Student Center is where all of college life happens at. Most of the clubs will meet around there. Mariachi Grill and Dawn to Dusk on Rowan Boulevard are also some of my favorite spots.” 

    What is one piece of advice you can give to incoming freshman?

    “Don’t be afraid of anything. Go do everything and whatever you’re interested in. I signed up for emails for at least 50 clubs my first day! It’s funny, as soon as you get yourself out there you start making so many new friends. Don’t be afraid to be friendly, get out there, meet new people. Just go for it!”

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    Story by:
    Bianca Torres, junior music industry major

    Photos by:
    Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

    Journalism Student Paves the Way as First Female to Commentate a Rowan Football Game on Radio

    Katie (in center) works with members of Rowan Radio

    When Katie Francis, a junior Sports Communication & Media and Journalism double major from Swedesboro, NJ (Gloucester County), discovered the campus radio station her sophomore year, she “knew it was a good path to take.” An email in her student inbox with the subject line, “Are you Rowan’s new voice in Radio?” inspired her to take a leap into an area of journalism she had never considered before. “I knew that, being a transfer student, it might be difficult to meet people. So I signed up for training sessions for Rowan Radio,” she says.

    Katie with Rowan Radio station manager Derek Jones and sports director Gary Erdelyi.

    Katie’s family had introduced her to Philadelphia sports early, and she grew up watching the Flyers, but her interest in football picked up as the Eagles made their way toward the playoffs two years ago. “I started to think that I should really learn [football] so I could enjoy it more and fully understand what I was watching,” she recalls. She began to actively follow the games with her dad, learning more and more with each game.

    Fast forward to one year later, and Katie is the assistant news director at Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM, and the first female broadcaster on Rowan Radio to cover a Rowan football game in the school’s history!

    In November, Gary Erdelyi, the sports director, shared with her that there was an opportunity to cover a Rowan vs. Christopher Newport University football game in Virginia. With 10 years of experience playing soccer, Katie had done color commentating on two soccer games before, but football was a whole different game — literally. Derek Jones, the station manager and Katie’s sports broadcasting professor, provided the support she needed to succeed at this opportunity. Jones is a mentor and role model for Katie, having first trained her at the radio station and guided her through multiple classes at Rowan, so “from the beginning” she felt “comfortable asking questions as I learned the ropes of broadcasting.”

    Katie with her co-host and classmate, Gary Erdelyi, on game day!

    “I said, ‘if you need somebody to do this, I will step up and figure it out,’” Katie reflects.At first I was nervous, not sure if I was saying the right things, but the people that I had supporting me were really helpful. They validated me and made me feel like part of a good team there.”

    She didn’t realize it at the time, but bravely stepping up and covering the game, despite her doubts, put her in a record-setting position. As the first female at the university to cover a football game, she is paving the way for other women in sports communications and journalism to follow her lead.

    Katie is the only woman in both her Sports Broadcasting and Sports Journalism II classes, a field predominantly composed of male students.

    Katie picks out a record for the daytime music show she hosts.

    “There was never a time where I felt like I wasn’t included, whether in my classes or at the radio station, and I’m thankful for that,” she says. “Being a part of a team of people who are as passionate about something as I am, and being able to meet people through it is a really great experience. It can be weird at times, looking around and being the only girl in a room, but with every experience I’ve had, I’ve always felt like everybody was rooting for me.”

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

    #PROFspective: Graduate Education Student Donn Matthew Garby

    Name: Donn Matthew GarbyDonn Garby stands outside of Hawthorne Hall.
    Major: Ph.D. in Education
    Concentrations: Higher Education
    Year: Second year Ph.D. student
    Hometown and County: Naples, FL 
    Resident or commuter: Resident
    Academic clubs: Founder and Council Member of Education Student Association (ESA), Graduate Student Government Association (GSGA)
    Do you work on campus?: Yes, I am a Graduate Coordinator for the Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration Center & Adjunct for the College of Education

    Tell us about your transition into the graduate program. My transition was not too bad. I came directly from my master’s program, so I was still in that “student mindset.” The largest transition was coming from a large R1 university, in a large city, to a smaller institution in a [more] rural town. Saying that, though, the benefits of Rowan, and the faculty interactions make it so that I feel home in the College of Education.

    Why did you choose Rowan’s graduate program? I chose Rowan’s graduate program because it offered me the opportunity to connect with faculty on a one-on-one level, provided me resources to conduct my Rowan PhD student Donn Garby working at his cubicle in Hawthorne Hall.research, and allowed me the space to explore different career and research paths. In addition, with it being a new program, it allowed me to help make a difference and work to shape the program for the benefit of future students.

    What is one thing you wish people knew about your academic discipline or research focus? One thing I wish people knew about my academic discipline is that we are people outside of our research. A lot of times, people, and students specifically, see us as a researcher or faculty member. But we have lives, we have hobbies, and although our research is a large aspect of who we are, that is not all that we are.

    What is one thing this field has allowed you to do, that you either dreamed of doing or thought you’d never get to do? One thing this field has allowed me to do is turn my research into practice. It has been so rewarding to see that happen, and I am so grateful.

    On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic and social responsibilities are you juggling? On my busiest day, I am juggling two classes, a meeting for my program and Senate meetings.

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

    TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Communication Studies Major Ashley Davis

    Communication Studies major Ashley Davis stands in front of Victoria Hall

    Today, we hear from Ashley Davis, a junior Communication Studies major from Gloucester County, NJ. Ashley transferred to Rowan her sophomore year and shares the importance of involving yourself on campus.

    My spring semester of my freshman year of college, I found myself scrollCommunication Studies major Ashley Davis sits outside campusing through Twitter, like most students, waiting for class to start. I saw a post from Rowan University about the transfer deadline and cruised to the main website. I found a big transfer button and thought, “Why not give it a shot?” Rowan was the only school I applied to transfer to, so this was all or nothing for me.

    Once accepted, I hoped Rowan would be different than my first year of college. I wanted to be more involved and feel more comfortable with how I spend my time in college. I was already feeling nervous transferring to a new school, especially with a whole new major. 

    My first day here, I looked on social media and ProfLink for events that either had free giveaways or free food because 1.) Who doesn’t love a free shirt? and 2.) Commuter life somehow always has me hungry, so free lunch is always a plus — especially Commuter Club Waffle Wednesday. 

    I joined a few organizations such as the Leadership Program, Student Alumni Association, Tau Sigma, Student Government Association and Commuters Club. I also work on campus for the Office of Alumni Communication Studies major Ashley Davis stands next to a Rowan OSLP sign Engagement. Each of these helped me finally step out of my comfort zone and talk to new people. Since Rowan was a new school and I didn’t know many people, going out and creating connections was a big step for me. 

    Being involved and actually going to events on campus helps me feel like I have a purpose at Rowan and in college. I have gotten to meet so many new people who help and motivate me everyday in different ways. I never thought I would actually want to stay on campus when I didn’t have to be, but now I find myself wishing I had more hours in the day to go to all the events around campus. 

    Rowan has changed my life forever and made it easy for me to feel like this is a place I finally fit in. I know the people here actually care. My whole experience as a transfer student so far has been such a privilege because I actually take advantage of the resources offered. I am much happier here and encourage other transfer students to get involved. Instead of eating lunch in your car or sitting alone in between classes, go to an event that has free stuff. Maybe I’ll see you there!

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    Story by:
    Ashley Davis, junior communication studies major

    Photos by:
    Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major, and courtesy of Ashley Davis

    First Year Voices: An Entrepreneurship Major Prepares to Launch a Lip Gloss Line

    Exterior shot of the Rohrer College of Business

    student portraitMeet Anjeliah Williams, a freshman majoring in Entrepreneurship, who also attended the Pre-College Institute (PCI) this summer. Anjeliah is from Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County), and she’s about to launch her own lip gloss line called “Anjel Allure.”

    Anjeliah decided to major in entrepreneurship because growing up she did not know what she wanted to do but knew she did not like to work for others. 

    “I realized I wanted be my own boss and I thought entrepreneurship was a great major,” she says.

    Anjeliah plans on opening other businesses in the future. “Later on in life, I want to own other small businesses like a coffee shop, a tattoo shop and a nail salon,” she adds.

    Student Portrait“Don’t listen to people who are trying to put your idea down,” Anjeliah says. “They might say that it’s a horrible idea or it’s too much money, but If you keep a growth mindset and not a fixed mindset, then you can literally do anything.”

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    Story by:
    Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major 

    How One Rowan Professor’s Digital Office Hours Help the Online Learning Community

    Dr. Anna Sun, assistant professor of Educational Services and Leadership, saw the problem in both her teaching and research: how can faculty meet with students outside of class when the course is online? 

    Her solution — offering e-office hours for her classes — earned her accolades this fall at Rowan Global Learning & Partnerships’ inaugural Excellence in Online Learning awards

    Dr. Sun says she felt a range of emotions upon being recognized for her work.

    Dr. Anna Sun stands in front of the James Hall statue“I feel honored, surprised and happy. I’m glad I’m recognized by peers, by students, by Rowan at large and as a community. And I’m surprised because online teaching relatively speaking is still new. 

    “I feel that more and more the community recognizes the importance of online teaching, sees it’s another way to meet the students’ needs, and it could provide the quality teaching and instruction in this pioneering format,” she adds. 

    The College of Education professor’s research focuses on social justice and school administration leadership in K-12 settings. She also studies how counterparts in other countries approach similar issues, debates and questions in education. 

    Dr. Sun joined Rowan six years ago, as her department collaborated with Rowan Global to launch an online teaching program to better meet students’ needs. The online courses are called light hybrid because there are two face-to-face times scheduled between faculty and students each semester. Dr. Sun saw how successful this model was and sought to incorporate an element of this in her office hours for online courses. 

    “I wanted to create a online learning community,” she explains. “The challenge or the debate sometimes would be, there’s no face-to-face time. So that’s the time I thought we need to create with this e-office hours, like the face-to-face office hours.”

    Dr. Sun designates the second Monday of the month to e-office hours, where students can make appointments and meet with her via phone, email, videoconference or other digital format to ask questions on or talk about the course. 

    Dr. Anna Sun meets with a Rowan student inside James Hall

    She says students have appreciated the courses with e-office hours.

    “They feel I’m very approachable and I respond to students’ questions right away. They felt that this is exactly what they learned from face-to-face,” Dr. Sun says. “The research [also] shows that in the online setting we should have this instruction presence; I want the students to feel like they can reach me at any time when they have questions.”

    Her e-office hours contribution is just one part of a more expansive goal of Dr. Sun’s to prepare future school leaders. 

    “In my teaching, we have a lot of discussions about social justice school leadership, transformational leadership,” Dr. Sun says. “And I feel my teaching, my interactions with students provide cutting-edge, effective approaches for them to become the reformers, the leaders, to make big changes in education.

    “Our program prepares candidates with social justice approaches to make a big impact in the field. Both my teaching and the research are so important in this regard.”

    Dr. Anna Sun stands in front of a bronze statue outside of James Hall

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    #PROFspective: International Student Nam Phuong Nguyen Hoang

    Nam Phuong Nguyen Hoang stands outside Science Hall

    Today, we speak with Nam Phuong Nguyen Hoang, a junior Nutrition major from Đà Nẵng, Việt Nam who commutes from Cape May. Nam Phuong will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof.

    Nam Phuong Nguyen Hoang poses outside in front of the Rowan owl statueYour name: Nam Phuong Nguyen Hoang

    Your major(s): Nutrition

    Are you a first-generation college student? No

    Your year: Junior

    Transfer student: Yes. I transferred my credits from Atlantic Cape Community College.

    Hometown: Đà Nẵng, Việt Nam

    Where do you live? Cape May, NJ (Cape May County)

    Commuter: Yes, this [fall] semester I [commuted] 5 days a week from Cape May.

    Academic clubs you are a part of:  Nutrition Care Club, student member of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

    Social clubs you are a part of: Volunteer for the Community Foodbank of New Jersey, Social Media Volunteer for Clinical Nutrition Management Dietetic Practice Group.

    Share an “aha!” moment you’ve had within your major that made you feel passionate about your intended field.

    This is my first semester at Rowan as a Dietetics student. I have to say that the Department of Health Sciences keeps me excited every week with weekly emails about different opportunities for internship/jobs/volunteer experiences for Rowan students in our field. Recently, I received an email about an internship for students who are interested in attending the Health Promotion Conference in South Carolina. The chapter will cover the transportation and hotel fee for the accepted interns, and the conference fee is waived for interns. How cool is that!

    Nam Phuong’s laptop stickers are Keith Haring designs. “His work just speaks to me and makes me happy!” she says.

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

    I really enjoy my Intro to Nutrition Profession class with Dr. [Christina] Riccardo. In this class, we are encouraged to develop our professional philosophies, making connections, identify both professional and personal future goals, as well as build positive growth mindset. As we are still in the preparation for the program, I think it is very important for each of us to reflect and know what we really want to do in the future, as we don’t want to enter the program and realize it’s not what we thought it to be, right?  

    Describe for us an on-campus experience (academic or non-academic) in which you felt that your future goals are supported.

    The Office of Career Advancement (OCA) in Savitz Hall is very helpful and valuable for me as well as anyone who is a current Rowan student. Most of the time a good GPA is not enough to get the job that we want; it is also about how we present ourselves in person and on paper. It is sometimes quite intimidating for many students to create a professional resume, prepare for an interview or search for job opportunities. The OCA helps students learn how to write a proper cover letter, résumé, do mock interviews and find jobs and internships. I think this service is absolutely amazing. I received a lot of help and I am very grateful for all the feedback and suggestions from the faculty in this office.

    Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you?

    Rowan has a diverse college environment where people with different backgrounds, personalities and perspectives come together. The diversity is a great opportunity for students to learn and grow from each other. In the midst of diversity, there are associations for students with particular interests, and that made me feel like I belong. The second week at Rowan, at the Fall Festival, I met the Vietnamese Student Association. That made me feel so happy when there is diversity and ethnic integrity.  

    Nam Phuong Nguyen Hoang listens to podcasts on her commute to Rowan's campus
    “I listen to podcasts that explain topics that I find particularly challenging in my classes.”

    Why did you choose Rowan?

    I want to be a Registered Dietitian and the first thing to do to become one is to get my education at an accredited institution. I did my research and found that Rowan is one of the 62 accredited colleges in America that offers the program I am pursuing, which I think is so awesome. I had a chance to talk to my current academic advisor, Ms. Dwyer, a year before I applied to Rowan. She helped me with what I should expect and what I should do to prepare for the program. As I learn more about the program, I am so excited to see Rowan expanding the opportunities for Dietetics students.

    What’s your favorite thing about your typical Monday at Rowan?

    I am taking 17 credits this semester, plus 15 hours commuting per week, so currently my favorite thing to do during the week is enjoy my coffee and podcast as I drive to campus. Some days I listen to Spotify, and other days I listen to podcasts. One of my favorite things about my days at Rowan is my studying time at the Campbell Library between classes. The staff is very friendly, and there are a lot of quiet study spaces for individual use as well as group use. Also, the printers at Rowan are awesome. 

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    Story by:

    Nam Phuong Nguyen Hoang, junior nutrition major

    Photography by:
    Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

    Full-Circle Moment: Communications Alumna Finds New Role at Rowan as Parent Advocate

    Wilson Hall, on the campus of Rowan University

    Two generations of #RowanPROUD alumni live in the Wilner household. 

    Lisa, from West Deptford (Gloucester County), earned her degree from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) in Communications — with a minor in Advertising and concentration in Marketing — in 1986. Her son, Ben, graduated with a Music degree in 2018 and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Higher Education at the College of Education

    Bunce Hall at Rowan University
    Lisa Ann Wilner graduated from Glassboro State College, now Rowan University, in 1986.

    Lisa’s seasoned career included high-level management roles among nonprofits such as the Children’s Miracle Network and the Arthritis Foundation and production credits for Warner Brothers and Suburban Cable (now Comcast). 

    “I had access to things because Rowan was on my résumé,” Lisa said. “At that point I was competing with students from Syracuse and other [top-tier communication] schools.”

    When it came time for her son to choose a college, Lisa’s alma mater was one of a few on Ben’s radar. He was also accepted to nearby Temple and received scholarship money from several other universities. But it was a chance meeting with John Woodruff, director of the Academic Success Center, that changed everything for Ben and soon, for Lisa, too.

    “When [Ben] came to the Accepted Students Reception, and he sat down with John, he said, ‘They have the support systems here that I need to be successful.’ And obviously there are because he graduated magna cum laude,” Lisa proudly shared. 

    As a student with disabilities, Ben required individualized help for his specific needs, and the Academic Success Center was there to guide him. He utilized extra test-taking time in the Testing Center and sought the help of an academic coach. The Academic Success Center coordinated with the the Music department, which took great care in pairing Ben with an appropriate advisor. Lisa also noted that although Ben ultimately opted to commute, the Center had matched him with a roommate.

    “These are steps above and beyond that Rowan does. What I have seen here through the Academic Success Center has just been outstanding,” she said.  

    Lisa is a featured speaker for the Academic Success Center’s College Prep Transition Conference and a parent network member with Rowan’s Autism PATH program, which aims to strengthen employment outcomes and networking opportunities for neurodiverse students. 

    Lisa and Ben Wilner, both Rowan alumni, at their home
    Ben Wilner ’18 (left) and Lisa Ann Wilner at home. Ben is pursuing his master’s degree at the College of Education. Lisa speaks at parents’ groups and conferences for Rowan’s Academic Success Center.

    “What I’ve seen [at Rowan] in the last four years, as a parent who sat through IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meetings for 14 years … I have never seen services like exist here. They may exist at other places, but it’s done right here. I talk to parents’ groups. Ben talks to high school students for New Jersey’s Dare to Dream conferences every year. He talks to students and says ‘You can go to college, this is the route to get there.’”

    Lisa shared that, through his own academic advisor experience, Ben enrolled in the Higher Education advising track program so he could help fellow students down the road. In addition to his coursework, he’s now working as a part-time academic advisor at an area community college. She said there is “no doubt in [her] mind” Ben will find employment after earning his graduate degree this spring. Lisa also hopes Ben will eventually complete his doctorate in music theory after his successful undergraduate work in Rowan’s “incredible” music program.

    “Rowan’s growth and support of all students make me incredibly proud to be an [alumna],” she said.

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    Higher Education Master’s Program Sounds Like Sweet Success For Rowan Music Alum Ben Wilner

    Ben Wilner stands outside James Hall

    Future college students will be fortunate to have Ben Wilner as their academic advisor. 

    The Gloucester County native and aspiring academic counselor, who will complete his master’s degree in the College of Education’s Higher Education track this spring, didn’t initially set his sights on the program until his own interaction with an advisor. 

    “He’s been nothing but a huge help during the undergraduate process,” Ben says. “I want to give back because of my experiences in the undergraduate setting.” 

    Ben Wilner on the first floor of James HallBen graduated magna cum laude from Rowan’s highly competitive Music program after what he revealed was a difficult transition to college life as a student with disabilities. He’s now empowered to “inspire students with disabilities to stay in college, so they can break obstacles to get where they need to go in the college setting because I’ve broken every obstacle up until this point,” Ben explains. 

    Ben says he wouldn’t be in college without a love of music, for which he’s a triple threat in voice, guitar and piano. He had just graduated from high school to pursue music at Rowan when the overwhelm set in. 

    “I overcame it that first semester, and my entire undergraduate years I got help when I needed it and asked for assistance for the resources I need to obtain, like the Disability Resources office [also called the Academic Success Center] or academic coaching or my professors,” Ben says. “I always say to have connections with your professors. I feel like this transition showed me that it’s a lot different.”

    After his first semester, Ben, working with the Academic Success Center, met regularly with his academic coach, who he says honed his writing, editing and organizational skills. 

    He also registered with the Testing Center, which he says helped him with both test-taking and studying. The Testing Center was “welcoming and allowed me to do my tests and quizzes in a quieter space,” Ben adds. 

    Ben Wilner standing on the third floor of James HallBen’s academic career flourished after that first semester. He joined the Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society and Sigma Alpha Lambda, a national leadership honor society. He presented at Rowan’s College Prep Transition Conference, which offers workshops and tools to support students with disabilities and their families as they head toward college life. 

    His own advising experience, along with the guidance he received through the Academic Success Center, pivoted Ben’s career path from music to counseling. He’s applying his graduate coursework to an internship this year with the Academic Success Center, working with students who may be struggling as he once was — which speaks to why he’s so passionate about his future career: 

    “I really was inspired by how much I have learned in the college setting, the resources I used to succeed in the college environment,” Ben says. He hopes to “help students advocate for themselves, making sure they do what they need to do to succeed. It’s not easy, but they’ve got to take one day at a time to break those obstacles. 

    “I’d like to help those students to keep going and never give up. Every student, no matter their differences are.”

    Wide shot of Ben Wilner on the first floor of James Hall

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    Destiny’s Home Away From Home: Equestrian Club [VIDEO]

    Destiny standing with her horse at the barn

    Destiny Sheard, a senior Marketing major from Jackson, NJ (Ocean County) and a first-generation college student, feels most at home at the barn with the Equestrian Club.

    https://youtu.be/hlEIyQfoN2g

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    Video by:
    Dean Powers, sophomore radio/TV/film major

    Music by:
    Jayce Williams, senior music industry major

    First Year Voices: Music Industry Student’s Journey from Delaware to New Jersey

    Freshman Music Industry major Devin Saienni sits on a bench on campus

    “If you’re into music, this school is awesome!” says Devin Saienni, a freshman Music Industry major with a concentration in Music Technology from Wilmington, Delaware (New Castle County). He currently lives in Mimosa Hall and is a first-generation college student.

    Freshman Music Industry major Devin Saienni sits on a bench on campusDevin says he came to Rowan specifically for the music program, and he heavily credits his humble experiences here so far to his professors.

    When asked about his shift from living in Delaware to New Jersey, he said the people here make him feel right at home. He also wasn’t nervous at all coming into college because he knew a few people already.

    His best advice to future students is to “tour your schools” and “really put your full focus on really finding out what school fits you.”

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    Story and photography by:
    Enzo Ronchi, senior public relations major

    Ed.D. Graduate, Community College President on His Game-Changing Rowan Experience

    As public relations and marketing spokesperson for New York Transit, communicating news for the bus division that transported seven million passengers a day, Stephen Nacco saw his long-term career prospects heading on a different path — toward higher education. 

    Nacco traded media for academia, where he rose to top administrative positions at two New Jersey-based community colleges. 

    Rowan alumnus Dr. Stephen Nacco, president of Danville Area Community College in Illinois
    Rowan alumnus Dr. Stephen Nacco (above)

    His career moved further ahead while enrolled in Rowan’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership: Community College Leadership Initiative (CCLI). “I never wanted to be a community college president until that program,” he said. 

    Now, Dr. Stephen Nacco uses the skills he learned in his cohort from more than 750 miles away. 

    As president of Danville Area Community College (DACC), about 2.5 hours south of Chicago, Dr. Nacco leads a school that serves more than 6,100 part-time and full-time students. While the city of Danville has seen its population steadily decline over the years, DACC has seen its enrollment and graduation rates increase — which Dr. Nacco credits to his faculty and board, with whom he has built a collaborative leadership team. 

    Rowan alumnus Dr. Stephen Nacco (second from right) at Danville Area Community College, where he is president“It’s the coalescing of ideas here, and that to me is what makes working at this college rewarding,” Dr. Nacco said. “Every month we do something — this is straight out of something I learned at Rowan — where a different department comes out with a ‘Big Hairy Audacious Goal.’ And it’s got to be out there. It might seem impossible, but you’re going to try to figure out a way to make it work.

    “I think collaboratively in a small community college, it’s really a lot of fun to be able to work this way,” he added. 

    Convenient classes, offered right on the campus in which he worked at the time, initially attracted Dr. Nacco to the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program. Yet the longer he immersed himself in his coursework, the more Stephen felt compelled to seek a community college president position post-grad. 

    Rowan alumnus Dr. Stephen Nacco (right), president of Danville Area Community College in Illinois“I was able to study my own leadership and look at leadership theory,” he said. “As I was in the program more and more, I wanted to continue to move up in community colleges … that they’re not ‘junior colleges,’ what they do for workforce development and what they do for turning around lives.”

    Dr. Nacco noted Rowan’s teaching faculty included community college presidents, who enhanced the program through their “war stories” and mentorship. He also acknowledged Dr. James Coaxum, associate professor in the College of Education, whom he said had “a style that was calm for people, not just with me, but for many students who were anxious to go back to college.” 

    After completing the Ed.D. degree part-time in three years, Dr. Nacco ultimately secured the top spot at DACC in 2016. The importance of the job is not lost on him.

    “Being in DACC, you can’t imagine how important this college is to this community,” he said. 

    For future students considering the Ed.D. program, Dr. Nacco offers this advice: “Whatever your niche is, don’t be constrained by that niche. Go into it with the idea with you can be surprised with what you want to do. It doesn’t matter what your job is, if you know what you’re doing is important to the people around you, then it’s a good career. And Rowan can help you get there.”

    Rowan alumnus Dr. Stephen Nacco's school, Danville Area Community College, offers a Wind Tech program
    Rowan Ed.D. alumnus Dr. Stephen Nacco, president of Danville Area Community College in Illinois, is especially proud of his school’s Wind Tech program, one of few in the country that trains students to maintain wind turbines and prepares graduates for work in the emerging wind energy industry.

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    #PROFspective: International Engineering Student Thai Nghiem

    Thai Nghiem stands on the steps inside the Engineering Hall lobby

    Name: Thai Nghiem

    Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering

    Minor: Computer Science

    Year: Senior

    Are you a first-generation college student? No

    Hometown and county: Hanoi, Vietnam

    Commuter: Yes. I’m commuting from Franklinville, NJ (Gloucester County)

    Academic clubs you are a part of: Bantivoglio Honors Concentration, Tau Beta Pi – Engineering Honor Society

    Social clubs you are a part of: Rowan Cru – Secretary

    Thai sits in a round orange chair in the bridge connecting the two engineering buildings at Rowan University.Do you work on campus? I worked in the library as a Technology Desk Specialist for a year.

    Share an “aha!” moment you’ve had within your major that made you feel passionate about your intended field. I was always good at math and physics in high school, and since Rowan offered an outstanding engineering program, I did not hesitate to choose engineering as my major. 

    Describe an on-campus experience (academic or non-academic) in which you felt that your future goals are supported. I found the Career Fair on-campus very helpful, as I landed many interviews and two internships. The two engineering internships were with Ellenby Technologies and American Water. Both of them offered me competitive pay and treated me as a regular employee; they trusted and assigned me with great responsibilities. I had a great time interning with them and gained a great deal of practical knowledge and industrial experience. I would recommend everybody of all majors attend the Rowan Career Fair. 

    Thai is pictured behind a handrail as he walks up the steps holding a red and black toolbox .
    On a typical day, Thai brings his toolbox with him to work on projects in Engineering Hall.

    Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you? My freshman year (2015), Rowan Cru held a Halloween party at the International House, where I used to live. As an international student, I did not have a lot of friends back then, especially those who are American. The event was a great deal to me, as I got to meet and talk to new people who were very friendly and helpful. Since it’s hard for an international student to get a car and a driving licence, many of them offered me rides to ShopRite whenever I needed. Furthermore, they invited me to be a part of their club — Rowan Cru, where I continued to make new wonderful relationships and great memories.

    Why did you choose Rowan? Actually, Rowan found and chose me. I uploaded my resume on a merit-aid website, and Rowan officials contacted me. Due to the generous international scholarship, I was able to attend Henry Rowan College of Engineering. 

    Thai works on a project in the Engineering Hall lobby between classes.

    On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic and social responsibilities are you juggling? On my busiest day, I am juggling between exams, my part-time job at the library, and leading a Bible study session at Rowan Cru. There are tough times, but those are what make us a better person. My friends in Cru, as well as my classmates, help each other through stressful times. I really appreciate these people and always enjoy spending time with them. 

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    Story by:
    Thai Nghiem, senior electrical and computer engineering major

    Photography by:
    Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

    First Year Voices: Mattie Ballard-Millet

    Mattie and her friend chatting outside on a grassy lawn.

    Name: Mattie Ballard-Millet
    Year: Freshman 
    Major: Theatre, Musical Theatre Concentration within the College of Performing Arts
    Hometown: Biloxi, Mississippi
    Where do you live? On-campus, Holly Pointe Commons

    What first surprised you about Rowan?
    “I think how nice everyone is, because they say that northerners aren’t always the nicest. It’s a stereotype, but that’s not true. Everyone, especially within the Theatre and Dance Department, has been really sweet and encouraging.”

    Mattie sitting on a grassy field.How is New Jersey different from Mississippi?
    “Everybody here is very into what they are doing. It’s a very dedicated space for theatre. In high school, there are so many people that do theatre who are just doing it for the credit, and now it’s so nice to be surrounded by people who are just as passionate about theatre as I am. Students care so much.

    “I guess there’s an energy that’s different, where everyone’s got something to do.
    Whereas in the south, everyone’s kind of like content with living in their hometown forever and staying put. I feel like up north there’s kind of a ‘go-getter attitude,’ where everyone’s like ‘Let me go make a career for myself’ or ‘Let me shape my own path.’ Yeah, it is more fast-paced, and it’s very refreshing.

    “Also, my teachers are more chill and laid back. There is a respect thing — where it could just be like a college thing or a north vs. south kind of thing. But it’s like the teachers understand that we’re people, and it’s not like ‘I’m your elder, so you have to respect me.’ Oh, and people don’t say ‘yes, m’am’ or ‘yes, sir.’ It’s such a weird feeling because I’m so used to saying those things.

    “In the south, there’s an expectation for younger generations to speak that way to older generations. But here, there’s just a general respect for everyone. And Rowan is very progressive, so it made me super happy to see that people were using pronouns to introduce themselves and address each other. It just felt new and right.”

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    Story and photography by:
    Faith Lynn Diccion, sophomore theatre & radio/TV/film double major

    Volunteerism at Rowan: Food Bank of South Jersey [VIDEO]

    students sorting food at the south jersey food bank

    Students work together with the Food Bank of South Jersey sorting and organizing food to provide for the food-insecure. 

    Through the summer First-Year Connection: Volunteerism program, incoming students — both freshmen and transfer — embrace togetherness and philanthropy to build community and provide service. Once the school year starts, the volunteerism continues. The Office of Volunteerism hosts monthly projects for five nonprofits, as well as a host of additional activities both on- and off-campus. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7fiCZq6MOE

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    Video by:
    Dean Powers, sophomore radio/TV/film major

    Music by:
    Don DeWitt, junior music technology major

    First Year Voices: Public Relations Major Rachel Rumsby

    Freshman Public Relations major Rachel Rumsby sits on a bench outside on Rowan's campus.

    Freshman Public Relations major Rachel Rumsby sits outside on Rowan's campus. Ten toes in. This is the motto of First-Year Connection: Leadership, and how I tried to live during my transition into college. For me, this meant getting as involved as possible to meet a lot of people and get acclimated to campus. 

    The first home I found on campus was First Year Connection: Leadership (FCL). This is a four-day program for freshmen and transfer students that focuses on kickstarting your leadership journey at Rowan. This program allowed me to move into Mimosa, my freshman dorm, early, which really set me up for success here at Rowan. By the time the semester started, I had 40 new friends and was all moved in! FCL also jump-started my leadership Rowan career, where I am currently working on my Bronze Leadership Certificate. I still hang out with these people now, even though FCL ended months ago!

    Rachel Rumsby (middle) poses with her First-Year Connection: Leadership group.
    Rachel Rumsby (middle) poses with her First-Year Connection: Leadership group. (photo by Jessica Hassell)

    The second group that I joined at Rowan is Student University Programmers (SUP). SUP is a group that makes programs and events happen for students by students here at Rowan. One of the FCL mentors is the president of SUP, and my RA is the Director of Charitable Events for SUP, and they really encouraged me to join. I don’t attend every event or meeting, but when I do they are always super friendly.

    Joining Rowan’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, a national pre-professional organization, and PRaction, Rowan’s student-run public relations firm, also helped me in my transition to Rowan.

    Rachel Rumbsy (right) hands out granola bars at Rowan University's Student Center for The SHOP.
    Rachel Rumsby (right) hands out granola bars at Rowan University’s Student Center for The SHOP food pantry.

    Being on a team for a PRaction client as a freshman really makes me feel like I am going to be professionally prepared after leaving Rowan. I am learning about the profession that I would like to go into, so I can be sure that public relations is actually what I want to do. 

    My team on-campus is the Crew Club team. We are an up-and-coming club that welcomes people of any skill level in rowing. We are working toward earning enough money to buy a boat so that we can start competing. We are preparing to compete by working out, erging (rowing on a machine) and team bonding. I have found the members of the crew team to be my closest friends on campus. We are always looking for reasons to be together!

    All of these clubs are family because they have helped me transition into having a successful start at Rowan. However, my college experience would be very different if I didn’t live on campus. My RA has been amazing with helping me through everything from roommate issues to how to use the laundry machine. My floormates are also becoming like family to me as well. I am so thankful to have this experience living on campus with them.

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    Story by:
    Rachel Rumsby, freshman public relations major

    Photography by:
    Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

    #PROFspective: International Student & Marketing Major Marko Minic

    Today, we speak with Marko Minic, a senior Marketing major and Sports Communication and Media minor from Belgrade, Serbia who lives on-campus. Marko will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof.

    Name: Marko Minic
    Major: Marketing
    Minor: Sports Communication & Media
    Year: Senior
    Transfer Student: Yes, I transferred to Rowan from the University of Rio Grande.
    Hometown: Belgrade, Serbia
    On-Campus Resident: Yes, I am an RA in Mimosa Hall.
    Academic club: Secretary, Sports Communication and Media Club
    Athletic club: Basketball Club
    Social club: Treasurer, International Club

    Do you work on campus? If so, where/what do you do? Yes, I am a Resident Assistant, an Admissions Ambassador and I work at the Rec Center.

    Describe an experience you’ve shared with a professor in which you felt like you were working with a visionary in your field. There are a handful of professors at Rowan who I have had meaningful conversations with. Professor Kate Harman made a big impact on me when I took her Intro to Sports Communications class. She was always a great mentor and I am still in contact with her through the Sports CAM club. One thing that made her stand out was her high energy and her ability to see the big picture.

    Describe for us an on-campus experience in which you felt that your future goals are supported. Every week, as a part of the Sports CAM club, I attend the “Pizza with the Pros” session where outside employers in the sports industry come and talk to us about their careers. It’s a great networking opportunity and is helping me a lot with my employment opportunities and career goals.

    Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you?Meeting Charles Barkley, a retired NBA player, through Pizza with the Pros, and having a private reception with him. 

    On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic and social responsibilities are you juggling? Monday is a packed day from me. I have classes back to back from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. I always go for a workout before my busy day starts at 7 a.m. After that I usually go either to the admissions office or the Rec Center to do some work before our weekly meeting at 6 p.m. Finally, I come back to my room in Mimosa Hall, usually around 8 p.m, and see how things are going with my residents. Sometimes, as a part of my RA job, I am on duty for the building or assisting residents. If not, I use some time to catch up on some homework or just relax.

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

    Psychology Major “Breaks Labels” with Academic Success Center

    Rowan Psychology major Matt Corsi outside Esby Gym

    Spend just five minutes with Matt Corsi, and it’s impossible not to smile — this Psychology major’s positivity and enthusiasm are infectious. 

    Rowan Psychology major Matt Corsi stands outside Esby Gym
    The transfer student from Deptford, NJ (Gloucester County) arrived on campus one week early this semester as part of College Compass, a program that provides students with disabilities with a transition into college life through early housing, workshops and campus tours. 

    Matt has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, but for him, helping others plays a far more important role than his own disabilities. 

    “I’m here to rip the label off, break the label. We’re more than that with hard work, with a heart, with passion,” he says. 

    A new student himself, Matt actually served on College Compass as a peer mentor. He received accommodations as a student at Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ), which referred him to Rowan’s Academic Success Center (ASC, also known as the Disabilities Resource Center) when he enrolled at the university.

    When he arrived at Rowan, he met with ASC Director John Woodruff, who said, “‘I want to have you on our peer mentoring team,’” Matt recalls. 

    In this role, Matt guided freshmen and fellow transfer students starting out at Rowan. He reveals he didn’t have to know everything on campus to be a good mentor; it was counseling students in areas where they struggled and helping them grow where he felt he could be most useful. Matt says he left the group with this quote: “Maximizing your potential will lead to your success.” He sees himself reflected in this message.

    “If I can implement that to them, and they can see that I’ve done it, then I hope they’re more willing to do it, because they can, if they’ve really put everything into it,” Matt says.

    Matt looks forward to joining Unified Sports, an inclusive, competive sports club that partners with the Special Olympics.
    Matt looks forward to joining Unified Sports, an inclusive club where both Rowan and Special Olympics athletes compete and play soccer and basketball.

    Matt hopes to grow his leadership skills through Unified Sports, which he was part of at RCSJ for multiple years and for one as president. 

    “Unified Sports. That is my heart. I know Rowan has a championship school. It grows them socially and in so many aspects than in just sports. I have seen students who had anger issues who are now helping other students out,” Matt says. 

    Matt wants to be a mental health counselor post-grad, working with those with issues who he says “can [still] contribute” despite a social “stigma.” 

    So how does Matt stay so positive? He draws strength not only from helping others, but from defying the odds. 

    Rowan Psychology major Matt Corsi stands outside Esby Gym

    “Doctors told me my whole life I wouldn’t make it through college, and if I did, I would barely make it,” he shares. “And I graduated RCSJ and represented the whole class when I graduated.

    “A lot of times we don’t know how much we can do. But when we say we’re going to give it our best and we do it — it doesn’t matter, that’s a victory.”

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    Hybrid Doctoral Studies Program Offers Flexibility for Aspiring Educational Administrator

    Exterior shot of James Hall, home of the College of Education

    First-generation college student Manuela Jiménez has always had plenty of ambition and little free time. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University, the Perth Amboy, NJ (Middlesex County) teacher knew that she wanted to continue her education. She earned her master’s in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University while teaching secondary students, and attained her school principal and supervisor credentials. Jimenez believes that learning is a lifelong process, and in an effort to reflect on her practice as an educator, she decided to continue her studies. 

    A simple Google search led Manuela to discover the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) program at Rowan, and she dove right in. “I came across this top-rated hybrid doctoral program and was thrilled to hear about it!” she says. “Being a full-time working individual, it’s so convenient to be in a program that gives me the flexibility I need to have face-to-face classes and online classes that allow me to also work.” 

    Rowan Ed.D. student Manuela sits at a desk with the name "Ms. Jimenez" in colorful letters pasted to the front of the desk.
    Manuela — or Ms. Jimenez, as her students call her — sits at her desk, ready for another successful day!

    Flexibility was a requirement when it came to Manuela’s decision to enroll in a doctorate program. She currently teaches English to seventh graders at a local school, and is the Chair for the elective department — two time-consuming positions that require a lot of work and dedication. She met with a Rowan University advisor in order to determine the perfect schedule that would integrate with her work preferences. The face-to-face class meetings are convenient to her schedule, and she prefers to complete the online portion of her learning during her breaks from teaching. “Having access to all of my learning materials and professor office hours online is very helpful to me because of my schedule,” she says.

    Though this schedule may sound overwhelming, Manuela loves every moment of it. “It’s a very rigorous program, but it makes me want to learn more! The more that I read, the more inquisitive I become about my current methods as a practitioner. My professors provide thorough feedback for every assignment, and prepare me to feel more competent and confident in the workplace,” she says.

    The most rewarding part of the program is that the content Manuela learns through her courses can be applied to her teaching the very same day! Since she completes her online work throughout the school day, the lessons she learns are fresh in her mind, allowing her to apply the theories from her readings to her classroom to see real results. And since she’s started the Ed.D. program, she is already noticing a difference in the quality of her interactions with students and faculty.

    “It’s not all about the concept but the implementation of it in the teaching environment,” she says. “I am becoming a more reflective practitioner, learning the difference between theory and practice by applying the curriculum of these courses to my real-life interactions.”

    Drone shot overlooking Rowan's Glassboro campus at sunset
    “It’s so convenient to be in a program that gives me the flexibility I need to have face-to-face classes and online classes that allow me to also work,” Manuela says of Rowan’s Ed.D. program.

    “I’ve definitely made the right choice with Rowan,” Manuela says. “The program is hard but it’s worth it, because the quality of the education I’m receiving is truly impactful. It’s inspiring that first-generation college students like myself can make it in their career, and pursue a higher education degree while juggling everything else in life.”

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    Story by:
    Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major