First Year Voices: Niambi Fetlow

Bambi sitting on a chair in the rehearsal room in Bunce
Bambi inside Rowan rehearsal room

“I love the Theatre and Dance Department here because everyone makes me feel at home no matter how many times I fall down. I know I have a huge group of people here supporting me and helping me in any way that they can.

The people here are just a reminder of a quote from Maya Angelou that I live by, ‘People will forget what you said, they will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'”

Niambi (Bambi) Fetlow, theatre major (musical theatre concentration) from Pennsauken, NJ (Camden County) who lives in Rowan Boulevard Apartments. 

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Story and photography by: Vanessa Vause, senior public relations and theatre major

#PROFspective: Biological Sciences Major Kayla Vogel

Name: Kayla Vogel  Major: Biological Sciences within the College of Science and Math.Year: Junior Transfer: Yes, Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC) Hometown and County: Mantua, NJ (Gloucester County) Resident: Yes, 220 Rowan Blvd Social clubs: Generation Action and Outdoor Club What inspired you to choose your major? I have always been interested in the […]

Sean’s Home Away From Home: Kappa Delta Pi

https://youtu.be/vPJuqkXv1Uc

Sean Lowry, a senior elementary education major with a dual major in geography from Caldwell, NJ (Essex County), feels most at home within the education honor society at Rowan, Kappa Delta Pi. A transfer student from the County College of Morris, this year Sean is president of Kappa Delta Pi and lives on campus in 220 Rowan Boulevard Apartments.

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Video by: Alexander Belli, senior public relations and advertising major
Edited by: Nicole Cier, junior writing arts major
Music by: Don Dewitt, junior music industry major

TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Jakira McCoy

Jakira smiles in front of a white backdrop

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

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

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TRANSFER NOW

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

First Generation College Student, Aspiring Doctor, Plans to Serve Camden

Luis Acevedo posing on the bridge behind the Engineering building at Rowan University.Luis Acevedo, sophomore dual biology and chemistry major from Camden, NJ, originally entered Rowan as an education major. Luis wanted to teach the people in his community about mobilization – something that is a challenge for many from the city. After a semester into his education career, Luis kept his promise to educate his community, but felt he would be able to make a bigger impact educating them on physical health. He rediscovered his passion for the field of medicine, and is eager to apply his passion at home.

Luis speaking at the First-Generation Student Symposium on Feb. 13, 2019 at Rowan University.
Luis speaking at the First Generation Student Symposium on Feb. 13, 2019 at Rowan University. Photo by Nicole Cier.

Luis explains, “The general knowledge of health is not known. Not all members of Camden have access to healthcare or are able to communicate their physical aches and pains to doctors. If people aren’t able to describe their pain, they won’t receive proper care to fix their problem.” Luis wants to provide people with the help they deserve, but aren’t receiving yet. Everyone should have the opportunity to a healthy life and adequate medical attention. His degree and skills sets will allow him to properly attend to the members of his community who desperately need it.

Luis appreciates his family members’ encouragement throughout his Luis Acevedo posing inside the main entrance of the science building at Rowan University.education career and the mentors who’ve built a family full of support at school. After an interview with Dr. Mateo for Rowan’s ASCEND program, Luis felt Rowan was a good choice. Luis’ judgement was right. He explains, “The Camden Campus is a small family. Everyone is welcoming and all are happy to be there. If I ever need help, any one is happy to help me. They are my nest.” Luis, being in the Flying First program, is introduced through the program to professionals and other first-generation college students on campus who advance his academic success. Dr. Mateo, known as “mama bird” to most ASCEND members, meets with Luis regularly to ensure he’s on the right path and connects him to other resources on campus – one of them being the Peer Referral and Orientation Staff (PROS), where he joined as a member of the orientation staff the summer after his freshman year. 

After finding PROS, Luis created a tremendous amount of connections on campus. PROS introduced Luis to faculty and students with different backgrounds, and knows learning to communicate with diverse cultures will help him in his future career.

Luis is setting a positive example for the people of Camden. His hometownLuis Acevedo posing outside the science building at Rowan University. holds a negative stereotype for fostering an adverse community. “A lot of people think we’re not prepared for college. The fact that people ask questions about the type of education I had is unreal. It’s important to inform people that we’re all the same and we were all accepted to the same university.” Luis takes advantage of his resources at Rowan, knowing these connections will prepare him to be a successful doctor.

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VISIT CAMPUS​​

Enter for a chance to win a Rowan t-shirt! Email RowanBlog [at] rowan.edu with the date and time of your upcoming campus tour … we may just email you that we’re going to surprise you while you’re visiting!

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

(Weekly) Daily Dish – Microwavable Quesadilla

 This quesadilla is quick and easy to make – perfect for days where you only have 5 minutes to eat!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tortilla
  • 2 slices of cheese
  • Pre-cooked chicken

Directions:

  1. Microwave tortilla for 30 seconds.Up-close picture of microwaved tortilla.
  2. Place cheese and chicken (I added peppers for an extra topping) on half of the tortilla. Fold over the tortilla and microwave for 45 seconds and enjoy!
    Tortilla with chicken and peppers on it.
    Cooked and plated chicken quesadilla.

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    VISIT CAMPUS​​

    Enter for a chance to win a Rowan t-shirt! Email RowanBlog [at] rowan.edu with the date and time of your upcoming campus tour … we may just email you that we’re going to surprise you while you’re visiting!

Story and photos by:
Alyssa Bauer, junior public relations major

Miguel’s Home Away From Home: The Whit Newsroom [VIDEO]

https://youtu.be/XAGBfHJZQZM

Miguel Martinez, a junior journalism major from Pennsauken, NJ (Camden County), shares his feeling of home here at Rowan, in the newsroom of The Whit, where he works as the multimedia editor. Miguel commutes from our Camden campus and is an English language learner. 

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Video by: Nicole Cier, junior writing arts major
Music by: Bianca Torres, sophomore music industry major

Welcome, Transfer Honor Society Members!

mascot Whoo RU jumps for joy and is seen mid-air
Jelani stands against a black metal fence with a pond behind him
Senior journalism major Jelani allows his Rowan Blog internship colleague to practice taking photos of him on campus.
Education student sits on chair leaning down toward a 6 year old boy to read him a book
An education major reads to Steven, age 6, in the reading clinic.
Two students walk on the sidewalk inside the curve of Holly Pointe Commons.
Two Holly Pointe Commons residents walk outside on a warm day.
Mascot Whoo RU jumps for joy outside of Savitz Hall
Mascot Whoo RU jumps for joy to welcome you!
Junior marketing major Dan looks down to adjust his tie in Business Hall
Dan, a junior marketing major, adjusts his tie in Business Hall.
five suitemates in Willow Hall sit on their couch, hanging out and chatting
These suitemates affectionately dubbed themselves the “Willow Squad.”

TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Katherine Villacis

Katherine Villacis sitting in the bridge connecting Rowan's Engineering building.

Meet transfer student Katherine Villacis, a junior civil engineering major  from Beverly, NJ (Burlington County) who is a resident assistant here on campus. Katherine recently served as a student panelist on Rowan’s first-generation college student symposium, hosted by Flying First

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

“One of my first experiences since I transferred was just taking the leap and getting involved. Being an RA helps me know what’s going on around campus and connect me to resources. I’ve met returning and professional staff who want to see me succeed. Flying First, Rowan’s support program for first-generation college students, is also welcoming environment. We recently had a symposium that was open to other schools, with student panelists discussing their first generation experience.”

Why did you choose Rowan?

“I chose Rowan because of convenience. I went to Rowan College at Burlington County and the programs here made it easier for me to transfer. I didn’t know at first where I wanted to go, but heard great things about the engineering program and knew this was something that could work out.”

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

(Weekly) Daily Dish: 3 Healthy Breakfasts Under 10 minutes

I definitely consider breakfast an important meal – no one wants to be that person with the rumbling stomach in their morning class. These 3 meals only take a few minutes to make and fill me up more than a bowl of cereal ever will.

1. Avocado Toast

Avocado toast is a trendy, healthy and easy-to-make meal. I’ve been making this almost every day this past semester!

Ingredients:

  • 1 or 2 slices of bread
  • 1 small avocado
  • 2 eggs

Directions:

  1. Toast bread until toasted to your preference.

2. Cook eggs on a medium heat in a small or medium sized pan (a few minutes per side). 

3. Spread avocado on toast and season (I highly suggest the Everything but the Bagel seasoning from Trader Joe’s).

4. Top toast with eggs and enjoy!

2. Oatmeal

I love making oatmeal when I have to be up extra early, its so easy to throw in a to-go cup and eat it on my walk to class or meetings.

Ingredients

  • Microwavable oatmeal pack
  • Handful of fruit

Directions

  1. Follow oatmeal directions.
  2. While your oatmeal is cooking, chop fruit of your choice. Once oatmeal is cooked, top with fruit and enjoy.

3. Banana/Strawberry Toast

This is another perfect meal to eat on-the-go barely takes 5 minutes to prep. 

Ingredients

  • 1 or 2 slices of toast
  • Handful of fruit

Directions

  1. Toast bread. While bread is toasting, chop up fruit.
  2. Place fruit on toasted bread and enjoy! To make this a fuller meal, you can add yogurt with some granola.

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VISIT CAMPUS​​

Enter for a chance to win a Rowan t-shirt! Email RowanBlog [at] rowan.edu with the date and time of your upcoming campus tour … we may just email you that we’re going to surprise you while you’re visiting!

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

First Year Voices: Salma Elwy

Salma sitting at the piano inside Bunce
Salma sitting at the piano in the practice room in Bunce

“I’m very lucky to be studying acting at Rowan because the sense of community here is so strong. In just one semester, I’ve made friends who I already feel so comfortable around and professors who are so willing to help me grow in my field. The small class sizes make it easy to learn and to make friends without the intimidation of a huge lecture class. I’m so excited to see what the next three and a half years have in store for me!” Salma Elwy, freshmen theatre major and Arabic minor from Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County). (First generation American college student).

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VISIT CAMPUS​​

Enter for a chance to win a Rowan t-shirt! Email RowanBlog [at] rowan.edu with the date and time of your upcoming campus tour … we may just email you that we’re going to surprise you while you’re visiting!

Photography by: Vanessa Vause, senior public relations, advertising and theatre major

From Rowan RTF to CBS

Brandon inside the Rowan Radio studio

Brandon Ward, Radio/TV/Film major, landed the internship of a lifetime with a company he admires dearly. From traveling around the city of Philadelphia and seeking #trends online to watching breaking news happen live, Brandon got a dose of the action-packed new station career. Last summer, Brandon, from Oaklyn, NJ (Camden County) conducted a news internship […]

Kerry’s Home Away From Home: Blackbox Theater [VIDEO]

Kerry and cast on the stage in the blackbox theater at rehearsal

Meet Kerry Jules, senior theatre major and advertising minor from Union, NJ (Union County), directing an original musical conceived by Matthew Vesely, senior theatre and writing arts major from Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County). Lights went up for the world premier of “Trigger Warning: A Melancholy Musical” on March 7 & 8 at 7:30 pm, and […]

Music Industry Student Gains Hands-On Experience Through Live Performances

Claire sits at a table with a Mac computer and microphone to work on a song in Wilson Hall's private recording studio.

Claire Jesseman, a senior Music Industry and Spanish double major from Ewing, NJ (Mercer County)  may have discovered her favorite sound: the “ding” of a new email notification! Through opportunities sent out to Music Industry students by her professors and program coordinators, her Rowan education is actively filled with traveling, networking, and experiencing her field […]

First Year Voices: Vanessa Moultrie

Vanessa from Rowan University stands in front of the sign for Chestnut Hall dorm, with her left elbow resting on the brown sign
Vanessa from Rowan University stands in front of sparse trees at Chestnut Hall, wearing a black fleece, hands in pockets
Vanessa stands with her left elbow resting on the Chestnut Hall sign in front of her dorm

“There’s a lot more to do here at Rowan than I thought. There’s almost an activity somewhere on campus every day, so I’m never really bored. When I first started at Rowan I didn’t really know what to expect. Meeting my roommates, and living in Chestnut Hall, has really made me feel at home. All of the residents here are all so close to one another, the RAs give us fun activities daily which is also a plus!” Vanessa Moultrie, law and justice major, from Atco, NJ (Camden County).

Like what you see? Come visit us!

VISIT CAMPUS​​

Enter for a chance to win a Rowan t-shirt! Email RowanBlog [at] rowan.edu with the date and time of your upcoming campus tour … we may just email you that we’re going to surprise you while you’re visiting!

Story and photography by:
Jelani James, senior journalism major

Marcus’s Home Away From Home: Education Praxis Lab [VIDEO]

Marcus standing inside James Hall near the Praxis Lab in jacket and bookbag on
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dgm7EyvMOw&feature=youtu.be

Marcus King feels most at home around his friends and classmates in the Rowan Praxis Lab in James Hall. Get a sneak peak into the area that’s important to this junior health and physical education major from Willingboro, NJ (Burlington County.)

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Video by: Vanessa Vause, senior public relations and theatre double major
Music by: Dan Ledden, senior public relations major

Prof Style: Jenny Hovell

Jenny stands in front a brown concrete wall

“I would describe my style as dumpster grunge chic. Things on sale, things my mom or sister or grandma are getting rid of. I love layering, dark tones and anything high waisted. Definitely since I’ve come to college I’ve started wearing whatever makes me happy. And I look good!”

Jenny Hovell, a junior Art and Law & Justice double major from Blairstown, NJ (Warren County).

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Photo by: Nicole Cier, junior Writing Arts major

Joshua’s Home Away From Home: Wilson Practice Rooms [VIDEO]

Young, white male student with yellow Rowan University standing in foreground with brick building blurred out in background

An environmental studies freshman from Nutley, NJ (Essex County), Joshua Masucci has continued with his love for playing music and has found a welcoming home away from home within the College of Performing Arts’ Wilson Hall’s practice rooms. Like what you see? Come visit us! VISIT CAMPUS​ Produced by: Alexander Belli, senior public relations and advertising […]

#PROFspective: Electrical & Computer Engineering Major DJ Stahlberger

DJ sitting inside electrical lab

Today, we speak with DJ Stahlberger, a junior electrical and computer engineer major from Pittsgrove, NJ (Salem County) who commutes. DJ 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: DJ StahlbergerMajor: Electrical and […]

#PROFspective: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate Student Dave Berg

David outside Science hall

Today, we speak with Dave Berg, clinical mental health counseling graduate student from Wenonah, NJ (Gloucester County). Dave will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University graduate student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: Dave Berg Major: Clinical Mental Health […]

How One Student Uses Skills Learned at Rowan to Fight Crime

Young lady leaning against hand rail looking off into the distance thinking of all the possibilities the world offers in white button down shirt

Do you think you have what it takes to work at a prosecutor’s office? Well check out senior computing and informatics major Diane Nealon’s perspective on interning at the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office (OCPO), where she assists the High Technology Crime Unit in providing law enforcement agencies in the county with tools to assist with investigating […]

Skylar Lands Dream Internship with the Disney College Program

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

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

Faculty PROFile: Analytical Chemist Dr. James Grinias

Analytical chemist James Grinias at Rowan University sits with a student

Meet James Grinias, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, who earned his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.S. in Chemistry from Eastern Michigan University. What is your area of expertise? I am an analytical chemist with a focus on chemical separations […]

#PROFspective: Supply Chain Management and Logistics Major Rachel Breuninger

Rachel outside business building with silver sign in background saying Rohrer College of Business

Today, we speak with Rachel Breuninger, a senior supply chain management and logistics major who lives off campus in a rented house. Rachel will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she got the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: Rachel Breuninger Major: Supply […]

Student’s Stream Clean-up Supports Future Career Path

Environmental studies major Meghin Rollins of Carney’s Point, NJ (Salem County) applies her passion about the environment any way she can. Meghin’s dedication to a clean environment goes far beyond the classroom. She planned and participated in Rowan’s Stream Clean-up, where students and faculty collected garbage from different locations on Rowan’s main campus from the stream that […]

#PROFspective: Strategic Communications & Public Relations Master’s Student MST Aysha Siddika

Aysha outside College of Communication and Creative Arts sign

Today, we speak with Aysha Siddika, a graduate student in strategic communications and public relations from Bangladesh who lives off campus. Aysha will share her#PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: MST Aysha Siddika […]

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

Iman sits on the Bunce steps with her bookbag

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

Rowan After Hours Prompts Professional Advancement

Elizabeth Leick of Mountainside, Union County (NJ), shares her experience: As a senior public relations and writing arts dual major working for Rowan After Hours (RAH), which provides late night weekend socializing opportunities for students, I had the privilege of working on the 2018 National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference in Buffalo, […]

#PROFspective: Environmental Studies Major Meghin Rollins

Today, we speak with Meghin Rollins, a senior environmental studies major from Carney’s Point, NJ (Salem County) who commutes. Meghin will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: Meghin Rollins Major: Environmental Studies […]