Faculty chairperson & alumni answer: How does a world languages degree benefit students? The Department of World Languages at Rowan University, led by Dr. Marilyn S. Manley, is committed to preparing students for active participation in language exploration and cultural understanding. The department offers a diverse array of courses and academic programs in American Sign Language, Arabic, […]
german minor
Senior Reflects: Ella Emmer on Being PRISM President
Ella Emmer, a senior Psychology major with a minor in German from Somerset County, NJ, reflects on her experience as the PRISM club president and the legacy she hopes to leave on the organization.
Ella has made her mark on Rowan University’s community. Her impact can be attributed to her efforts as PRISM president, an LGBTQ+ organization on campus.
“PRISM provides a safe space for members of the LQBTQ+ community to socialize, form friendships and be their true selves,” she says.
Ella stumbled across PRISM… literally.
“I got lost going to a study abroad meeting and I wandered into JoAnna Murphy’s office in the SJICR office. After we got to talking, she introduced me to PRISM. The meeting times fit with my schedule, so I started going to meetings regularly. I became really close with members of the e-board and passionate about activism, so I decided to run as secretary my sophomore year. After serving as secretary, I ran for president and have served in that role ever since,” Ella explains.
As president of PRISM, Ella manages a lot of events for the organization. “So much goes into planning and executing events for the club. I have to pick a venue, contract any guest speakers or entertainers that come out, and spearhead any fundraising necessary for the event.”
Ella was especially proud of PRISM’s role in the university’s Lavender Graduation ceremony, which recognizes and celebrates LGBTQ+ students and allies ahead of their respective college commencement ceremonies.
“Lavender Graduation is very special to me. Since legal names have to be put on your diploma for graduation, it can oftentimes not reflect a person’s true identity. PRISM helps host a graduation that uses the person’s preferred name — their real name, to be recognized and honored for graduating as their true selves. I am speaking at the event and I could not be more proud to be a part of it.”
Along with hosting events, Ella leads e-board meetings as PRISM President. “During meetings, aside from preparing for events or upcoming fundraisers, we have an educational portion about LGBTQ+ history. Since LGBTQ+ history is not taught in schools, it is so important to learn about our history and all of the activists who got us here today,” she says.
As she reflects on her experience in the club, Ella looks back fondly on the memories she has made.
“I am really happy I got to be involved in an organization that makes a difference. Since I have been in PRISM, we have raised over $2,500 for LGBTQ+ organizations. This money has gone to not only big organizations, like The Trevor Project, but smaller organizations that aren’t as popular or advertised as well,” she says. “Aside from fundraising, I also worked with JoAnna Murphy with the SJICR to create a map for gender-neutral bathrooms on campus. This was a really important project to help others feel more comfortable on campus.”
Ella hopes the club continues to advance and do great things after she graduates.
“I hope the future of PRISM is bright and continues to make a positive impact for people in the community. Now that Covid is slowing down, I hope the new e-board can hold more events and partner with other organizations in the surrounding area for our members.”
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Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, public relations and advertising graduate
Photos courtesy of:
Ella Emmer
Desire Forman
Alumni Success: Mitch McDaniels on Finding Your “WHY”
Alumni Success Stories Explore how our alumni propel their Rowan University education into lasting success, as highlighted through our alumni success series. From Rowan University student to lifelong member of the Rowan University Alumni Association, Rowan Profs thrive at every stage of their journey. Go Profs!
Queer Voices: Psychology Major Ella Emmer
This interview was originally featured on the Queer Voices Instagram page @queer_voices.
Biomedical Art and Visualization major Emerson Harman created the Queer Voices Project, which is working “to amplify LGBTQ+ student, faculty, and alumni voices at Rowan University through portraits and interviews.” You can also find more of their content here.
Name, pronouns, and identity?
My name is Ella Emmer, my pronouns are she/her, and identify as gay.
What is your year in school and your major?
I’m a junior Psychology major and am also pursuing a minor in German.
When did you come out as LGBTQ+, and why then?
Unfortunately, the first part of my coming out journey was being outed. I got outed my sophomore year of high school to my field hockey team, my coaches, and the entire athletic wing. I had a lot of different friend groups and so it was kinda divided. My friends in the theater wing didn’t find out until I chose to come out my junior year.
The first time I chose to come out I felt like it was almost a form of activism. I was in my high school psychology class and I heard really harmful and derogatory words being thrown around and so I turned around to the group of guys saying those harmful things and I said, ‘Well, what’s wrong with being gay,’ which immediately shocked everyone into silence. He tried to defend it and be like ‘Well Daniella, what would you do if a girl came up and tried to kiss you, wouldn’t you think it’s weird,’ and despite not being out to anyone in the school except that one athletic section, I said, ‘I’d kiss her right back’ and then he was like ‘Oh so you’re a dyke’ to which I said yes.
It was a very uncomfortable experience and it was extremely embarrassing in the moment, but it’s something I look back on with pride because I wanted to make a statement. I didn’t like how no one was saying anything, especially the teacher because I knew he was hearing what was happening. After that class I had a really long and meaningful talk with my high school choir director and he said something that has stuck with me since. He said, ‘Empower yourself and live in your light,’ and that’s something I still live by today.
Has being LGBTQ impacted or influenced your education?
Being gay, one of the criteria I looked at when choosing a college was how accepting of LGBTQ students they were and the resources they have for our community. When I saw that Rowan has various LGBTQ+ clubs and the SJICR center, it made me feel very at-home and comfortable, and also I’ve always been someone who loves activism and social justice work, so finding Prism felt like a perfect fit. It felt like a great balance between being a social group for LGBTQ members to meet each other as well as pursuing activist work.
I also want to be a trauma therapist, and part of my mission is to advocate and support LGBTQ+ individuals because unfortunately, people in the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to face trauma.
Has LGBTQ culture and acceptance changed throughout your time at Rowan?
In my experience, I’ve always felt that Rowan has been a very accepting place. I’ve loved to see Prism grow over the years. When I first started it was a small, tight-knit group and now we’re still a family but it’s amazing each year to see more and more people join the family and it makes my heart so happy.
How has attending Rowan helped you in finding an inclusive community?
I was lucky enough to find Prism early on and because of that, I met some of my closest friends. I found people who understood and related to experiences I’ve had. There’s a bond that comes from facing similar oppressive situations. While extremely unfortunate, we all understand what it’s like to be rejected for who we are, and have faced discrimination in one form or another. I’m so lucky to have found Prism and all of the amazing people in the club.
Were there any faculty that you particularly enjoyed, inspired you and/or made you feel you had a safe space?
I initially met JoAnna Murphy by accident, but ever since she has been the person I go to for everything. JoAnna exudes traits that the rest of this world needs to adopt. I truly admire her compassion, authenticity, and dedication to create change in the world. She is a woman and activist I strive to emulate. I feel so lucky to know her and have her as a mentor. JoAnna has undoubtedly affected my experience at Rowan in an extremely positive way.
Is there anything you would want to see changed at Rowan in regards to LGBTQ+ life?
I’ve heard many painful stories that my friends have shared about their professors aren’t using the right pronouns or the right name. I feel that that is completely unacceptable and there is no reason why professors or anyone for that matter can’t respect someone’s identity. In the future I would hope to see change implemented that holds all professional staff to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all of their students.
Anything else you want to discuss?
The journey of figuring out your identity can be extremely terrifying and it can feel isolating, but I want people to know that they’re not alone in any of it and that they have a community. They’re exactly valid and worthy for who they are and if anyone ever needs support or a safe person to talk to, just know that I’m an email away.
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Rob’s Three Ways Vernon, NJ is Different Than Glassboro, NJ
Today we speak to Rob Nelson, a junior Accounting major with a Certificate of Undergraduate Studies (CUGS) in German. He is from Vernon, NJ (Sussex County). Before campus closed due to COVID-19, he was living on campus in 230 Victoria St.
What are three ways that Glassboro, NJ is different than Vernon, NJ? 
Glassboro is different than Vernon by being mostly flat without any mountains. Everything is right by campus whether it’s the grocery store, Wawa, Dominos or 7/11, instead of being 20 minutes away. It is also a lot warmer than up in North Jersey.
How have you been able to feel at home at Rowan even though you are far from home?
My friends that I met since being at Rowan made me feel at home.
Why did you choose to come to Rowan?
I chose Rowan after talking to several high school teachers who went here and spoke highly of Rowan, along with my cousin who went to Rowan.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major
Faculty PROFile: German Professor Who Studied in Germany & Austria
Story reviewed, revised and updated July 2025. Meet Kipp Matalucci, German adjunct instructor within the Department of Modern Languages & Linguistics. Professor Matalucci studied German for three summers in Austria after he earned his B.A. in German from Wake Forest University. He earned his M.A. in Russian and has studied Spanish in Argentina and Peru and […]