mascot

Who Would We Be Without Whoo RU?

Posted on by Bianca Gray

Meet Whoo RU! What would Rowan be without him? He is the face, spirit and pride of Rowan University. As we return to campus, let’s take a moment to remind ourselves who we are as a community and what Whoo RU means to us. 

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s Whoo RU!

Whoo RU, or “The Prof,” is the official mascot for Rowan University. Standing at 6 feet, the magnificent brown and gold owl has been the face of our institution for over 50 years! He is mighty and strong with a wingspan of 6-foot-5 and an appetite for lions, making him the perfect candidate to intimidate the competition of our school’s different sports teams. But he is also an old and wise owl serving as a source of motivation for our students to continue with their academics and one day walk off Rowan’s campus with their degrees in hand. 

Whoo RU taking some time to visit the Campbell Library

Our mascot isn’t something to just be toted out at sporting events like with some other schools. He is the perfect embodiment of our community. Like our beloved owl, the Rowan community is a group of multifaceted individuals who can’t be confined to a single box. We’ve each walked many different paths in life that all have converged on one small corner of Glassboro and expanded to touch all around the world. 

Whoo RU reminds us of the power that we hold as Profs. Profs are multifaceted and not people who are bound by the age-old saying of “the sky’s the limit.” No, the skies are our stomping (or flying) grounds, and we possess the ability to reach far beyond. We are scholars, athletes, teachers, friends, parents, musicians, business owners, artists, writers, doctors, etc., with one thing that binds us together: Prof Pride. 

Whoo RU showing off his strength at the gym.

As we return to campus, let’s keep Whoo RU’s spirit and pride in mind. Adversity is bound to challenge us in these trying times, but, never forget that our Prof Pride is unshakable and will see us through any challenge we may face. 

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Story by:
Bianca Gray, senior English major

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My Interesting Student Worker Job as the Rowan University Mascot

Posted on by Natalie DePersia
Rowan mascot jumps for joy outside of Savitz Hall at Rowan University

Today we feature Sean Scott, a Rowan alumnus who studied Finance and graduated in May 2020. Sean touches upon his experience as being the university mascot, Whoo RU. 

How did you end up being the mascot for Rowan? Did someone reach out to you or did you seek the opportunity yourself?

To start off, I was the school mascot for my high school. Fast forward a few years and I worked for the admissions office as an admissions ambassador for Rowan. The summer between my sophomore and junior I was informed by my boss in admissions that they were looking for people to try out for ‘the mascot.’ In a nutshell, I thought, ‘I go to the sporting events anyways, I might as well go to these games dressed in a mascot costume, have some more fun at these events, and make a little money while doing so.’

Sean Scott headshot.
Sean Scott

What kinds of events did you attend for being the Rowan mascot? Was it just sporting events or was it all kinds of events?

The experience of being a mascot was really cool because of the wide range of events I attended. I went to a lot of men’s and women’s basketball games, many football games, and other sporting events. However, I also did events like Hollybash, St. Baldrick’s Day, SUP events, open houses, and accepted students receptions. This experience made me well versed with student life around me.

Sean pictured with his girlfriend Caroline Murphy.
Sean pictured with his girlfriend Caroline Murphy.

How long were you the mascot for Rowan?

I was the mascot from August 2018 up until March of 2020.

Sean in front of the Prof Statue.

What are pros and cons about the experience?

There were definitely more pros than cons during this whole experience. For sporting events, obviously you attend to watch the players compete. It was really cool for these events to be on the court or field alongside the players and coaches. As a mascot I was able to experience these events differently than just a normal fan in the stands. Another positive was simply knowing what was going on around the university. By working as the mascot I was always up to date on upcoming events and involved with them.

The only downside to working as the mascot is how hot it is inside of the costume. However, I did burn a tremendous amount of calories when working as the mascot that I like to think made up for it.

Sean at graduation with parents Maureen and Stacy.
Sean at graduation with parents Stacy (left) and Maureen (right).

Did you tell people you were the mascot or did you keep yourself incognito?

Yes my friends, family and fellow coworkers in admissions knew I was the mascot. Other than that, no one really knew who was inside the mascot costume, which was pretty cool. I am a pretty extroverted person, but I definitely could not bring out the dance moves I did as the Prof without my costume on. I was free to express myself without anyone putting a face to me. The experience I had as the Rowan mascot was extremely fulfilling and one I will never forget.

Sean in mascot costume with mom.
Sean dressed as mascot with his mom Maureen Scott.

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Story by:
Natalie DePersia, junior public relations major

Photos courtesy of:
Sean Scott

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20 Minute Radius: Fahrenheit Ceramic Studio

Posted on by Alyssa Bauer

Looking for plans this weekend? Check out Fahrenheit Ceramic Studio in Pitman, NJ. Just a five-minute drive from campus, Fahrenheit is the perfect place to unwind by painting your own ceramic work of art. It offers a Rowan student Alyssa B. painting an owl at Fahrenheit Ceramic Studios.wide variety of ceramics, color glazes and ideas to spark your creativity. 

With a relaxed and homey feel, customers are welcome with no reservation necessary. You pick out a pottery piece and glazes and start painting! Your options are endless, and the workers are really helpful in sharing how the entire process works. 

For this trip, I chose a mug and an owl (shoutout to our Rowan mascot, Whoo RU the Prof). After painting for a little bit over an hour, my friend I finished our pieces and returned a week later to pick them up. I’ve been using my hand-painted mug for morning coffee every day since, and look forward to filling my cabinet up with more. 

Author's friend at Fahrenheit Ceramic Studios.Most ceramic pieces range from $3-$20, plus a studio fee of $8. Luckily, Fahrenheit offers discount specials throughout the week, so make sure to bring your student ID.

On Wednesdays, Fahrenheit offers half-price studio fees for students. On Thursdays and Fridays, customers 21+ paint for half-price studio fees from 6-10 p.m. and on Saturday nights, students are eligible for a buy one, get one free studio fee from 5-10 pm.

This is definitely going to be my go-to spot during the winter. For more information check out its website! www.fahrenheitceramicstudio.com.

Fahrenheit Ceramic Studio
8 South Broadway   
Pitman, NJ 08071
856-269-4931

Photo of glazed ceramic pieces.
Our finished products!

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

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Alumni Success: Julia Lechner, From NJ to LA

Posted on by Justin Borelli
Rowan alumna Jula Lechner (at left) was the Rowan mascot, WhooRU, while a student here.

Julia Lechner is a Journalism graduate of the 2009 class from Pitman, NJ (Gloucester County). She reported for the Courier Post while she was still an undergraduate along with DJing for Rowan Radio and being the school mascot, Whoo RU. She worked for E! News after she graduated and is currently a senior writer with CBS Interactive.

Julia Lechner HeadshotWhat did you like the most about Rowan?

“I really liked the community feel on campus. It felt like professors really knew me and cared to get to know their students. There was also always a lot of stuff to do on campus.”

What were some extracurricular activities that you did?

“Along with working for the Rowan Radio and being the mascot, I tried to attend the intern fairs that they held on campus, and that’s how I attained my first job at the Courier Post.”

How did attending Rowan impact your decisions about your future career?

“Rowan is really centrally located near a lot of work opportunities because you’re right near Philly and not too far from New York. Getting my job at the Courier Post really helped me find out what career I wanted to pursue, and I have Rowan to thank for connecting me with Courier.” 

What got you interested in your field?

“I really enjoyed storytelling and that’s really the heart of journalism, I just love hearing others’ stories and what they are passionate about. I loved interviewing people who loved what they were doing.”

How did Rowan help you achieve your goals?

“I fully took advantage of all the things on campus — the career fairs, tutoring, working [with] my advisors to help me find the right workload for me. And because of that I was able to finish my degree in three years.”

How did Rowan help prepare you for your current job?

“I very much appreciate that Rowan helped me achieve my goals academically while I was still working for the Courier Post. Working and going to school taught me time management, being professional and other things that just classes won’t teach. Something that I remember from the Journalism program specifically was that all the professors were still active in the field and had insightful experience, and this was during the recession so they did not sugar coat the working world, which I appreciated. All the advisors and professors really wanted to help any way they could.”

Do you think you would have had the same career path if you attended a different university?

“No, I don’t think I would have. I would not have got my first job from the career fair at Rowan, and that job led to where I am now.”

Was there a specific mentor that you would turn to if you had a problem about anything?

“I had several, such as Kathryn Quigley, who I still keep contact with — she had extensive experience and knowledge about her field. She goes above and beyond for her students and still roots for them even after they graduate.”

What is your favorite accomplishment in your field? 

“I really love seeing people sharing on social media something that I wrote (even if it’s negative), because something in it was something that they thought was worth sharing. Another accomplishment would have to have been meeting Richard Simmons and getting a hug from him!

What would be some advice for students who are on their way to graduating?

Julia with her co-workers at CBS interactive
Julia with her co-workers at CBS interactive

“Take advantage of all the resources on campus, have resumes and portfolios ready and don’t be afraid to ask someone to look over them. Also keep in touch with people — you never know what opportunities they might have for you!”

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Story by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major

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