Senior Reflects: From Military to Music Industry, Travis Keiser Thanks Faculty, Family, Friends

Travis on stage playing in a band.

Today we feature Travis Keiser, a Music Industry: Technology major from Washington, NJ (Warren County). He transferred and was commuting to Rowan before COVID-19 shut down campus. 

Selfie of Travis Keiser in the Chamberlain Student CenterCould you please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?

One of my favorite moments was when my professor Barb Adams told me that I looked exhausted and I joked saying, “It must be from all the exhaustion I’ve been getting.” We both chuckled. She pulled me aside after and asked if I was okay and was genuinely concerned about my lack of sleep due to school. It’s that level of caring that is truly amazing.

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

During Public Speaking, I was giving my first speech and completely froze up in the middle of my speech. Instead of the class quietly giggling, I was greeted with “You’ve got this” and “It’s all good dude!” [There was] a lot of positivity that I was not used to.

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

I would love to work in post-production for a music/movie studio, as well as become a movie/tv show score composer. The Music Industry department faculty have really given me the expertise and knowledge that I need to pursue these careers.

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

I want to give a huge thank you to Beth and Connie at the Military Service office for all of their help during my time at Rowan. Transitioning from military to college life was difficult, but they made it easy. They seriously are the best and deserve a raise!

Also a HUUUUUUGE thank you to Jeff Hiatt, Barb Adams, Jeff Otto, and Mat Gendreau for all of their mentoring and teaching. And one last shoutout to Matt, Emma, Stella, Mike, my mom, sister and my girlfriend Katie for all of their amazing support and love throughout this journey!

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TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Music Industry Major Nikola Berardo

Rowan transfer student and Music Industry major Nikola Berardo photographed outside Engineering Hall

This is Nikola Berardo, a junior Music Industry major with a concentration in Music Technology from Absecon, NJ (Atlantic County). Today, he will share his experiences on his first month at Rowan University. 

Rowan transfer student and Music Industry major Nikola Berardo photographed outside Engineering HallName: Nikola Berardo

Major: Music Industry with a Music Technology concentration

Year: Junior

Hometown and County: Absecon, NJ (Atlantic County)

Off-campus resident? Yes

First-generation college student? No

Tell us about your transition into Rowan. Were you nervous? 

“I was not nervous initially, but as the first day approached, I grew a little jittery. But the first day went really well! I had a great time and transitioning was fine. Pretty straightforward.”

Why did you choose Rowan?

“It was the cheapest option, and it was pretty close to my hometown. I looked into Stevens Institute of Technology and The University of the Arts as well.”

Rowan transfer student and Music Industry major Nikola Berardo photographed outside Engineering Hall

Why did you want to major in Music Industry?

“Because I’m a musician, I play in various bands, I play various instruments and I’m a huge fan of music.”

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