Not many have the privilege of playing collegiate sports; fewer have the chance to earn the title of captain. A recent graduate of Rowan’s finance program, Jared C. of Wayne, NJ (Passaic County) wore the “C” after holding down the blue line for Rowan’s Men’s Hockey team for three seasons (2019-2020, 2021-2022, 2022-2023). Wearing a […]
passaic county
My Home Away from Home, The United Latino Association
Julianna W, reflecting on her sophomore year as a political science major from Oak Ridge, NJ (Passaic/Morris Counties), shares this first-person perspective on how joining the The United Latino Association at Rowan University helped her rewrite her experience and find a home away from home. In addition to her major, Julianna will earn certificates of […]
Get to Know #Rowan2026 Science & Math Majors
Today we feature incoming first year students Ariana Benitez, Soorya B., Abby Titus (she/they), Leila Underwood (she/her), and Dallas Hainsworth (she/her). Ariana is from Bergen County, NJ and will be living on campus as a Psychology and Exercise Science major. Soorya is from Princeton, NJ (Mercer County) and will be living on campus as a […]
ICYMI: Rowan University Dance Team Ranked Fifth in Nation
This year, the Rowan University Dance Team competed at the Universal Dance Association (UDA) Nationals in Florida, where the team placed fifth in the Open Division Hip Hop category. Here, members of the Dance Team reflect on their time at the competition and talk about their dynamic as a team.
What makes the Rowan Dance team different?
Jordyn Dauter, a first-year Dance & Exercise Science from Quakertown, Pennsylvania says: “Everyone on the team has something unique to offer, whether that is something specifically to dance, or other elements like attitude or leadership skills. We all have something special to offer, which makes our team diverse.”
Teammate Amber Schott, a junior Psychology major from Bayville, NJ (Ocean County), adds, “Definitely the dynamic of the team. I made my best friends here at Rowan through this team and I always feel super supported and encouraged in reaching my dance goals.”
Senior Kaya Snow, a double major in Dance and Theatre Arts with concentrations in Acting and Musical Theatre from Oak Ridge, NJ (Passaic County), says, “We’ve really gone through some huge changes in the last few years and we’ve come out stronger through it all. I’m so glad that we decided to pursue UDA Camp and Nationals my sophomore year because it really has changed the entire dynamic of the team for the better.”
Kristin Mostrangeli, a sophomore Psychology major from Hamilton, NJ, (Mercer County) puts it simply: “Since we get to spend so much time together, we really become so close with each other as a team.”
What is your most memorable memory with the team?
Junior Inclusive Elementary Education Bianca Moffa from Maple Shade, NJ (Burlington County), shares, “Hearing our university get called as a finalist qualifier will definitely be a core memory for sure. I am so proud to be a member of this team and to see all our hard work pay off by becoming 5th in the Nation in Hip Hop.”
Do you have a Rowan University or Dance Team experience you’d like to share?
Nicholette Voci, a junior Law & Justice and Psychology double major from Washington Township, NJ (Gloucester County), says that “being able to dance at football games, volunteer events, and be in Florida with my best friends is the best experience anyone could ever have in college.”
Sophomore Sociology major Taryn Larsen from Toms River, NJ (Ocean County), reflects on her time with the Rowan Dance Team by saying “it is the perfect mix of practice each week, meeting new friends and performing.”
How was your experience at Nationals 2022?
Reflecting on her experience, Mia Tabasco, a first-year Sociology student from Haddon Township, NJ (Camden County), says, “It was so incredible. I’ve been dreaming of going to UDA for the longest time and I’m so proud of our team for making finals. We’re a new team and we made our names known.”
Sophomore Exercise Science major Adrianna Laezza from Monroe Township, NJ (Middlesex County), shares that the journey to the UDA National competition was a big deal to her. “It was the best feeling in the world to perform on stage again. I got to compete at UDA which was a dream I have had since I was 12 years old.”
Valentina Giannattasio, a first-year double major in Dance and Marketing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, says, “It was definitely one of the best experiences of my life. I still cannot believe we performed there with all those astonishing dancers. I am proud of how far we have gone. Now we are Top 5 in the nation for Hip Hop!”
What is the best part of being a member of Rowan University Dance Team?
Alyssa McAvoy, a sophomore Music Industry Technology and Business major from Shrewsbury, NJ (Monmouth County), says, “I love that I am still able to dance in college and the friends I have made through being on the team!”
Junior Engineering Entrepreneurship major Isabel Rivera from Flemington, NJ (Hunterdon County), puts it simply. She says, “The best part about being a member of the Rowan University Dance Team is “being surrounded by people who will motivate you no matter what.”
First-year Spanish Education major Lily Cummings from Pittsgrove, NJ (Salem County), reflects on her first year on the Rowan Dance Team by saying, “It allows me to grow in my ability as a dancer and dance throughout college without it having to take up my whole life. It also provides so many exciting and memorable experiences along with amazing new friendships.”
Like what you see?
Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, senior public relations and advertising major
Photos by:
Valentina Giannattasio, first year dance and marketing double major
Header photo courtesy of:
Rowan University Dance Team ProfLink
Rowan’s Accepted Students Day: What to Expect
From this past Accepted Students Day, Rowan University welcomed hundreds of future students to experience what the campus has to offer with a vast array of different events, information on clubs and student life, and opportunities to meet other potential students. In our interviews with these prospective students, we uncovered their reasons for why Rowan could be their future four-year university and what college means for them.
The next generation of Rowan students brings an exciting perspective eager to take on new challenges. Whether they are freshly graduated high school students or transfers, many of these students are still pondering their own choices as to where to head for their higher education; but in our conversations, we learned of their own dreams and aspirations.
For some of the students when asked “Why Rowan?” or “Why college?,” they had an immediate response in regards to their future careers. In the case of future international transfer student, Sophie O., she was drawn to Rowan’s Psychology program. Transferring from Delaware County and originally from Nigeria, Sophie is fueled to help others and future teenagers who do not have the resources to cope with their own mental health issues.
Already, students are preparing their own core values for their future career and are motivated by empathy in creating a better environment for all.
In another conversation with Vivianne N., an accepted student who was drawn to the university due to her family’s own heritage with the school, we learned of Vivianne being unsure as to what to expect for the future. But as she says in her own advice to students, she believes that “students should make a stable plan and live accordingly to it.” Vivianne is a future Rowan student who is entering the Graphic Design program.
Outside of thinking of their careers, many students are ready to embrace the college lifestyle and eagerly awaiting the different opportunities that can be found in extracurriculars. For accepted students Stephen L. of Collingswood, NJ (Camden County) and Skyler G. of Wayne, NJ (Passaic County), both are anticipating exploring the different intramural and club sports that the campus offers such as tennis and field hockey.
In our conversation with future Engineering student Colvin A. and and Physics major Victor A., we learned of their shared excitement in finding out about the different activities that Rowan has. Specifically, Colvin and Victor are especially looking forward to seeing the Robotics Club and possibly joining an intramural sport.
Outside of these factors, many students are also paying close attention to the financial portion of college. Many students are choosing Rowan due to it being close to home as well as the price of tuition. These components bring out difficult conversations, but many students are ecstatic over the various opportunities that Rowan has to ease the financial burden that comes with college such as in grants and scholarships.
For Dylan S. of Pittsgrove, NJ (Salem County), our interview with the future Education major with a concentration in Mathematics provided insight as to his own viewpoint on what scholarships mean for himself. We learned of his welcoming of these different chances of scholarships and treating more as challenges for himself.
During the Accepted Students Day fair, there was a reoccurring sense of pride in all of the students and parents attending. Even if Rowan won’t be their home for university, students and parents were enjoying themselves, happily checking out all of the different booths and venues at Bunce Hall. Students and parents were, and are, welcomed with open arms by Rowan University, allowing them all to enjoy an afternoon on campus and experience Rowan even for only one day.
Like what you see?
Story by:
Lucas Taylor, Graduate Education Student
Loredonna Fiore, public relations graduate
Produced by:
Lucas Taylor, Graduate Education Student
#PROFspective: Junior Electrical and Computer Engineering Major Omar Bedewy
Today we speak to Omar Bedewy, a junior Electrical and Computer Engineering major with a minor in Business. Omar is an off-campus renter from Paterson, NJ (Passaic County). He transferred to Rowan from Union County College.
What inspired you to choose your major?
Life is changing around us. Before I was an Electrical and Computer Engineering major, I was hoping to be a petroleum engineer. I switched to studying electrical and computer engineering because I believe this field will have a big impact on the future.
Tell us something interesting you’ve learned in a class this semester.
I am taking a class on electromagnetics. I found out that electromagnets are in everything, and I am really interested in the science behind it.
Take us through one typical Rowan day for you.
Wednesdays are usually my busiest days. I come to Rowan at eight in the morning. I have some coffee and check my email. After that, I head out to my first class at 9 a.m. I have a lab right after, but I have 15 minutes in between. During that time, I talk and chill with my friend. After the lab, I go for some tutoring and study for a bit. Then, I have another class. After this class, I go to the cafeteria for my lunch. I have one more class at 5, and then I go home.
Tell us about one club, organization or group of friends that makes you feel like Rowan is home.
I really enjoy going to tutoring at Rowan. The people there make me feel like Rowan is home.
Like what you see?
Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, junior communication studies and public relations double major
Photos by:
Stephanie Batista, junior music industry major
Valentina Giannattasio, freshman dance and marketing double major
Alumni Success: Byron Bustos Tells It All!
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!
Meet #Rowan2025: Softball Player Gianna LaMorges of Wayne, NJ
Today we welcome Gianna LaMorges, who goes by Gigi, and will live on campus and study History in the fall. Gigi is from Wayne, NJ (Passaic County) and attends Wayne Valley High School. Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward in college? I’m looking forward to breaking out […]
Leadership #PROFspective: Alana Brown of Orientation & Student Leadership Programs
Today we feature Alana Brown, a leader at Rowan University. Alana Brown is a Rowan Global student pursuing her master’s degree in Higher Education with an Academic Advising track. She calls Paterson, NJ in Passaic County her hometown.
This story is part of a series spotlighting campus leaders during Women’s History Month.
What is your role in your organization?
As the graduate coordinator of the Orientation & Student Leadership Programs (OSLP) department, I work with data and administration for OSLP as well as for the Office of Greek Affairs. I help students with program initiatives on campus and serve as one of their advisors. I also work with the Leadership Rowan Program. For this program, I coordinate the Mentor and Mentee Matching Program and also serve as one of the facilitators for the Leadership Seminars. I am also coordinating the Celebrating Leadership awards this year.
OSLP hosts the orientation events that all new students first attend when they come to campus. We host all of the summer orientations and a few in the winter. We also do some transfer orientations as well. Everything the Leadership Rowan Program and the Office of Greek Affairs do is under the OSLP department.
What have you learned in your role as a leader?
I’ve learned that it is something I should be a part of. I know that I should contribute to higher education. I know how important my role is for the students and how I can be a liaison between students and staff. I think it is very important to advocate for students because some may feel like their voice is [unheard]. Knowing that I have that bridge, I know that I have a voice and that my voice should be heard. I’m going to advocate for my students. It’s very important to at least have students come to me and feel comfortable enough to express how they may feel about campus and life. Students will remember you for a lifetime if you make an impact.
What’s your favorite memory as a leader or at Rowan in general?
My favorite memory was connecting with Chase Campbell and Mike Nash. They came to me about an event they wanted to host on campus. The conversation organically flowed and we built a strong advisor and student relationship. Connecting with those two students has made such an impact on how I want to be [helpful] for other students at my next institution. That moment is when I realized that this [path] is definitely for me.
When you’re in grad student as a student and a staff member, you have this scale. You always wonder if you’re a student or a staff member. It always puts me in a place where [I realize], “Wow, I’m making an impact but I’m still learning how to make that impact.” It’s so important for me to be in this role. Without it, I would not have realized what I want in the future.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I see myself still working in education, but also have my own nonprofit. I want to have a program that provides a space for Black and brown people to create art, especially if they cannot afford to create art [my program] is there to support them. I have always wanted something of my own to pass on to my community and others. I see myself owning my own business and also still advocating for students. There are limited spaces for Black and brown people; it’s okay to chase your passion. You don’t have to just go to school, sit in a classroom for four years and just learn a skill because you need to make money. It’s ok to want to be an artist. Your art and your passion will bring you clientele. Art keeps me going.
Who inspires you and why?
My mom is very supportive of my dreams. As many times as she wanted to give up, she always found a way to get it done. My mom has sacrificed a lot for me and my brother. There are not enough “Thank You’s” in the world I can say to her. She’s the best.
What’s the most significant barrier to women today?
That’s a hard question because there are so many. We still are not allowed to have a voice. We are told to “let things be how they are.” You step into spaces that may not be diverse. Many times, I’ve been the only Black woman in the room. If I were to speak up, I would be pictured as the “loud, angry Black woman.” I still struggle with this. I want to use my voice, but when I speak people say “she may be angry.” I’m not angry, I’m passionate.
Showing up as your whole self is key. It’s hard being a Black woman. I have to show up in spaces and sometimes keep my mouth shut because I don’t want to be perceived as angry or upset. I don’t regret anything that I have to say. That just makes me, me. I am a bold, Black woman and that’s never going to change.
What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders?
Always own yourself, [your voice]. Always advocate for what you know is right. Be the change that you want to see. If you don’t like something, speak your voice. That voice should never be silent. Anything that you’re passionate about, your voice should never be silent.
Like what you see?
Story by:
Marian Suganob, senior public relations and advertising double major
Photos by:
Jabreeah Holmes, senior radio/TV/film major
First Year Voices: Exploratory Studies Major Kevin Duffy
Today we speak with freshman Kevin Duffy from Wayne, NJ (Passaic County) who is currently undecided on what major he wants to pursue.
How do you like living in Chestnut Hall?
It’s fun, you get the real college feel when you’re living in Chestnut Hall.
Are your classes remote or hybrid, and how has that adjustment been?
They’re all remote, and I think it’s been a pretty smooth adjustment. I haven’t really had any issues.
What are you looking forward to for the rest of this semester?
Meeting new people trying out new things — that’s really it.
Like what you see?
LEARN MORE
Story by:
Luke Garcia, junior music industry major
Photos by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore public relations and communication studies major
Music To Listen To While Studying, According to 7 Music Majors
Need some study music recommendations? Let students from Rowan’s music majors give you some suggestions.
I really enjoy listening to NCT and Day6 when I study.
They have both nice songs for background music (ballads calm songs) and songs that are upbeat and fun to keep you awake and feel more energized.
How It Was Discovered: I’ve been listening to the K-Pop genre since 2011 so I knew about NCT since they debuted as a group and Day6 was one of the first groups I listened to when I got into the genre.
– Mia Visconti, Freshman, Music Therapy major, Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County)
Ballade no.1 in g minor Op. 23 by Chopin
Chopin was an amazing romantic composer and pianist whose pieces are very emotional and well written. It is great background music for studying or doing something important. I use it for tests all the time.
How It Was Discovered: From the movie “The Pianist”
– Anthony Jimenez, Freshman, Music Education and Music Performance major, Vineland, NJ (Cumberland County)
I suggest listening to Aladdin – Not3s.
This song has a very soothing vibe to help you vibe but still focus, with a little bit of Afro-beat tunes to groove to, very nice to study with.
How It Was Discovered: I discovered this song through the music streaming app AudioMack.
– Samuel Poku, Freshman, Music Industry major, Old Bridge, NJ (Middlesex County)
Plants – Crumb
It’s not too distracting and it’s soothing to listen to even when you aren’t doing homework.
How It Was Discovered: On my recommended songs in Spotify.
– Katie Alvarez, Sophomore, Music Education major, Passaic, NJ (Passaic County)
Darlin’ – Tobi Lou
It’s slow and I like his voice.
How It Was Discovered: From a friend
– Nayyirah Wood, Freshman, Music Education major, Philadelphia, Pa
“walk but in the garden” – LLusion
Off the bat, you can recognize the chord progression remains in a major key. The melody has aspects of suspense and resolution, making it pleasing to the ear. A unique aspect about this song is that the melody and chord progression repeat consistently throughout the piece, easily making it uplifting background noise.
How It Was Discovered: I was editing a Spotify playlist of mine, and this song popped up in the recommended songs section. I find a lot of new music through this feature of Spotify’s playlists.
– Arianna Granda, Freshman, Vocal Music Education major, Bantiviglio Honors Concentration, Rockaway, NJ (Morris County)
Sweetest Somebody I Know – Nelson Rangell
The song just has a really chill vibe to it that you can just listen to in the background while doing other things.
– Tyler O’Shaughnessy, Sophomore, Music Education – Instrumental major, Atco, NJ (Camden County)
Like what you see?
Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Header photo courtesy of:
Unsplash
Meet #Rowan2024: Music Industry Major Ryan W
Today, we speak to incoming Freshman Ryan W, a Music Industry major from Clifton, NJ (Passaic County). He will be an on-campus resident and is looking forward to starting his college experience at Rowan University and spending time on campus.
What is something you’re looking forward to at Rowan?
“I can’t wait to live on campus and begin the full college experience!”
How or why did you choose your major??
“I am a Music Industry major. I’m passionate about music and plan to become a music producer one day.”
Why did you choose a university relatively close to home?
“Even though Rowan is “in state” it actually feels out-of-state to me. I live 11 miles west of New York City, and Rowan feels completely different from where I grew up. I’m excited to live in a part of New Jersey I have never been to before.”
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 was always a competitive swimmer so I would like to join some sort of club swimming or at least keep swimming as a form of physical fitness. I’m open to trying anything new that sparks my interest once I start college life.”
Why Rowan?
“I spent my last summer at Rowan in a Music Industry program and was so impressed with the professors and students. I also love how the campus is enclosed and mapped out. Rowan feels like a classic college campus with a close knit community. I can’t wait to start my college journey at Rowan!”
Like what you see?
LEARN MORE
Senior Reflects: Samantha Maynard Shares How Her Double Major Supports Her Aspirations
Meet Samantha Maynard, a graduating senior who double majored in disaster preparedness and emergency management, and community health. Samantha lived on campus and is originally from West Milford (Passaic County.)
Favorite Faculty Memory: My favorite moment with a faculty member is when Dr. Willis helped me plan my big trip to Europe. Thank you!
Favorite Personal Memory: My favorite personal moments were the nights my roommates and I, from this past year, would hang out and just talk about random things, and have a blast doing it. We would talk about anything and everything and have the best conversations that we somehow never remembered the next day, but were amazing to be a part of when they happened.
Career Aspirations: My career aspirations are to work in communities that often need the most help, whether they are or have been underserved for some time, lack health foods, are not safe or accessible. I want to support people who are often neglected due to racism or other prejudicial acts. I am also open to working in a position where I can help underserved communities better recover after a disaster and finding ways to help them get back on their feet. Being able to work in both the community health and emergency management field is a dream.
The professors at Rowan helped to support my ideas by just having experience working in both fields and seeing how beneficial having both 
backgrounds can be for jobs, or even just or educational components. Whenever I would remind my professors of this other major I was pursuing, they would always include it as something to consider when making a plan. I learnt that we shouldn’t exclude ourselves from the most obvious answers or career paths but that we have to consider everything that can effect this one thing.
Shout Outs! I want to say thank you to Dr. Willis, Dr. Vaughn, Dr. Miller, and Professor Kneeshaw-Price because they were the ones who helped me out the most, were there to answer all my questions, and were the ones who really helped me to push myself and do the best I could.
Like what you see?
First Year Voices: Rowan Choice Orientation
Meet Ariana, Connor and Kayla, three Rowan Choice freshmen who met at orientation this summer.
“I’m so excited for the new adventure here on campus,” says Ariana Trabucco, an incoming Marketing major from Wayne, NJ (Passaic County).
“I’m most looking forward to being on a such a diverse campus. Rowan is a cultural mixing pot, and I’m excited to meet all sorts of new people,” says Connor Stevenson, an incoming Theatre Arts major from Haddonfield, NJ (Camden County).
“I can’t wait to meet new friends from different areas and new places. Since nobody knows me yet, it feels like a fresh new start with all new friends,” says Kayla Szymanski, an incoming Early Childhood Education major from Old Bridge, NJ (Middlesex County).
Like what you see? Come visit us!
Story and photography by:
Dean Powers, sophomore radio/television/film major
Parenting from Far Away: One Mom Shares Advice
Today, we feature advice from Barbara Reina, a Rowan University parent from Hawthorne, NJ (Passaic County.) As a parent whose son (Mike Reina, a senior journalism major who lives on campus) goes to college not so close to home, approximately a two hour drive, it can be tough letting go and parenting from far away.
Inspiring Change Through Biology and Africana Studies
“Sophomore year, I took an introductory course to Africana Studies as an elective and fell in love with it. It opened my eyes to so many things — politics, race, issues in society. I decided, ‘I have to add this minor!’” she says. Her involvement from there snowballed as she acquired leadership positions in the […]
Rowan Playa Bowls & Stunited: Student Businesses Create and Collaborate
On a spring day just before final exams, one of the newest student-managed businesses added to the Rowan Boulevard, Playa Bowls, and student-developed business Stunited joined together for a day of creation, collaboration and promotion. “I’m a huge fan of Playa Bowls and when I heard they were coming to Rowan, I thought this would be […]
#PROFspective: Physics Major Nabil Jamhour
Today, we speak with Nabil Jamhour, a junior physics major from Clifton (Passaic County), NJ, who lives on campus in Mimosa Hall. Nabil 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: Nabil […]
#PROFspective: Early Childhood Education & Literacy Studies Major Melissa Martinique
Today, we speak with Melissa Martinique, a junior early childhood education and literacy studies major from West Milford Township (Passaic County), NJ, who lives on campus in townhouses. Melissa 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 […]
#PROFspective: Radio, TV & Film Major Nasir Nichols
Today, we speak with Nasir Nichols, a freshman radio/TV/film major from Paterson (Passaic County), NJ, who lives on campus in Laurel Hall. Nasir 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: Nasir Nichols […]
Inside Look: Friendly Faces in Evergreen Hall
When envisioning the ideal place to live on campus freshman year, most Rowan students immediately picture a lifestyle in Holly Pointe Commons, but forget about all the other great, affordable options there are for first year students to live. Located conveniently across the street from the Chamberlain Student Center within the heart of campus, Evergreen Hall […]
New App Launched: Stunited Unites Students Across Campus
“It’s the high-end ‘Tinder’ to connect academically.” “The movement of the modern day student.” “This is the app we’ve been waiting for.” Buzz about senior finance student John Rondi’s newly launched app has been taking the internet by storm. John, from Wayne, NJ, held a Launch Party Celebration when the app was officially released for […]
What Transfers Love About Rowan
Finding the perfect university for yourself is like putting together a puzzle with hundreds of unique pieces, each representing what you hope to gain from your college experience. Sometimes to find just the right pieces, it may require a change of setting. To transfer students Angela Zirino, Emily Provencher, Kevin Dunphy and Romulo Garcia, transferring […]