pitman

Your Travel Guide to Visiting Glassboro

Posted on by Jen Green
A drone view of Rowan Boulevard.

Whether you’re coming from up the road, Central Jersey, or out-of-state, find a way to make the most of your visit to the place we call home. Rowan University is in Glassboro (Gloucester County) and is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Philadelphia, 45 minutes from Jersey beaches, and a train ride from New York City.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn what there is to see, do, eat and experience in Glassboro, this is our favorites’ guide for you.

A Glassboro event at the end of Rowan Boulevard.

    Sit Down Meals on Rowan Boulevard

    • La Scala’s: This higher end Italian American restaurant offers wood fired pizza and unique Italian cuisines. It’s a rolling kitchen so you get your food as it’s ready and bring your own bottle.
    • Dusk to Dawn Cafe: Dine in and get a taste of fresh, all day breakfast and La Columbe coffee. On a nice summer day, sit outside and enjoy the Glassboro sunshine. 
    • Oishii: If you’re looking to support a local business owned by a recent Rowan graduate and grab some great ramen, this is your place. This Rowan alumnus’ biggest inspiration for the restaurant was to bring a different culture and cuisine to the Rowan and Gloucester County communities.

    Three Rowan students at Oishii Ramen.

    Favorite Bites

    • Einstein Bagels: Looking to grab a quick bite while touring our campus? This shop in Engineering Hall serves fresh bagels, sandwiches and hot coffee.
    • Kung Fu Tea: The best boba tea in our area, located on Rowan Boulevard. Customize your tea selecting every detail from sweetness to the number of bubbles, and take it on the go.
    • Playa Bowls: If you’re seeking a quick, healthy meal, Playa Bowls is your spot. Located at the beginning of Rowan Boulevard, it offers fresh fruit bowls, smoothies and treats.

    Two happy students eating at playa bowls.

    For the Family

    • Glassboro Heritage Museum: Ever wonder how Glassboro acquired its name?  The Heritage Glass Museum preserves and displays antique glasswork made in Glassboro and surrounding South Jersey towns over the past 200 years. The best part – it’s free admission! 
    • Town Square: Enjoy the day with your family at our Town Square. Located at the end of Rowan Boulevard is a community place with art, adirondack chairs, and a fountain display. Throughout the year, Glassboro hosts many seasonal events in this space, including the annual tree lighting and Summer Fest.
    • Edelman Planetarium: Explore the skies through live stargazing or immersive 360-degree video in our Planetarium, located on campus in Science Hall. All shows are one hour long, with new shows featured every month. 
    A drone view of the town center.
    Glassboro’s Town Square located at the end of Rowan Boulevard.

    For the Parents

    • Axe and Arrow: Located on Rowan Boulevard, this microbrewery and taproom offers a wide variety of craft beer styles. Bring your own food!
    • Chickie’s & Pete’s: A Philadelphia staple is located right on our campus. Come in to watch the game or get a sweet taste of some Crabfries®.

    A mom and her daughter on Rowan Boulevard.

    Around the Corner

    • Uptown Pitman is just a short drive away and is a hot spot for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy quaint shops, historic landmarks and family-owned restaurants.

    Three smiling students by the bookstore.

    Lodging

    • Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Glassboro: Located on Rowan Boulevard, the four-story, 129-room hotel features a heated indoor pool and spa, outdoor courtyard and fire pit, and is just a short walk to our campus. 

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    Back-to-School Bucket List of Rowan Juniors and Seniors

    Posted on by Nene Diallo
    Writing a list of goals

    We’re so close to the beginning of the new semester, let’s kick it off with a college bucket list by sharing some students’ ambitions.

    “I’m looking forward to everyone moving in and meeting more new people since my freshman year got cut short. One of my must do’s when I get back on campus this fall is to attend more basketball and football games. Also I can’t wait to go to the engineering building and go to the pond, I find it very relaxing.” – Anais Holguin, junior Marketing major from Perth Amboy, NJ (Middlesex County) 

    Anais Holguin sits near the Engineering pond.
    Anais Holguin

    “My friend and I are on a mission to find the best lunch specials for $15 or under around campus. So far Alaura Kitchen or Family Mediterranean (both located in Pitman) are the winners! There are so many different places to explore around campus and it is so much fun to do it with friends. Also thrifting is a hoot. The lunch spot I’m excited to visit again is Au Bon Pain, it’s opening back up and I NEED their croissants.” – Meena Young, senior Biological Sciences major from Sickerville, NJ (Camden County) 

    Exterior shot of Au Bon Pain.
    Au Bon Pain

    “I am extremely excited to be student teaching this year and to finally have in-person classes again. I miss interacting with my peers and being on campus. I miss studying at James Hall, the education building and the library and those are spots I look forward to visiting again.” – London Raikes, senior Inclusive and Elementary Education major from Deptford, NJ (Gloucester County) 

    London leans against a sign of James Hall.
    London Raikes

    “I am involved in quite a few organizations on campus. I’m most looking forward to continuing my role as the Blood Services Undergraduate Coordinator for the Office of Volunteerism. There are many things on my bucket list this year and that includes living in an on-campus apartment, seeing my South Jersey friends, walking near Town Square, taking most of my core Finance and MIS courses and exploring campus with my friends.” Sasmita Prabu, junior Finance major from Somerset County, NJ

    Drone shot of Glassboro Town Square.
    Town Square

    “I’m looking forward to finally being in person again. Looking at a screen for 18 months has been really sad, it feels like so much of the college experience was lost. At least I’ll be less tempted to fall asleep during class. I am going to be an RA this year, so I am excited to meet new people and help others have a great return to Rowan. I have many things on my bucket list and that includes: going to the Fitness Center and working out with my friends, having movie nights with my friends in their apartments, going to Cookie Munchers and eating more calories in 10 minutes than you’re supposed to eat in two days, riding the shuttles to the movie theater, having an advisor meeting in person, taking free electives to pursue other passions rather than fulfilling requirements, plus eating at Smoked again.” – RJ Wentzell, senior Exercise Science major of Pilesgrove, NJ (Salem County)

    RJ Wentzell smiling outside of James Hall
    RJ Wentzell

    “A couple of things I look forward to this school year are my campus event Emo Night, planning concerts, writing music and finishing my junior year. I haven’t seen Dennis Diblasio [since before COVID], I’m looking forward to seeing him.” – junior Malachi Prillerman of Palmyra, NJ (Burlington County), Music Industry major and transfer student from Hampton University

    Music industry major Malachi Prillerman
    Malachi Prillerman

    “This year, I hope to get accepted as a transfer ambassador. A must do is to visit a restaurant during a social hour. Academically, I look forward to receiving high grades, building connections with my professors and receiving a letter of recommendation.” – De’Ja Morris of Woodbury, NJ (Gloucester County), senior Finance major and transfer student from Salem Community College

    De'ja stands on the bridge near Business Hall.
    De’ja Morris

    “This September, I look forward to going back to regular class, walking around and seeing new faces. A few things I would like to do again this semester are seeing all my friends from freshman year, visiting the Rec Center, eating at the Student Center and playing sports.” – Hualsy Paredes, junior Construction Management major from Fort Lee, NJ (Bergen County) and transfer student from Utica College

    Exterior shot of campus Rec Center.
    Rec Center

    “I am really excited to graduate. I’ve been working really hard since COVID to maintain my grades just for this moment. I really like the club fair every fall. I’m excited for that! I’m also really excited to study in the library again. I am most looking forward to in-person classes.” – Alexa Wentworth, senior Psychology major from West Windsor, NJ (Mercer County)

    Alexa smiles inside James Hall.
    Alexa Wentworth

    “Being able to go to clubs, meeting up at the Student Center and getting food together, being able to see my professors in person, and visiting Science Hall again.” – Andrew Pinto, junior Physics major from Hammonton, NJ (Atlantic County)

    Exterior shot of Science Hall from Route 322.
    Science Hall

    “I came into Rowan as a transfer so I haven’t tried anything yet. I’m sad because I lost a year so I want to be as involved as possible. This year, I’m looking forward to seeing my fellow peers, raising my GPA and attending football games.” – senior Tara Preston of Camden County, NJ, Economics major and transfer student from Delaware County Community College

    Rowan's football team enters the stadium.
    Rowan Football

    “A must do with my friends is going to RoBo and getting pizza. Academically, I look forward to staying busy with classes and making new friends in class.” – Maria Espejo, junior Psychology major from River Edge, NJ (Bergen County)

    Rowan Boulevard featuring LaScala's Fire.
    Rowan Boulevard

    “I’m most looking forward to seeing Discovery Hall this year and to go to football, basketball and hockey games with my friends.” – Lauren Blaze of Branchburg, NJ (Somerset County), senior Civil and Environmental Engineering major

    Lauren smiles and stands in front of Discovery Hall.
    Lauren Blaze

    “Being able to socialize with new classmates and professors! I haven’t seen   Dr. Bhatia in person since before COVID, I am very much looking forward to seeing him on campus this fall. Looking forward to social events, clubs and  projects.” – senior Hayley Lomas of Woodbury, NJ (Gloucester County), a Mechanical Engineering major with a CUG in Aerospace Engineering and transfer student from Rowan College of South Jersey

    Exterior shot of the Campbell Library entrance.
    Hayley looks forward to going to Campbell Library again this fall.

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    Story by:
    Nene Diallo, senior public relations major

    Photos by:
    Reshaun Timmons, Stephanie Batista, RJ Wentzell and Anthony Raisley

    Rowan Football photo courtesy of:
    University Publications

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    20 Minute Radius: Plant-Based Food

    Posted on by Christina Lynn
    A burger basket at The Gentle Giant.

    You don’t have to go too far to find great plant-based options near Rowan. Whether they’re on campus or a short drive away, all of these restaurants offer at least one plant-based meal option, with one holding an entirely vegan menu. You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy these delicious dishes.

    Menu from Burger Barr in Sewell.
    The Burger Barr
    Veggie burger at Burger Barr.
    Veggie burger at Burger Barr
    • Burger Barr | Sewell, NJ

    BurgerBarr carries a plant-based burger that is so good the flavor rivals the animal products on their menu, and they cook it on its own corner of the grill so you can be sure there won’t be cross contamination. To order vegan friendly, get the “Veggie” burger with vegan cheese and vegan sauce on a pretzel bun.

    Cauliflower wings at The Wing Kitchen.
    The Wing Kitchen’s Crispy Fried Cauliflower
    • The Wing Kitchen | Glassboro, NJ

    The Wing Kitchen is known for more than its chicken wings. Order the “crispy fried cauliflower” in a vegan-friendly sauce and you’re in for a crispy, delicious treat. 

    Exterior shot of Monarch Diner.
    Glassboro’s Monarch Diner offers vegan-friendly options all day long.
    • The Monarch Diner | Glassboro, NJ

    Located in the heart of Glassboro on Delsea Drive, the Monarch Diner is serving up all kinds of plant-based meals. With specials located throughout their menu you can stop in at any time and find a vegan dish: from breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and even dessert. Fan favorites include their loaded broccoli and seitan potato skins, tofu avocado quesadilla, tofu pasta primavera and eggless veggie omelette.

    • Saladworks | Glassboro, NJ

    Saladworks has been known as the health food chain for quite awhile but really upped their menu last year with plant-based protein options. They now offer tofu and quinoa amongst their long-standing, vegan-friendly toppings such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

    A tabletop at The Gentle Giant.
    A burger basket at The Gentle Giant

    A burger cross section at The Gentle Giant.

    • The Gentle Giant | Pitman, NJ

    Last, but certainly not least, The Gentle Giant is Gloucester County’s only 100% plant-based restaurant, making it a vegan paradise! This restaurant dedicates itself to the memory of William Blease, IV, the original “gentle giant,” by supporting the sale of local vegan products and raising money each month for causes such as animal sanctuaries. Their entire menu is vegan and highlights breakfast and lunch items such as wraps, burgers, sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches and more.

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    Story and photos by:
    Madison Neumann, Rowan Blog contributor

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    TRANSFERmation Tuesday: From North Jersey To Utah, Chemical Engineering Major Jacob Molinaro

    Posted on by Bianca Torres
    Stock image Mountain View.

    Meet Jacob Molinaro, a Chemical Engineering major with minors in both Math and Chemistry who transferred from the County College of Morris and is originally from Essex County, NJ. He is taking remote classes at Rowan from his current residence in Utah. He shares more about his decision in choosing Rowan and what he loves about South Jersey.

    Jacob taking a selfie of himself while climbing a mountain.

    What are your professional goals? And how is Rowan helping to support you in those goals?

    My goal is to get my Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and lead research in the field of renewable energy and energy storage. My time at Rowan has provided me with the educational background and experience to be competitive as I apply to my graduate programs and indirectly inspired me to follow this career path.

    As a sophomore, my department head sent me an email encouraging me to apply to an REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) program in Ohio. Following his advice, I applied and was admitted to the program and discovered my passions for both research and the field of electrochemistry.

    How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field?

    The field of chemical engineering is extremely diverse, incorporating manufacturing, research and development and process design. Without chemical engineering, we would find many of the everyday products we use would be unavailable. I specifically would like to work in the growing field of renewable energy and energy storage, which is becoming increasingly important as we strive for more sustainable and ecologically friendly alternatives to fossil fuels.

    What inspired you to choose your major?

    Excellent chemistry teachers in high school (for both Honors Chemistry in 10th grade and AP Chemistry in 11th) fostered my interest for the subject, but I have always been more interested in applying chemistry to real-world problems rather than understanding the technicalities of it. Hence, I went into chemical engineering (applied chemistry).

    As a student from North Jersey, how did you become aware of Rowan University?

    At the time I applied, there were five strong chemical engineering programs in the state of New Jersey that my community college made me aware of. I applied to all of them, and upon being accepted to Rowan, I came to visit and loved it!

    How long is your trip/drive “home” to North Jersey?

    This is an amusing question. As the question is intended to be answered, it is two hours up the NJ Turnpike/Garden State Parkway to where I lived in Essex County from my apartment in Marlton. To go visit my parents in Pennsylvania is about three hours.

    However, at the moment my wife and I are living in Orem, Utah while I do all of my classes remotely. My wife, Kaitlin, is a travel nurse and is supporting a hospital here in Utah. Back to New Jersey from HERE is about 35 hours of driving.

    Jacob posing with his wife for a wedding photo.
    Jacob and his wife, Kaitlin, at their wedding.

    What are some of the benefits for you, living this distance from home?

    When I’m back in NJ it is nice to be close enough to my parents to go visit over the weekend and help out around the house, but far enough away that we’re not getting unexpected dinner guests every other evening while I need to be studying for an exam or my wife is getting home from a long shift at the hospital.

    Here in Utah, the largest benefits are by far the accessibility of my favorite hobbies. I’m a runner, climber, mountaineer and skier; the whole Salt Lake City area is absolutely amazing for these activities. In the past two weeks I’ve been to the climbing gym, two different ski resorts, been up two mountains, and been able to run and hike in between classes.

    Between my own personal travels and moving around with Kaitlin’s travel nursing, I’ve been to 49 of the 50 states, and Utah is probably tied for second with Montana among my favorite states (only second to Wyoming!). Utah residents are also doing a great job with social distancing and mask-wearing, so COVID-19 cases are low here and places like the ski resorts and climbing gyms are able to stay open and operate at reduced capacity.

    What are a few interesting or new things (to you) about Rowan’s South Jersey area that you would share with future out-of-state students?

    After living in the “sixth borough on NYC” in Essex County, I’ve really appreciated that South Jersey is much more rural. If it hasn’t come across yet, I’m not at all a city person and really appreciate some good nature. The accessibility to different parks and preserves throughout the Pine Barrens has been really special. There’s also a great running community, some really awesome little towns (I work as a barista in Haddonfield and love it there, for example), and a bit more of a laid back feel than you’d be used to in North Jersey.

    What off-campus, local fun places do you recommend students check out?

    Parallel to 322 and off of Delsea Drive there’s a really awesome bike path that runs about seven and a half miles to Sewell. That’s a fun ride/run, and I would definitely recommend students check it out. Duffield’s Farm Market in Sewell is a great place to visit in the fall for pumpkin picking and year-round for affordable fresh produce. It’s a bit of a drive, but I love the Black Run Preserve a bit north in Evesham Township.

    Closer to campus, Pitman is always worth a visit for great restaurants and a fun main street. Overall, I’d encourage any new students to just drive around and get to know both Glassboro and the surrounding towns. There’s a lot of neat stuff to be seen, regardless of whether you’re interested in getting outdoors or visiting a town.

    Why did you choose to transfer to Rowan University?

    Of the three schools I was accepted for transfer to, Rowan was the most affordable (by a long shot!) and the most rural. I had spent two years at that point living in the extremely urban sections of northern New Jersey and was ready for a little farmland nearby!

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    Story by:
    Bianca Torres, senior music industry major

    Header photo courtesy of:
    Unsplash

    We are #RowanPROUD to be included on Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s 2021 Transfer Honor Roll, which recognizes select nationwide colleges and universities that foster dynamic pathways for transfer students.

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    TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Chemical Engineering Major Jean Han

    Posted on by Bianca Torres
    Jean stands outside in front of a wooded area on campus.

    Today, we speak to transfer student Jean Han. Jean is a Chemical Engineering major from Fort Lee, NJ (Bergen County) who transferred from Bergen Community College. She shares with us why she chose Rowan and tells us what she likes about South Jersey.

    A portrait photo of Jean.

    What are your professional goals? And how is Rowan helping to support you in those goals?

    I would like to work in the medical device field or within biotechnology. My major allows me to be qualified for these positions as an engineer. I’ve received a lot of professional advice from my professors and academic advice from my peers.

    How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field?

    I think chemical engineering is a broad field that allows various career paths, all of which are pretty innovating. I would like to contribute to society by improving upon medical technology.

    What inspired you to choose your major?

    I really enjoyed my high school calculus/chemistry classes and wanted to choose a major that would have me take more courses in both subjects.

    Jean wearing a lab coat and a blue mask while working in the lab.
    Jean working in the lab.

    As a student from North Jersey, how did you become aware of Rowan University?

    I Googled top engineering schools, and Rowan popped up as one of them for undergrad.

    How long is your trip/drive “home” to North Jersey?

    About two hours, an hour and 45 minutes on a good day.

    What are some of the benefits for you, living this distance from home?

    I’m not distracted by my usual friends or family members. There are less places here to go to.

    What are a few interesting or new things (to you) about Rowan’s South Jersey area that you would share with future North Jersey students?

    South Jersey seems quieter and less busy than North Jersey. It would be a nice area to chill in without too much distraction for someone who is looking for that kind of environment.

    Jean sitting outside the engineering building while wearing a tan sweatshirt.

    What off-campus, local fun places do you recommend students check out?

    I like going into Pitman. It’s a quaint area with some cafes and restaurants to eat at. I would also recommend going into Philly, of course.

    Why did you choose to transfer to Rowan University?

    Rowan was the most affordable option for me. I also had a bad impression of other in-state schools.

    Like what you see?

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    Story by:
    Bianca Torres, senior music industry major

    Photography by:
    Joe Gentempo, senior art major

    We are #RowanPROUD to be included on Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s 2021 Transfer Honor Roll, which recognizes select nationwide colleges and universities that foster dynamic pathways for transfer students.

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