Beyond The Classroom: an “Enchanted” PR and Marketing Internship

Stock photo of an outdoor wedding ceremony

Enchanted Celebrations logoToday’s story is from Devon Graf, a senior communications studies major self-distancing from her house in Camden County, NJ. Devon joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Enchanted Celebrations was cut short prematurely due to COVID-19 affecting business. 

I had absolutely no idea where or what I wanted to do for an internship. Luckily, I found Enchanted Celebrations. This company is a photo and video wedding service located in West Creek, NJ. My main focus when applying to this internship was that I noticed I would be doing a lot of public relations and marketing work — perfect for me! I am a Communication Studies major with an Advertising minor. Enchanted Celebrations photo of bride and groom holding hands on a dock with water behind them.

I went full throttle into this internship, I was able to provide my team with innovative ideas and complete all of the tasks that I was given. One thing I take out of this internship is that I became super successful in multi-tasking, stepping out of my comfort zone, and handling each task I was given with a positive attitude. Not only was the work I was given super fun and exciting, but my team members were absolutely incredible! I didn’t go one day not having a great time in the office. 

All semester, I completed various projects relating to event planning and marketing within the wedding industry. For marketing, I contribute to daily blog posts that were shared with numerous clients and marketed across various social media platforms and wedding publications. I became proficient in using their system called CRM, SEO, and various forms of social media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Hootsuite, etc. In addition to this, I also got to assist the events team in coordinating event logistics and prepping for weekend staff and weddings! Enchanted Celebrations photo of a bride cutting wedding cake.

Below are some of the amazing works of photography I have worked with. Enchanted Celebrations has a numerous amount of extremely talented photographers and videographers. 

Enchanted Celebrations photo of a bride and groom dancing.

I found this internship through Indeed.com! Indeed is a website agency for job positions. I recommend creating an account if you are looking for your next position somewhere! I was at a standpoint at one moment in time and was clueless where to even start searching. I simply filtered out internship positions near my area and selected public relations and communication fields. Next thing I knew, I had an interview!

I got to show my skill set and gained a whole new one. I was able to be creative and show my passion for public relations and marketing all while learning and being in a wonderful environment.

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Story by:
Devon Graf, senior communication studies major

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Senior Reflects: Professional Skills Through Greek Life

Group photo of Alpha Sigma Tau.

Today’s story is from Melanie Sbaraglio, a senior public relations and advertising double major social-distancing from her house in Nutley, NJ (Essex County). Melanie joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Ace Screen Printing in Glassboro was cut short due to COVID-19 affecting business. 

Many people recognize Greek life for its social aspects however, coming from experience there is a lot more to it. Gaining professional skills is a very valuable thing that Greek life provides. For instance, having a position within your sorority or fraternity, such as being on the executive board, can teach you a lot. There are also a lot of positions across the organization that are very important.A few Alpha Sigma Tau sisters at a recruitment event this past spring.

I was the merchandise chair for my sorority, Alpha Sigma Tau, this semester. My role was to design and place orders for apparel that represented our sorority during events. This position taught me a lot because I was able to practice time management, staying organized, and working with other people. A lot of the positions within Greek life relate back to your major as well. Someone interested in accounting could become the financial chair and keep track of the budget. There is also a public relations chair who runs our sorority’s social media. Any of these positions can be great to put on a resume in the future to show a potential employer you have experience.

Pink Alpha Sigma Tau recruitment shirt.
Pictured above is one of our Alpha Sigma Tau spring recruitments shirts that I designed this year.





Even if you don’t have a position within your organization you are still learning skills just by participating in events and meetings. Weekly chapter meetings are basically business meetings to discuss and plan for future events.

Sorority recruitment also taught me a lot because I experienced both sides of it, as a recipient and as an organizer. It teaches you networking skills and gives you the confidence to be able to go into a room and start up a conversation with anyone. Gaining that kind of confidence will help you in the future with things like job interviews and working with new people.

I would recommend Greek life to anyone because it is definitely something great to be a part of while also getting the benefits of learning professional skills along the way.

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Story and photographs by: 
Melanie Sbaraglio, senior public relations and advertising major

Senior Reflects: Psychology Major Nicole Byrne Shares Her Favorite Rowan Moments

Basketball court inside Esby Gym

Today we feature senior Nicole Byrne, a psychology major and neuroscience minor from Brick, New Jersey (Ocean County) who used to walk to campus everyday from her home she called “Lil Bed.” She originally transferred from Stockton University.

Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? My favorite experience with a faculty member during my time at Rowan was being Dr. Martinez’s learning assistant (LA) for an entire semester. I had her as a professor and I loved how she taught. When I became her LA, our relationship expanded to something more. She was there for me through graduate school applications and through bumps in the road. I learned so much from her and I am beyond grateful for the relationship we established. She was a mentor that listened to me whenever I needed it. I loved hearing her hilarious stories about her kids and she loved my crazy stories about my family. It was an amazing experience to be able to open up to my professor.

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? I was able to volunteer and be a ref at the Unified Sports this last semester. I had a blast. Being able to hangout and ref my favorite sport was one of the most memorable moments that I was able to receive while my time here at Rowan. The Green Team thought I was hilarious with the random and weird moves I would do with the basketball during time outs. It was the purest and the most fun I have had in a long time! 

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? I was fortunate enough to be a student researcher at Rowan University’s Schizophrenia-Spectrum research lab. My fellow classmates, graduate students and Dr. Dinzeo taught me so much and helped me realize that I have a passion for research. I wouldn’t have gotten the necessary tools to get into my dream graduate program if it wasn’t for that lab and the members in it. They will always have a special place in my heart!

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? I want to give a HUGE shout out to my little sister Brittany who is still at Rowan University and my other sister Chelsea who has inspired me every single day. I want to thank my friends, teammates, my “B-Town” longtime friends and Jeremy Brown. Without the love and support they all give me each and every day, I wouldn’t be where I am today!  

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Senior Reflects: Health and Exercise Science Major Ciani Eugene on Her Way to “Dream Career”

Exterior shot of Robinson Hall

Today we feature Ciani Eugene, a Health and Exercise Science major and Psychology minor from Mount Holly, New Jersey (Burlington County) who transferred from the University of Maryland. After the transfer, she commuted to Rowan University.

Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes. My favorite experience in one of my classes was when I realized there are other students just like me! I had just started the fall semester and I was pregnant. I was nervous people would not want to be friends with the “pregnant girl.” That was not the case at all! Everyone was so excited for me to have my son and always looked out for me. Interestingly enough, another student walked into the class, sat next me, and she was pregnant too! We were due five days apart and she ended up becoming one of my closest friends at Rowan! Love you Autumn and Halo!

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? My most meaningful personal moment at Rowan was being chosen to speak at commencement. Even though I won’t be able to give my speech in person, Rowan made sure my speech was heard anyway. They featured my speech on the CSM [College of Science and Mathematics] and SPH [School of Health Professions] students’ awards and recognition page. It is such a nice feeling when others recognize the hard work and dedication you put into obtaining your degree.

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? My career aspirations are to become an occupational therapist. Before I transferred to Rowan, I didn’t know anything about occupational therapy. I thought I wanted to become a physical therapist. After taking the course “Foundations of Human Performance in Clinical Settings,” I learned about occupational therapy and realized it was my dream career. I even completed a 400-hour internship shadowing a phenomenal occupational therapist, who taught me so much.

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? 
  • My mom and my Oma for always being my guardian angels, I love and miss you both more than words can describe. 
  • My dad, for making sure I followed through with my promise to my mom and my Oma. 
  • My boyfriend Isaiah for always pushing me to be the best mother to our son as well as best student possible. I can’t wait to spend forever with you. 
  • My son Izeem for keeping me on my toes no matter what and always giving mommy your lovely hugs and kisses.
  • My aunt Tayana and my best friend Kellie, for always reminding me that I can do this, even if I was upset and doubting myself. 
  • My Rowan family! Brianna, Candy, Nicole, Anthony, Lizzy, Brennan, and Gianna! You all made transferring to Rowan one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. WE DID IT, WE ARE GRADUATING! 
  • Also a big shout out to Dr. Biren, Dr. Evrenoglou, and Professor Gibb for always being there for me and all of your students. You all are amazing role models! I will miss you all dearly!

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Senior Reflects: History Major Catherine Dunn

Exterior photo of the top of Bunce Hall.

Today we feature senior Catherine Dunn, a History major from Audubon, NJ (Camden County). Catherine transferred to Rowan from RCGC.

History major Catherine Dunn with her family.Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? My favorite moment with a faculty member was over the summer in my Historical Methods course with Professor Aksel. 

What was your favorite moment at Rowan? I really enjoyed being able to broaden my education. 

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? My career aspirations are becoming a history teacher at the high school level. Rowan helped me get to this point by making sure I finished on time!

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? I would like to thank my family and friends for being by my side when times got tough. College isn’t easy, and believe me there were many times I wanted to just stop, but without them I wouldn’t be here today. 

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Senior Reflects: PR Grad Jasmine Dennis Shares Her Favorite Rowan Memories

Exterior shot of Holly Pointe Commons, where Jasmine Dennis was a resident assistant

Today we feature Jasmine Dennis, a 2020 graduate who earned her degree in Public Relations with minors in Communication Studies and Strategic Communication. Jasmine is from Sayreville, NJ (Middlesex County), and lived on campus all four years.

The experiences and memories I’ve made at Rowan will last a lifetime. To begin a new life in an unknown place felt overwhelming at first, but looking back now I’m truly grateful I attended an amazing university that helped me to evolve as a person. Rowan became my home away from home.

I want to thank my parents and sister because they’ve been an incredible support through this whole process. Next, thank you to all of my friends for the endless support and memories. Lastly, thank you to everyone else who’s supported me along the way, it means the world.

Exterior shot of public relations major Jasmine Dennis

I’m proud to say I have achieved many of my goals in a such a short period of time here. To name a few, my junior year I was selected for the Resident Assistant position at Holly Pointe Commons. Later in my junior year, I was awarded the Silver Certification Leadership award. My favorite part about being in a leadership position was serving as a role model and helping others.

Next, the fall of my senior year, I attended the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) National Conference trip to San Diego, California with the Rowan PRSSA chapter. This was my first real business trip, and I made great connections, gaining helpful insight about the real world. By the end of the fall of my senior year I was sworn into Rowan’s PRSSA chapter. Finally, in the fall of my senior year, I landed two on-campus jobs and completed an internship at a PR firm located in Marlton, NJ.

Exterior shot of Jasmine Dennis at home.

I loved being active at Rowan, and it was truly the best thing I could have done. Each opportunity built on and prepared me for the next one. Rowan helped me to step outside my comfort zone and gain exposure to a large variety of rewarding experiences.

One of my favorite things about Rowan was its ability to provide what feels like an endless number of social events. Rowan goes above and beyond to offer a variety of opportunities and engaging, hands-on activities.

Thank you, Rowan, for an incredible journey. I’m looking forward to the next chapter that awaits. Congrats to all of the class of 2020, and best of luck to everyone! The world is yours.

Group photo of Jasmine Dennis with her family.

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Senior Reflects: Future Elementary School Teacher Kimberly Hanson

Kimberly poses with her daughter.

Today we feature Elementary Education and History dual major and recent graduate Kimberly Hanson. Before campus closed due to COVID-19, she commuted from her home in Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County). Kimberly transferred to Rowan from Camden County College. 

What is your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? My favorite moments are when I Kimberly poses for a selfie in sunglasses and a baseball cap.spent one-on-one time with my professors. It gave me the chance to ask questions that I didn’t feel comfortable asking in class. I’ve had some pretty amazing professors!

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? I’m a full-time mom and live off campus, but a while back I had joined club swimming. I had left because it didn’t fit my schedule anymore. But while I was there, it was a great experience! It was great to get back into the sport and to meet some new people!

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? My overall aspiration is to become an elementary teacher. All my professors have been helpful but my advisor, April Ellerbe, has been so helpful will my class choices and giving me all the tools I need to succeed! 

Kimberly Hanson poses for a photo with her boyfriend.

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? Thank you to my family and friends for supporting me through this, but a huge thanks to my boyfriend who has been a huge support system for me. He has been so understanding and helpful when it comes to school, work and our daughter.

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Senior Reflects: Multi-Talented Artist, New Grad Leann Carlson

Meet Leann Carlson, a recent graduate, studio art major and art history minor from Vineland, New Jersey (Cumberland County) who commuted during her time as a student here at Rowan University. Rowan Blog featured Leann after her semester abroad on a prestigious art scholarship

Leann Carlson at an artist's exhibition

Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes. My favorite memories in the classroom were when the printmaking students would have Dusk ’til Dawn every semester. It’s one night where we students stay in the building from 6 p.m. – 6 a.m. and make art/prepare for finals. We take a big group picture at midnight and I always had a great time participating in it. 

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? The most meaningful moment to me during my time in college was the opening reception night of my senior thesis exhibition. I spent the entire day setting up for it and so many of my friends, family and faculty members came out to support me. It made me feel really loved and I’ll honestly never forget it. 

Leann working on a screen printing in the studio at Westby Hall on campus.

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? I love being an artist so much, and there’s so many different things that I want to do throughout the course of my life with it. One thing, in particular, is that I’d like to work for a museum and become a curator. I realized this through my job at the Rowan University Art Gallery, where I got to work behind the scenes and learn the ins and outs of how a gallery operates.

Leann Carlson inside the Rowan Art Gallery

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? I’d really like to thank all of my close friends, my dad, sister, my aunt Leslie, my uncle Dewey and my Grandmom. I also want to thank my bosses at the Gallery, Mary and Jillian, my advisor and print professor, Dave Vaccaro, and my professors, Doc Appelson, Dr. Adelson, Adam Gustavson, Amanda Almon, and children’s book author, DyAnne DiSalvo!  I feel so blessed and loved. You have all had such a positive impact on my life as an artist and as a person in general. Thank you so much for everything! 

Leann with fellow students inside Westby Hall

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Senior Reflects: First-Generation Law & Justice Major Ashley Bermudez-Villacis

Ashley in her cap & gown near the Engineering Pond.

Today we feature first-generation senior Ashley Bermudez-Villacis, a Law & Justice major from Lyndhurst, NJ (Bergen County). Before leaving campus due to COVID-19, Ashley lived in the 220 Rowan Blvd Apartments

Could you tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? My favorite moment with a faculty member was this past February with Penny McPherson Myers and Amy Ruymann and the rest of the Flying First committee, preparing for the Annual First Generation Symposium. I had the opportunity to meet everyone, and they helped me practice for my welcome speech that I had the chance to give this year. 

Ashley and her parents a the First-Generation Symposium.

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? Besides all the amazing moments and great friends I made these last four years, my most meaningful personal moment at Rowan was being a part of the club swim team. I had so much fun being a part of a great team that loved to get competitive but also have fun. Swimming was a sport I’ve done since I was very little, and I’m happy I was able to continue it in college.

Ashley with Rowan's club swimming team.

What are your career aspirations, and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? I plan on working at a prosecutor’s office to eventually become a detective in the SVU unit. My advisor Rachel Budmen was a huge help in guiding me into the right direction. I’m the type of person who has many questions and I was able to get the answers thanks to Rachel. 

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? Most importantly I would like to thank my parents and family for always supporting me throughout my college career. As a first-generation student I faced many battles, but I was able to overcome them thanks to my loved ones. I would like to thank my advisor once again for always helping me and make me understand that sometimes plans can change and that’s okay. Lastly I would like to thank my friends I’ve made throughout the years. I had the opportunity to create so many memories that I will forever be grateful for, along with lessons that will help me be a better person in the future.

Graduation photo of Ashley.

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Senior Reflects: Early Childhood Education Major Already Making a Difference

Stock image of close up of adult hands guiding child's hands drawing.

Meet Candice Gavin, a first-generation college student, transfer student, commuter and Early Childhood Education and Literacy Studies major from Mount Ephraim, NJ (Camden County). She reflects on her time at Rowan and tells us some of her favorite experiences and where she’s headed to next!

Tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes:

I would have to say that my favorite experience was tutoring in the Reading Clinic during School Reading Problems and Supervised Clinical for Reading. I would tutor students in reading and writing who were struggling. It was rewarding to see such progress from the students. They would come in struggling and by the time the semester was over they had made great strides. I wasn’t expecting my student to master every topic because it was a short time spent with each other. Knowing that I made a little difference was a great feeling! It was fun to come up with engaging lessons and activities to use. It was just a great way to practice what I have learned and a great feeling to help students.”Candice Gavin stands with hands on her hips, on a sunny day.

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

I have had many moments that had a significant meaning to me during my time at Rowan. One of my favorites was when I participated with the Early Childhood Club for the Haunted Student Center. This was where I really connected with a lot of club members and had a lot of fun! We transformed a classroom into a circus theme and children would walk through and have a chance to do different activities. It was nice to have an opportunity to do something for children and have a lot of fun with club members while doing it.”

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

I hope to be a kindergarten or first grade teacher. Rowan has given me many opportunities to go out into the field and interact with students and teachers. It was a great way to network and learn hands on. In teaching we can read and study, but you really get the full experience when you are in the classroom actually teaching and working with students.”

Shout outs:

“I want to give a shout out to my mom, dad, and sister who have been there since day one. It has been a long ride, but they stuck by my side giving me support and encouragement when I needed it the most! I also want to give a shout out to Brandi White (the former Praxis Lab Coordinator) for helping me during this journey. She was always there as a mentor and friend! My group of friends all deserve a shout out too. They have experienced all the highs and lows of this journey with me too, so thanks for all your help! Lastly, my professors and advisor deserve recognition. They always wanted what was best for me and guided me in the right direction to get to this opportunity. I wouldn’t have made it this far without having the best support system, thank you all!”

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Senior Reflects: Transfer Political Science Major Finds Her Fit

Stock image of Scrabble tiles spelling law.

Meet Morgan Golightly, a first-generation college student, transfer student and commuter from Belmar, NJ (Monmouth County) who just finished her time at Rowan with a Political Science degree. She reflects on her time at Rowan and tells us some of her favorite experiences and where she’s headed to next!

Morgan stands in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Do you have any favorite moments
with faculty or a favorite classroom experience?

“My favorite moments at Rowan were in Dr. Knight-Finley’s classroom during the midterm elections. We learned in depth about the state elections and created online quizzes to help voters find ideal candidates to vote for. This class sparked the moment when I knew that Political Science was the right major for me.”

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Portrait of Morgan Golightly.Rowan?

My favorite moment at Rowan was at transfer orientation when I made an abundance of new friendships with those of similar majors and goals as myself.” 

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

With the encouraging words from many professors, I took my LSATS my junior year and am planning on attending law school in the fall of 2021. I hope to be a copyright lawyer while participating in local and state government.”

Shout outs:

“I want to thank Harold Thompson, my advisor who helped stay on track. I want to thank the professors that worked with me during some of the hardest times of my life. I want to thank the Gunderson family for their continuous support, love and guidance. I don’t know where I would have ended up without the Gunderson family supporting me through every hardship and struggle. Thank you to my aunt Christine and the select family members that offered their support. Lastly, thank you Tyler Terrribile for your continuous encouragement and praise.”

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Senior Reflects: Health Promotion and Wellness Management Major Eric Chen

Health promotion and wellness management major Eric Chen posing on the Rowan Proud yellow chair.

Meet Eric Chen, a first-generation graduating senior from Cape May, Health promotion and wellness management major Eric Chen posing in front of Bunce Hall.NJ (Cape May County) who majored in Health Promotion and Wellness Management

Favorite Class: My favorite class experience was my Public Speaking class with Mr. Paul Viggiano, he always made class interesting and he made that class very comfortable. The best moments were when he would split the class into different teams and we would have little competitions.

Experience with Alpha Chi Rho- Iota Chi Phi Chapter: Over the past couple years, I have been fundraiser, bursar, and postulant educator. My proudest experience was being able to do “Alpha Chi Rhoses,” a yearly fundraiser in which people around the Rowan community can purchase flowers and send notes to each other. The proceeds have gone to the American Cancer Society and to our local chapter of Camp Kesem.

Career Aspirations: My career goal is to become a nurse and to work in cardiac rehab.

Shout outs: Thank you to my brothers in Alpha Chi Rho and to thank you to the professional staff and student staff at Rowan Rec Center. Thank you for believing in me!!!!

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Senior Reflects: Changing Majors to Find Passion

Stock image of black ink cursive on tepia colored paper.

A close-up photo of Genna posing and smiling in front of a busy street in New York City.

Meet Genna Gaskill, a first-generation college student and Elementary Education and Liberal Studies Dual Major with sequences in Writing Arts and English. She is from Egg Harbor Township, NJ (Atlantic County). In her time at Rowan she spent half of her time living on campus and the other half in a house off-campus. She reflects on her time at Rowan and tells us some of her favorite experiences and where she’s headed to next!

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

I had some trouble when I first came to Rowan figuring out what I wanted to be. I started off as a Civil Engineering major, then I went into Music Education, and eventually Elementary Education and Liberal Studies. It took me a while, but through taking all of these different classes, I was able to realize my passion for education. I want to be an elementary school teacher and, one day, an administrator in a public school district.

The first professor who helped me realize this passion of mine was Dr. Adrian Barnes in my Music Education classes. He showed me a passion for education that I learned from and took with me in my future education classes and I will forever be grateful for his teachings. My other professors in my Education classes, such as Nancy Pagliughi, Arlene Stampa, and Gary Dentino, are who took that passion I had for teaching and shaped me into a real teacher. I will always remember their teachings when I have a classroom of my own. I would be remiss if I did not also mention my Writing Arts and English professors who helped me realize my talent for writing and showed me how to use that to make me into a better teacher. My professors Keri Mikulski, Dr. Jennifer Courtney, Amanda Haruch, and Dr. Yvonne Hammond, all saw my potential and shaped me into the writer and educator I am today. I have had so many amazing professors at Rowan that have given me knowledge and skills that I will be forever grateful for!”

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

My most meaningful moments at Rowan were when I was President of my sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha. I met so many of my greatest friends there and almost every one of my good memories comes from them. Going to Greek Week, volunteering at the Special Olympics, and recruitment are just a few things that I will always remember and treasure from my time with ASA. My roommates, Rachael, Sara, and Nicole, were with me through three years of being at Rowan and they were the reason I called Rowan my home. Looking back at my time in college in the future, I know I will fondly remember the times I spent with them the most.”

Genna Gaskill hikes in the red mountain region - here she is sitting on a rock with mountains behind her.

Tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes: 

One memory I have of my experience in the College of Education that I think I will always remember was being in Professor Gary Dentino’s class. Almost every single day, he would email us a whole letter telling us how proud he was of us and how we will change the world. He took the time out of his day to handwrite personal letters to us as a class almost daily. Even when my classes were getting tough and I felt like I was falling behind, I would read his daily email and feel like I truly had someone in my corner. His dedication to forming a positive and uplifting relationship with his students is something I hope to carry with me when I become a teacher someday.”

Shout outs:

“I’d like to give a special shoutout to my best friends in the entire world: Sara Riegel, Nicole Traeger, and Rachael Kolmins. Thank you for always being there for me through it all. Another special shoutout to all of my ladies at Alpha Sigma Alpha, especially my big Rosie Nanfara and my little Emily Fishman. Keep on joyously living each day to its ultimate good! Shoutouts to other amazing people I met at Rowan like Hersh and Fraidy Loschak from Chabad at Rowan, Celeste DelRusso and Donna Mehalchick-Opal from the Rowan Writing Center, and all of my fellow Edgewood RAs. Thank you for making a difference in my life! One more shoutout goes to my boyfriend, Mark Kozak, for being my rock throughout my years at Rowan. My biggest thanks will go to my parents, who are the reason that I am where I am. Thank you Mom and Dad for everything, I love you!”

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Senior #PROFspective: Health & Exercise Science Major

A transfer from Salem Community College, senior Harrison Goblentz will graduate with a degree in health and exercise science. His first year at Rowan, Harrison rented an off-campus apartment; his second year he rented an off-campus house with four friends. 

Harrison Coblentz and girlfriend.

Reflecting on his college experience, Harrison wishes that he would have devoted more time to clubs such as intramural basketball, volunteer club, and fitness club. New transfers, learn from his experience!

A typical Rowan day for Harrison included gym, school, hanging out with friends, and hanging out with his girlfriend. Harrison took six courses this last semester so his schedule was very busy. Harrison would normally take his classes in the morning, eat some lunch, do some homework, and then hit the gym at night. Harrison also worked at his Uncle’s meat business, called Niblock’s, in Salem on the weekends.

Being a health and exercise science major requires a lot of time and attention, he says. Harrison has future goals of being a nurse or a police officer. While he enjoys the fitness lifestyle and training, he also has that in mind for a career in the future.

One of the most interesting things Harrison has learned this year in one of his classes is that he got to learn how to calculate body fat percentage. This was learned in his exercise physiology class. 

Harrison realized Rowan was the right fit for him when he met his friends. Harrison has such a close bond with his guys and it made his college experience so much better. He also realized when he started at this university after transferring that the academic curriculum was more up his ally. Harrison stated Rowan University has changed his college experience for the best. 

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Story and photography by:
Devon Graf, Senior Communication Studies Major

Photos by: IG @Harrisoncoblentz

Senior #PROFspective: Serving Others & Finding Self

Justin posing on campus.Today we feature Justin Roldan, a graduating biochemistry major from Galloway, NJ (Atlantic County), who is a first generation college student. Justin lived on campus, as a resident assistant at Rowan Boulevard Apartments.

On-campus Clubs: Alpha Phi Omega (APO) and Rowan University Philippine American Coalition (RUPAC)

Could you share with one happy moment you had with friends, professors or other members of the Rowan community that made you realize Rowan felt like “home”? Alpha Phi Omega is one organization that helped me turn Rowan into a house from a home. As a co-ed service fraternity, I joined for the service, but I stayed for the people. I became a brother in Spring ’17, and I can truly say every experience through the organization has been transformative. Every brother I met became a friendly face that I had the pleasure of getting to know, and these same brothers I met inspired me to hold two Vice President positions, and eventually become President. Completing service projects and being selfless for others releases all those feel-good hormones in your body, but completing them with people you care about truly spikes your serotonin levels.

Justin posing with pumpkins.Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you? As transformative as APO has been for me, it was RUPAC that first showed me how welcoming the Rowan community can be. Just like any freshman looking to get involved, I reflected on interests and hobbies I hold close to my identity. Luckily, I came across a flyer in Science Hall advertising RUPAC’s first general body meeting; as a Filipino-American that hasn’t ventured too deep into his Filipino identity, this was a perfect opportunity to do just that.

When I arrived at the meeting, I was met with a room full of people that looked just like me, exuding bundles of energy and warm welcomings. They had just met me, but they showed genuine interest in getting to know me almost instantly. Thanks to them, I found a pamilya (family) that I can rely on for just about anything.

What is your favorite thing to do on a typical Thursday? Before the pandemic ensued, my absolute favorite thing to do on my typical Thursday was volunteering through Rowan’s Get FIT program. As a pre-Occupational Therapy student, this program helped get my feet wet for the profession. This program brings in young adults with cognitive and physical disabilities seeking to enhance their physical well-being through exercise. The young adults can even work out with their family members as well. During my short time in the program, I had the pleasure of being paired with a nonverbal client that brought joy to my face whenever we met. Seeing him smile from exercises I taught him brought me happiness, and helped reassure me that I was making the right career choice for future.

What is one thing about Rowan that was a happy surprise for you? Coming to Rowan, one happy surprise was realizing how close the campus is to Philly. It was an even better surprise when I learned that Rowan has a free shuttle to Philly every Friday. This allowed me to venture into the city just about every other weekend, learning about different neighborhoods and people of the city. Through different networking opportunities offered by RUPAC, I met incredible people from the Filipino clubs of Philly schools. Ultimately, it was these networking opportunities that helped me decide on attending University of the Sciences in Philadelphia to earn my master’s in Occupational Therapy this upcoming May.

Justin in the city.

Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a professor or staff member in which you felt like they truly cared about your wellbeing. In my third and final year on staff with ResLife, my Resident Director, Bri Vogel, made me feel as though someone truly cared about my wellbeing. As RAs, we have biweekly one-on-one meetings with our Resident Director. These meetings turned into free therapy sessions between Bri and I; she fostered an environment in which we were comfortable sharing personal details about our lives both in and outside of ResLife. Bri was an integral part of my journey in coming to terms with my suffering mental health, and I can’t thank her enough for encouraging me to start counseling through the Wellness Center. When people say that some of the biggest lessons you learn from college come from outside of the classroom, I feel like this small snippet of my four years at Rowan is a true testament to that.

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Story by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Senior Reflects: Biological Sciences Major, Future Veterinarian Kimberly Zullo

Biological sciences major Kimberly Zullo and friends

Today we feature senior Kimberly Zullo, a biological sciences major from Rockaway, NJ (Morris County) with an honors concentration.

Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? Working in Admissions, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know a lot of the professional staff in the Admissions department. Dr. Jessica Syed oversees the Admissions Ambassador program, and through my years at Rowan, I think my favorite moments were the conversations and meetings I had in her office. As a Coordinator, we have a LOT of meetings, but we always have fun and I will always cherish the time that I got to spend working with JP. 

Biological sciences major Kimberly Zullo poses with Rowan University friends.
Biological sciences major Kimberly Zullo (top row, middle) poses with Rowan University friends.

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? I think my favorite personal moments at Rowan were spent with my service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. We have been able to participate in service projects both on campus and in the community, and the bond that I’ve created with my APO brothers is something that will last a lifetime. 

Biological sciences major Kimberly Zullo poses with Cornell t-shirt.What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? I have dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since I was a child, and next year, I will be able to pursue that dream at Cornell University! I think the programs at Rowan have definitely helped me pursue this dream because they’ve given me endless opportunities both within my field and in extracurriculars. The programs at Rowan have allowed me to hone my skills in the sciences but also remain well-rounded by staying involved in clubs and music! 

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? Thank you to my parents and grandparents for always believing me and supporting me in everything that I do. Thank you to all of my campus family: Admissions Ambassadors, APO, Pre-Vet Club, the Hecht Research Group, and my Holly Pointe A-Pod squad, for keeping me sane and making life at Rowan something I’ll never forget. I would also like to thank all of my professors, especially Dr. Hecht, for pushing me to be my best. 

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Senior Reflects: Chemistry Major Mia Meola

Photo of Science Hall.

Today we feature senior Mia Meola, a chemistry major from Hackettstown, New Jersey (Warren County) who lived on campus in Whitney Center. She plans to further her education at Rowan next spring. 

Photo of chemistry major Mia in her cap and gown.Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? The faculty at Rowan University is incredible. One of the greatest people I have had the pleasure of knowing at Rowan is Philosophy and World Religions Professor Dr. Whitney Cox. I have been able to take classes with Dr. Cox for the last three consecutive semesters. I have learned so much from Dr. Cox and had a lot of fun in her classes. Her office door was always open, and she was willing to listen and provide guidance no matter what it was about. She would never rush us or show any sort of disinterest in our thoughts or ideas. Even if I came to her office to vent for an hour about my life being a mess, she was there to listen, give snacks, and let me hang out with her dogs.

There was not a day I left her class or office without a smile on my face and a huge sense of fulfillment. She helped me in so many ways and fostered my passion for World Religions (I added it as a minor this year!). Dr. Cox is not only an amazing educator, but an amazing person. She truly cares about her students and it was refreshing to feel so validated. I have grown so much in my time at Rowan University, and Dr. Cox played a key part in that.

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? I had the privilege of being involved in Women Inspiring a New Generation of Scientists (W.I.N.G.S.) since my freshman year, serving as an e-board member the last two years. We had the opportunity to go to different schools around Glassboro to teach lessons and conduct experiments with students. We also held events for the local Girl Scouts. My favorite personal moments at Rowan are when I have gotten to work with these children and young adults. I will never forget the times that I have seen an interest or love for S.T.E.M. be born firsthand. Getting to play a role in this and being able to show young girls that they can be scientists too, has been so meaningful.

Chemistry major Mia posing in her cap and gown outside of Science Hall.What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? After finishing this degree, I plan to continue my graduate studies at Rowan. I will be pursuing a master’s in S.T.E.M. Education starting next spring. My goal is to become a high school chemistry teacher. The people and programs at Rowan have been crucial to helping with these goals and aspirations. From being an e-board member, a learning assistant for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, working as an undergraduate research assistant, and to every class, club and event in between. Rowan has afforded me so many incredible opportunities to pursue my passions. There is nowhere in the world I would rather continue my education!

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? I would have never made it to this day without all the amazing people in my life. I’d like to thank my family, who have never stopped supporting me for a second. Every time I fell, they were right there to pick me back up again. And they have always celebrated even the little victories. I would also like to thank every professor, advisor, and faculty member I have had the chance to cross paths with at Rowan University. These people have pushed and inspired me in ways I never thought possible. I am forever grateful for every person, memory, and opportunity Rowan has blessed me with.

A huge shout out to the College of Science and Mathematics and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, (especially Dr. Gregory Caputo, Dr. Timothy Vaden, The Vaden Lab, Dr. Matthew Pilarz, and the ladies of W.I.N.G.S.). Lastly, to all the friends I have made along the way. You all have made me the person I am today. You have become my family and made Rowan my second home. Thank you for all the memories! The last four years have been a rollercoaster, but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Congrats to the rest of the Class of 2020. Things might not have turned out the way we pictured it, but we did it.

Chemistry major Mia and her friends.

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Senior Reflects: New Grad Molly Worek Seeks to Teach Across the Globe

Exterior photo of James Hall on Glassboro campus.

Today we feature senior Molly Worek, an English major from Mullica Hill, NJ (Gloucester County). Molly, who commuted to campus, transferred to Rowan from Bloomsburg University & RCGC.

Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? My favorite moment can’t be defined because there are simply too many to speak of. I think my favorite thing that happens in class is when I make references to something from outside of class that I am passionate about, and find out that my professors are either just as passionate, or super interested and want to learn more from me.

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? I aspire to be a TEFL/TESL high school or corporate level teacher abroad in Japan. I have been on the CADP BA-MS program to become certified as a teacher in NJ, and I have also pursued the international studies minor to become more culturally aware of the world, my future students and myself. I also will have a certificate in Japanese, as well as TEFL. I hope to acquire the NJ substitute teacher endorsement as well as an exceptional education endorsement.

Portrait of English major Molly Worek in a kimono.

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? My favorite personal moments are showing on the Rowan Equestrian Team at away shows competing against several other schools at the same time as a team and as an individual.

Molly riding a horse.

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? I want to thank all of my friends, near and far, for making this journey not only possible, but enjoyable. I consider my professors, advisors and mentors to be my friends, not just Rowan employees.

This spring break I had the incredible opportunity to travel to South Africa while riding horses and learning about international culture. Two years before, I did the same in Japan. Everyone at Rowan has helped me learn that I can never stop learning, no matter where I am in the world or what I am doing.

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Senior Reflects: Accounting and Finance Double Major Stephanie Revas

Stephanie poses in front of business hall.

Accounting and finance double major Stephanie poses outside Wilson Hall.Meet Stephanie Revas, an accounting and finance double major with a human resources management minor for her CPA from Bellmawr, NJ (Camden County). Stephanie is a member of Beta Alpha Psi, the international honor organization for financial information students and professionals, and lived on campus during her time at Rowan.

Favorite experience: One of my favorite experiences was working with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for four years. By volunteering with the program, it opened up so many doors and connections that truly shaped my experience in college.

How did you meet your closest friends: One of my closest friends I met during summer orientation, and then our paths kept crossing. I met others through our residence halls or clubs. 

Career Aspirations: I’m currently studying for my CPA exam, and eventually I plan on working as an auditor. 

Shout outs: I couldn’t have gotten through university without the support of my parents, friends, and the business faculty specifically those in the Dean’s Office, Accounting and Finance Department, and Human Resource Department. 

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Senior Reflects: Health & Physical Education Medallion Winner Angela Lakatos

Exterior shot of Rowan owl statue on Rowan's Glassboro campus

Today we speak to Health and Physical Education major Angela Lakatos, a new alumna from Pennsville, NJ (Salem County)! Angela is a transfer from Georgian Court University who lived off campus. Angela is a first-generation college graduate.

What was your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite Headshot of health and physical education major Angela Lakatos.experience in one of your classes? There are so many favorite experiences I’ve had at Rowan. Some of my favorite memories and moments are from my Physical Education classes! My group of classmates are so competitive and every class was so much fun!

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? One of my most meaningful moments was when I was told that I was not only nominated but I was awarded the Cone Award Medallion for Teaching Students with Disabilities. This award means so much to me because I have learned so much from teaching the students with disabilities at my elementary student teaching location and my passion for Health and Physical Education grew even more because of those students.

Health and physical education major Angela Lakatos with her family.
Angela (left) with her family.

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? I hope to become a Health and Physical Education teacher! Every professor has helped me get to where I am today, along with a few of my fellow classmates.

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? Shout out to Professor McCall and Professor Lieberman! These two awesome humans have taught me so much as a future educator. They are the best, and I know that all of my fellow classmates would agree with me on that!!! Also, of course shout out to my parents! If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know where I’d be or what I would be doing. They have always supported me and have been my back bone. I believe I have the best parents in the whole wide world (I might be biased)!!!

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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major

Senior Reflects: Studio Art Major Carlo Martines

The Rowan University Art Gallery

Today we feature Carlo Martines, a Studio Art graduating senior from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County). Carlo transferred to Rowan from Chestnut Hill College, and before social distancing, he commuted to campus. 

Could you please share your favorite social memory? My favorite socialPortrait of Carlo. memory was becoming acquainted with all peers from Cross Country/Track and Field. Another funny one (before I was even officially a Prof) was going to a summer party/kick-back and asking an AEPhi girl if she was in DPhiE. My buddy, who had brought me to this social event, thought it was hysterical.

Could you please share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? My favorite moment with a faculty member was answering a handful of questions correctly in a row for a final review for Macro-economics. I wasn’t sure why I was so strong in that class but I received a B and that was my best mark all semester.

Carlo poses for a selfie.What advice would you give to incoming freshmen or transfers about making the most out of their college experience while choosing a university close to home? Stay grounded by doing your best academically. Social life will come no matter what. But if you are doing poorly in class it will affect all aspects of your life as a Prof.

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? Shout-out to André Baldarrago, Paulo Nascimento, Kenny Stetser, Joe Paolini, Jan Conradi, Herr Schmidt, Joe Finoochiaro, Eric Dubois, Coach Dimit, Nick Neville, Jenna Pumphrey, Tyler Kline, Adam Lovitz, Rowan Club Soccer, Stephen Kümmer, Michael Schillo, David Vaccaro, Joey Baldarrago, and Zach Bruno, as well as my family, all of my professors from my time at Rowan, and all Profs involved with extra-curricular activities. 

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Senior Reflects: Computer Science Major Looks Forward To Her Career in Cyber Forensics

Computer science major Monica and her three friends outside Bunce Hall.

Meet Monica Mahon, a graduating senior from Northfield, NJ Computer science major Monica posing in graduation attire.(Atlantic County) who majored in computer science and plans to continue her studies at Rowan with a master’s in computer science. Monica lived on campus since sophomore year, and Glassboro has been a home to her family before as her father attended Rowan University when it was Glassboro State.

Favorite moment with a faculty member: There are so many moments that stood out in my computer science classes, but one of my most memorable classroom experiences happened during my freshman year in Biology 1. My professor brought her two pet birds, a parrot and a pigeon, to class on the last day. The pigeon wore a diaper, and they flew around the classroom the whole time. It was a great last day of class. 

How you met your closest friends: I met my best friend, Michael, in one of my classes my freshman year. We didn’t know each other, but we

Computer science major Monica and her 3 friends in front of Bunce Hall.
Monica, second from left. Michael, third from left.

just picked seats next to each other anyway. We became best friends. One of my favorite memories was waiting in the rain for Hollybash last year. It was pouring, and Michael and a bunch of our friends were all huddled together under a tent waiting for the free cheesesteaks that we ordered to be finished. The absurdity of 20-ish college kids huddled together under a 10×10 tent for free food in a thunderstorm makes this stick out. 

Career Aspirations: My ultimate goal is to become a cyber forensics investigator in law enforcement. They’re the people who investigate criminals’ computers for digital evidence. My next step is an internship with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency as an Information Technology Specialist, and then completing my master’s in computer science here at Rowan next May. 

Shout Outs: I want to shout out all of the computer science professors and advisors; they’ve all helped me along my journey and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance. I also want to shout out my parents for being my #1 supporters throughout college. 

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Senior Reflects: Aspiring Elementary Ed Teacher Shares Her Story

casey and three friends posing for a grad pic.

Meet Casey Urion, a graduating senior from Pilesgrove, NJ (Salem Casey standing in front of the owl statue.County) who double majored in elementary education and literacy studies. Casey looks forward to a career as a second grade teacher and thanks her mentors and friends for years of support. 

Favorite moment with a faculty member: I can’t think of a favorite moment or experience but I do know that one of my favorite professors and classes taken at Rowan was Principles and Pedagogies with Corine Brown. Through this course, I was able to explore different topics centered around multicultural education and student diversity within the classroom. Corine Brown was always welcoming and engaging and her approach to teaching the material was eye-opening. I left that class with a greater appreciation for student diversity and more knowledge on how to create and develop an inclusive, safe, and nurturing learning environment for all students. 

How did you meet your closest friends at Rowan? I actually met my two best friends, Julia Barr and Karlyn Harlow, prior to attending Rowan through a program called RUTA (Rowan Urban Teacher Academy). We attended this program the summer of our junior year in high school and I was lucky enough to come back the following summer, along with Karlyn, to be mentors for the program. Before coming into my freshman year at Rowan University, I signed up for the Freshman Connection Adventure program in order to meet new people and make my transition a little easier. Before official move-in day, the Freshman Connection groups held a picnic and that is where I reunited with Julia as she was in the Leadership program. I was so surprised but happy to see a familiar face and we hung out for the rest of the day. When school started, I bumped into Karlyn on campus and asked her to hang out with Julia and I and from that day forward, we grew to become best friends, roommates for 3 years, and sisters in Theta Phi Alpha. They are a huge part of what made my college experience so memorable and I’m so lucky to have them in my life.

Career aspirations: Casey and a friend in front of the rowan owlMy career aspirations are to become an elementary school teacher (preferably second grade) and go back to school to receive my master’s in education. I hope to get involved as much as possible within the school community and eventually become a dean of students at an elementary school. 

Shout outs! I want to give a special shoutout to my grandparents, Earl and Eileen Urion, for supporting me all these years and giving me the opportunity to achieve my dream in becoming a future educator. I want to thank all of my Rowan professors and advisors, Achieving the Dream Program, and the LLSC Department for the guidance and support. I want to thank Theta Phi Alpha Fraternity for the opportunity to grow as an individual and the amazing people and friendships I’ve made through this organization. I want to thank my cooperating teacher, Elizabeth Schneider, for being so welcoming, kind, and willing to help me succeed in every way possible. I appreciate all of your feedback and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with you. Thanks to my best friends, Dana Terry and Sarah McGoldrick, for always sticking by my side and being my biggest fans since we were in Elementary School. Without you two, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I want to thank my other best friends, Julia Barr and Karlyn Harlow, for being my rocks throughout college. You are both so inspiring and I am so lucky to have you in my life. Last but not least, I want to thank my amazing, hard-working, and caring boyfriend, Brandon Bedilion. You have given me endless amount of support in everything I do and you push me to be a better person. I wouldn’t want to continue on this journey with anyone else by my side. 

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Senior Reflects: History Major Christine Katherine Elizabeth Ellis

Today we feature senior Christine Katherine Elizabeth Ellis, a History major from Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County). Christine, who commuted to campus,  transferred to Rowan A portrait of Christine.from Camden County College.  

Could you please share your favorite social memory?

Among my favorite memories are my watercolor class, History of Photography class, my Modern Latin America class, and every history class I took that encouraged discussion among the students. 

Could you please share a favorite experience in one of your classes?

Being able to present my poster for the President’s Day Poster Session Event (pictured below).

Christine presents her poster with the support of her family.

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

Thank you so much to my Mom and Dad for putting me through college and thank you also to both my grandmas for their help and support. Thank you to my Aunt Darlene and my cousin Dontrell for supporting me at my event. And thank you to everyone else who has encouraged me with my schooling. 

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Senior Psychology Major Says Young Son Was “Motivation” For Her Degree

Today we feature Ashley D. Steever, a Psychology major from Atco, NJ (Camden County). A first-generation college student, she transferred to Rowan from Camden County College. Ashley shares her favorite Rowan moments and thanks those who encouraged her as she worked full-time and raised a family while studying at Rowan. 

Headshot of Ashley SteeverTell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or favorite experience in one of your classes.
My favorite moment was from last semester while taking the course Drugs, Alcohol & Tobacco (which is my career field). The professor was very real and down-to-earth and seemed to really engage the students. She and I chatted often after class about relevant topics and our personal experiences. She actually asked me to do a Narcan presentation/training for the class. I was really excited to educate my fellow classmates and was really appreciative of the opportunity. She was a great professor and made a great listener. 

What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan?
Honestly, bringing my young son to Mommy’s school was a pretty meaningful moment. He was only about a year old, but it meant a lot to show him around campus. After all, he is my motivation for getting my degree and starting my career. 

Ashley's son is wearing Rowan Prof gear

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

I am a Psychology major and did not know much about it when I first started. Rowan, and especially the Psychology as a Profession and Practice course, helped me to understand exactly what I could get out of a career and not just a degree. I am working toward my bachelor’s and then eventually my CADC to become a drug and alcohol counselor. 

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

I’d like to give a shoutout to my family for all of their support through my very long educational journey. With working full-time and raising a family I have only been able to attend 2-3 classes a semester at Rowan. So it has taken me longer than expected to finish. My mom and my husband have supported me through it all and never gave up on me. I also want to thank my counselors, Megan Kately and Talia Musero, for always being there with answers, advice and feedback to keep me on track. It feels great to be so close to the finish line.

Ashley Steever at right with her husband and son

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Senior Reflects: Future Middle School Teacher Jessica Lynn Heady

Meet Jessica Lynn Heady, a first-generation college student and graduating senior who commuted from her home in Mantua, NJ (Gloucester County). Jessica, who majors in Subject Matter English Education and minors in Psychology, transferred from Rowan College at Gloucester County (now RCSJ). Here, Jessica shares her favorite moments from Rowan and thanks those who helped her as she pursued her teaching education path.

Headshot of Subject matter education major Jessica Heady

Tell us about your favorite classroom experience. 

One of my favorite experiences was in Dr. Viator’s Shakespeare class. The class was held in Winans Hall in a room with paper-thin walls, and the class next door was always loud. So one day he was not having it and decided to give them a taste of their own medicine. He shouted as loud as he could at the dividing wall to tell them to stop laughing. Ironically our class howled with laughter. Once we were all settled down Dr. Viator said, “You won’t remember anything from today’s lesson, but you’ll remember your crazy professor yelling at a wall.” And he was absolutely right.

What was your favorite moment at Rowan?

One of my favorite personal moments at Rowan is when I would hang out with my friends after class in the pit or on the third floor of the student center. We would always say we would get together to do homework, but we would really just sit there and people watch, laughing way too loud and way too hard.

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

My career goal is to become a middle school English teacher to inspire students to learn. The professors and the staff members of The College of Education have supported me to do so. My professors have modeled excellent teaching strategies that I can use in my classroom and created learning environments that encourage and motivate me to do my best. The staff members of The College of Education have given me the guidance and support that I needed to succeed in my journey at Rowan University. Without them, I would not have the resources I need to have a successful future.

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

I’d like to thank my mom, my dad, my sister, and my grandma. Thank you for all the love and support you have given me throughout my college career. Thank you for being there for me when I thought my best wasn’t good enough. Thank you for staying up late with me as I wrote my essay after essay. And thank you for always encouraging me. I love you.

Subject matter education major Jessica Heady and her family

I would like to thank my cooperating teacher and mentor, Christine Neri. Thank you for all your support and guidance during my student teaching journey. Thank you for having faith and confidence in me when I did not have it in myself. I have learned so much from you. And I appreciate all that you have done for me. You’re the best.

I would like to thank Dr. Timothy Viator. Thank you for creating classes that are both educational and meaningful. Thank you for all your teaching and life advice. But most importantly thank you for continued support even in your time of retirement. I am forever grateful for that.

I’d like to thank my friends. Thank you for the laughter and the tears we have shared. Thank you for our late-night study sessions that would always get us sidetracked. And thank you for not letting me be the only person who would jokingly say I was going to drop out at the smallest inconvenience. Without all of you, my college career would have been extremely boring.

Jessica Heady holding a bag that says Miss Heady on it

Lastly, I would like to thank my advisor, Nadia Rahin. Thank you for all the support you have provided me during my college career. Through all the ups and downs you were always there to help me keep my eye on my goals. And thank you for introducing me to classes that I would have never thought of taking. Because of you, my original goals have expanded from being an English teacher to being an English teacher who loves history, psychology, and women and gender Studies. Thank you for all that you have done for me.

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Senior Reflects: Political Science Major Jacob Haulenbeek

Today we feature Jacob Haulenbeek, a senior Political Science major and International Studies minor from Fieldsboro, NJ (Burlington County). Before leaving campus because of social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19, Jacob lived in 220 Rowan Boulevard. He transferred to Rowan from Rowan College at Burlington County.

A portrait of political science major Jacob.Tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?

My favorite moment in a class at Rowan might just be the Model UN trip to New York City last April. Spending time with the whole class, experiencing the city, and feeling the important weight of being in the United Nations — interacting with student leaders from around the world. It was enlightening and a blast.

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

Getting close to everyone in the Rowan Democrats was an amazing experience for me. I built lasting friendships in that club that I hope to carry with me throughout my life. The work we did and the experiences we had (such as inter club debates, volunteering) will remain in my memory for years.

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

I am not sure of exactly what I want to do with my whole life yet. I’m sure that isn’t unique among college graduates. I plan to start Political science major Jacob poses with three friends under a wooden gazebo.my professional career this month working for International SOS. I will work for them in government services for at least a year and then attend law school. I would like to specifically and emphatically thank Dr. Dworkin and the Rowan Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship (RIPPAC) for all of the incredibly enriching events and activities they hosted on campus. RIPPAC stressed to all students the importance of internships and they provided the skills and resources to students in order to get their career aspirations off the ground: to get that internship, find that job, to write a professional resume.

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

I want to thank my whole family for supporting me throughout my academic career. I want to thank my friends and my instructors for standing by me when I needed them most and pushing me to achieve what they knew I was able to. Rowan is a special place, and I am grateful for everyone I’ve had the pleasure to meet and grow with.

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Senior Reflects: Geographical Information Science Major Jonathan Sharp

An aerial view of land and water mass

Today we feature Jonathan Sharp, a Geographical Information Science major from Pilesgrove, NJ (Salem County). Jonathan transferred to Rowan from Anne Arundel Community College, and before social distancing in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, he commuted to campus. 

Could you share your favorite social memory? 

Socially the place to be in the department is our GIS lab. This where everyone comes to print off their stuff, work on their projects, and find GIS help from the mentors. I go here to get my work done and sometimes to hang out with the other people in the department getting ready to graduate, looking for help with their resumes, or just grabbing a bite to eat. I also always had a blast on the GeoClub hikes.

Jonathan and two colleagues stand in front of a black background with the Earth on it.
Jonathan, center, with classmate Kristina Wallace, left, and Dr. Ashley York, right.

Could you share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?

The Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability has the best faculty by far. Most have an open door policy and always have time to work through a hard problem or just check in with how you are doing. They also fill the department with extracurricular activities like the GeoClub and Planning Club so that even on the weekends they are giving their time and attention to the students. Even during the quarantine, it seemed like I’d talk to the faculty every day as I attended class online or was looking for help on a project. 

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

My biggest mentors: Dr. Ashley York, Prof. Richard Federman, and Dr. Zachary Christman and Kristina Wallace. They got me through this last semester. My sister Becky got me through the last two years. She’s my favorite sister by far.

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Senior Reflects: #RowanPROUD Political Science Major Kazi Hafiza

Exterior shot of the Chamberlain Student Center

Today we feature Kazi Hafiza, a graduating senior from Gloucester Township (Camden County). Kazi, who majored in Political Science and minored in Sociology, shares her favorite Rowan memories, including becoming an organization’s founding member and future leader.  

Portrait of  Kazi Hafiza in the Chamberlain Student CenterTell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes. 

I would say my favorite class was my sociology classes with Dr. Rich. We had so many great discussions in those classes.  She really made me want to go to class each week. 

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

I was a founding member of the Rowan Democrats since freshman year and the President the past two years. Joining the Rowan Dems and helping build this club to where it is now was the best thing I experienced at Rowan University. Not only did it give me friends for a lifetime, I loved being at Rowan because of it. I was always told to join activities at college and it was the best decision ever. I learned so much from the events and the networks the club provided. I am sad that I am graduating and not being able to be a part of the Rowan Dems anymore but I am so happy that I created great memories throughout my four years and wish the club the best luck in the future. 

Group shot of Rowan Democrats

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

I am not sure where I want to end up in the long run, but I know I want to stay in politics if I can. During my junior year, Rowan brought in its Institute of Public Policy and Citizenship (RIPPAC). Dr. Ben Dworkin really made being a poli sci student at Rowan so much better with his events and internship guides. He really cares about his students and it shows every time he checks in with you about future aspirations. Thank you, Dr. Dworkin, for all the help these past two years and for helping me find a better passion in a field I love.  

Kazi Hafiza with then-candidate Phil Murphy and other students

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

I want to sincerely thank my family for supporting my dreams since I was a child. To all my friends thank you, college was tough for all of us but you all made my life at college enjoyable and I will never forget all the great times we had and hope to have in the future. To all the professors and faculty I’ve met over the years, thank you for all the support and pushing me to the best I could be. Thank you Rowan for being my home for the past four years. I am so proud to be a Prof!

Kazi Hafiza and her friends in the park on High St.

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Senior Reflects On Finding Herself

A newly blooming white flower tree stems with white clouds behind it.

Today we feature Rumaysa Asim, a senior graduating with a bachelor’s in psychology with a Certificate of Undergraduate Study (CUGS) in Japanese. She completed her Rowan career as a commuter, but previously lived on campus. Rumaysa’s hometown is Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County.)

Rumaysa stands in front of a tree.

What are some of your favorite social memories of your time at Rowan?
My favorite social memory was going to the Office of Social Justice after my classes. At first I was on a pre-med track and I struggled a lot in those courses. The Office of Social Justice was my safe space and a well needed break from these difficult classes. Though I did my work there, I especially enjoyed talking with the staff. They empowered me to be myself and to talk about the issues that I was facing as a minority. I further went on to execute ideas I had for different events such as a fundraiser and I created a program with the Office of Social Justice as a resident assistant. In my early years at Rowan I had struggled with my identity. I felt empowered in the space the Office of Social Justice made for me, and because of this I became more confident and proud of my identity. It was also a great stepping stone for me as it encouraged me to get involved in other programs as well. 

Could you please share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
My favorite memory with a faculty member was being in my Composition 2 class. My professor gave us the opportunity to pick any topic we wanted for our assignments. As someone who lacked representation while growing up I wanted to research it more and present it to my class. I was feeling a bit nervous about it because it can sometimes come off as controversial however, when I discussed it with my professor he encouraged me to continue with the topic as it was interesting and provided a new perspective. He also encouraged my class to research and present topics that we were passionate about no matter how “controversial” they were. I really liked this as it made me feel as though my opinions mattered even if others didn’t agree with me. He gave me a space to express myself and talk about things I wanted to see in the future. Rumaysa stands in front of a tree, head slightly tilted.

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen or transfers about making the most out of their college experience while choosing a university close to home?
For incoming students I would say that you have to remember your individuality is your strength. I struggled feeling like I didn’t belong or feeling like there were others who were better than me in the roles I took as a leader on campus. Eventually though I met people who encouraged me to stay true to who I was and within that I was able to become more capable and confident. If you are unsure about yourself it can be harder to form relationships with others. That’s why it’s important to take time to understand yourself. You need to figure out out what you want from this experience and remember that your being different is an asset. It may feel like you don’t belong but in actuality you may have to “make” a place for yourself. It is important to empower yourself at the end of the day. 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
Thank you to the people who have constantly supported me through these last four years. Thank you to my family, friends, advisors, faculty, and the university for helping me reach my goals and graduate! 

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Future In Roller Coaster Design for Mechanical Engineering Grad Matthew Mazalewski

four grads toss their hat.

Meet Matthew Mazalewski a graduating senior who majored in Matthew Mazalewski pops champagne.mechanical engineering. Matthew lives with his three engineering roommates (above) for all four years at Rowan

Favorite Classroom Experience: Finishing thermal/fluids systems was a huge accomplishment that I’m sure many mechanical engineers (MechE’s) can relate to.

How Did You Meet Your Roommates? I simply reached out to a random person and asked them if they like their room frigid year around, and if they liked cranberry juice. Weird questions, right? But, both of those answers were a yes and we’ve been close friends ever since. 

As for my friend group, we all shared the  similar drive, passion, and interest that was needed to succeed in such a challenging, yet rewording major and career. 

four grads jump in commencement attire.
Matthew Mazalewski, far right, with his fellow mechanical engineering classmates.

Career Aspirations: I want to create/design, build, and program awesome roller coasters and jaw dropping themed attractions. Stay tuned!

Shout outs! Of course, I wouldn’t be where I am today without my friends, family, advisors and my mentors. Words can’t describe how thankful I am for everything that everyone has done. Thank you all!

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Senior Reflects: Elementary Ed/Mathematic Dual Major Thanks Professors

Meet Jacob Kauffman, an elementary education/mathematics dual major who commuted from Glassboro, NJ (Gloucester County.)

Favorite momJacob Kauffman posing for a portraitent: A number of favorite moments come to mind so with that in mind I’d like to take this time to thank the entire mathematics department in Robinson Hall for always being there and willing to answer any questions that I had about my math courses!

Most Meaningful Moment:  The most meaningful personal moment that I had at Rowan has to be the friends I made while student teaching. I never would have made it through it all without them! You know who you are!

Career Aspirations: I finished my degree in mathematics and it was one of the most difficult things I had ever done. Once I finally start teaching, I can’t wait to help my students overcome the obstacles that I struggled with for so long. None of this would have been possible without a select number of extremely helpful and kind math professors.

Shout outs! I’d like to thank my family for supporting me all through my college career and I’d also like to give a special thanks to Dr. Charalampos (Babis) Papachristou and Dr. Edward Dougherty both from the Rowan mathematics department who always went above and beyond whenever I asked for help.

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Future In Holocaust Education for History Grad

Today we feature first generation college student Sylvia Hogue, a graduating history major who transferred to Rowan from Camden County College. Sylvia commuted to campus from home, in Pine Hill, NJ (Camden County.)

Could you please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
I’d have to say my favorite moment experience at Rowan was my second visit to the South Jersey Tech Park to work on the Warsaw VR Project. That day I got to experience the VR project inside of the CAVE and I knew then that the Warsaw Project was going to be very special and would be worth all other time and effort our multidisciplinary team puts into it.Sylvia stands in broken light for a selfie.
What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan?
Last semester, I went to the New York Jewish Heritage Museum with the Rowan Center for the Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights (RCHGHR) to see the first traveling exhibit about Auschwitz outside of Europe. Being there and seeing the remnants of the atrocities of the Holocaust solidified my desire to pursue a career in Holocaust education. Sylvia stands with a flag.

What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations?
It is my goal to work in public history, helping to educate others on the horrors of genocide so that hopefully, one day, such tragedies no longer occur. I also wish to help design a federal Holocaust curriculum and develop teaching resources for public schools. The entire history department is endlessly supportive of its students. However, I personally own much to Jennifer Rich, Stephen Hague, and Jody Russell Manning.

Dr. Rich brought me onto the Warsaw Project with open arms and never misses an opportunity to lift up her students and makes them feel like they can do anything. Dr. Hague always pushes back, challenging me to do better and to look at things from a different perspective. Professor Manning, apart from always adding into my personal reading list, always makes me ask the bigger questions and never accept the easy answers as true. Such skills not only serve to make me a better historian in general but also give me a wider lens to see the world.

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? 
I never would have made it this far without the endless support from my parents (Pat and Ken), my fiance (Phillip), and my best friend (Steve) who have spent the last 4 years being the most patient and understanding people on the planet. I would also like to give a shout out to my friend Gina Torres who’s been stuck proofreading my papers since we met in Historical Methods.A close up of Sylvia and her fiance.

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Senior Reflects: Law & Justice Major Emilyann Colbert

Emilyann poses with her family.
Emilyann Colbert poses in front of Bunce Hall.
“All that I am & hope to be I owe to those who *believe* in me.”

Meet Emilyann Colbert, a graduating senior from Sickerville, NJ (Camden County) who majored in Law & Justice and minored in Psychology. Emilyann graduated in Dec. 2019 and celebrates during the 2020 commencement.

Favorite moment with faculty: The professor who has made the biggest impact on me during my time at Rowan would be Dr. Kimberly Houser. She is an amazing professor. During my sophomore year of college I lost my uncle and it was a very difficult time in my life. Dr. Houser truly went above and beyond for me.

Favorite Rowan memory: Rowan University has been full of great memories, one of my favorites would be taking a tour of the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City for my Casino Crime class during my junior year.

Career Aspirations: In the future I hope to pursue a career within probation or parole. During the summer of 2019 I had the opportunity to intern with the New Jersey State Parole Board, where I was assigned to the Sex Offender Management Unit. My internship allowed me to observe parole board hearings and tour the New Jersey State Prison. It was a great experience.

Shout outs! I want to thank all of my family and friends for always being so supportive. Throughout my life my mother, brother and grandparents have always been there for me. They have taught me how to be strong, determined and hard-working. My boyfriend, Dominic, and best friend, Samantha, have also been a strong support system for me.

I will forever be appreciative of them. I love you all.

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Senior Reflects: Jonathan DeLair Celebrates Commencement with Fellow Engineers — from a Safe Distance

4 rowan grads jump in graduation attire.

Meet Jonathan DeLair, a graduating senior from Piscataway, NJ Jon poses for a commencement portrait.(Middlesex County) who majored in mechanical engineering. He and his closest engineering friends met at Bunce Hall for a social distancing graduation farewell.

Favorite Class Memory: My favorite moment would have to be when my partner and I got the air engine we built from scratch to run great after a real bad failure in Dr. Bhatia’s TFS II class.

How did you meet your closest friends: I met Matt my freshman year on GroupMe. We were both searching for a roommate and we decided to be roommates because we both loved cranberry juice and cold rooms. We’ve been roommates/apartment mates for 4 years.

four graduates throw their caps in front of bunce hall.
Kristin, Jonathan, Matt and Dominick toss their graduation caps.

Career Aspirations: I aspire to be a successful engineer in my professional life and maybe even secure higher management roles in the future.

Shout outs: I first want to thank my parents, without them I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am today. I also would like to thank the rest of my family and friends I’ve met for believing in me and being there along the way. Lastly, I’d like to thank all the staff at Rowan for bringing love and hard work to class and for giving us the tools we need to handle the professional world.

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Senior Mechanical Engineering Major Launches Career, Looks Back on Rowan Experience

Senior mechanical engineering major Jason Fisch

Meet Jason Fisch, a graduating senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering from Camden County, NJ who lives on campus on Rowan Boulevard. Jason shares a few highlights from his Rowan career and has several people to thank along the way. 

Tell us about a favorite experience in one of your classes.

My favorite memory in one of my classes would be the Air Engine Project in my junior year TFS [Thermal-Fluid Sciences] class. Over two semesters, mechanical engineering students work in groups to fabricate their own engine, which runs on compressed air. It was a very challenging but rewarding project.

Mechanical engineering major Jason Fisch in front of a Rowan Student Government Association sign

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

My most meaningful moment at Rowan was being elected as the SGA [Student Government Association] Executive Vice President by the student body. It was such an honor to serve the undergraduate population, clubs, and organizations this past year, and I learned a lot along the way.

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

Upon graduation, I will be working as a strategy analyst at Accenture. Rowan’s interdisciplinary and project-based learning allowed me to grow into the leader I am today and build critical thinking and problem solving skills, which I will use throughout my career.

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

Mechanical engineering major Jason Fisch and his family on vacationI’d like to thank my parents and my brother Jared for supporting me and pushing me to achieve my goals and aspirations at Rowan. I have had many amazing professors and got to know some fantastic administrators.

While I cannot thank them all individually here, I’d like to give a shout out to Dr. Lowman, Dr. Tinnin, Professor Amadoro, Dr. Jha, Dr. Ik Jae Lee and Dr. Krchnavek. Every faculty member at Rowan that I have had the chance to interact with over my four amazing years has had a positive impact on my life.

Mechanical engineering major Jason Fisch in Zion National Park
Jason, seen here at the summit of Angels Landing in Utah’s Zion National Park, will embark on new adventures after graduation.

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Senior Reflects: Health & Physical Major J Renee Collazo

a cyclist riding by on the road.

Meet J Renee Collazo a hJ Renee Collazo posing for a portrait.ealth and physical education major from Burlington County who transferred after 15 years at Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC). Before COVID-19 she commuted to campus.

Favorite Experience: I have to say, my favorite experience was completing the crate stacking/climbing in Adventure Learning class!

Favorite Personal Moment: My most meaningful, personal moment was my first day starting at Rowan! I went back to school after 15 years from graduating from RCBC. 

Career Aspirations: I want to teach people the tools it takes to live a healthy, active, and meaningful life. The programs at Rowan were an inspiration to learning the methods I can use to accomplish this goal of mine!

Shout Outs! Shout out to my family for always supporting me, my friends helping me along the way, Dr. Willis, Professor Lieberman, Dr. McCall, and many more were such a great inspiration to the success of my time at Rowan! Thank you so much everyone!

Renee Collazo and family

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Liberal Studies, 3+1 Program Senior Reflects

senior reflects- Chinasa Nwankwo

Meet Chinasa N. Nwankwo, a senior liberal studies major graduating this semester as part of the 3+1 program, in which students attend classes at community college for three years and at Rowan University for one year. Chinasa, from Cinnaminson, NJ (Burlington County) attended 3+1 through Rowan College at Burlington County. 

Could you share your favorite memory?
I joined the Philosophy Club of Rowan University, for me it’s very exciting. I was very honored when I got an invite to join. Unfortunately the season we are witnessing has limited our club activities. I look forward to keeping in touch with the club since Phi Kappa Tau stands for everything I believe.

Chinasa (left) with her husband
Chinasa (left) with her husband

Could you share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
My experience with the academic advisors for the 3+1 program was impressive. I encountered my advisor Allie when I was looking to transfer to a four-year college from RCBC. She is an amazing individual whose professionalism is second to none. She followed up with me, and her attitude convinced me to complete my degree program through the 3+1 initiative.

My personal go-to adviser, Holly Ann Ashton, is a wonderful woman who is hands-on with any issues that I brought to her attention. This spring semester, Holly Ann went above and beyond to assist me with providing a space within the office to take my online exams for a class that required Proctotrack, which I couldn’t do in my home. It wasn’t her job, but she was interested and invested in me as a student of Rowan University that she made it possible for me to finish without issues. That’s what I call dedication and service. I appreciate Holly Ann Ashton.
Chinasa (middle) with her son and husband
Chinasa (middle) with her son and husband
Chinasa (right) with her son
Chinasa (right) with her son

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?
I want to thank my husband, who assisted me all the way without complaining. He stood by me and encouraged me that I could do this and be proud of myself. My son Zee, who believed that “Mommy is smart,” I want to say thank you. I missed out on your soccer games, volleyball and other activities because of my evening classes. I love you, son. You make me proud. I celebrate you as you go to college in the Fall of 2020.

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Senior Reflects: Athletic Training Major Phil Brenner

A family photo at Disney World.

Meet Phil Brenner, a graduating senior from Westville, NJ (GloucesterPhil posing in front of the ocean. County) who majored in athletic training. Phil lived on campus in Evergreen, on Rowan Boulevard and in off-campus campus during his time at Rowan.

Favorite Class: One of my favorite moments in a class was during Mr. Christy’s therapeutic exercise class when our class had to go into the cold whirlpool for 20 minutes at 8 a.m. in the morning. It was definitely better than the effect of any coffee. 

Most Meaningful Memory: One of my most meaningful experiences at Rowan was joining the Unified Sports Club my freshman year. I had so much fun competing with all of the athletes and partners. It was one of the things I looked forward to most on the weekend when it was soccer or basketball season. 

Career Aspirations: My career aspirations are to continue in the athletic training program at Rowan so I can get my master’s in athletic training. I aspire to be an athletic trainer for a high school. I got to learn alongside two of the best high-school athletic trainers (shoutout Mr. Evans at Woodstown and KB at Delsea Regional High School). They taught me the ins and outs of what it takes to be a high-school athletic trainer and I’m very grateful for their mentorship. Also, the professors and educators of the athletic training major helped me reach where I am. They have challenged me and pushed me to be the best I could be. It was definitely a lot of work but without their guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am at right now.

A group photo of Phil and his famiy.

Shout outs! I want to give a shout out to my mom, sisters (Jenna and Kristina), my brother Chris, my girlfriend Grace, and my close friends who have supported me throughout my academic journey. I also want to give a shoutout to Colleen Grugan, Dr. Sterner, Dr. Mann, Dr. Pletcher, Dr. Bullard, Mr. Christy, KB, Mr. Evans, Steve Shultz, and Chris Pantellere for being educators and preceptors for me throughout my courses and residencies. My knowledge base is a cumulation of these high quality educators and I could not be more grateful for that. 

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Senior Reflects: My Favorite Memories at Rowan

a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Today’s story features Julia McAleavey, a senior from Monmouth County, NJ, graduating with a bachelor’s in advertising. Julia transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, from Eastern University in Pennsylvania. 

My time as a Rowan student is coming to a close. I will be finished with my degree as of the spring semester and it just doesn’t feel real. I am sad to leave, but I am so grateful for all of the friends memories I made along the way. 

I transferred into Rowan as a spring semester sophomore. I remember moving into my Rowan Boulevard apartment, pleasantly surprised that I had a kitchen and my own bedroom. The university I attended beforehand wasn’t a good fit, so I was nervous and excited to see what Rowan had to offer for me. 

Julia McAleavey- Senior advertising majorBefore attending Rowan, I had not declared a major. All I knew was that I wanted a career where I could be creative. I then found out that Rowan offered a major in advertising, and after some meetings and taking my Introduction to Advertising class, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. I have made so many memories in my advertising classes and met so many great students and professors.

I did not have a job at my old school and I knew I wanted one here to make some extra money. Being that I am a certified lifeguard and swim instructor, I walked over to the Student Recreation Center where we have our campus pools. I got an interview and excitedly accepted the job. Upon being hired, I knew that I would be in a better state financially, but what I didn’t know was how awesome everyone was on the aquatics staff. They made me feel welcome as a new transfer, and I consider many of them to be good friends today. 

Me and my rec center lifeguard coworkers
Me *far right third row from the bottom* and my lifeguard coworkers at the Rowan Rec Center

I think my all-time favorite memory from Rowan is being part of the club swim team. I swam competitively my whole life, but stopped at my old school. I figured joining the club at Rowan would help me to build

Me (right) with some club swim friends
Me (right) with some club swim friends at a meet.

friendships and stay active. It was so much fun having water polo practices and competing at meets, and of course the team meals after the meets. I even got to be a leader and build my professional development as the team secretary and social media chair. My favorite part of club swim, however, was the friendships I made that will last a lifetime. We get together regularly outside of practice and I still see friends that graduated almost every week. This is how I know that this bond we have is lifelong. Me getting ready to race backstroke.

In short, I could not have asked for a better experience at Rowan. I made some many great memories and friends, and also really grew and developed as an individual.

I’d like to thank all of my friends, advisors, and professors that made this journey so special. To all future and returning Profs: get involved and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! You might change your life in the process. 

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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, senior advertising major

Senior Reflects: Sports Communication Major Austin Michael Jones Graduates with Pro Team Aspirations

Exterior shot of owl statue on Rowan's campus

Today we feature Austin Michael Jones, a Sports Communication and Media major from Franklinville, NJ (Gloucester County). This first-generation senior, who transferred from Rowan College of New Jersey, lives off campus. Austin shares his future plans and favorite Rowan moments, including meeting a basketball Hall of Famer.

Exterior shot of Austin Michael Jones on Rowan Boulevard with the Rowan Shuttle behind himTell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?

My favorite moment with a faculty moment was going to Atlanta, Georgia for the NCAA Inclusion Forum with Professor Yannick Kluch. Rowan students Thomas Cardona, Kayla Santiago and Alexandra Brooks also attended the event. We got to learn and make connections with fellow professor and students who are devoted to make a cultural change about diversity.

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

When I got to meet basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley. He gave us students such great advice about life and the obstacles he had to overcome. The coolest thing was I was literally sitting next to Barkley.

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

My career aspiration is to work front office with an NFL or NBA team. The Pizza with the Pros helped me because I got to make some connections that have been able to help me with my future career. Also, speaking with Yannick Kluch and Neil Hartman have allowed me search for positions that best fit me.

Austin Michael Jones (in center) celebrates his graduation with members of his familyDo you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?

I want to give thanks to my family, friends and all the faculty members that have helped me through my educational path. I also want to say thank you to my late mother who has been watching above me. Lastly, thank you Rowan University for being part of my life.

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Senior Reflects: Friendship & Greek Life

One of my favorite memories of my friends and I on stage after I won the Miss Tau Delta Phi Pageant.

Today’s story is from Melanie Sbaraglio, a senior public relations and advertising major social-distancing from her house in Nutley, NJ (Essex County). Melanie joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Ace Screen Printing in Glassboro was cut short due to COVID-19 affecting business. 

I have made a lot of memories throughout my four years here at Rowan. My experiences have shaped me into the person that I am today in so many ways.

When I think back to the first day that I moved into my freshman dorm, I had no idea what the next few years would have in store. Now as a senior who is almost reaching the point of graduation, I want to share some of my favorite moments from the past four years.

This photo os from freshman year of my roommate and I.
A throwback to freshman year with my roommate and me (at left).

The first memory I have is moving into my freshman dorm and meeting my first friend at Rowan, Emily. Emily and I have experienced everything together at Rowan because we have been roommates since freshman year. We even ended up both joining the same sorority during our sophomore year, Alpha Sigma Tau. Joining my sorority brought me to so many amazing friends that I continue to make memories with all the time.

Moving into 114 Victoria junior year was definitely one of the best times. My roommates and I were all just starting to meet new people since joining Greek Life. I’d have to say this was my favorite year of college. It was when everything started to finally fall into place for me, and I realized that I loved this school.

My roommates and I junior year in our 114 apartment.
This picture is from junior year with my roommates in our 114 apartment.

I came out of my shell a lot junior year and did things that I never thought I would do. From participating in Greek Life pageants to dancing on stage with my sorority for lip sync during Homecoming and Greek Week, I was finally having the college experience I’d always hoped for. I gained so much confidence after joining a  sorority because it got me involved on campus   and recruitment pushed me out of my comfort zone. Finally finding the friends/roommates who I still live with this year also gave me so much  confidence because I finally felt like I belonged here. 

The start to senior year will also always remain one of the best times of my life. My five roommates and I moved into our off-campus house together, which was another new and exciting experience. Although senior year was unfortunately cut short, I will always have the best memories from Rowan. I will always have the friends that I made along the way as well and will continue to keep making amazing memories with them.

The time spent at this school brought so much good into my life, and I would not change a thing about how it all came together.

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Story and photos by: 
Melanie Sbaraglio, senior public relations and advertising major 

Senior Reflects: Law & Justice Major Tylar E. Bradley Looks Forward to Practicing Law

An American flag flying in the wind.

Meet Tylar E. Bradley, a law and justice graduating senior from Delran, NJ (Burlington County) who transferred here from Howard University. Tylar shares her favorite memories, professors and her plan for law school. Tylar commutes to Rowan.Tylar posing for a portrait.

Favorite Memory with a Professor: I do remember having a very good conversation with Dr. Stanley Yeldell. I took his victimology course, which was a great class. We exchanged stories about our respective times in Washington D.C. where he went to college and where I transferred from. I also had great conversations with Professor James Jones. You can just tell he’s very passionate and knowledgeable about his job. I always loved hearing him speak. 

Club Involvement: I had high hopes of getting involved in more clubs/organizations this upcoming semester but COVID-19 messed up those plans. Making friends as a busy transfer student is harder, but I can say that every person that I came in contact with was very nice. 

Career Aspirations: I aspire to go to law school and practice law before ultimately becoming a judge or getting involved somehow with the FBI orCIA. I haven’t decided yet, but I plan on taking the LSAT regardless. One professor that supported me with my aspirations was Professor Hoerner. She was very informative on certain aspects about entering that field and was always very encouraging. Tylar and her two year old daughter.

Shout outs! I want to thank my family, friends and professors for helping me through this transition as a transfer student while also being a single mother to a 2-year-old boy. It’s been very difficult but with my family and friends’ help and understanding professors– I’ve managed to not only succeed but excel in all of my courses. 

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Senior Reflects: Aspiring Music Educator Kayode Gloster

A wide shot of one of Rowans concert halls.

Meet Kayode G, a graduating senior majoring in vocal music education who lives on campus on Rowan Boulevard. Kayode commuted to Rowan during his last semester, from his home in Pine Hill, NJ (Camden County). Kayode shares his favorite memories as president of the Table Tennis Club and as a performing arts student.Kayode poses for a portrait.

Favorite Memory with a Professor:
My favorite moment with a faculty member was when Professor Art McKenzie, my high school and Rowan men’s choir director, asked me to choreograph/stage one of the men’s choir concerts. He had a brilliant vision and he believed in me to help bring it to life.

We had many creative meetings on the order of the music for the program, lighting & staging ideas, transitions, and choreography. He allowed me to have a voice in the process, and he didn’t have to. He is one of the most selfless, egoless, and talented people I have ever met. I learned so much from this experience. I felt honored to be able to work on this huge project with one of my inspirations.

Favorite Rowan Memory:
My personal favorite moment at Rowan was when I was the President of the
Table Tennis Club. My goal for the club was to get the history of the club to 100 members on Proflink. When I was elected president, there were about 40 students in the history, and by the end of my term, the club had over 100 members! That was a very ambitious goal, but I exceeded that goal. This accomplishment stands out for me because this club allowed me to meet and connect with many great students on campus.

My motto for the club was: It’s more about collaboration than it is competition!

Table tennis group portrait.

What are Your Career Aspirations:
I aspire to be a music educator and work in all areas of performing arts. I love to sing, dance/choreograph, play the piano, write music & poetry, and of course teach and inspire others to get involved in music. I have had many opportunities to teach and showcase my gifts whether it was front stage (singing solo/duets, piano recital) or behind the scenes (choreographing, staging and lighting). I thank all of the teachers who allowed me to share my love of music in a variety of ways.

Kayode and a professor pose for a photo.Shout outs! I would love to say thank you to my family and friends who have been there during this long journey. All of the love, laughter, support, and meaningful moments have truly kept me alive.

Thank you to my table tennis friends. You will never truly understand how much this group has helped me through some of the hardest times at Rowan.

Huge thank you to Mr. McKenzie for all of your love and support! Thanks to Dr. Christopher Thomas and the choir who sang at my mother’s funeral. I will never forget that moment. Lastly, a huge shout out to Professor Karen Brager!!!!!! You truly mean so much to me! You are a huge reason why I made it to graduation. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Much love to you all.

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Senior Reflects: My Most Interesting Classes at Rowan

A stock image of a laptop and a notebook with pens

Today’s story is from Devon Graf, a senior communications studies major self-distancing from her house in Camden County, NJ. Devon joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Enchanted Celebrations was cut short prematurely due to COVID-19 affecting business.

Coming to an ending of my college experience, I get to reflect on the little things and the big things. From the amazing memories I have had at Rowan University I reflect a lot on my friends, as well as my professors and peers.

One of my favorite classes I have taken as a Communication Studies major is Integrated Communication Marketing. Although I would have to say a number of my classes became my “most” interesting one, as each course brought me different knowledge within my field.Communication studies major Devon Graf studying outside Holly Pointe Commons

My coursework at Rowan provided me with an excellent foundation and allowed me to put my skill sets into practice. Courses such as Participatory Media helped my skills in social media strategy. I helped to kickstart The Daily Challenge Social Media Campaign through regular posts and interact with users on multiple platforms, analysis of analytics and observing marketing trends. This provided great insight into the likes and dislikes of college students.

Communication Studies major Devon Graf working on her Daily Challenge Class Project.
A peer and I posing for our class project for Communication Studies, we had to create our own social media platform!

My Integrated Marketing Communication class allowed me to create a product and marketing plan for a specialized portable solar charger. The last course I will highlight is Public Relations of Law and Ethics. Upon learning about the theory of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, in its relevance to marketing, I was able to understand and tend to my client’s needs on a higher level during my internship at Enchanted Celebrations in West Creek, NJ.

I believe a college course is what you make of it. Sometimes we students have to take courses we don’t want to, or we don’t think we need, but those courses can pay off. Trust me. Down the line, you might actually refer to something you learned in Art Appreciation or American Government. Not all majors need to stick with one specific course load. Broaden your knowledge! Take each course you are signed up for with a positive attitude.

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Story and photography by:
Devon Graf, senior communication studies major

Senior Prepares for Last Year of 4+1 Program, Gives Advice to Future Educators

Today we speak with Jacob Emig, a senior chemistry major pursuing a master’s degree in education as part of a five-year program at Rowan. Jacob transferred to Rowan from Rowan College at Burlington County and commutes to campus from his home in Marlton, NJ (Burlington County).

Chemistry major Jacob Emig sits at home in front of his open laptop.Why did you choose Rowan?

I went to Rowan College at Burlington County, and I knew a lot of my courses would automatically transfer over to Rowan, which made the financial aspect much better. I commute from home, which isn’t too far from Rowan, which makes it easier. My drive is usually around 30 to 40 minutes. I try to schedule my classes for two or three days a week, and stay on campus pretty much all day. This allows me to also work on the days when I don’t have classes.

What inspired you to choose chemistry and education?

I went into the chemistry major directly set on teaching — the end goal was to become a chemistry teacher the whole time. I studied autobody at a trade school, and I loved that, but I also had a love for chemistry and teaching in high school. Teaching came naturally to me, and I thought it could be a very rewarding career.

I am in the Combined Advanced Degree Program (CADP) with a BA in science for chemistry and a master’s in education, part of the five-year program. Over the past four years, I’ve been taking chemistry courses with some education classes mixed in, and next year I’ll be student teaching as part of the requirements for my master’s degree. I’ll be student teaching at a high school with students in the class probably ranging from freshmen to seniors.

Jacob Emig stands outside wearing goggles and a white lab coat.How do you think your Rowan education will benefit your student teaching experience?

What I learned at Rowan will definitely benefit me. You usually don’t get the chance to understand teaching until you’re actually in the classroom environment. A lot of my courses explain how students learn information and the most beneficial ways of teaching, and it’s all helpful information. I was talking to one of my old high school teachers, and she suggested definitely going for a master’s and gaining that student-teaching experience. It’s very helpful to have a teacher guiding you as you learn your way through navigating the classroom and its challenges.

Tell us about your favorite class in your major that might have had an impact on your studies. 

I had a lot of fun chemistry classes because I just find [chemistry] interesting. A lot of them go into in-depth studies, and my professors are great. My favorite is the one I am wrapping up this semester, STEM Teaching and Research Methods. I was disappointed it was transitioned to an online format because of Covid-19, because it’s a very discussion-based class. We talk about how students learn and the things to keep in mind while teaching. It’s given me a perspective that people wouldn’t normally think about while teaching, like the way you approach a lesson, and the ways you can answer a question. I got to see the opinions of not only my professor but also my classmates.

Have you had any mentors or faculty role models to guide you?

Professors can really influence your experience as a future educator. Professor Trevor Smith is always encouraging to us as students and seems to genuinely enjoy his job. He’s passionate about his subject matter, and being in his class and seeing the way he teaches and seeing how excited he was about teaching was inspiring.

Any advice for future educators?

When you get into the higher level STEM courses, they can become pretty difficult. If you’re in the field more for the teaching side, it can seem like more work than necessary to become a teacher. But if you’re passionate and genuinely care about helping students and making an impact in their lives, it’s definitely worth it in the end. You just have to put in the work to get you there.

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Senior Reflects: My Experiences that Made the Most of Rowan

Roglow Senior Reflect.

Today’s story is from Devon Graf, a senior communications studies major self-distancing from her house in Camden County, NJ. Devon joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Enchanted Celebrations was cut short prematurely due to COVID-19 affecting business.

One of my favorite memories is studying abroad with my Theories of Crime class my freshman year. Not only was I able to create amazing friendships with my classmates and professor, but we got to travel Italy together! We went to many cities and learned so much. I highly recommend taking Theories of Crime, or any other course at Rowan that gives the opportunity to travel. We spent a week in Italy and had the best time. 

Theories of crime class in Italy.

Another great memory at Rowan University is experiencing RoGlow. Student Center & Campus Activities hosts this super fun event at a location near campus. My freshman year my roommates and a couple of my friends went, not expecting what went down! We were all put in a big tent with a super loud DJ playing top hits and strobe lights. We got paint to throw at each other while being shot by paint shooters up on stage. It was such a fun night to start my college year. 

Rowan friends at ROGLOW event.

Back to the Boro was also a super fun experience all while giving back to the Glassboro community. My friends and I in my Communication Studies Club volunteered to do this event. We were given a location, rakes, gloves, and trash bags to help give back to the local homes around campus. We all got together to help clean up, plant flowers, and get to know some of our friendly neighbors. 

Communication studies club at back to the boro event.

Rowan’s Homecoming Football Game my senior year was another great memory. My friends and I all got together to attend this fun event. We dressed in our best in Rowan colors and showed off our spirit. Before the game we all met in the parking lot to tailgate with hundreds of students. They were giving away free food and drinks as well!

My friends and I tailgating Homecoming Football Game.

There are so many memories created at Rowan University looking back as a senior now. These were the fastest four years of my life and I am honestly so sad it’s over. Cherish these times while you can. You’re going to look back when you’re graduated and living your adult lifestyle and wish you could go back and do it all over again. I’m proud to say I created such a wonderful life going to Rowan and have created the best friendships and made the best times. 

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Senior Reflects: Samantha Maynard Shares How Her Double Major Supports Her Aspirations

Students working on a disaster prepardness project.

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!

Samantha in front of a world map.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 Samantha's family photo.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. 

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Senior Reflects: Law & Justice Major Thanks Family & Faculty

Bunce Hall, a flag, and the sun.

Meet Shira Helena, a Law & Justice major from Camden, NJ (Camden County.) Shira shares her favorite Rowan memories and thanks faculty and her family for all their support during her college career.

Favorite Experience: My favorite experience at Rowan was being able to A portrait photo of Shira.meet my counselor Dr. Lesley Mateo, who along my college journey became a friend.

Most Meaningful Moment: My favorite meaningful moment is meeting friends who supported me along the way, and helped me overcome all my obstacles.

Career Aspirations: My career aspiration is to become a DEA agent. I had several professors who shared their experience and have helped me get me on track to accomplish my dreams step by step.

A family photo of Shira.

Shout Outs! I will like to thanks my counselor Dr.Lesley Mateo who helped me not to quit. My family for supporting me all this time. My mom Jackeline Oquendo Who teach to fight for what I want and teach values that got me where I am today. Odesta Harrow and Melissa Harrow for always being there for me and giving me support. Bethairy Rosario And Rosanna For being supportive all the time. My daughter Alayza Ocasio because you motivated me to become the woman that I am today. The Upward Bound program  that helped me to get into Rowan University and helped me to be ready for college Waldemar Ocasio I will like to thank you for supporting me when I need the most.

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You Vape Bro? Big Tobacco is Still Targeting You!

Mariana Cardenas poses inside the Chamberlain Student Center.

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Mariana Cardenas poses in the Campbell Library.Meet Mariana Cardenas, senior Psychology major from Dumont, NJ (Bergen County). She shares: “People know the harmful effects of cigarettes [but] do not realize that vape companies are using the same tactics. Companies like Juul market their products by claiming that their products are the healthier alternative.”

We are the generation that grew up knowing the dangers of cigarettes. We were shown the pictures of tarred lungs and videos of people talking like robots because they lost their voice box. We grew up knowing that the cigarette companies are evil. Well, the same CEOs who targeted at-risk populations now have their hands in vapes and e-cigarettes. 

K.C. Crosthwaite replaced the former chief executive of JUUL Labs. He was a top official at Altria, which is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of tobacco and cigarettes. Crosthwaite is taking the same tactics that cigarette companies use to profit off of people without regard to their well-being to the vape world. 

Cigarette companies had fruity-flavored products that targeted young people until 2009, when they were made illegal. Who do we know now that has fruity-flavored products? 

There were celebrities who were paid by cigarette companies to endorse their products in magazine ads. These ads were a way to glamorize cigarettes in the same way artists are seen hitting vapes in music videos. 

There is a current epidemic of underage people smoking and dying of lung disease. The blame is put on the kids who don’t know what they are putting into their bodies and not on the vape companies that know exactly what is going into their products. People put the fault on kids for being addicted and not on vape CEOs who advertise their products to a population that is proven to be impulsive and at risk of addiction.

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Story by:
Mariana Cardenas, senior psychology major, Wellness Center intern

Photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

References:
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/25/health/juul-vaping.htmlhttps://www.lung.org/our-initiatives/tobacco/reports-resources/sotc/by-the-numbers/10-really-bad-things-the.html (paywall)

Pandemic Profs: Recreating a Favorite Restaurant Dish at Home

Here are the main ingredients.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Maria Mancini, a senior isolating from her house in Gloucester County, NJ. Maria is a Public Relations major. 

One of my favorite things to do is go out to eat.

It was always a treat growing up to go out to a nice restaurant with my family and to indulge in everything on the menu. As I got older, the more and more we would go out to eat. Now we are in quarantine and social distancing, and we cannot go anywhere. This has been a big adjustment for everyone, but it has also given me the opportunity to do another thing that I love to do, which is cook.

I was thinking about what recipes I wanted to share with you. I thought I would do a copycat recipe of my favorite appetizer at my favorite Italian restaurant.

Here is my version of fried peppers in a tomato sauce. 

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 4 green bell peppers, sliced
  • ½ onion, sliced
  • 1 long hot pepper, sliced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 3 fresh basil leaves, or ¼ tsp dried basil
  • 1 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • ¼ of the crushed tomatoes can filled with water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper, optional
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

Oil filled pan on medium high heat.

Add vegetable oil into a round pan that is about 4 inches deep and heat on medium high heat. Once hot, add green bell peppers, onion and long hot pepper. 

Peppers added to the pan on high heat.

Season the peppers and onion with salt, black pepper and basil. Mix all together and let peppers fry on high heat for 10-15 minutes, flipping them occasionally. When the peppers are done, they should fall right off of a fork when you try to pick one up. 

Pepper put to the side after cooked.

Remove the peppers from the pan and set on the side. 

Added crushed tomatoes to the pan. 1/4 can of water added to the crushed tomatoes.

Reduce the heat to medium and add garlic. Once garlic has cooked a little, about 30-40 seconds, add crushed tomatoes, and water. 

Loosely covered tomatoes.

Season the tomatoes with salt, black pepper, sugar and crushed red pepper. Stir and bring tomatoes to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cover loosely with a piece of foil. Let the tomatoes cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the peppers to the crushed tomatoes.

After 10 minutes, add the peppers back into the pan, mix and cover loosely with foil. Cook for another 5 minutes. 

Peppers and tomatoes all mixed together.

Lastly, add extra virgin olive oil and turn heat off. 

Peppers and tomato on slices of bread.

Serve with sliced fresh bread. 

I hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as I do! 

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Story by:
Maria Mancini, senior public relations major

Physical Well-being: Move Your Body in a Way That is New For You

An assortment of indoor exercise gear

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Robyn Wright, a senior isolating from her house in Mercer County, NJ. Robyn is a Health Promotion and Wellness Management major. 

There are many things that we can physically do to help ourselves during this time, and many of them go way beyond home workouts.

Although it can be hard, it’s really important to stay home during this time. This makes it hard to get in your daily workout, bike ride, walks to and from classes; basically anything we used to do for exercise is no longer a safe or responsible option.

Robyn, seen here before COVID-19, has found a few ways to stay fit at home.
Health Promotion and Wellness Management major Robyn Wright, seen here before COVID-19, has found a few ways to stay fit at home.

I know I’m personally not getting as many steps in during the day because I have simply not been able to walk to class. What I have been doing to help improve this is taking walks with my family. This has been nice because it helps make sure that everyone in my house gets fresh air at least once a day and no one gets too grouchy or feels too “stir-crazy”.

Taking walks is a really good option for exercise right now not only because of the physical affects but because being in the sun is so beneficial. Vitamin D is absorbed through our skin from sunlight (as well as being supplemented if needed). Not only does vitamin D help with calcium absorption, (builds strong bones) it helps support a strong immune system.

Photos of yoga positions contributed by Robyn Wright
Robyn says, “Learning new ways to move is something to look forward to each day.”

Recently in a news clip, astronaut Scott Kelly gave some tips on surviving and thriving in isolation. Having lived in space for an entire year, he is an expert on this topic. Kelly emphasizes the importance of having a hobby or learning something new to challenge yourself during isolation.

Following this advice, I have started a 30-day, at-home yoga challenge that one of my favorite “YouTube Yogis” has posted on her channel for free. Yoga might not be a go-to workout for everyone, but consider this perspective — learning new ways to move is something to look forward to each day. Plus, it increases physical movement while increasing motivation.

YouTube is a great resource for finding at-home workouts that fit the style of workout you like, if yoga is still not your thing. This can be a great opportunity to find organic movement and ways to workout and get exercise without needing a full gym set-up.

Hopefully, we will learn how to make the best with what we have, versus using not being able to get the gym as a reason to not exercise. There will be less barriers to exercise and an increase in people understanding why exercise is vital for happiness, even in scary times.

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Story and photos by:
Robyn Wright, senior health promotion and wellness management major

Header photo courtesy of:
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Brand Management, My Favorite Class at Rowan

Julia McAleavey- my favorite class at Rowan

This story is a part of the “My Favorite Class” series.

Today’s story features Julia McAleavey, a senior from Monmouth County, NJ, graduating with a bachelor’s in advertising. Julia transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, from Eastern University in Pennsylvania. 

During my time at Rowan, I have taken a lot of really incredible classes. These include classes within the Department of Public Relations and Advertising as well as general education classes.

My favorite class I ever took, however, was a graduate course called Brand Management.

Last year, during my spring semester advising appointment, I was told that I was eligible for a program called Senior Privilege. I learned that I had enough credits to take six credits of graduate courses as a senior. I hadn’t thought to much about graduate school, but figured this would be a great chance to find out if it is a good fit for me.

I had a few options to choose from within the program, but I chose Brand Management because I am someone who could talk about brands for hours and not be bored. Being that this was my first-ever graduate course, I was very nervous at first. It did help, however, that I already knew the professor from previous courses. The course was taught by Dr. Kristine Johnson, a well-known and loved professor in the Public Relations and Advertising department. Additionally, there were a couple other students who were still undergrads, which also made the situation more comforting. 

Graduate courses aren’t too different from undergrad, but there are a few distinctions that I really liked. The classes are smaller, so it’s easier to build relationships with peers. They are also much more discussion based. Every week, we sat in a circle so we can easily talk about brands and other topics. One discussion I remember having was when we compared and contrasted Sprite and Mountain Dew as if they were people. As I stated before, I could talk about brands forever and not get bored, so I loved activities like these. 

301 High St. building shot from aboveBrand Management also consisted of several projects and presentations, both group and individual. We did individual presentations on brands in the news, which kept us up to date on what was going on with different brands. We also did a ‘my brand’ presentation, where the presenter presented themselves as their own brand. I liked this one a lot because it showed that people are their own brand, that brands have personality, and it helped my classmates and I get to know each other.

For the group projects, we did a full brand audit and a case study. My favorite project, however, was one where we worked with real clients. Two men who owned a gym wanted help to get more people to join their gym, so we pitched ideas to them that they could use. Helping out actual projects made the project seem more worthwhile and rewarding. 

As a whole, Brand Management was an amazing class and a perfect fit for me. I would recommend it to any ECCCA major who qualifies for Senior Privilege.

As far as Senior Privilege goes in general, even if grad school isn’t in your final plan, try the program if you’re eligible. It’s a great way to find out if you’d like to try grad school in the future, and you might really enjoy the experience like I did. 

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Gaining Professional Skills Through On-Campus Experience

Field at Wackar Stadium

One of the biggest decisions that a student has to make when they come to college is what path they wish to take career wise. The classes and the extra curricular activities that students can join on Rowan’s campus can help boost them towards the overall goal of starting a career. 

The University offers countless amounts of clubs and internship opportunities that span across all majors and interests a student may have.

These organizations give students the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge for the fields that they might want to go into such as the Advertising Club, Writing Arts Club, and the Athletic Training Club. As we all know experience can mean everything when it comes to the end of your college career and the job search begins. 

This year I was given the opportunity to be an intern for Rowan University’s Center for Sports Communication & Social Impact. My job entailed with making graphics and promotional material for our social media pages and editing the website for the center. The center is a part of the Sports Communication major and the newly named Ric Edelman College of Communications & Creative Arts

A graphic of upcoming events that Mark produced during his internship

Internships through the school can be very rewarding to students. I gained experience in an office setting working with a team of students and university faculty. For someone working in graphic design such as myself, having to stick within the guidelines of an institution such as Rowan University gave me an experience I never had before. I never had to follow the rules of a company while designing; this would have been something I would learn the hard way if it wasn’t for the experience I gained through the internship. 

A graphic of an upcoming event that Mark produced during his internship

Though most of the internships at Rowan are not paid like a job on campus would be, a student can recieve class credits. This helped me make sure that each semester I had enough credits to reach the graduating goal of 120 credits while gaining extra knowledge outside of class time. 

Students listen to a professional in sports communication during a Pizza with the Pros event

Internships and club experiences can be very valuable to students. They can give students unforgettable memories for their college experience and give them something to pad their impressive resumes for the future. My internship is something I am very thankful for and every student should take the chance to experience it for themselves. You never know what it might give you in return.    

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Story and photos by:
Mark Baugh, senior radio/tv/film major

Pandemic Profs: Netflix Edition

Laptop with the Netflix logo and a plate of snacks

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Devon Graf, a senior Communication Studies major isolating from her home in Gloucester County, NJ. 

Currently with too much time on some of our hands at home, we may not know where to begin. I’m here to give you some top Netflix shows around. While being at home, this can be a great time to sit around with family and start a new series! Let’s get to it!!

Dexter. Netflix Television show.

1. Dexter

  • Oldie, but a goodie? Am I right? Expect to see graphic close-ups of severed arms, legs and heads. And running a close second to the bloody visuals is the psychological mayhem that comes with taking a peek inside the twisted mind of a killer. The real catch is Dexter Morgan’s day job: He’s a blood-splatter expert for the Miami Police Department, which further assists him in his clean technique of taking care of his own victims. This eight-season show will have you in for a thrill. One question you can take away is, Why do we sometimes root for the bad guys? Is Dexter a “bad guy”? 

Black Mirror. Netflix show.

2. Black Mirror 

  • With all of this chaotic pandemic craziness going on, what better way to take your mind off with some sick, twisted Black Mirror episodes? One thing I love about this show is that every episode is different. You have five seasons and 22 episodes of dark, British social commentary. There are lots of violent (and often scary) events, sexual themes and cursing. There are references to social media like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, as well as similar but futuristic technological concepts, like a Tinder app that helps people find their true love by using computer simulations. Definitely a show that can mess with your mind! Take this away: Can you think of examples where technological advances seem to have gone too far in real life? 

When They See Us. Netflix show.

3. When They See Us

  • Looking for something more in depth and real? When They See Us is a dramatization of the Central Park Five case, in which five teenagers were wrongly convicted of the violent rape of a 28-year-old woman. The 1990 trial was widely publicized at the time and has become an example of institutional racism within the police and the American justice system. The complex subject matter makes this brutal but often powerful series is a harsh reality that is very compelling, although violent. If you watch maybe with a younger sibling, there is some strong language and the content is mature, so I would recommend this for those who are 14+ and able to handle content involving racism, violence, sexual content, etc. 



Dead To Me. Netlix show. 4. Dead To Me

  • This quirky dark comedy is about a widowed woman who makes a mysterious new friend in a support group. This unusual show combines both a suspenseful mystery and a narrative about a woman becoming a stronger and more complete person after a terrible blow through a supportive (if fraught) friendship and therapy. This show stars Christina Applegate as Jen, a recently widowed woman whose overwhelming grief leads her to a support group where she meets Judy (Linda Cardellini), who’s going through her own grief process. When the two spark a friendship, Jen quickly learns that there’s more to Judy than meets the eye — but just how much more will take longer to unravel!!!! You can also talk about this with family while watching and ask about what type of show this is. Is it a crime drama? A fantasy? A family drama?

The Umbrella Academy show cast on Netflix.

5. The Umbrella Academy

  • Looking for a dark comic? This show is a series about a group of adopted siblings with superpowers who team up to try to prevent a fiery future apocalypse. Characters, usually depicted as villains, bad guys or faceless “hench” people, are dispatched bloodily by the so-called heroes. They’re shot, stabbed and torn apart, with spurting blood and gore — in piles of dead bodies. Action packed? I think so.  Here are some questions you could pass around the table with your family: What makes stories about humans with extraordinary powers especially appealing? Why would people want to have superpowers, particularly at this moment in time? If you could have a superpower, what would it be? 

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Story by: 
Devon Graf, senior communication studies major

Header photo courtesy of:
Pixabay

Growing up in Glassboro: Why I Chose Rowan

Today’s story is from Maria Mancini, a senior public relations major self-distancing from her house in Glassboro, NJ (Gloucester County). Maria joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Nexus Properties was cut short prematurely due to COVID-19 affecting business. 

For many of you, Glassboro, NJ is just a town where Rowan University is located; but for me, it’s home and has been my entire life. I went through Glassboro’s public schools, played sports here and graduated from Glassboro High School. I lived here as Glassboro transitioned from a small town to a big college destination. So if I have been here my whole life, why would I want to stay here for college, too? 

Here are three main reasons why I chose Rowan University.  

1. Family is Here

Author Maria Mancini (far right) with her siblings

I grew up in a very big Italian family.  I have two older sisters and a younger brother, 15+ older cousins, many aunts and uncles. Growing up, my Nonna would watch my siblings, my cousins and me while our parents went to work. As we got older, we were only there after school. Being able to grow up with all my cousins and siblings around created a bond with my family that is truly irreplaceable. I do everything with my family. We cook together, play sports together and pretty much everything else together. When the opportunity came to go to college, I honestly didn’t think twice about leaving my family. I knew that I belonged right here in Glassboro where I could stay close to them. 

2. Financially Smart 

Piggy bank to represent saving money

Picking Rowan meant I got to live at home, eat my mom’s food and not pay any bills. I wanted to go to college after high school, but I didn’t want to be in debt. Rowan University is reasonably priced per semester, and not having to live on campus or needing a meal plan made that price go down even more. Choosing Rowan also meant that I would be able to find a job and work part time. Rowan was the choice for me because I was able to save money while also making money.  

3. Opportunities 

Drone view of Rowan's Glassboro campus

Because I grew up in Glassboro, I have seen the progression of Rowan University. I have watched as Rowan started to take over Glassboro. I could see that Rowan was growing and not at a slow pace. I watched as houses in my neighborhood turned into rentals for college students. I watched as buildings started to go up all over Glassboro and on Rowan’s campus. For me, this only meant one thing — opportunities. I could see that Rowan was turning into a highly recognizable university. I would research Rowan and see all of their programs and degrees that they had to offer. I saw all the awards Rowan was getting. I knew that if I went to Rowan, I would succeed, not only academically, but also after college. Rowan University was an opportunity for me to further my education with amazing professors and staff along to help me. 

I might have lived in Glassboro my entire life, but choosing Rowan University was a no brainer for me. I don’t miss out on any moments with my family, I get to graduate college debt free and I am given endless opportunities. If you live in Glassboro, or even in the surrounding towns, go to Rowan University. You won’t regret it.

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Story by:
Maria Mancini, senior public relations major

Pandemic Profs: Staying Entertained at Home with Animal Crossing

Screenshot of Animal Crossing

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Tom Copsetta, a senior isolating from his house in Gloucester County, NJ. Tom is a Radio/TV/Film major. 

With coronavirus taking the world by storm, especially the state of New Jersey, we’ve all been stuck inside for almost a month now and will continue to be until further notice. With the case numbers rapidly growing at an exponential rate, no one knows for sure when we will be able to safely return back to our normal schedules.

For many students, their normal hobbies and day to day activities are no longer an option during the lockdown. So, without being able to work or partake in those hobbies, many of us are bored. Very bored. However, with the convenient release of Nintendo’s newest installment in the Animal Crossing series, “Animal Crossing – New Horizons,” millions of players across the globe are staying entertained and keeping their minds busy while at home.

New Horizons, only available on the Nintendo Switch, has been the saving grace for many of us (including myself), as the game takes you out of our world and places you in your very own, where you team up with the infamous Tom Nook to turn a deserted island into a resident’s paradise. Up to 10 computer residents get to embark on the journey with you to create the perfect island with your own creative taste.

Screenshot of Animal Crossing

Animal Crossing is the type of game you can get lost in all day long. As soon as you start, you are presented with just a few of the many past times the game has to offer: fishing, bug-catching and crafting. This is only scratching the surface of what you can spend hours upon hours enjoying in Animal Crossing. It’s almost like a second life, where everyone has hobbies. You can create custom designs and share them with the world, design your island any way you like, create the perfect interior to your home, or even my personal favorite, breeding flowers. There are so many ways to get lost while playing and have a great time.

This is the first release of an Animal Crossing game since New Leaf back in 2012, which lead to many fans becoming beyond eager to play this new release. With Coronavirus taking over, what better time is there than now to kick back and develop your island.

Screenshot of Animal Crossing

A great feature Animal Crossing has to offer is the 8-person online multiplayer functionality. You can have up to 7 other friends join your island to show them around, play games, trade items and much more. Because of this, thousands of players have set up huge trading forums online and have established what we call the “Animal Crossing Black Market,” which has been around since multiplayer began in Animal Crossing Wild World for the original Nintendo DS. More alive than ever, this fanbase-established market has been the source of many players creating beautiful islands very quickly. 

Screenshot of Animal Crossing

Animal Crossing is a game meant to provide players with an outlet, a tool for relaxation/stress-relief, and especially meant to be played at your own pace. Now we are already a month into the release, and it’s already given players a lot more than just a fun game to play. Animal Crossing is a way to stay connected with your friends, hang out with them, or even make new friends during this rough time we are all going through. I have personally been working on video guides and posting them to YouTube to try and help the community, and have already made countless friends doing so. It’s also given me plenty of things to do to keep myself busy, such as creating my own animated intro for the guide videos with a special Animal Crossing theme to it. If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend investing in this game to supply yourself with endless hours of fun during this long period of time we’re all stuck inside. 

Screenshot of Animal Crossing

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Story and images by:
Tom Copsetta, senior radio/TV/film major

Pandemic Profs: Bike Rides [VIDEO]

Close-up shot of yellow bicycle
https://youtu.be/bhyGutmQabk

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s video is from Adam Clark, a senior Radio/TV/Film major isolating from his home in Bridgeton, NJ (Cumberland County). Read more about Adam in this #PROFspective

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Story by:
Adam Clark, senior radio/tv/film major

Header image courtesy of:
Pixabay

TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Haddonfield Native Marybeth Coyne

Marybeth Coyne- Senior exercise science major

Today we speak with Marybeth Coyne, a senior Exercise Science major from Haddonfield, NJ (Camden County) who rents off campus. She transferred from Stockton University her junior year. 

How did you end up at Rowan?

“I attended Stockton for my first two years of college, and I wasn’t getting the college experience that I had originally hoped for. My three older brothers all attended Rowan and had great experiences, so my mom really encouraged to transfer. I couldn’t be happier with my decision.”

Marybeth Coyne in the pool for swim meet warmups

What made Rowan feel like home?

“When I first transferred to Rowan, I knew that the best way to be successful and to meet people was to get involved. I was a swimmer my whole life, so I joined the Swim Club and made a bunch of friends there.” 

This photo was taken at last year's homecoming football game. Marybeth was on the winning battleship team for the swim club and is featured holding the trophy.
This photo was taken at last year’s Homecoming football game. Marybeth was on the winning Battleship team for the Swim Club and is featured holding the trophy.

How has Rowan helped your professional development?

“I am the treasurer of the Exercise is Medicine Club. This position has given me leadership skills and other learning experiences for me to be successful in my field. I have also attended many conferences needed for professional development hours that have taught me a lot along the way.”

You are about to graduate. Do you have plans for after graduation?

“I want to be a physical therapist and am currently applying to physical therapy schools in the Philadelphia area.”

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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, senior advertising major

Journalism Student Reduces the Negative Stigma of the Word “Homelessness” Through Her Blog

drone shot of Philadelphia skyline

“It’s important not to judge someone before listening to them,” says Lauren Purnell, a first-generation college senior majoring in journalism and minoring in new media from Florence, NJ (Burlington County).

Lauren used her passion for storytelling and giving a voice to the voiceless to create a blog called Naming the Homeless, where her mission is about reducing “the stigma and the negative connotations attached to the word homelessness,” by interviewing homeless individuals to share their stories.

Rowan student Lauren Purnell interviews a subject for her blog on the homeless

Lauren’s effort has led her to gain lots of support from her community, fundraising more than $1,000. Today, Lauren will share with us why she started the blog and what she has learned through the process of interviewing homeless individuals.

The idea of creating the Naming the Homeless blog came to Lauren when her Intro to Journalistic Writing professor at Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) explained to her class the importance in having outside work experience.

“I took that into heart and said, ‘OK, let me do a blog.’ I didn’t really know what to write about and … I didn’t want to write about myself. I was thinking about different issues that were important to me, and one of them is homelessness,” she says. 

Lauren chose to venture to Philadelphia to find people to interview (Philadelphia has become a city with one of the highest poverty ratings in the nation). Each time Lauren went she took a couple of care packages that she put together with the help of her mother (who has supported Lauren from the very beginning) going with her to Philly each week.

The first time Lauren went to Philly, it took her a while to build up the courage to ask someone for an interview. “It’s kind of uncomfortable at first because you are just asking these searching questions. You never know what they are going to say and that is the best part, because you don’t know what they are going to tell you,” she says.

Rowan student Lauren Purnell interviews a subject for her blog on the homeless

Lauren recalls one of the sweetest moments she has encountered:

“I had done my interview already for the day, but we passed an older lady and I asked her if she wanted a sandwich. She looked at me and my mom and was like ‘Thank you so much, I was having such a rough day, and this was a sign that I needed. Everything will be okay; this is my kids up in heaven telling me that it’s going to be alright and thank you so much, it really means a lot to me.”

In the beginning, Lauren made care packages that were paid out of her pocket, but as her blog grew and more people knew about her project, she started getting support and recognition. Lauren was interviewed by Fox 29 — “that got a lot of attention and I ended up having a GoFundMe, the biggest donation I got was from an organization who gave $250. Each of my care packages are like $20 so that really helped make an impact.”

Burlington County Times, Lauren’s hometown newspaper, interviewed her and gave her an internship opportunity over the summer. South Jersey Magazine did a feature of her as well. Lauren also won two awards. “At RCBC I got an award for journalism and I also got their Civility Award,” she says.

Lauren’s blog currently has over 1,200 subscriptions and over 500 likes on the Naming the Homeless Facebook page. “When I first started it, I was just doing it for personal reasons and then it took off. It was really because of my community [because] without their support I wouldn’t have been able to do it.

“Every time I leave an interview, I just want to take them home. You obviously want to see them again, but you really hope you don’t see them again because if you run into them again it means that they are probably in the same situation when you first saw them.”

Rowan student Lauren Purnell interviews a subject for her blog on the homeless

After graduating, Lauren would like to continue writing community stories and continue giving a voice to the voiceless and working her way up to investigative reporting.

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major 

Photos courtesy of:
Lauren Purnell/Naming the Homeless

Pandemic Profs: Keeping My Skills Sharp

Stock image of a laptop at a home work station.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Mark Baugh, a senior radio/TV/film major isolating from his off-campus house in Gloucester County, NJ. Mark has a specific interest in graphics and production. 

Being a Radio, TV, Film student I heard a lot of different worries through the halls the week leading up to spring break. “How will we be able to use the equipment?” “Will we just not learn how to use anything?”  Instead of doing nothing while seemingly locked in my house, I am taking this time to spread my wings a bit and open up my creative skills to other elements of art and creation through creative projects. 

My girlfriend Julia Lewis, a junior marketing major from Washington Township, NJ was looking for a way to make money on the side while she was taking a full slate of classes. One of her hobbies is “thrifting” where she buys trendy clothing from thrift stores and makes slight changes to them. She took this hobby and made it into a business by selling these clothes on social media platforms such as Instagram (@juliascloset). 

Orange, gray and white logo for Julia's closet, featuring a palm tree against a brick background. I thought helping Julia would be a nice project for me to keep my skills sharp even while classes are online. After talking to Julia she said that she wanted a new logo for her page and graphics for when she is running a giveaway or when new clothes are going to be posted. Being a big fan of the beach and spending most of her time down the shore that was the theme that she was going for. We were able to sit down and pick out a color scheme and typography that she believed fit her the best. It was a win-win for both of us. She got some new content for her page and I had the opportunity to try new things that I have never tried before on some of my projects. 

Orange, gray and white sales logo for Julia's closet, featuring a palm tree against a brick background, saying New clothes TONIGHT.

I think that this is something that everyone should try to take advantage of, whether creative or not. Try to find yourself a project along the lines of your major or try something that you have never tried before. It is a good way to keep your brain active during this time where everything seems repetitive and boring. You never know you might find yourself a new hobby or a skill where you can excel.

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Story and Designs by: Mark Baugh, Radio, TV, Film (RTF) major

Pandemic Profs: Podcasts I’ve Been Listening To

Senior Alyssa Bauer at her home in Bergen County

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Alyssa Bauer, a senior public relations major isolating in her house in Bergen County, NJ. 

While spending so much time inside, it’s super tempting to waste my day on Twitter or YouTube … which I definitely did during spring break. I quickly realized how it lessened my productivity (obviously) and my motivation for the next day.

Podcasts have grown popular over the past few years, so I asked some of my friends for their favorites and made a list of some I could get behind. I enjoy listening to podcasts while I drive, cook or clean up the house. 

  1. Collegehood Advice
     Alyssa Bauer sits on a porch listening to a podcast.Collegehood Advice provides listeners exactly with what you’d expect: college advice. With topics ranging from building your personal brand, exploring potential careers, and even more relevant, adjusting to school online, it’s a great tool to navigate a successful college life.
    https://collegehoodadvice.com/podcast


  2. Janson & Hunt: Talking Points
    One of my peers recommended this podcast. The two hosts discuss relevant trends in the communications, business, sports marketing and social media industries. It helps me maintain information relevant to my career path, but I think would benefit any major looking to explore mainstream media.
    http://www.thetalkingpointspodcast.com/episodes

  3. FoundMyFitness
    FoundMyFitness with Rhonda Patrick, Ph.D. discusses health topics and provides listeners with ways to boost their well-being through a better understanding of biology. Some episodes are definitely information heavy if you don’t already have a general knowledge of science concepts, but it’s worth it. I’ve given more attention to my sleep cycle and active lifestyle after listening. 
    https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes

  4. TED Talks Daily 
    TED Talks Daily is the podcast version of the TED Talks YouTube channel. It’s an easy way to listen to an inspirational and thought-provoking presentation, which we could all benefit from right now.
    https://www.ted.com/about/programs-initiatives/ted-talks/ted-talks-daily

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

Living Close to Rowan

Today’s story is from Mark Baugh, a senior radio/TV/film major with a specific interest in graphics and production. Mark is from Washington Township, NJ (Gloucester County) and rents a home off-campus. 

Many students when looking at college might think “that’s way too close to home. I wanna go further.” I would say there is nothing too close to home. Choose the school that you believe fits you best whether it is on the other side of town or the other side of the country and make the most of whatever that school is offering – because in the long run it will make your college experience that much better. A drone image of the town of Glassboro and the horizon beyond the town.

In my case I chose the school right down the road from me. I am from Washington Township, which borders Glassboro. When it came time for me to pick a school I had a few options to choose from, the furthest being a little over two hours away. So you may be asking what made me choose Rowan with it being only about 10 minutes from my house, when I had other options further from home. 

There are a few things that went into it, much like other decisions in life. I read about Rowan’s amazing programs and the opportunities that students can take part in within their major. I was familiar with the campus as I have been going to Rowan since I was 6 years old as a part of their Kidz Rule summer camp. Rowan also has a rather large number of Greek life organizations, which was something I really wanted.

Mark and his fraternity brothers stand in a line shoulder to shoulder.
The executive board for my fraternity, Tau Delta Phi, when I was on e-board. I’m on the far right.

Thankfully I was able to live on/off campus all four years of my college career, instead of at home with my family. Some people may wonder why I would do that when I already lived close enough to commute. I wanted that “college experience” that everyone talks about. I think it can be rewarding for someone to live on their own or with friends while going to Rowan. It gives you that opportunity to meet more people and get involved in more on campus activities. I was also able to stop home from time to time if I needed that little break away from the craziness that can pop up during a college school year.

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Interning Remotely as a Business Management Major

Stock image of woman hand working on a laptop.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from senior Alyssa Marroccoli, who transferred to Rowan after beginning her college career at the University of Rhode Island. Alyssa is a business management major who rents a home off campus and is originally from Newton, NJ (Sussex County).

When looking to complete a second internship before graduating with my bachelor’s of science in Business Management in May, I decided it was the perfect time to get involved in my family’s business. My father is the President and CEO of National Forensic Consultants, a forensic investigation firm that provides expert investigation services for the legal, insurance, product manufacturing and construction industries. I am currently positioned in the South Jersey office in Pennsauken, NJ as a Business Development and Sales Intern for the spring semester, where I have been learning about the company’s structure and how to successfully manage a business.

Alyssa stands armed folded in her living room.
My work-at-home colleague, Dexter.

I have been working under my supervisor, Vice President of Business Development and Sales, Dean Gentner, where I have been developing a business plan to increase messaging between our clients and experts, as well as maintaining our partnerships and client relations.

Our goal has been to grow our bridge of communication via email and through phone conversations, where we inform our clients about our newly added experts, as well as educate them about our other wide range of services that we offer.

Several duties I have as an intern at NFC consist of selecting clients to receive the appropriate messages and put forth content relating toward those receiving them, developing a variety of scripts to appease the particular company or law firm I am offering services to, following up with clients and providing requested information about our experts and services, and working with management to develop different approaches in their business development strategies.

Alyssa stands on a balcony outdoors with sunlight streaming through her hair.As National Forensic Consultants’ first intern, two major takeaways I have gotten from this program are how to professionally connect with people and get an internal perspective of how a business and its employees are managed.

I was lucky enough to be given the responsibility in assisting with the development of the internship program itself when working with my supervisor throughout my time at NFC.

It has been both challenging, as well as rewarding, to have the opportunity to see my plan for the program be considered so seriously. It is a great privilege to be respected so highly, even as an intern, at such an established company.

I truly enjoy my work at NFC, and love to see the results of adding new clients and regaining previous one’s attention, yield such positive effects for the company. I really like the corporate aspect of my job that I didn’t get to experience as much of in my previous internship. My coworkers also made my experience so welcoming and fun.

Working remotely has had its challenges in terms of getting accustomed to such a different routine. I miss being in the office and going to classes during the week, which I always seemed to take for granted when I felt so busy and consumed with responsibilities. I’m very grateful to be in a position where my work can be adapted to being completed remotely, and to not have my program be discontinued, where others are not so lucky. Personally, I like to get ready and dressed as if I was going to the office to feel more motivated to complete my work day. Another aspect I appreciate when working from home is the opportunity to work with my dad each day that I’m ‘in office.’ Where I usually only got to see him once every couple of weeks while working in South Jersey, I now get in-person advice, opinions and assistance during my work day that many cannot.

Alyssa's tidy and bright work space which includes a laptop, notebooks and scented candles.
My internship workspace at home.

National Forensic Consultants offers a service in a range of industries with incidents that do not stop occurring, even during a pandemic. It is truly amazing to see this organization come together so quickly to make themselves available for their customers under these trying circumstances. I believe how a business responds and adapts to a changing environment says a lot about a company’s stability and value it holds. While no one could have predicted such a rapid interruption in our daily lives, one of which most of us have never seen in this lifetime, it really is a privilege to be a part of a company who puts forth the best business practices, while still keeping their employees safe and working, when most cannot be.

I am so appreciative of the opportunities National Forensic Consultants has given me, and look forward to apply all that I have learned in this internship program when I begin my full-time job post-graduation as a Management Trainee at Enterprise Rent-A-Car!

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Pandemic Profs: Relax with Drawing

Sketches of a human heart and a crystal ball side by side.

Today’s story is from Melanie Sbaraglio, a senior public relations and advertising major social-distancing from her house in Nutley, NJ (Essex County). Melanie joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Ace Screen Printing in Glassboro was cut short due to COVID-19 affecting business. 

If you are looking for something to do while sitting at home, it’s always a good time to pick up a pencil and a blank piece of paper.

I find that sometimes sitting down, clearing my head, and just sketching the first thing that comes to mind can be a great way to pass the time.

Over the years drawing has become one of my favorite hobbies. It doesn’t matter if you’re artistic or not because anyone can do it. I have also found that the less you focus on trying to make something look perfect, the better it comes out. So don’t stress because eventually you will start to notice yourself getting better over time — practice can only improve your skills.  Sketch of human skull with a butterfly on it.

Turning on some music and sitting down with a pencil and a sketch pad is a great way to turn off your brain and tune out everything that is going on in the world. Even for just 45 minutes a day I find that drawing is a great way to relax.

In the past my friends also asked me to draw things for them, and my one friend even asked me to draw him a tattoo that he wants to get in the future. You might surprise yourself and end up creating a few tattoos along the way as well.

Compass sketch. Drawing can also be a good way to calm your mind before going to sleep at night. Instead of going on your phone or watching TV before bed, try lighting a candle, playing some music, and just letting yourself be creative.

Even if you aren’t someone who considers themselves to be artistic you might just enjoy the feeling of being able relax your mind for a while. 

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Story and images by: 
Melanie Sbaraglio, senior public relations and advertising major 






Degree in 3 Success Story: Amanda Devers, Radio/Television/Film

Amanda wears a Rowan shirt and sits on the ground smiling in front of a Rowan logo on the ground.

“Rowan was always in the back of my mind, since my mom went here for her undergrad and master’s,” says senior radio/television/film major Amanda Devers, from Gibbstown, NJ (Gloucester County). “We drove through campus all the time, so I was able to see it from a younger age.”

Amanda discovered at GCIT (Gloucester County Institute of Technology) vocational high school that she enjoyed working with film and audio, and kept that in mind as she began her college application process. She kept RTF in mind as she considered the universities she wanted to apply to, and discovered that Rowan met her needs. 

Amanda writes at a desk with a microphone and audio mixing equipment at the Rowan radio station.
Amanda on the job as operations manager at the Rowan Radio station, WGLS-FM.

“Rowan has a quality RTF program, and going [here] would allow me to mix that closeness to home with my passion for RTF,” she reflects.

Amanda’s acceptance letter to Rowan came with an option to participate in the Degree in 3 program, and RTF was one of the majors offered. “I talked it over with my parents, and we decided [Degree in 3] was a great idea. I wouldn’t have to pay for tuition, room and board, or dining for a whole additional year. I’d be saving a lot of money, and I could even live on campus,” she says, as a current resident of the Whitney Center apartments

Upon entering campus as a freshman, Amanda was interested right away in becoming a part of Rowan’s radio station, WGLS-FM.

“I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t get involved immediately, so I could have the longest time to be [at the radio station] throughout college,” she recalls, “this time last year, i applied to be operations manager, the highest position for students, and I got it! 

My responsibilities included helping the station manager and faculty-run Rowan Radio. It was such a professional environment, and I was surrounded by a lot of cool people who really love what they do. Rowan Radio was like my second dorm.”

Amanda and her friend, Alex, hold up their nametags at an event.
Amanda and Alex, her co-operations manager at Rowan Radio, at a radio event.

Amanda, who has a minor in audio recording and an honors concentration, knew that an accelerated program such as Degree in 3 would be challenging, but she felt that the workload was worth the money and time she’d save in the long run.

“For the program, we’re encouraged to take six classes per semester, instead of the typical five for traditional four-year students. As the years went on, I got a job and became more involved with the radio station, and had to learn to balance everything in my life,” she says. “Time management was definitely something I struggled with during my busiest semesters, but support from friends and my parents helped get me through the challenges.”

To stay organized, Amanda started keeping a bullet journal her freshman year, where she wrote to-do lists to prioritize and keep track of her assignments. 

“Being an RTF major, I had a lot of hands-on projects to do, so it helped to block off steps of each project for one day at a time. I would do a certain step one day, and another step the next. I looked at each part of the process as a separate task, instead of looking at the whole picture, to help me feel less overwhelmed.”

Amanda, wearing glasses, holds up the Rowan Radio Operations ManualAs Amanda wraps up her last year at Rowan, she recommends the Degree in 3 program for those who are interested. “It definitely has shaped the way I view my workload,” she says. “My whole mentality has changed when it comes to work, and I’m able to balance a lot of tasks and manage my time better. I feel like I work harder now and when it comes to my workload, I don’t have the same mindset anymore.”

And as for her future career plans? “I would like to continue work in RTF, especially radio and broadcasting. I’ve learned this past year that I like to manage people and projects, and would like a similar position at a radio station. I feel like I’m well-prepared for that now.”

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Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

Photos submitted by:
Amanda Devers, senior RTF major

Pandemic Profs: Isolating On Campus

Marko looks to the horizon.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from international student Marko Minic, a senior sports communication and media major isolating while living on campus. Photos included in this story were taken before COVID-19.

Marko crouches in front of tall grass, holding a basketball.

My name is Marko Minic and I am an international student from Belgrade, Serbia. During these unpredicted times, I was unable to travel back home and I am actually one of the few students staying on campus during this pandemic crisis.

The whole Rowan campus is currently a ghost town. I live in Mimosa Hall which is in the center of campus, and apart from seeing someone pass by every now and then, it has pretty much been empty to its last inch. Serving as a Resident Assistant (RA) in Mimosa, I have personally seen every last soul move out of the building, with just me and my Resident Director remaining.

The good news which I was very happy to hear was that the food services, although limited, remained open for the few of us still here. I am able to go to the Student Center (SC) and choose from our Breakfast & Co. Freshens, and Pizza Crust stations as well as get some additional food and supplies from The SHOP. With the rotation of these stations in the SC, I am able to have three well-balanced meals a day while getting some snacks in between from The SHOP. Overall, while the things are not ideal right now, I am very grateful for the resources and support that I have from the Rowan community and having them be there for me during these rough times.

Marko stands behind the Business Hall.Although my spring break (and the rest of the semester) is not what I have expected, I am trying my best to stay productive and not fall into a routine of slacking back. I have made a promise to myself that I will come out of this better, stronger (both mentally and physically), and more improved. Because I am normally jammed with three on-campus jobs and taking 18 credits in school during the academic year, my usual week is pretty hectic and my days can be overwhelming.

I am taking advantage of this unique situation by having more “me time” and focusing on improving myself in as many areas as I can. With more free time on my hands, I am also on the phone with my family and friends back home more often. Being a first generation student in my family who came to study in America certainly comes with its challenges and benefits. While it is hard being on my own and far away from home, the constant support and love I get from my closest ones keeps me going. As a first gen. here, I am trying to pave the way for the rest of my family to succeed and give them a better life they deserve. 

Marko stands holding a basketball, looking to the horizon.As I will be graduating in about a month or so and will soon be out in the real world, I am using this time to prepare myself for a life after college; devoting my time to work on improving certain hard skills that employees look for, and searching for jobs that will help me get settled for a life in the U.S. upon the end of my college career.

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Pandemic Profs: Prof Pups

Far away image of person walking dog at a park under a cherry tree.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Devon Graf, a senior communications studies major self-distancing from her house in Camden County, NJ. Devon joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Enchanted Celebrations was cut short prematurely due to COVID-19 affecting business. 

Looking for something to liven up your day? I’m here to introduce you to our very special celebs of the week, Prof Pets! During these hard times it may be difficult to find a little positivity … these pets will be sure to brighten your day up. 

Professor Dog. Caption says ok class, you all got A's on your papers, because I ate them.
Don’t we wish this was the case! (Hey, Prof Pup, fix that typo!)
  1. Athena – Athena is a two year old mixed pit bull. She was rescued from a shelter in Camden, after she was abused by her previous owners. She, along with her mother and father, brothers and sisters got separated at the pound. Athena found her “fur”ever home with Nikki Schaefer, a senior student at Rowan. Athena likes to play with her friends, cuddle and go for long walks, she is the most loving, gentle dog that just wants to be loved. We love you Athena!
    Athena, a brown and black pit bull mix.
    Athena
  2.  Heidi – Our Heidi girl coming in famous here! Heidi is my own pup. I love her so much. Heidi is a two and a half year old rambunctious female lab. Boy, is this a crazy dog! I was surprised with Heidi on Christmas Eve by my mom and dad. They adopted her from Lancaster, PA.  Heidi is the most fun loving dog around … and FULL of energy.  Labs are a very smart breed, and she learns very quickly. Heidi loves to play ball in the backyard, and when you say “dog park” this dog jumps in joy. Heidi loves the dog park, she’s a super sociable dog that will play forever, I notice Heidi loves to steal fruit snacks, eat your left over cereal, and steal your socks.
    Yellow lab Heidi lays on her back in a way that makes her look like she's smiling.
    Heidi
  3. Bella – Bella babe is a super favorite over here. She was rescued from a neighbor back home in Freehold, NJ, by Madelyn. Bella is about two years old and she loves to cuddle and be around people.
    Skinny brown and black dog looks sheepishly at the camera.
    Bella
  4. Molly & Carson – Molly is a 9 year old loving dog who love was a rescue. Jenna Broadbent (a Rowan education major) loves to hangout with Molly all the time. Molly has a brother, Carson, who is another rescue who is 3 years old.
    Two tiny fluffy light brown and tan dogs.
    Molly and Carson
  5. Next up we have Madelyn Buckingham’s rescue pups! They are both puppy mill rescues and survivors. The furry brown one is the youngest and her favorite thing to do is be held and rocked. The older lab mix has an adorable obsession with gummy bears… (Me too).

    A yellow dog, stretches out with eyes closed.

    A close up of a long-haired brown dog with big eyes.
  6.  Sophie – Sophie was born on December 29, 2018 in Alabama. She’s just over one year old. She enjoys playing fetch and loves healthy snacks like spinach and green beans … (I wish I loved them as much as Sophie!). She also loves the beach and to snuggle. Sophie has her own Instagram for you to follow! @Sophiethebmd
    A brown dog with a white muzzle lays on the grass with mouth open.
    Sophie
  7. Korona – A big shout out to Syndie Kinsler on her cute six year old cattle dog chow mix. She enjoys kayaking, hiking, swimming and being out in the woods with horses. She is a very loyal and loving dog who loves to cuddle!
    A tan dog with pointy face and pointy ears stands at attention.
    Korona
  8. Gabriella Snookie – Brandon Clement and his mother chose Gabby from an Amish farm 10 years ago. She was completely black with a brown bottom. She stared at Brandon and his mother and completely fell in love! It was like they were all soulmates. She was the last pup out of the litter. When Gabby turned 8 months they got her to be a service dog and become licensed and fully trained with the state. Amazing! She can sense when Brandon’s mother is suffering from anxiety. She was a god send!
    A long haired gray dog  lays under covers.
    Gabby
  9. Last up, we have Kourtey Clyde’s pup, Baxter. His birthday is April 4, and he was born in Tennessee. He loves carrots and to play fetch. He can’t sleep unless he is laying on his back.
    A dog that looks like a raccoon sits with his mouth open.
    Baxter

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Story and photography by:
Devon Graf, Senior Communication Studies Major

Photography submitted in by Rowan students

Pandemic Profs: Yoga at Home

Yoga outside on my back deck.

Today’s story is from Melanie Sbaraglio, a senior public relations and advertising major social-distancing from her house in Nutley, NJ (Essex County). Melanie joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Ace Screen Printing in Glassboro was cut short due to COVID-19 affecting business. 

Stuck inside, gyms are closed, and looking for some kind of physical activity that will also relieve stress and anxiety? I had the idea to get into yoga when I wanted to focus on something new during this unusual time in life.

I went in thinking about how it was something I never used to have an interest in even though I tried it a few times in the past. For a beginner like myself I recommend starting with an easy stretch routine.Melanie does a demonstration of cobra pose from a stretch yoga routine. I have been liking one by a social media fitness instructor named Maddie Lymburner. Her YouTube handle is MadFit and the video that I started out with is her 20-minute Yoga For Stress and Anxiety. This routine is 20 minutes of Stretch Yoga, which also focuses on breathing. It can be a great way to start or end the day because it is quick and relaxing.

Once I did this beginner routine I realized that even though I am not an expert on yoga by any means, it is a great way to release stress and any tension from the body. Throughout the video, the instructor wants you to focus on breathing and letting any tension go from the neck and shoulders through different positions.

Melanie does a demonstration of airplane pose.

After doing a stretch routine for a few days to ease yourself into it, there are many other forms of yoga to try that are beneficial in different ways. If you are interested in working up a sweat and getting a good workout through yoga, try out Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga. This became another favorite of mine after following along with a video from a YouTube channel called YogiApproved. Power Vinyasa Flow is more intense and requires you to move from one pose to the next all in one motion. I noticed that this kind of yoga is more of a full-body workout because it is fast paced and tests your strength.

So far I have only tried out these two forms of yoga myself, but there are tons of videos on YouTube for any kind of yoga that interests you. I have never had a real interest in yoga or its benefits until these past few weeks of being home and needing to find something to occupy my time. It’s something anyone can try and do in the comfort of their own home for free.

Now is as good of a time as any to challenge yourself to something new so give it a try and get to stretching! 

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Story and photos by:
Melanie Sbaraglio, senior public relations and advertising major

Pandemic Profs: How to Take Better Photos as a College Student

Nicole stands in front of a magnolia tree with a camera.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Nicole Cier, a senior isolating in her house in Middlesex County, NJ. Nicole is a writing arts major who normally lives in Rowan Boulevard Apartments during the school year. Find Nicole’s photos for Rowan Blog here

As college students, we are experiencing what most people reflect on as some of the best years of their lives. We have unlimited opportunities, live close to our friends, and find unique ways to have fun. The memories we make during these four (or so) years of our lives can last a lifetime — but why not take photos, just in case we forget? Whether you want to post these photos on social media, store them in an album, or hang them on your dorm room wall, here are some tips to up your photography game. 

Make the most of natural light

Nicole stands in front of a magnolia tree with a camera.Most of us don’t have the money as college students to invest in a fancy camera, but we can make the most of our phone cameras with a few lighting tricks. Natural light is going to be our best friend, so try to shoot during the day time when you can use minimal overhead lighting. Fluorescent lights usually don’t work well with photos, and can distort the exposure (brightness) or colors in your photos. Avoid shooting in direct sunlight, especially if there is a person in the shot, so they don’t have to squint. Typically, overcast or cloudier days are best, as they prevent overexposure of your image and distracting sun flares or glares. Wherever your light is coming from, it should illuminate the subject in your photo so that they stick out from the background. Have your subject face the light source, as opposed to having their back to the light, so they are clearly visible.

Jelani leans against a fence, hands in his pockets, with bikes next to him.
This photo of my Rowan Blog colleague, Jelani, is one of my favorite photos that I’ve taken and makes good use of natural light.

Consider your composition

To take the best photo, pay attention to your surroundings! The composition of a photo pertains to how the subject(s) in your image are arranged in relation to other objects nearby and the background. One of the biggest mistakes people make in photography is not noticing distractions in the background that could take away from their photo. Make sure that things such as telephone poles and trees are not “poking out of” your subject’s head in the photo, and make sure to remove any objects you don’t want in the frame. Sometimes even people in the background can distract from the main subject.

a hand holding a yellow phone case, with the camera app opened on the phone
The subject is in the middle of the frame, following the Rule of Thirds.

Use lines & symmetry as a guide

The Rule of Thirds is another important aspect to keep in mind while taking photos (here is a short YouTube clip explaining the Rule of Thirds). It ensures that your photo’s composition is “balanced,” so the viewer’s eye knows exactly where to look, and so your focal point — the part of the photo you want to draw attention to — is the star of the show. Symmetry and leading lines make your photo easier on the eyes, and pave a simple path for the eye to follow to the focal point. Turning on the gridlines in your phone or camera’s settings makes using leading lines and symmetry in your pictures much easier.

Shoot with intention

One of the biggest mistakes people make in photography is not thinking about what they want the photo to express. Take into consideration what your goal is for each photo, and strive to capture that. For example, if you want to portray someone as powerful or important, shoot them from a low angle, with your camera pointed slightly up towards them. If you want to take an “artsy” portrait of your friend, consider props or a particular scenery that will set the tone you have in mind. Having an idea of what you want a photo to look like, before you even take it, will help you get the best picture possible!

The final image.

And as with any art form, don’t be afraid to try new techniques! Experiment with different lighting and composition options, and compare your photos. Looking at two photos side by side, that have the same subject matter but were shot differently, can teach you a lot about photography. Take as many photos as you can and find what style you like the most. Each photographer has a unique style in their pictures, and there is no “wrong” way to do it. Make the most of your college memories and preserve them, too, by snapping the best photos you can.

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Story and photography by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

History Major Finds Her Passion for Archiving During Internship

books aligned on a book case.

Julianne at the library

Julianne reading a book at the library

Before COVID-19 social distancing, through her internship with the Historical Society of Pennsylvania this semester Julianne Tarrant was able to figure out what career path she wants to take after graduating in May. The history major from Nutley, NJ (Essex County) also minors in political science and international studies

Julianne at the library choosing a bookJulianne has always liked history, more specifically presidential history. “Their personal lives is the better part, because you learn so much about what they did in class but then you get to know more about them as people and that kind of makes a bigger picture.”

After a tour at Rowan University Julianne really liked the university, as did her mom. “My mom really pushed me to come here and I am really thankful she did that.”

Julianne started off as a history education major, but then decided to drop education and focus on history. “It was really the faculty from the history department that showed me that there was so much more I could do with history aside from teaching, which I never knew before. The faculty opened my eyes, there is so much I can do.”

Dr. Jennifer Janofsky, a professor who teaches public history courses has become one of Julianne’s mentors. Dr. Janofsky was the one who told Julianne about the Historical Society of Pennsylvania internship. “She kind of knew what I wanted to do and what my experiences were already with different internships and she was like ‘you should try the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.’”

When Julianne applied, she did not think she would get the internship Julianne reading a book at the librarybecause she though that other students from other colleges in Pennsylvania had a better chance due to them being closer. To Julianne’s surprise, after her interview within an hour she was already signing papers to start interning there. “I wouldn’t have heard about it if it wasn’t for Dr. Janofsky, I am very thankful.”  

Julianne is currently working on the Philadelphia Orphan Society collection, where she transcribes lots of documents into Excel sheets, to then use that information for the genealogy research that the Historical Society of Pennsylvania performs. Through this internship she has learned to read other people’s cursive writing much better. “It was really hard at first and now I’m starting to get the hang of it.”

Thanks to this internship Julianne said she learned that she really likes archiving and hopes to one day work at one of the presidential library museums.“There are 13 of them in the country, different presidents and just based around them. So, I definitely want to work in museums, preferably ones that relate to presidents.”

Julianne’s advice for future history majors and current history majors is to read all assigned readings. It may seem tedious reading about World War II over and over again, but it is worth it.

“And don’t just study one area of history, try to take it all in because we have a really diverse history staff so take as many classes as you can.”

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major 

Pandemic Profs: How I Maintain Structure in My “School Day”

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Nicole Cier, a senior isolating in her house in Middlesex County, NJ. Nicole is a writing arts major who normally lives in Rowan Boulevard Apartments during the school year. 

With the constant news alerts, cancellations, and changes in my college schedule due to COVID-19, it can be difficult to focus on what really matters. Each day, a new aspect of daily life changes for people around the world due to this virus, and it can especially be a rough time for college students to adjust. Now more than ever, it is extremely important to maintain a routine during the week, so we can stay on top of our work and ensure success.

A hand holding a yellow phone with Google Calendar pulled up.
A snapshot from my Google Calendar for these upcoming weeks.

Structure in our days is much harder to attain while we’re confined to our house, juggling family time and alone time, and still trying to hang onto our jobs and degrees. But small adjustments in our daily lives during a time of social distancing can have a positive impact on our happiness, productivity, and education. We, as college students, must strive to maintain a sense of normalcy to get us through these challenging times. 

  • Plan out a schedule for each day. When it comes to school work (and for some of you, remote work or internship responsibilities), organization is still the biggest factor in your success. Use a planner or Google Calendar to keep track of your commitments, scheduling out specific blocks of time to work on certain things. Treat your remote courses as if they are in-person courses and avoid distractions. Don’t forget to include time for lunch, and intersperse a few short breaks to get up and stretch/walk/play with a pet/FaceTime a friend! You can also use these tools to keep track of your class video meetings, due dates and other important events. Personally, I also find that keeping a to-do list for each day is a great way to stay productive. I give myself a reasonable amount of tasks to complete by the end of the day, and feel like I’ve made the most of my time by accomplishing them.
    A chocolate cake with sprinkles on a cake stand.
    One of the items on my “quarantine bucket list” was to bake a cake!
     
  • Make time for fun and exercise. Although we’re working remotely and staying home, we all still need fresh air and vitamin D! Going outside is not off-limits, so long as you’re mindful of social distance. Make sure to leave yourself time every day to do something you enjoy and be active. Grab a family member (or call a friend) and go for a walk. Explore neighborhoods in your town you’ve never been to for a change of scenery. Wave to people as you pass by, to help us all feel connected. Take up a new hobby like yoga or DIY projects or virtual group activities (the “Netflix Party” extension for Google Chrome is my favorite). We may be quarantined, but that doesn’t mean we have to binge-watch Friends all day, every day!
  • Maintain your regular hygiene. Just because we’re not leaving the house doesn’t mean we must give up on our hygiene and appearance! On days you are working, put on “work clothes” (AKA anything but sweats, at this point). If you will be video chatting for class or internships, wear a business casual outfit. Shower regularly, brush your teeth and hair as usual, and even apply some makeup if you wish! Continuing your hygiene routine during quarantine will give you a sense of normalcy and will keep you feeling your best.
  • Nicole's boyfriend at a "social distance picnic."
    My boyfriend and I went on a “social distance picnic” at a park nearby.
    Keep a “quarantine bucket list.” Optimism is key at a time like this, and having a list of things you want to accomplish is a great way to stay motivated. Your list can include fun things such as tie-dying old t-shirts or learning a new skill, and it can include practical things such as cleaning your room or going through your old clothes to donate. These tasks will give you something to look forward to, keep you busy in moments of boredom, and hopefully prevent you from falling into a three-hour TikTok rabbithole (guilty). Try to allot time for at least one item on your bucket list each day, to keep some excitement and variability in your routine.
  • Develop an online community. Studying at home doesn’t mean you have to learn on your own; connect with other students in your class! Try utilizing remote platforms such as Google Hangouts or Zoom for remote group study sessions. I created text and email groups so I can ask and answer questions.
A laptop on a desk with office supplies, with colorful posters in the background.
This is my #RowanAtHome desk.

As we all try to find a new normal in our daily lives, it is important to allow extra time and space for growth and reflection. Mental health is even more important now, and maintaining a regular schedule and practicing self-care can help us navigate the realm of COVID-19.

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Story and photos by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

Me Time

Autumn smiles in the lobby of Savitz Hall.

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Autumn Gittinger posing in Savitz Hall.Meet Autumn Gittinger, senior communication studies major, from Gibbstown, NJ (Gloucester County). She wrote this article in hopes to encourage a student to take a break and feel less guilty for wanting time for themselves.

In today’s society especially within college campuses, we make taking time for ourselves to be on the back burner. We often feel like “me time” is a waste of time and we constantly remind ourselves of the other hundred things we should be doing instead of doing nothing.

Though often we make people feel guilty for focusing on themselves. As a result many think finding time for themselves is not worth it (Carter, 2012.) But taking time for yourself is important, it gives your brain a chance to reboot, increases your productivity, concentration and helps you solve problems more effectively (Carter, 2012.) It also increases your self-awareness and helps you discover or rediscover your own voice (Carter, 2012.)  Guilt is a big part of why “me time” is often thrown to the side, but how do we work to overcome the guilt? There are some things to remind ourselves to help lessen the guiltiness of self-care.

First, is to remember that spending time alone will benefit those around you, because it will leave you in a better state of mind to take care and help those you care about. Secondly, taking “me time” will be time well spent because it will improve our happiness and ultimately make us happier people to be around. Lastly, spending time alone will prevent and combat burnout (Carter, 2012.) Which majority of people in college can relate to since we all have so many things to think and worry about on a daily basis. 

As college students we may understand how important it is to take time for oneself, but we may not know how. In a Psychology Today article titled, “Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty About Stealing a Little Time for Yourself” by Dr. Sherrie Bourg Carter. Carter suggests things such as waking up a little earlier, or using some of lunch time, and temporarily disconnecting from our devices. If these tricks don’t work then we could focus on our schedules. We can look at what time can be consolidated or what can be postponed in order to make time for ourselves (Carter, 2012.) Something that is important to remember is that when it comes to taking alone time, it does not mean you need hours and hours of time. We can all start off small and see how it works in our own lives. 

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Story by:
Autumn Gittinger, senior communication studies major, Wellness Center intern

Photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Sources:

Carter Bourg, Sherrie (2012). “Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty About Stealing a Little Time for Yourself”. Psychology Today. Retrieved from:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/high-octane-women/201202/wh y-you-shouldnt-feel-guilty-about-stealing-little-time-yourself

Pandemic Profs: a Social Distancing Spring Break

Alyssa Bauer poses at the top of Bear Mountain, NY.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Alyssa Bauer, a senior holed up in her house in Bergen County, NJ, during spring break. Alyssa is a public relations major.

I am definitely not someone who enjoys staying in. I am actively involved on-campus, which forces me out of my dorm for at least eight hours a day. Being stuck in my home with only my mom and brother, although I love them very much, is quite an adjustment. To avoid complete boredom, I found some ways to accommodate and welcome this new challenge of social distancing, which is important for my health and those around me.

  1. Socializing while social distancing
    Just because I’m limiting who I physically hang out with, doesn’t mean I’m completely trashing my social life. FaceTiming friends is a great way to keep each other company, distracted, and sane. If you’re in need of some open space and fresh air, I suggest grabbing a friend and taking a remote hike!
    Alyssa Bauer poses at the top of Bear Mountain, NY.
    Here I am at the top of Bear Mountain in Upstate New York!
     
  2. Staying active 
    Laying in bed all day may seem tempting, but making an effort to keep your body moving will help ease built-up stress.
    Whether it’s yoga, Pilates, meditation or a combination of all three, take the time to find out what works for you. Working out breaks up each day and ensures I’m doing something positive with my day instead of binge-watching  YouTube videos.
  3. Cooking
    Cooking is a huge de-stressor for me. I use that time to log off of social media (mainly because my hands are dirty) and cleanse my mind of distress. Now that I have all of the time in the world, or so it seems, I’ve been experimenting with different time-consuming recipes. What better reward than a yummy meal?
    Photo of cooked chicken Thai curry.
    This past week, I cooked Thai chicken curry, which came out delicious!
  4. Watching movies
    I rarely have the time to sit down for two hours to watch a movie. I started re-watching my favorite sappy movies (starting with About Time) and going through my Netflix watch list. Yesterday, I watched The Place Beyond the Pines, and it was one of the craziest movies I’ve watched in a long time — definitely recommend.
  5. Reading books
    Another activity I enjoy doing but usually don’t have time for is reading. However, I am now making an effort to replace screen time with book time.
    Photo of Educated by Tara Westover
    I just started reading “Educated,” by Tara Westover.
  6. Limiting caffeine consumption
    I love coffee. I love the taste, smell and comfort of holding it in my hands. However, it took me until my senior year of college to admit consuming more than one cup a day is a recipe for disaster. Too much caffeine makes me feel anxious, and adding stressors to a new routine will not help the adjustment. Take note of how you feel with the amount of caffeine you’re drinking.
  7. Finding peace
    The entire world is affected by all of this chaos in different shapes and forms. I, among my fellow soon-to-be graduates, are hurt over abrupt goodbyes, event cancelations and job losses. As hard as it may seem, we have the opportunity to exhibit humanity through our reactions.
    Behaving in deviance will not lead us to health. Be safe, be distant and wash your hands. 

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

#PROFspective: Radio/TV/Film Major Adam Clark

Adam looks into the distance, while wearing a crisp white button down shirt and fall colored trees behind him.

Adam Clark, a senior from Bridgeton, NJ (Cumberland County), is a Radio/TV/Film (RTF) major. Today, we will talk with Adam about his experience with filmmaking and how Rowan has prepared him for his future goals. Year: SeniorMajor: Radio/TV/Film (production focus)Town/County: Bridgeton, NJCommuter: YesJob on campus: No, jobs elsewhereClubs/Activities: Cinema Workshop What inspired you to choose […]

Siblings At Rowan: Madison and Sophia Agostini

Sisters Sophia and Madison Agostini pose in front of a wood panel wall.

Today, we launch a Siblings at Rowan series with sisters Madison and Sophia Agostini.

Sophia and Madison pose with school supplies in front of a wooden background.
Madison (left) and Sophia (right) Agostini

Names: Madison and Sophia Agostini

Majors/Minors: Madison: Elementary Education and Literacy Studies dual major. Sophia: Business Management major, Law and Justice minor

Years in school: M: 5th year S: Senior

Hometown and County: Washington Township, Gloucester County

Do you commute? If not, where do you live? S: Both. I live on campus, and Madison lived on campus, but now she commutes.

M: I lived on campus for four years, but since I’m student teaching, it made more sense for me to live at home this year since I don’t spend as much time on campus.

Social clubs each of you is a part of: M: I am the President of Kappa Delta Pi, a teacher honors society, and I am a member of Circle K, a volunteer club. I also write for HerCampus, a girls’ college website, and I’m an Admissions Ambassador.

S: I’m on the executive board of the Pre-Law Society. I’m also the undergraduate coordinator for the Food Bank of South Jersey

On-campus jobs: S: We both work in Admissions.

Why did you choose Rowan? M: At first I didn’t like that it was close to home, but then it started to feel nice that I could go home whenever I wanted. I wanted to go further away, but the first year of the Rowan Choice program was my year, so I was able to do that program and not spend as much. It’s great to go to a school with big school opportunities but small school class sizes.

S: I would agree with that, I really like the small class sizes. I didn’t really apply to many schools and I felt I knew Rowan pretty well because Madison already went here and I had already been on campus twice before I applied. It felt like the natural choice.

How has having your sister at Rowan with you impacted your college career? S: It always gave us someone we could go to that wasn’t our roommates. It was good to have a change of scenery and a new voice to Sophia is sitting on a couch in the student center.hear. It was definitely better than having to pick up the phone. It’s nice.

M: My sophomore year and her freshman here I lived in Edgewood and she lived in Chestnut, which was a minute walk from each other, and that year she had no kitchen and no air conditioning so she would come over if her room was hot or she wanted a meal that wasn’t dining hall food or made in a microwave. It was also nice to run into each other on campus or just see each other. 

What is your favorite part about going to Rowan together? S: I like that we’re similar and we do similar things on campus, and it also showed us how different we are at the same time. We aren’t really in any of the same clubs despite being on campus together. It allowed us to be strong as Madison is sitting on a couch in the student center.individuals but still grow side by side.

M: I think that we have similar qualities and we do some of the same things, but we also bring similar qualities to the different things we do. We also have some friends in common, but also different friends. S: We do our own thing, but it’s nice to have someone supporting you along the way. 

What are some favorite memories about being together on campus or funny sibling stories? M: Hanging out with our other sister on campus is a nice memory that we have together.

S: It was also nice when Madison invited me over for dinner a lot.

M: It was also cool that when Sophia turned 21 I was able to come over and spend the night with her and her friends.

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Story and photography by:

Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major

Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

Beyond The Classroom: What It’s Like Being A Mummer

Rowan student TJ Ferry and members of his Mummers band

Meet TJ Ferry, a senior Computing and Informatics major and Rowan University Social Media team member from Gloucester County. Here, TJ shares how being part of the iconic Mummers tradition has changed his life for the better. 

Most people ring in the New Year at midnight with a few choruses of “Auld Lang Syne” and toasting the promise of new beginnings and a new year. That is, unless you are a Mummer. We ring in the New Year with hundreds of thousands of plumes, feathers and instruments.

The Philadelphia Mummers Parade is a culmination of a year’s worth of imagination, hard work and practice that dates back to 1901. No one in the parade is a professional musician, but all take their craft very seriously. Participants in the parade range from eight years old up to 98.

It is a spectacle that entertains many, but to my family and me, it is much more; it represents tradition. The Mummers are so much more than what happens on New Year’s Day.

Rowan student TJ Ferry in Mummers costumeI was born into this unique hobby thanks to my grandfather. He was not only a musician, but for 32 years he served the needs of the Ferko String Band in a multitude of various positions including President, member of the Board of Directors, and as Ferko’s Delegate to the String Band Association. The String Band Judging Booth has been named in his honor since 2016.

As a tribute to him, I decided that it was my calling to play the banjo as he did. Fast forward to today and I am currently a member of the Quaker City String Band, where my grandfather began his Mummer career.

Early on Jan. 2, 2019, my cousin Joe Ferry was one of the three killed in an automobile accident. This tragic event shook the Mummers community to the core; however, it also showed that we are truly a community. In the honor of the individuals who passed away in this tragic event, a foundation was created to provide scholarships and funds to help those who are suffering in the Mummers community. The Mummers helped the Palandro, Ferry and Wiesley families cope with this event and make it through the tough times.

The Thomas J. Ferry Memorial Judging Booth honors TJ's late grandfather.
The Thomas J. Ferry Memorial Judging Booth honors TJ’s late grandfather.

In Joe’s honor, the Joe Ferry Christmas String Band was created. This band is comprised of members from the Quaker City, Fralinger, Polish American and South Philadelphia String Bands. I was honored to be a part of this band on Dec. 14, 2019, when we spent the day bringing holiday cheer to various hospitals in Philadelphia. To me, this is what Mummery is truly about — spreading cheer and entertaining people, seeing people on the sidelines smiling while you are in a parade or someone dancing and clapping along in their seats while you are playing a concert makes it all worth it.

When I started this hobby, I truly did not expect to take it where it has taken me. Sure, it has educated me musically, but it has taught me social skills, public speaking, social media skills, marketing, you name it.

I continue to learn more every day from the leaders of the hobby. Mummery has brought me out of my shell. I went from being a shy 16-year-old to when I started this hobby to a well-rounded 22-year-old soon-to-be Rowan University graduate at the time of writing this article. I have met my best friends from this hobby, and no matter what, we are all family. Like a family, we don’t always agree on things, we fight sometimes, even drama goes on. We also laugh like family and kid like brothers and sisters.

For almost my entire college career, I have been a part of Rowan University’s Social Media team. This would have never happened without this hobby. I started working for the Ferko String Band social media department in a hand-me-down situation and was not really sure where to begin. Two years later, I created a successful YouTube channel and drove engagement to the band’s social media higher than it ever was before. This helped me land my job at Rowan.

Rowan student TJ Ferry (third from left) with members of his Mummers team.
TJ Ferry (top row, third from left) with fellow members of the Quaker City String Band

I have also worked on web projects in different capacities for string bands due to my skills through my studies at Rowan. For the past few years, I have been co-operating a database that provides the history of the String Band division. This has taught me to work in a team and helped ease into my courses Applied Database Technologies and Intro To Web Development. Just recently, I was honored to receive Quaker City’s Class – Pride – Commitment award in 2019.

Story by:
TJ Ferry, Computing and Informatics major
Rowan University Social Media student team member

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Three Things I Love About My Student Worker Job

Nicole Cier with two of our coworkers at her student worker job with Rowan Blog

Hi there! I’m Nicole, a senior Writing Arts major from East Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County). I am a student worker for the Rowan Blog through the Division of Student Affairs, and I love my job!

As a freshman newly enrolled in the Writing Arts major, I was eagerly looking for ways to get involved on campus, especially related to writing and communication. One day I came across a message in the daily student email that the Rowan Blog was looking for volunteer writers, and this seemed like a sign. I started writing stories that semester on a volunteer basis, and was asked to officially join the team that spring of my freshman year! I’ve been working for the blog throughout my four years at Rowan, and it’s been an amazing experience. 

1. Every day is different and exciting

Dean sits in the front seat of a golf cart, while Alyssa stands on the back bumper.
I snapped this behind-the-scenes photo of my coworkers, Dean and Alyssa, during the photo shoot we assisted with last semester.

As a student worker, I have something different to look forward to each day — with every new assignment comes a new experience. One day I’m writing a blog post on why I love my job (hello!), the next day I’m filming the women’s ice hockey team at their practice, and the week after I’m photographing the equestrian team and their horses. I’ve even gone to the Salem County Humane Society to play with kittens and produce a video on student volunteerism! No two assignments are the same, and because of that, I get to learn so much about my peers on campus and all of the diverse interests and activities they are a part of. I’ve met student entrepreneurs, learned about the Vietnamese Student Association, attended informational workshops, and have been a part of a professional photo shoot with a marketing agency!

I also enjoy how much I get to learn about Rowan University through these experiences. In my first semester, I quickly became familiar with all of the buildings on campus and so many of the organizations and activities available to students. Knowing all of this has helped me get my friends involved as well, introducing them to clubs I think they’d enjoy and people with similar interests.

Edris and Nicole stand with their heads together, looking at the screen of Nicole's camera.
My coworker, Edris, and I comparing our photos.

2. I’ve added great skills and accomplishments to my resume

I  have always had an interest in taking photos, but never had the chance to pick up a real camera and figure it out before working for the Rowan Blog. For each blog article I write, I have to photograph the students or faculty featured to produce images that really capture the story. Through endless practice I’ve become comfortable using DSLR cameras and editing my photos with Adobe programs, and I love it! I have also started to get more involved in the video production side of the blog, filming and editing videos for YouTube. Though I am certainly a beginner in making videos, my coworkers and peers are always willing to help each other out, since we each have our own strengths.

Focusing on photography has paved the way for me to become a part of many exciting projects through the Division of Student Affairs. The photos that my peers and I have taken are featured on the Rowan Admissions website and in admissions packages that go out to accepted incoming students, which is awesome! I’ve even become more involved with the social media department, and a couple of my photos have been featured on Rowan’s Instagram. It’s so rewarding to see my work improve each semester, and the excitement we all feel when we see our photos throughout campus makes the hard work more than worth it.

3. I’ve made new friends, mentors and connections along the way

Alex, Nicole, and Vanessa stand together holding their cameras and a disco ball.
My coworkers, Alex and Vanessa (right), graduated last year, but we formed a strong friendship through the Rowan Blog. I still see them from time to time to catch up!

With each new lead for an assignment comes a new potential friendship or connection. Most of the time, the leads I am assigned to write about are students I have never met before, so I love having the chance to meet new people I might see around campus. I get to learn about their cool internships, clubs and experiences at Rowan, and can usually find something in common with each lead to form a strong bond! Every lead becomes either a new friend, a LinkedIn connection, or at the very least, another smiling face to see on the way to class.

Through the stories I produce, I’m able to form connections with faculty and staff, too, which has helped me learn about new programs and events on campus. The faculty I’ve met specifically within the College of Communication and Creative Arts and the Rohrer College of Business have played an important role in my education and career path. A few of them have become mentors to me, trustworthy and seasoned professionals that I can always look to for advice.

Working for the Rowan Blog has changed the way I write, work and interact with others. It’s made me a stronger communicator and even sparked my interest to pick up two minors — Marketing and Strategic Communication. Being part of such a talented, passionate team of workers makes me #RowanPROUD, and the experiences I’ve had through the Rowan Blog are memories that I’ll cherish long after I graduate this spring!

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Story and photography by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

#PROFspective: International Engineering Student Thai Nghiem

Thai Nghiem stands on the steps inside the Engineering Hall lobby

Name: Thai Nghiem

Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering

Minor: Computer Science

Year: Senior

Are you a first-generation college student? No

Hometown and county: Hanoi, Vietnam

Commuter: Yes. I’m commuting from Franklinville, NJ (Gloucester County)

Academic clubs you are a part of: Bantivoglio Honors Concentration, Tau Beta Pi – Engineering Honor Society

Social clubs you are a part of: Rowan Cru – Secretary

Thai sits in a round orange chair in the bridge connecting the two engineering buildings at Rowan University.Do you work on campus? I worked in the library as a Technology Desk Specialist for a year.

Share an “aha!” moment you’ve had within your major that made you feel passionate about your intended field. I was always good at math and physics in high school, and since Rowan offered an outstanding engineering program, I did not hesitate to choose engineering as my major. 

Describe an on-campus experience (academic or non-academic) in which you felt that your future goals are supported. I found the Career Fair on-campus very helpful, as I landed many interviews and two internships. The two engineering internships were with Ellenby Technologies and American Water. Both of them offered me competitive pay and treated me as a regular employee; they trusted and assigned me with great responsibilities. I had a great time interning with them and gained a great deal of practical knowledge and industrial experience. I would recommend everybody of all majors attend the Rowan Career Fair. 

Thai is pictured behind a handrail as he walks up the steps holding a red and black toolbox .
On a typical day, Thai brings his toolbox with him to work on projects in Engineering Hall.

Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you? My freshman year (2015), Rowan Cru held a Halloween party at the International House, where I used to live. As an international student, I did not have a lot of friends back then, especially those who are American. The event was a great deal to me, as I got to meet and talk to new people who were very friendly and helpful. Since it’s hard for an international student to get a car and a driving licence, many of them offered me rides to ShopRite whenever I needed. Furthermore, they invited me to be a part of their club — Rowan Cru, where I continued to make new wonderful relationships and great memories.

Why did you choose Rowan? Actually, Rowan found and chose me. I uploaded my resume on a merit-aid website, and Rowan officials contacted me. Due to the generous international scholarship, I was able to attend Henry Rowan College of Engineering. 

Thai works on a project in the Engineering Hall lobby between classes.

On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic and social responsibilities are you juggling? On my busiest day, I am juggling between exams, my part-time job at the library, and leading a Bible study session at Rowan Cru. There are tough times, but those are what make us a better person. My friends in Cru, as well as my classmates, help each other through stressful times. I really appreciate these people and always enjoy spending time with them. 

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Story by:
Thai Nghiem, senior electrical and computer engineering major

Photography by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

Period Shame

Communication Studies major Autumn Bowman sitting on campus
This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Meet Autumn Bowman, senior Communication Studies major, who Autumn Bowman sits outside of Bunce Hall.wrote this article to start a health discussion.

She shares: “There are a lot of topics that we avoid talking about because of stigma, and stigma breeds secrecy. Stigmas can only be broken by creating open spaces for communication. As someone who studies communication, I think creating open spaces for sexual and reproductive health can help explore these health topics in a more open and honest way.”

“You’re becoming a woman.” As wonderful as this sounds, this is the first introduction to period shame young people with uteruses experience. Even in America, a more period-tolerant country, our language surrounding periods barely ever includes the word ‘period’, or —God forbid — ‘blood.’ Advertisements for period products had never even shown blood on their products until 2011 and even now, even mentioning periods can get met with a groan of disgust, or an accusation of oversharing. But why are they so taboo? 

Period shame is the social stigma surrounding menstruation created by  misconceptions and misunderstandings. One study conducted with backing from THINX, a menstrual product company, concluded that its effects have an incredible reach. For example, the research survey showed that 58% of women have felt embarrassed simply for being on their period and 44% refer to their period by different, ‘more palatable’ names. By being made to feel ashamed, people with uteruses are less likely to have fact seeking behaviors surrounding their period. And, since not many people speak freely about them it can be hard, especially for young people, to get real information about what is happening with their bodies. 

Later in life, these same people continue to experience ridicule over their periods. Almost half, 44%, of men have admitted to making comments about their partner’s mood while they were on their period. These stereotypes reinforce a need to keep periods a secret. However, periods also come with a lot of pain — which is expected to be masked by those enduring it. If it isn’t spoken about and it’s supposed to be a secret when it’s happening, how can it be fully understood and accepted as a healthy and normal? 

In a society where people with uteruses make up half of the population, it doesn’t quite make sense why something the vast majority experience is seen as something to be ashamed of. There is no reason to be ashamed of a healthy body performing its natural functions. Without periods and uteruses, humankind would not exist. Conversations had about periods are not inappropriate — they are vital to providing factual, empowering information, to counteract the societal shame we have instilled in people with uteruses. 

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Story by:
Autumn Bowman, senior communications studies major, Wellness Center intern

Photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Reference

Siebert, V. (2018). Nearly half of women have experienced ‘period shaming’ . Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2018/01/03/nearly-half-of-women-have-experienced-period-shaming/

Rowan Sessions – Baby, It’s Cold Outside feat. Gabe Georges, Rocco Fiorentino, Rachel Martin [VIDEO]

rowan students making music in the studio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nazPxFHlyDM

Music Industry major and guitarist Gabe Georges, brings vocalist Rachel Martin and pianist Rocco Fiorentino into Rowan’s studio to record a cover of Baby, It’s Cold Outside for the holiday season. 

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Video by:
Noel Waldron, senior public relations major
Dean Powers, sophomore radio/TV/film major

Well-being

Biology major Roxy Urso sitting on a campus bench

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Roxy Urso sits outside of Wilson Hall.Meet Roxy Urso, senior Biology major, who wrote this article with the inspiration of the Rowan Thrive campaign that has been around campus this semester. Roxy shares: “Oftentimes, people get caught up in the idea of mental health and the awareness of it, and while it is extremely important, mental health has many other factors that play into it to make a total person. As college students, our lives are always crazy, so by taking a step back and working on different aspects of wellness on a small scale, we will have a greater impact on our mental health and ourselves overall.” 

Over and over again it has been stressed to college students to practice good mental health, to have a strong mindset in the chaos that is the world of academia. Topics of a person’s wellness and well-being are constantly thrown in with these ideas to make it sound like these topics are no more than mental health. However, people often forget that a strong mental well-being is hard to achieve without all elements of well-being having their own presence.

Well-being is an encapsulation of a person through all aspects of their life, as they work together to create an individual, no matter the mindset. However, the more positive each area is on their own, the more likely the individual will have an overall positive well-being. These eight areas of well-being include: emotional, financial, social, spiritual/purpose, occupational, physical, intellectual and environmental. Understanding that well-being is not just a mental state, but the state of a person that is developed by each of these eight areas, can allow a person to work on each one, ultimately working on all, to better themselves as a whole.

For example, by setting a goal to study everyday for a class, a person would be working not only on their intellectual well-being, but their sense of purpose by preparing more for school to be able to graduate, and their occupational because they are most likely trying to graduate to find a job.

Although the idea of working on eight areas of a person’s life may seem overwhelming, it only takes small steps towards each to reach a state that not only betters their mental state, but their person as a whole.

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Story by:
Roxy Urso, senior biology major, Wellness Center intern

Photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

References

Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. (n.d.). Eight Dimensions of Wellness. Retrieved from https://cpr.bu.edu/living-well/eight-dimensions-of-wellness/

Future Chemical Engineer Shares Her Research Experience with ExxonMobil

“In high school, I was extremely interested in chemistry and Rowan Chemical Engineering major Casey Wagner sits outside Engineering Hall.pharmaceuticals. I thought about first going to pharmacy school, but I was more interested in how drugs were actually made rather than the dispensing of drugs to patients,” shares Casey Wagner, senior Chemical Engineering major from Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County).

Four years later, she’s conducting research for ExxonMobil.

While working as a research assistant at Rowan over the summer, Casey bumped into her past professor, Dr. C. Stewart Slater. He encouraged her to join his fall clinic team to help ExxonMobil with a project involving the flushing operations of its lubrication plant. Casey explains, “It seemed like an awesome opportunity as a student who wants to go into industry.”

She continues, “The project is still in the beginning stages of development. So far our team is researching how we can relate other industries to the oil industry. Being able to visit the lubrication plant in Paulsboro, NJ and see Rowan Chemical Engineering major Casey Wagner works in an engineering lab.how the operations are completed was an awesome experience. Being able to contact engineers and operators who are working at this plant to ask them questions and learn from their experiences has been a great experience for my future.

“Overall, I’ve been very happy with the professional experience I’m gaining from being a part of this project. I’m extremely happy with the way the communication is between the students and ExxonMobil workers. I feel like we are slowly narrowing our focus as a unit and getting closer to finding plausible options for the plant.

“I have gained some very valuable research experience from being a part of this project. Obviously, as engineers, we have to create unique ideas for our own experiments all the time. Reading about previously done work in contrasting industries and finding correlations between those different industries within the oil industry is very important for this project. This procedure is important no matter where I work in the future.

“Also, working with different groups of people whether it be within the same company or at a different company has given me valuable professional experience. Learning different terms and expressions used by other engineers and chemists has been helpful.”Rowan Chemical Engineering major Casey Wagner works in an engineering lab.

Casey feels Rowan best prepared her for this opportunity through the engineering clinics. Every semester, all engineering majors are enrolled in clinics, which provide students with an opportunity to join projects they are interested in. She continues, “It definitely prepared me for work after college and for deciding whether I want to continue my education or move on to working in the industry.”

She knows if she ever has any questions, Dr. Slater or Dr. [Mariano] Savelski will always answer them. She shares, “Dr. Slater this past year has been a guiding hand for me and is someone who I know I can always go to for help with future careers.”

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

Quit Vaping

Mariana Cardenas, a senior Psychology major at Rowan, pictured in the Chamberlain Student Center

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Mariana Cardenas, a senior Psychology major at Rowan, pictured in the Chamberlain Student Center

Meet Mariana Cardenas, senior Psychology major, who wrote this article because of what she’s observed around her. She explains, “I have seen my friends go from saying that they vape because it is just water vapor (it’s not) to then being worried from seeing others in hospitals over vaping and wanting to quit so badly. But many struggle with quitting because they don’t know how to start or they have attempted many times but it being too difficult to deal with the nicotine withdrawals.”

Know it is time to quit vaping, but don’t know where to start?

At this point, we have all seen the social media posts of friends in hospitals vowing to quit vaping. It may have been unclear in the past of the effects that these devices could have on our bodies. Older people talking about the effects just seemed ridiculous. But the research is out now, and it has become apparent that the stuff coming out of vapes should not be going anywhere in our bodies.  

Along with all too well known physical effects the chemicals in vapes have on our bodies, there are also several behavioral effects. This includes anxiety and permanently lowered impulse control (thetruth.com).

You may be in a mindset where you know you should ditch the vape, but not know how to start. For some, quitting can feel overwhelming. It may be difficult to imagine yourself without your vape (teen.smokefree.gov).

First, set up a plan and take on your quit journey one step at a time. Most importantly, establish a support system, which can be as simple as letting your friends know about your plans to quit. 

Do not be discouraged by slip-ups; instead, celebrate the progress you have made.

Identify triggers and try to avoid them if possible — feelings, things, people or places that give you the urge to vape. 

Get ready for withdrawals. Mood changes due to nicotine withdrawal are typically temporary while your body adjusts to being nicotine-free. Keep in mind that the longer you go without nicotine, the better you will feel. When you are having an especially tough day, think back to why you chose to quit in the first place. 

Create a simple phrase of your reason for quitting. Write it down somewhere you will constantly see, like your phone’s lock screen, to remind you of your goals. 

These are all suggestions. Some of these steps may work well for you and others may not. Do not compare your quit journey to others because all our bodies work differently. 

Best of wishes to you in your future healthier life. 

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Story by:
Mariana Cardenas, senior psychology major, Wellness Center intern

Photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Eat More, It’s Good for You

Grace Van Cleef posing on a bench on Rowan University's campus.

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Meet Grace Van Cleef, senior Psychology and Communication Studies double major, who wrote this article because she recently started consistently meal prepping. She shares, “My meals are more consistent and healthy now, and I think about my diet in a way I never did before. I know a lot of college students who skip meals simply because they don’t have the time or money to eat, and I wanted to write something addressing that.”

We’ve all been there. It’s 8 p.m., you just got home after a long day Grace Van Cleef posing on a bench on Rowan University's campus.of classes, and a complaint from your stomach reminds you that you haven’t eaten a meal since last night. Sometimes class schedules cut straight through normal meal times. Sometimes homework that’s due in a few hours takes priority over finding time to eat. Sometimes the 10-a-week meal plan just doesn’t cut it. But one way or another, sometimes we fill up on our morning coffee and don’t eat a meal for 18 hours or more. Perhaps the meals were replaced with snacks: a granola bar, goldfish, maybe a banana. Oh, well. It can’t be that unhealthy, right? Our culture is always pushing diets that rely on intermittent fasting and calorie cutting. Using this logic, it’s easy to justify skipping meals as healthy. 

But how does skipping meals truly influence your health? According to the Health Sciences Center at the University of Louisville, skipping meals is not a good tactic for weight management. In fact, it can have several negative impacts on overall health, both physically and mentally. Skipping meals means the body has less energy to run on, because bodies get their fuel from food. This can cause headaches and feelings of fatigue, sluggishness, weakness, or shakiness. Then, skipping meals can lead to getting — so hungry that all the brain can think about is food. However, this means that once eating is finally an option, our bodies and brains push us to overeat or choose whatever is fast and easy, which usually isn’t very healthy. Finally, as a response to not eating for long periods of time, the body lowers its metabolism and conserves energy by burning fewer calories. This means that eating a large, unhealthy, meal at the end of a day of involuntary fasting will retain more of those calories and actually cause weight gain, contrary to the goal of popular diets such as intermittent fasting. Skipping meals can lead to all sorts of health detriments, and worst of all, it feels terrible. 

As a busy, broke college student, skipping meals might feel necessary just to get through the week. However, there are a number of ways to manage a busy schedule while still eating well. First, it is important to understand what to eat in order to stay satisfied longer. A good meal will have a combination of protein, carbs and fats, and will satisfy hunger for 4-6 hours. Fruits and vegetables are important for the vitamins and fiber they contain as well. Bodies need all of these components to create blood sugar, and when blood sugar drops too low, it contributes to feelings of hunger. If meals or snacks lack one of these components, blood sugar will drop sooner and our bodies won’t be satisfied for as long. For example, eating a banana alone will only satisfy hunger for an hour or two, while eating a banana on toast (a carb) with peanut butter (which contains protein and fat) will satisfy hunger for much longer. In order to stay satisfied on a busy schedule, make sure every meal contains these components.

Plan classes around meal times so there’s time to use Tapingo. Alternatively, plan meals and snacks in advance to take to class or work. Having a well fed, well fueled body means more energy and strength to make it through a long day of running from class to class. Eating consistently is healthier and feels better than skipping meals. 

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Story by:
Grace Van Cleef, senior psychology and communication studies major, Wellness Center intern

Photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

References

University of Louisville Department of Family and Geriatric Medicine. (2005). Perils of Skipping Meals [Pamphlet]. Retrieved from https://louisville.edu/medicine/departments/familymedicine/files/L081611.pdf

Beyond the Classroom: Ryan Clare and Ian Nielsen Canvassing for Bernie Sanders

Meet the partners and leaders of Rowan for Bernie at Rowan University — President Ryan Clare, a junior in Music Composition from Jackson (Ocean County), and Vice President Ian Nielsen, a senior with a major in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Allentown (Monmouth County).

Rowan for Bernie is a group dedicated to canvassing and talking to individuals around campus about their political ideals on Bernie Sanders and to help upcoming voters build their opinions leading to the upcoming election. Their mission is to network with as many people as they can to persuade and educate them in the hope to get votes for Bernie Sanders.

Ryan and Ian first met at a Bernie Sanders networking program, which helped students start groups and organizations in their colleges and provided the support and tools to help students understand canvassing. Through this meeting, Rowan for Bernie was created.

They were able to support a decent following on-campus with around 20 dedicated members going to club meetings as of now, and they look to further expand the organization.     

Ryan Clare, junior in music compositionRyan explains his passion for his position: “Bernie Sanders has inspired me to really get involved with the political process, and I feel like he is our one chance to get somebody into the White House that has been this consistent for his entire political career…

Ryan further adds, “…he has motivated me, and I feel like I have to fight as hard as I can to get this man elected.” 

Ian also shares why he wanted to get involved: “I wasn’t really super political, [but] I always was somewhat into politics all throughout my high school years.

Ian also explains his viewpoint: “I just really believe that it’s our responsibility as citizens to participate in the democratic process and make sure that people are taken care of. Bernie has Ian Nielsen, senior with a major in Electrical Computer Engineeringbeen consistent over the decades, whether it comes to talking about healthcare he’s been pushing for Medicare for all these years. He was on the right side of civil rights, which is something we can not say for other candidates. He has been pushing for $15 an hour wage, that’s something he has been pushing for years … He is not only pushing for these things in Congress but he is actually doing them right now.” 

One of their upcoming goals is to become a chartered organization at Rowan. As of now they have a petition with 200 signatures and are looking to propose their organization to the Student Government Association for further advancements.

With all the time put into the organization, they truly share a passion and work hard toward creating a bigger following and sharing some amazing experiences in the field. Ryan adds: “I’ve just really enjoyed canvassing and talking to new people, we openly will discuss ideas to people from very different political backgrounds … just really enjoyed sharing my views and backing them up with facts as opposed to just how I feel about things.” Ian further adds his most favorite experiences so far, “Just hearing people’s personal stories is just really moving and it really inspires me to keep pushing and try and make things better for everyone.”      

For now, they look to further expand their club and to help people understand the importance to participate in the election and to have fun doing it! 

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Story and photography by:
Adam Goskowsky, junior advertising major

#PROFspective: Rowan After Hours Programming Coordinator Joseph Scafiro

Rowan After Hours Programming Coordinator Joseph Scafiro outside Robinson Hall

Today we speak with Joseph Scafiro, a senior History major from Cinnaminson, NJ (Burlington County) and programming coordinator for Rowan After Hours (RAH). Joseph will share his #PROFspective with us about what his job entails and why you should get involved each weekend. Name: Joseph Scafiro Major: History Minor: None Year: Senior Where do you […]

#PROFspective: Public Relations Major Serina Gonzalez

Rowan public relations major Serina Gonzalez

Today, we speak with Serina Gonzalez, a senior Public Relations major and Strategic Communication minor from Little Ferry, NJ (Bergen County) who lives on-campus. Serina 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 experience as a Rowan Prof.

Name: Serina GonzalezRowan public relations major Serina Gonzalez

Year: Senior

Major: Public Relations

Minors: Strategic Communication

Hometown: Little Ferry, NJ (Bergen County)

Academic or social clubs: Volunteerism mentor, Animal Advocacy Club and the Dr. Harley Flack Student Mentoring Program

Why did you choose Rowan? After going on a tour of Rowan, I knew it was the school I wanted to attend. It stood out from the other schools I toured because it didn’t feel like anything was forced. People actually seemed genuine. It made me feel comfortable, and I wanted to be a part of that.

Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge? I honestly never had a moment of uncertainty within my major. I feel like I found a subject that keeps me inspired. I would not have learned my passion for PR if I did not go through other majors’ courses.

Rowan public relations major Serina GonzalezWhat got you interested in your intended field? I began taking all communications courses and realized it wasn’t for me. I definitely needed to find a balance to a communications-oriented career, but allowed more flexibilty. I talked to my advisers who introduced me to public relations. I took Intro to PR and fell in love. I immediately switched my major.

Was there a specific mentor that you would turn to about your degree/field? How did they help you? My academic advisor for the ASCEND program, and everyone in that office, acted as my mentor for years. They helped introduce me to the program.

How has your overall experience been so far? What is your favorite accomplishment? Working in the Office of Volunteerism is really rewarding because it gives me exactly what I’m looking for. Later in life, I plan to be a teacher. Overall, the kids are always so happy and make my sad days so much better. I learn a lot from them … being a kid is a good thing. 

What has been the most meaningful experience you’ve had while volunteering so far? One day, I was helping a little girl making cards for old people. While every other kid was working on their third card, she was still on her first. I looked at her card to see why it was taking her so long, and it was because her card was perfect. She’s a true artist.

What knowledge or skills have you developed through this opportunity that you will take with you for future endeavors? In the future, I plan on volunteering on the side. Volunteering taught me how to be a better person, even though it’s not only about being a good person. It’s just something you’re supposed to do.

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

Beyond the Classroom: a Biophysics Lab Experience

Gaspare Carollo, a biophysics major from Marlton, NJ, conducts research at his summer research internship at Rowan.

Meet Gaspare Carollo, a senior from Marlton, NJ (Burlington County) majoring in Biophysics from the College of Science & Mathematics. This summer, he was able to partake in an research internship at Rowan. Today, he will share with us his experience working at the lab and some of the projects he worked on.

Gaspare Carollo, a biophysics major from Marlton, NJ, conducts research at his summer research internship at Rowan. Gaspare is a transfer student from Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC). He earned his associate degree in Chemical Engineering and now plans to get his bachelor’s in Biophysics.

“Biophysics is a combination of many sciences — biology and physics for the majority. It looks at things on a molecular level. And it takes the physics on what’s going on, why is it happening and you kind of figure out why and how things work,” Gaspare said.

After talking to Dr. Nathaniel Nucci, assistant professor from the departments of Biomedical & Translational Sciences and Physics & Astronomy about the different summer programs he was looking into, Dr. Nucci told him about the summer internship offered at Rowan.Gaspare Carollo, a biophysics major from Marlton, NJ, works at his summer research internship at Rowan.

“I told him I was a senior and hopefully going into the workforce soon. I was just trying to get my foot in the door and get hands-on experience because you can get all the A’s and B’s you want and have a 3.3 or 3.6 GPA, but without the hands-on experience you’re going to go onto the working field lacking,” he explained.

This summer, Gaspare got the chance to work on two projects. The first project had to do with purifying proteins, which Gaspare explained it as:

“One of the things about the protein purification that we’ve done is that they fluoresce. It’s one of those things we do for bioimaging. If we want to know where this medicine is going or where this disease or tumor is located, you inject the patient with a particular protein that we know fluoresces at a certain wavelength or fluoresces at a certain light. Basically, the thing you want to see will glow, and that is the whole point of the proteins we are looking at. There are many other reasons for purifying proteins, but that’s the one we were looking into.” 

The second project Gaspare worked on had to do with quantum dots. Quantum dots are used in a lot of electronics and medical issues. “What we are trying to do is find a better, more feasible way to find quantum dots,” Gaspare said. “They are made in high pressure and high temperatures, which is very expensive and dangerous, and we’re trying to find a way to make them in room temperature and atmospheric pressures.”

Gaspare Carollo, a biophysics major from Marlton, NJ, works at his summer research internship at Rowan. Gaspare is doing his work under a hood at regular temperature and regular pressure, because it’s much safer and financially achievable for most labs.

“If we can perfect and control the size of quantum dots then we can control what kind light it fluoresces and from there fabrications are all over the place,” he said.

Gaspare would like to do research and development after he graduates. He would love to be part of a team that would eventually come up with something to make a difference in the way people are medically treated. He says, “What if we can do chemo where it doesn’t hurt the individual, what if we can do chemo where it only hurts the tumor and doesn’t make them sick? To be a part of something like that and make a difference would be amazing and to be a part of that would be a dream.”

Gaspare’s advice for anyone wanting to major in Biophysics is to not expect an easy ride, but if you are willing to put in the time and the effort then the outcome and final result will all be worth it.

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major

Leading Camden Middle Schoolers to “All Pull Together”

Kasey DiSessa of Rowan University sits in the middle of a row of middle school students she teaches

“I’m never going to be afraid to do anything ever again,” says senior Kasey DiSessa. “If I can cheer and sing in front of judgmental sixth graders, I can do anything.”

The biological sciences and English double major lost her self-consciousness and found her voice this summer as an intern for the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School in Camden. A Servant Leader (teacher) leading a classroom of 11 rambunctious 3rd to 5th graders, Kasey immersed herself in classroom teaching to support her goal of becoming a biology teacher dual-certified in English. 

Kasey DiSessa of Rowan University leans over a table with three students to teach them

Embracing the Kenyan tradition of Harambee, meaning “all pull together” in Swahili, each morning at the Freedom School Kasey, her four fellow Servant Leaders and approximately 50 students in the program got hyped for their day with upwards of eight special chants and songs. “It was a big deal for me to put myself out there like that,” Kasey says. 

A national program primarily focused on reading, the Camden location extends its reach into STEM education too, which suits Kasey well, given her two majors. “I have my two passions,” she says, “and I’ve been able to personalize my education at Rowan to blend both.” 

Kasey DiSessa of Rowan University leans over the shoulder of a girl student working on a computerKasey took classes in children’s and adolescent literature that helped her to prepare for her summer role. “I reached out to my professors and told them, ‘The books I read in your classes are in my curriculum — thank you! Your choices applied to my life in a way I was not expecting.’”

Toward the end of the summer program, Kasey led a two-week project on robotics. Stepping out of her comfort zone to do so, Kasey at first felt apprehensive — but then exhilarated at the project’s completion. “During the finale, parents came in to see their children’s final projects,” Kasey explains. “It was awesome. We had little robots from LocoRobo and we taught the students how to use an online app to drop and drag blocks of code and create shapes on the ground. 

“We all screamed at the tops of our lungs when the robot went through the gates at the maze. They had created the code, using a function they had never used before. We lost our minds we were so excited,” Kasey says. 

Kasey DiSessa of Rowan University stands in front of her decorated classroom door that says Welcome to Ms. Kasey's Forest!From Hackettstown, NJ (Warren County), Kasey stayed in South Jersey this summer solely to complete this internship. With she and her parents’ lacking familiarity with Camden — only knowing what they’ve seen on the news — at first Kasey’s parents had some trepidation about their daughter teaching in the city. “My dad is nervous about everything,” Kasey says. “But, the school was nice. The location was fine. I wasn’t nervous and the drive wasn’t bad at all.

“This program gives the students an edge they might not normally get in their regular school,” Kasey says. “It not just puts them on par with kids from schools with more resources, but also helps them to go beyond,” she says.

“I went in terrified and by the end I knew I wanted to come back and do this again,” Kasey says. “It was hard and there were days that it was emotionally taxing,” she continues. “But thanks to this program I feel more comfortable with teaching this age level and I would consider teaching in an urban setting, which is something I wouldn’t have considered before.”

Kasey will graduate this upcoming fall, a semester ahead of schedule, and plans to attend graduate school.

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Political Science Major Interns for Prosecutor’s Office

Rowan political science major Melissa Kolaski outside of Robinson Hall

Meet Melissa Kolaski, a rising senior from Barrington (Camden County) majoring in Political Science with a minor in Communication Studies. This year, she was able to partake in an internship with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, which she says helped her realize her true passion. 

Rowan student Melissa Kolaski sitting in the yard between James and Robinson Hall

Upon attending Rowan, Kolaski says she enrolled in an American Government class, which opened her eyes to her love of government. Classes such as Women in American Politics and History of New Jersey gave her the opportunity to study her passion as well as inspire her to become a woman in government.

Kolaski is in her third year of undergrad within the “3 + 3 program,” which allows students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree and attend law school for another three years. She is also an active member in the Pre-Law Society on campus. 

A member of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office spoke on a panel for Political Science majors earlier this year. Kolaski, who was actively looking for an internship at the time, realized that they were offering the perfect internship opportunity she was looking for. Within this investigative undergraduate internship, Kolaski has the opportunity to work closely with prosecutors, detectives and secretaries on many of their various cases. She even gets to attend the courts along with the prosecutors. 

She says, “The members of the trial team at the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office are so helpful and able to answer all of my questions and give me endless advice on law school.” 

Rowan student Melissa Kolaski sitting outside of the Business Hall on campus

After this upcoming school year, she will attend law school and hopefully obtain a legal internship. 

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Story and photography by:
Chad Wittmann, senior journalism major

#PROFspective: Journalism Major Chad Wittmann

Chad, standing in the gradd of bunce hall with a camera

Today we speak with Chad Wittman, a rising senior journalism major from Alloway, NJ (Salem County), who rents a house off-campus in Glassboro. This is Chad’s story and his #PROFspective on his experience as a Rowan student.

Name: Chad Wittman
Major: Journalism in the College of Communication and Creative Arts
Minors/concentrations: Media and Strategic Communication
Year: Senior
Hometown and County: Alloway, NJ (Salem County)
Off-Campus resident: Yes, I currently live in an apartment in Glassboro
Social clubs: Rowan Alternative Music Club

Do you work on campus? If so, where/what do you do? I’m currently a Digital Content Producer for Rowan’s Admissions office.

Being Welcomed To Rowan

The moment I felt like I made the right decision to come to Rowan was my sophomore year, when I joined the Rowan Alternative Music club. All of the club members were very inclusive and out going, I met my best friends there. The Rowan music scene is very new and fresh to Rowan, and is built on inclusivity and diversity. The shows that I have been to brought very welcoming people who would go out of there way to become your friend.

Chad sitting in the office working on a computer

A Typical Monday

Mondays are my days off, I try every semester to get Mondays off and that allows me to catch up on everything and prepare myself for the week. I usually go to the student center or the coffee shop in pitman to relax and get my work done for the week.Chad standing in the courtyard of Bunce

Happy Surprises

Something that came as a happy surprise for me is that the two on-campus gym are free. The new facility on Victoria is so nice and is so convenient to go during the semester. All the machines are always spotless and everyone there is always friendly.

Caring Professors

A professor that I felt that truly cared about my well-being was Professor DiUlio. He would ask students how they are, not just out of making pleasantries. He was genuinely curious about how we were doing. He actually reached out to me when I fell behind in class asking if I needed an extension on any assignments. He assured me that he’d support whatever I needed to help get through the class. I have never had another professor engage with me like that and be so willing to help, and it really stuck with me. It truly shows that he cares about his students and his job.

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Photography by: Justin Borelli, rising senior advertising major

Prof on the Run: Upperclassmen Housing [VIDEO]

Take a peek inside Rowan’s upperclassmen housing while our favorite furry prof has some fun with his friends.

Know exactly where you’re looking for? Click the time stamp to your future home.
Rowan Boulevard @ 0:05

Whitney Center @ 0:40

Townhouses @ 1:15

Edgewood @ 1:50

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghl-e9uzs3o

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Filmed by: Alexander Belli, senior pubic relations and advertising dual major; Dean Powers, freshman radio, tv, and film major
Edited by: Dean Powers, freshman radio, tv, and film major
Music by: Joseph Murphy, junior music industry major

A Student’s Mission to Making the World Better

Young male student leaning against bridge with stone building in the background

Joseph Salvo, a native of Italy, came to the United States six years ago without being able to fluently speak English. Now, living in Hammonton, NJ (Atlantic County), Joseph is a graduating college senior who leads a personal research project exploring the potential correlation between community health and cancer diagnosis. Learn more about what this political science and economics double major is doing to make the world better.

Joseph came to the United States during his junior year of high school when his family decided to make a fresh start here. He knew he wanted to go to college, but wasn’t sure where he wanted to attend. Rowan University for him became a prime choice for its location and known Young male student inside a white gazebo leaning against the railingaffordability. Although, once here Joseph quickly realized that the professors were another strength Rowan held. “The professors are all extremely accessible,” Joseph continues, “and they make themselves available beyond what I would consider their duty.”

Political science was a perfect fit for Joseph because of his desire to better understand the intricacies of government and because of his interest in law. Rowan’s department pushed him early on during his freshman year to research and receive an internship – better preparing him for the potential roles he could fill after college. Joseph attributes his current internship at New Jersey’s Superior Courts located in Atlantic City to the resources provided to him through College of Humanities & Social Sciences, which houses the political science and economics department. Joseph works in the Children’s Court Unit – associated with Family Court – and helps handle Young male student grabbing a library book off the shelfcases involving children at risk of abuse or being cared for by unfit parents. “Through working here I have the opportunity to see the behind the scenes action; being a part of the process that most people aren’t witnesses to.” Joseph explains, “Gaining this experience further prepared me for more intense and involved work.” Through Joseph’s hard work and assistance from his professors at Rowan he gets to be a real help to children who aren’t in the best situations.

Young male student working on a desktop computer with maps on the screen
Joseph conducting data analysis of his research in Robinson Hall.

Further into his college career, Joseph’s professors encouraged him to create and develop his own research project as a goal to demonstrate his ability and growth gained during his time at Rowan. “I was interested in how cancer plays a role in people’s lives – there’s already demographics with disadvantages and I wanted to see if cancer further attributes to any inability these demographics have,” Joseph revealed. Currently, Joseph has already reviewed lifestyles and genetic markers that attribute to cancer. Having discovered prostate cancer being passed down in families; while breast cancer can better be associated with lifestyles such as eating habits and living environments.

The second phase of Joseph’s research that he plans to continue with will be assessing areas with high cancer diagnosis and attempting to discover any environmental similarities among these regions. His end goal is to produce a cost-benefit analysis to highlight the current cost of health care Young male student sitting at a table studying and writing notesassociated with cancer treatments and compare them to the cost of transitioning to more environmental-friendly methods. Overall, Joseph clearly has a mindset a strong ambition to make the world a better place for everyone to live in.

“I did not expect Rowan to be so fulfilling, I walked in with lower expectations. However, Rowan met all my needs and then some. People both in academic resources and professors have always gone above and beyond to help me. I really appreciate this and am thankful for choosing Rowan.” Joseph stated. And Rowan is thankful to have such a dedicated and hard-working student who’s already making positive changes to the world. What goals do you have in your life that Rowan can help you achieve?

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Story and photography by: Alexander Belli
Senior, public relations and advertising double major

Passing the Torch: Studio Art Grad Gives Advice

Kelsey, in her graduation gown, holding her decorated cap

“The best way I made friends was through my photography course,” says Kelsey Ross, a studio art major within the College of Communication & Creative Arts. Kelsey came to Rowan as a freshman, from Hillsborough, NJ (Somerset County.)

“Advice I would give my high school senior self would be to do your work, and do your best even when your best isn’t good enough,” she says. 

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Story and photography by:
Dean Powers, rising sophomore, radio/TV/film major

Passing the Torch: Political Science Major from Honduras Shares Tips for Success

Edwin, in his cap and gown, stands next to his four family members outside Savitz Hall

“The best way to connect with internships is through email and on-campus job fairs,” says political science graduate Edwin Benavides from Trenton, NJ (Mercer County), who is originally from Honduras. He suggests that incoming students, “take advantage of all assistance programs provided by the University.”

The advice he’d give to high school students is to, “take honors and advanced courses” to get ahead in college, says the College of Humanities & Social Sciences graduate who transferred to Rowan. 

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