Today we feature Ashleigh Jankowski, a senior Biomedical Engineering major and Chemistry minor and a Manufacturing Engineer Intern for the startup biotech company Vectech. Ashleigh serves as Service Chair for Society of Women Engineers and President of the Biomedical Engineering Society and is a member of the Food Insecurity Committee and Rowan Unified Sports. Since […]
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10 Inclusive Clubs at Rowan University
Looking for a safe space or ways to connect with others on campus? Here are some clubs and organizations available at Rowan to check out!
1. Queer People of Color
Queer People of Color (or QPOC) is a “multi-cultural, LGBTQ+ social group that works to promote well-being, inclusion and diversity to students of all backgrounds,” according to its website.
The club “[aims] to build community and relationships, as well as educate each other about cultural and LGBTQ+ issues. Allies of all walks of life welcome and inclusive to all races, sexual orientations, gender identities, etc.”
To learn more about QPOC and its president, Jahnaya Peyton, watch this video produced by Rowan Blog.
2. Women in Business
According to their website, the Women in Business Club is “a network of professionals committed to empowering, supporting, and guiding the men, and especially women, of Rowan University to achieve success in their future business endeavors.
“With the understanding that women face unique challenges, we strive to inspire learning and communication. Our inclusive programs are dedicated to personal and professional growth through discussions, speakers, and conferences.”
3. Men of Color Alliance
The Men of Color Alliance (MOCA) is a club that aims “to create a safe place,” according to its site.
“As an organization we strive to help educate and change the negative stereotypes placed upon minority men,” says MOCA Director of Outreach Chair Naledge Brown.
“We as an organization give men an outlet to be themselves as well as help provide them tools to function at a high level in today’s world. We also help educate young minority boys on higher education, trade schools, and credit. While also providing them with a ‘big brother,’ they can just talk about anything with (life, sports, etc.),” adds Naledge.
To learn more about MOCA, watch this video produced by Rowan Blog.
4. True Colors at Rowan University
As stated by their site, True Colors is a safer space organization recognized by the Office of Social Justice, Inclusion, and Conflict Resolution. They welcome any and all students from the LGBTQIAAPPD community and its allies. They promote self-care, self-acceptance, and self-expression while providing a safe space for Rowan’s LGBTQ+ community to hang out, discuss issues and meet other community members and allies.
5. Unified Sports Club
According to its Campus Labs page, Rowan United Sports is “where Rowan students (Unified Partners) and Special Olympics athletes come together to play on the same team for soccer in the fall and basketball in the spring.
“The goal of the Rowan Unified Sports Club is to promote friendship and inclusion through sports while still keeping a competitive atmosphere.”
The club offers opportunities to play, coach or volunteer. They “encourage all no matter what walk of life or athletic ability to join us in our Unified family.”
In 2018, ESPN visited Rowan to nationally recognize the Unified Sports Club; watch this special event here.
6. Phi Sigma Pi
“Phi Sigma Pi is a national, gender-inclusive fraternity dedicated to promoting life-long learning, cultivating lasting relationships and offering various leadership opportunities through our core values of Scholarship, Leadership, Fellowship, and Service,” says Eta Mu Chapter President Christina Gentile.
“It is our organization’s mission and personal motto to ‘Improve Humanity with Honor.’ We are an opportunity to meet a diverse group of students on Rowan’s campus that you may not meet otherwise, gain life-long friendships and make memories that you will happily remember long past graduation,” adds Christina.
“We are very passionate about staying involved on campus, fundraising for a variety of organizations, and supporting current events such as our philanthropies, Habitat for Humanity and HOBY, CHOP, the Black Lives Matter movement, and The SHOP on Rowan’s campus.”
7. United Latinos Association
ULA, according to its page, “[is] all about providing a space for people of different cultural backgrounds to celebrate their culture while learning about others. They also work to educate others about issues that the Latino community faces.”
8. South Asian Students Association
A newer organization on campus, the South Asian Students Association (SASA) aims to” foster a community” among South Asian students.
SASA plans to host networking opportunities, formals and service events all centered around “[having] fun while celebrating and spreading our culture.” The organization’s goal is to “be an inclusive community to anyone interested in or a part of South Asian culture.”
9. Prism
“Prism is Rowan’s LGBTQ+ activism organization,” says Prism President Ella Emmer.
“In addition to educating, advocating, and supporting our members, we also provide a safe space for our members to hang out and have fun. Our overarching goal is to create a reality of chosen family between our community, while creating change at the same time,” adds Ella.
To learn more about Ella and Prism, watch this video produced by Rowan Blog.
10. American Sign Language Club
According to its site, the Rowan ASL Club is a unique, fun and interesting club to get involved with! The club “[focuses] on learning some ASL, learning about Deaf culture, helping in the Deaf community, and having a blast doing all of the above!” You do not need prior knowledge of or experience with ASL to join.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
#PROFspective: Rising Senior Psychology Major Callie DeMaria
Today we feature rising Senior Psychology Major Callie DeMaria. Callie is an off-campus resident from Little Egg Harbor, NJ (Ocean County). Callie is a first-generation college student.
On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic, and social responsibilities are you juggling?
On my busiest day, I usually have two classes I have to attend, then I usually spend the bulk of my day in Savitz Hall in the Admissions Office either doing office work or giving tours at the Welcome Center, then I will usually attend an event my sorority would be hosting or compete in an intramural game, and finally, I usually get dinner with my friends. To end the day, I will go to the library for an hour or two to finish up on some homework.
Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge?
I never had a moment of uncertainty within my major. I was very stressed about what I would do with my Psychology degree. Until last year, I had no idea. Then one of my professors introduced me to Applied Behavior Analysis. After hearing about it, I knew that is exactly what I wanted to do. Now, I am applying to graduate school to receive my Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Tell us about one moment that made you feel like Rowan was the right fit for you.
I knew Rowan was the right fit for me when I took a tour of the campus. My tour guide was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all my questions. I was very interested in a lot of the clubs my tour guide mentioned as well. As soon as I got to campus, I got heavily involved and through my involvement, Rowan became my second home.
Tell us about your transition into college and how you pushed through any challenges.
College was not an easy transition for me. I was a homebody in high school, so leaving my family was very hard. I won’t lie, the first few weeks were hard. But once I got involved, and started to meet new friends, I didn’t want to leave campus. Since I forced myself to go outside my comfort zone, it helped me to feel more at home and more comfortable at Rowan.
What advice would you give your high school self about choosing a college?
The advice I would give my high school self would be to choose the college that feels like home once you step on campus, that has a ton of internships and opportunities for me, and the college that has a lot of extracurricular clubs and organizations I would love to join.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
#PROFspective: Sophomore Health Promotion and Wellness Management Major Brianna Bentley
Today we feature sophomore Brianna Bentley, a first-generation college student. She is a Health Promotion and Wellness Management major with a minor in Psychology. Brianna commutes from her home in Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County). We were able to speak to her just before she was getting ready to leave campus because of social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19.
What academic and social clubs are you a part of?
I am a part of Unified
Sports, Pre-Allied Health Club, and American Sign Language Club.
Do you have any on-campus jobs?
When the campus reopens, I will be working at the Rec Center!
Why did you choose a university close to home?
I couldn’t imagine being too far from my family, and Rowan was the only college I toured that felt like “home” away from home.
How do you get that “away” feeling while close to home?
Hanging out with friends on campus, whether that is to study or have fun.
What is the most interesting thing you did on campus this year?
I helped out at the Unified Sports Championship game.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned in a class this year?
All of the material I learned in Psych of Human Sexuality! I highly recommend this course to anyone; I left each class feeling like I learned something new about myself.
What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?
Enjoy every moment, get involved, study hard, and make memories you’ll never forget!
What’s the best decision you’ve made since you got to college?
Volunteering with the Get Fit program.
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Story and photography by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
#PROFspective: Senior Environmental and Sustainability Studies Major Taylor Melillo
Today we speak with Taylor Melillo, a senior Environmental and Sustainability Studies major within the School of Earth and Enviroment. She also has three minors in Geographical Information Science, Sustainable Built Environments, and Community & Environmental Planning at Rowan. Taylor is from Brick, NJ (Ocean County) and has lived on campus all four years. Taylor will be the first person in her immediate family to go to college and get a bachelor’s degree. Taylor will share with us 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.
How have you gotten involved at Rowan? I played club volleyball my 
freshman and sophomore year, and became a member of the RowanGeo Club. After playing volleyball I also became an active member of Unified Sports. I then joined Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed national service fraternity, my sophomore year. I even held an e-board position within this organization!
What inspired you to choose your major? I chose to be an Environmental and Sustainability Studies major due to the hardships and damage I witnessed my hometown endure during Hurricane Sandy. I was a freshman in high school when Hurricane Sandy struck us. It was life-changing and devastating to see my whole area become destroyed. It was when I saw the cleanup and restoration process that I started focusing on learning about the environment and how I can help out in anyway possible.
What would you share with a future student interested in your major? To a future student interested in Environmental and Sustainability Studies: All I can say is, you’re in good hands. You will learn a new way of thinking and be able to speak your mind and opinions about topics you care about. The professors within the department are extremely helpful, accommodating and knowledgeable. You will get to know each and every one of them pretty well! They will most definitely push you to learn new material, as well as focus on your future endeavors.
How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field? With my degree I want to be able to say I am I helping the world in a positive way, while doing what I love. I just want to feel as though I am giving back to the planet. I want to help clean up the damage humans have already done while also helping to prevent further damage. I am also a big beach girl!!
Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a Rowan professor in which you felt like you were working with a visionary in your field. With the department being rather small, you will get to know almost every professor within four years. One professor that has helped me endlessly was Professor Federman. Whether it was on a club hike, a lecture in one of the three classes I had with him, or just venting about my future, he was always ready to help in any way possible. I struggled a bit with what I wanted to do with my life and what career path I wanted to take, being that I’m very indecisive, just as everyone is at this time in their lives. I had moments of wanting to be a pharmacist, a dentist, or even an FBI agent. But, confiding with him throughout my four years made me realize that I needed to do what made me happy and that was something within the environmental field. Overall you will have the support and guidance you need at Rowan and I am proud to end these last four years strong and as a Prof!
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major
Senior Reflects: Psychology Major Nicole Byrne Shares Her Favorite Rowan Moments
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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Psychology Major “Breaks Labels” with Academic Success Center
Spend just five minutes with Matt Corsi, and it’s impossible not to smile — this Psychology major’s positivity and enthusiasm are infectious.
The transfer student from Deptford, NJ (Gloucester County) arrived on campus one week early this semester as part of College Compass, a program that provides students with disabilities with a transition into college life through early housing, workshops and campus tours.
Matt has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, but for him, helping others plays a far more important role than his own disabilities.
“I’m here to rip the label off, break the label. We’re more than that with hard work, with a heart, with passion,” he says.
A new student himself, Matt actually served on College Compass as a peer mentor. He received accommodations as a student at Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ), which referred him to Rowan’s Academic Success Center (ASC, also known as the Disabilities Resource Center) when he enrolled at the university.
When he arrived at Rowan, he met with ASC Director John Woodruff, who said, “‘I want to have you on our peer mentoring team,’” Matt recalls.
In this role, Matt guided freshmen and fellow transfer students starting out at Rowan. He reveals he didn’t have to know everything on campus to be a good mentor; it was counseling students in areas where they struggled and helping them grow where he felt he could be most useful. Matt says he left the group with this quote: “Maximizing your potential will lead to your success.” He sees himself reflected in this message.
“If I can implement that to them, and they can see that I’ve done it, then I hope they’re more willing to do it, because they can, if they’ve really put everything into it,” Matt says.
Matt hopes to grow his leadership skills through Unified Sports, which he was part of at RCSJ for multiple years and for one as president.
“Unified Sports. That is my heart. I know Rowan has a championship school. It grows them socially and in so many aspects than in just sports. I have seen students who had anger issues who are now helping other students out,” Matt says.
Matt wants to be a mental health counselor post-grad, working with those with issues who he says “can [still] contribute” despite a social “stigma.”
So how does Matt stay so positive? He draws strength not only from helping others, but from defying the odds.
“Doctors told me my whole life I wouldn’t make it through college, and if I did, I would barely make it,” he shares. “And I graduated RCSJ and represented the whole class when I graduated.
“A lot of times we don’t know how much we can do. But when we say we’re going to give it our best and we do it — it doesn’t matter, that’s a victory.”
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Alumni Success: William Moylan, Special Education Teacher
William Moylan graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Subject Matter Education/Math (2013) and master’s in Special Education (2015). From Park Ridge, NJ (Bergen County), William chose Rowan because he liked the small school feel and the respected education program. The distance was also perfect for him — Rowan was close enough for it to be “close to home” but also far enough away so he could “get away.”
Bill worked in the Recreation Center when he attended Rowan. He says that many of the essential skills that helped him then and later in life were provided by the Rec Center, such as resume building, social skills and figuring out where he wanted to take his career.
Bill also worked with Unified Sports, a program where Special Olympics athletes and Rowan students come together to play competitive games; it also offered students volunteer coaching opportunities. This experience led Bill down the career path he’s in now in special education. It helped him realize how important working in a positive atmosphere is, and he wanted to instill that feeling to more students.
Bill recalled his idea to have he and the other coaches start wearing suits to their games. Along with suits, they’d wear different outfits for certain events, like pink for breast cancer awareness and Hawaiian shirts for the Hawaiian Invitational event. This tradition, along with others started by Bill and his friends, carries on to this day.
Bill said the most exciting thing he’s currently doing is working with the Special Olympics and Unified Sports, “being able to make an impact on individuals with intellectual disabilities and how that environment around Unified and the atmosphere can trickle into every day life and society,” he explained.
The most fulfilling part of his career now is working with the intellectually disabled, being able use his youth right now to show that he’s been in their shoes and that their struggles are OK. He shows them a perspective from an inclusive atmosphere to help them be able to grow.
Bill teaches math at Whippany Park High School, where he says he always talks to his students about the positive environment you can find in college and in general how valuable the experience of college can be.
This is Bill’s fifth year teaching, and the first year that he’s seeing students he’s been with throughout their high school experience graduate and move on to college. He says 12-15 of his students are coming to Rowan for the class of 2023.
When asked if he had any advice for students interested in his career path, Bill believes the biggest thing that made his application stand out from others was his involvement with the Rec Center, Unified Sports and the Special Olympics. Bill urges any student to start joining clubs and getting these valuable experiences as soon as they can. He mentioned that he started working with Unified Sports during his junior year and wishes he had started even sooner.
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Story by:
Dean Powers, sophomore radio/TV/film major
Photos courtesy of:
William Moylan
#PROFspective: Athletic Training Major Maribeth Novsak
Today, we speak with Maribeth Novsak, a freshman athletic training major from Cape May Court House (Cape May County), NJ, who lives on campus in Willow Hall. Maribeth 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 […]
#PROFspective: Chemical Engineering Major Dylan Regan
Today, we speak with Dylan Regan, a freshman chemical engineering major from Toms River (Ocean County), NJ, who lives on campus in Holly Pointe Commons. Dylan will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a […]
#PROFspective: Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management & Political Science Major Kevin McCarthy
Today, we speak with Kevin McCarthy, a freshman disaster preparedness and emergency management, and political science major from Cranford (Union County), NJ, who lives on campus in Willow Hall. Kevin will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his […]
#PROFspective: Computer Science Major Brian Chesko
Today, we speak with Brian Chesko, a freshman computer science major from Hamilton (Mercer County), NJ, who lives on campus. Brian will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: Brian Chesko […]
#PROFspective: Accounting Major Kyle Perez
Today, we speak with Kyle Perez, a freshman accounting major from Robbinsville (Mercer County), NJ, who lives on campus in Holly Pointe Commons. Kyle will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof. […]
#PROFspective: Mechanical Engineering Major Alexa Aulicino
Today, we speak with Alexa Aulicino, a freshman mechanical engineering major from Cinnaminson (Burlington County), NJ, who lives on campus in Holly Pointe Commons. Alexa 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 […]
#PROFspective: Radio, TV & Film Major Nasir Nichols
Today, we speak with Nasir Nichols, a freshman radio/TV/film major from Paterson (Passaic County), NJ, who lives on campus in Laurel Hall. Nasir will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: Nasir Nichols […]
#PROFspective: Secondary Health and Physical Education Major Joe Frascella
Today, we speak with Joe Frascella, a freshman secondary health and physical education major from East Windsor (Mercer County), NJ, who lives on campus in Willow Hall. Joe will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as […]