Volume 1
Issue 9
For the Kean University Student Community
October 26, 2004
The
COUGAR’SByte A Student Life & Leadership Development Publication
KEAN’S BEST KEPT SECRET Did you ever look at your tuition bill and wonder where all these ‘University fees’ are going? Much of the fees are supporting Kean’s best-kept secret: the Recreation Department at East Campus. Many students at Kean know we have a gym, but they have never seen it. Take a tour of the building and its services, and you’ll realize just how much you’ve been missing out on! Kean’s Department of Recreational Sports has a staff that’s warm and friendly, and offers an array of recreational activities specially intended for those who are not involved in varsity sports. There are the usual team sports—volleyball, baseball, basketball, flag football, all for ordinary people to enjoy. You don’t have to be an athlete—you can just come and play and have fun. But for those who aren’t as interested in traditional sports, there are fun programs like dodgeball and ping pong as well! There is also a refreshing indoor swimming pool for year-round use, as well as two excellent fitness rooms. One is the general fitness room, primarily for cardio and light weightlifting. It features Precor Treadmils, Paramount Circuits, NordicTrack and several other quality brandname machines for walking, bicycling, etc. The other fitness room is what Kean’s Director of Recreational Atheltics Robert Maslo described as a state-of-the-art weightlifting facility, most likely for heavy lifting. There are also classes available for aerobics, kickboxing, and the like. In addition to all these great features already mentioned, the Department of Recreation also helps out with several projects to benefit charity and the community. Recently, they helped coordinate the Annual Golf Tournament that raised over $90,000 for student scholarships. And, throughout the year, they sponsor a senior wellness program, host special swims for the handicapped, help with Homecoming, Greek Olympics, Project Gearup, Upward Bound, Making Strides against Breast Cancer, and much more. So many of us are paying money to use external gyms, but that doesn’t seem to make sense once you see what this great facility has to offer! Stop in and check it out. Kean’s Department of Recreation gives you the chance to get in shape and have fun at the same time! There is a shuttle available for transportation between Kean’s Main Campus and East Campus. The facilities and services at the Department of Recreational Sports are free for members of the Kean community, and guest passes are even available to students and faculty, so you can bring a friend! There’s no excuse not to take advantage of this great opportunity. So get over there and see what you’ve been missing!
Freshman Class Election Results Members of the freshman class gathered in the University Center to participate in the class elections held Thursday, October 21. With 20 percent more voters than last year, Erica Anderson was elected President of the Class of 2008 while freshmen elected Cymone Coker for Vice President, our very own, Amanda Padilla for Class Treasurer and Fabienne Gardet for Class Secretary. In addition, the following individuals were elected Class Representatives: Nikkita Blackwell, Kiona Burpee, Asia Fletcher, Christina Mercado, Keith Mills, Lisa Orefice', Jocelyn Price, Krystal Soto, and Todd Wells. Congratulations to all!
Put Yourself In The Picture! JOIN KEAN TRAVELEARN AT BIG BEN! STUDY ART AND THEATER IN LONDON, ENGLAND OVER THE HOLIDAYS! Tour the new Tate Modern and Saatchi collections, enjoy exciting exhibitions and plays, the mild winter holiday season in London, and a last chance to ride a red double-decker bus! Depart Newark December 28, 2004. Return January 8, 2005. For more information, contact Lewis Kachur, Coordinator, Art History program, at lkachur@kean.edu or Ernest Wiggins, VE 416, Theater Dept., at ernestwigg@aol.com.
For bonus news and information, visit our online edition at www.cougarsbyte.com
R E G I S T E R AT W W W. C O U G A R S B Y T E . C O M T O G ET T AD One Person CAN Make A Difference You may have seen him walking around campus, always on the go, always on a mission. You may have had the pleasure, and/or the challenge, of working with him in the boardroom, the classroom, or in the office. He’s the guy you turn to when you need a friend. He’s the guy who brings people together. He’s the guy with the right answer at the right time. But do you really know him? Meet Joel M. Thomas, the leading man behind this year’s Literacy Volunteer Campaign and Former Vice President of Funded Groups. As he prepares to celebrate his 24th Birthday on Thursday October 28th, he continues to be an active force for social change by assisting with the Up ‘Til Dawn kick-off letter writing campaign in an effort to help raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We caught up with Joel while taking a break between midterms and trying to save the world and asked him about his passion for service, his social causes, and his motivation in life. How did you come to develop such a passion for helping others? Was there a personal challenge in your life that led you down the path to service? I’ve certainly had my share of struggles. Leaving Trinidad at the age of ten and starting a new life in Brooklyn wasn’t easy. Growing up with a single mother, two younger siblings and limited means forced me to become independent and resourceful at an early age. I often found my morals tested and this taught me how to survive. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t receive help from the many people that I’ve met along the way. But, what really fueled my desire to help those most in need, were the virtues of Catholicism that my Grandmother instilled in me as a child. By no means am I a seasoned saint, but the lessons of the faith have certainly left an impression on me. And, after spending the greater part of the last decade constantly moving from one challenge to the next, I took a long hard look at my life and discovered that all I ever truly wanted to do was to help people. So, I landed a rewarding job at Kean, coordinating community service, and that allows me to be involved in student life … and make a difference. What cause do you feel most strongly about? That’s an easy one! My primary cause is poverty. Although most of us can relate to having to choose between buying food or making a car payment, I never realized what extreme poverty was until I began to travel the world and saw the harsh realties of life. Poverty can lead to greater social ills, such as drugs, crime and violence and witnessing this vicious cycle first-hand sparked my curiosity and has become the major driving force for my work on literacy, hunger, and affordable housing. At the end of the day what matters most to Joel? At the end of the day what matters most to me is the impact I have had on the lives of people around me, the difference I have made in my community, and the change I have influenced in the world. This became so clear to me while volunteering at an Orphanage in Brazil during spring break. For 2 weeks I taught English to children between the ages of five and ten, and I hadn’t realized the bond that we had developed until the last day I was there. After packing my bags ready to return to my everyday routine, I went to say goodbye for the last time. To my surprise, all the children began to cry, and so did I. It was astonishing to see that I could make such an impression on someone. And regardless of all the material things that I brought to their lives, the one thing that meant the most was the love that we shared. Do you have any advice for this year’s freshmen? Answering a question like this makes one feel so old. It’s hard to believe that I will be graduating in May. To this year’s freshmen I would say, use these years at Kean to find your passion in life. Utilize the many resources the University has to offer to better yourself, personally, professionally, and socially. So many people, including faculty, staff, and students believe in me and it continues to amaze me because I never expected to receive so much guidance and support. Kean is a community that helps those who help themselves. I am truly not the smartest person in the world nor am I the most talented at what I do. But I show up with enthusiasm, give my input while respecting the opinions of others, and I follow though in action with what I say in words. And that has made all the difference for me, and it can for you too.
Danielle Moskowitz on the job interviewing Bryan Kienlen fromThe Bouncing Souls.
This time last year I was freaking out. It was the Wednesday before Halloween when I sat in the driver’s seat of my car, parked in a spot by Hutchinson, sobbing, feeling claustrophobic in my own skin because I had to make a decision about declaring a major, a life-long commitment I believed I would never be ready to make as an ever-evolving person. Sure I wanted to become a teacher; I love kids, but what about my passions for writing, for music? I feared I’d become quaint Miss Moskowitz the elementary school teacher. Then I realized—who said committing to one thing had to ostracize me from another? Why couldn’t I do it all? Although I feel the predetermination of life, there are those scarce moments when the illusion of free-will presents itself and “you can make things happen.” This was one of those moments. I decided to go ahead and commit to teaching, but made a deeper, lifelong commitment to myself to make all things I love a reality. But how would I go about this?
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H E L AT E S T N E W S S E N T D I R E C T LY T O Y O U R E M A I L . DIY — Do It Yourself Story Scholastic Book Fair I began reflecting upon the bands that have so deeply entwined themselves in my growing up in the most positive ways through their intelligent, emotional music; about the bands I had recently started listening to and grown to love, and realized that most of them were still very much underground.
artists (handpicked by me, who I either find, or that send me press kits) who exude talent, originality, and passion in spite of genre— jazz, acoustic, hip-hop, punk rock— and in spite of career status: indie label, unsigned, major label. My belief is good music is good music!
I wanted to help other people have the opportunity to be affected by artists such as these, and I also believed these artists deserved to be heard. So I decided to create a forum where I could share these bands and ideas with more than just my friends. Without any prior interviewing experience, computer knowledge, or really any clue to what the heck I was doing, I started EqualMusic.com.
Although the site is on a very temporary hiatus since I’m a full-time student this year, check out the music columns in The Tower for features by EQ photographer, Eric and I.
I would learn everything myself and through networking create opportunities by becoming active in the music business. Fortunately, a few months into Equal Music’s start, Eric M. Hoover became the sites photographer, and one of my best friends. Together, Eric and I would trek out to various venues in the NY/NJ/PA area: I would do the interviews and he would shoot the bands.
Interestingly enough, as the one year anniversary of EqualMusic.com approaches on Halloween, The Cougar’s Byte asked me to write a piece about my site because they said my story would be one that could inspire. That’s crazy to me, but it makes me smile. If you want my advice, embrace everything in your life and only pursue what makes you feel alive—and start now.
So the Wednesday before Halloween last year I “got” what it is that I wanted to do, or at least where I wanted to begin and just three days later on Halloween, I did my first 3 interviews with the wonderful bands: Murder By Death, My Chemical Romance and Vaux! EqualMusic.com has become a place where through developing relationships with publicists and record labels, I interview
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U.S. Mobile Post Office Stamps, stationary, money orders, retail packaging and regular postal services are available at the Mobile Post Office for students, faculty and staff. The Mobile Postal Van is parked next to the University Center on the following days: Tuesday 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wednesday 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Excluding the first Wednesday of each month)
Beat the holiday store rush and purchase the latest best-selling children's books on Monday, November 1, Wednesday, November 3 and Thursday, November 4, at the University Center Atrium from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hosted by Kean University Child Care Center (KUCC) and its parent-teacher organization, Child Care Center Families at Kean (CCFK), a portion of the proceeds fund field trips and other extra-curricular activities for the children at KUCC.
CICRA CICRA, Caribbean Islanders Council for Radical Autonomy, is one of Student Organizations funded groups making Cultural Awareness a priority. During meetings, CICRA celebrates different cultures directly related to its members, as well as discussing issues dealing with the Caribbean, such as, raising money to help Haitians affected by the hurricane. In addition to their meetings, fundraisers and participation in community service projects, CIRCA co-hosts Culture Fest with International Student Association (ISA) every year during Unity Week. CICRA holds meetings every Monday at 3:30pm-4:50pm in the University Center, room 337A. Everyone is welcome to attend meetings and don’t worry - you don’t have to be Caribbean to join! On November 1, CICRA will be having a Bake Sale in Hutchinson Lobby from 4 to 8pm. This is your chance to come out and meet a powerful group! For more information, stop by Student Organization in the University Center, room 321 or call them at (908) 737-5190.
James Madison Graduate Fellowship The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation seeks applicants committed to a career in teaching American history, American government, or social studies at the secondary level. Fellows must pursue either a MA, MAT or, M.Ed. with an emphasis on American History, government, or political science. Awarding up to $24,000 to teachers of American History the deadline to apply is March 1, 2005. Visit their website at http://www.jamesmadison.com for more information.
PLEASE JOIN US IN CONGRATULATING IRIS NEGRON, NEWLY ELECTED SOPHMORE CLASS TREASURER!
NEW SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM BRIDGES THE GAP It’s time for Kean University to give a big welcome to the 18 freshmen, most just out of high school, enrolled in our exciting new Science & Technology Education program! This program, as part of the NJ Center for Science & Technology Education, features an outreach program for high school students in science classes, as well as students currently enrolled at Kean University. This unique five-year program offering a combined BS/MS, gives students the opportunity to get both their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in one shot, rather than going four years for a BS followed by another two years for the MS. Of course, this means that the program is highly intensive and focused, and requires a true dedication to academic excellence. Following acceptance to Kean University, the students must apply separately to the program. Dr. Laura Lorentzen explained that among the areas examined are SAT scores, GPA, essay writing, and a formal interview is also conducted. Ultimately, students must demonstrate proficient ability and interest in science and math.
Jamie Marts states “It might be a little hard now but that’s because it’s a new program.” With many classes ranging from 3 to 6 hours long, Geanna Bonavitacola, pointed out: “Since the classes are very long, you need a really good attention span.” The curriculum, including programming and virtual chemistry, held in a computer lab, offers a truly unique and highly engaging experience. “It is demanding, and the course load is heavier than most freshmen would be accustomed to,” agreed Sara Pinhancos, “but we did get laptops, and scholarships, so tuition is paid, and we’ll have this experience and gain more knowledge than most math/biology teachers would have.” Another one of the currently enrolled students, Brian Rasimowicz added “I like the program. It’s a little long, but it’s a good experience.” Given that the program is especially designed to train students to be high school science and math teachers or industrial scientists in biotech/ pharmaceutical companies, at the end of the second year students must make their official decision as to whether they will earn a Master’s degree for teaching or for industrial science. Luckily, they have four semesters to figure it out!
The program also offers a unique situation where the newly enrolled are put together in the same classes. This makes for a closeknit group, and can really add to the fun and sense of camaraderie. “It’s good because we’re all together and we see each other all the time, so we can help each other,” said Sara. The students also attend study groups under the instruction of their professors, to ensure that they are grasping the material. Dr. Takeyce Whittingham explained, “Every week there’s a study group for the students. The 18 students are broken down into about 4 groups to provide a smaller setting for individualized attention.” One thing is certain, all the students in Thursday morning’s study group agree, the support of the faculty members is abundant. The dedication of the students pursuing this highly concentrated, rigorously demanding program is truly admirable and their extra efforts now will surely be rewarded later.
Lighting The Night On Wednesday, October 20, more than 100 individuals, with at least 50 percent being Kean students, took part in the Candlelight Vigil raising awareness on the issue of domestic violence. “I was surprised to learn that most victims of domestic violence are women between the ages of 1624,” said Cindy Ochia, a junior Management Science major. “So many helpful tips were introduced that will help me assist a friend who finds herself in this unfortunate situation.” Najah Lockhart, a junior Education major, also found the event helpful and informative. “I plan to work with young child and as a teacher you can never know exactly what a child’s home life is like, so the information presented was truly beneficial for me.” Joel Thomas, coordinator of the event, found the evening touching, informative and relevant and was happy with the show of support Kean University displayed for this wonderful cause.
Remember The Memorabilia! Rich Lemonie, one of the editors of the Memorabilia, Kean University’s yearbook, is very enthusiastic about this year’s edition. “This year is especially fun and exciting because we are celebrating the 150 year anniversary of Kean University,” he says proudly. “We have a Kean University historian providing historical data so that we can incorporate pictures of the campus and faculty from the past 150 years to show Kean then and now.” Although Rich and Mark Mullee, co-editor, are working hard to make the yearbook great, they still need your help! Currently, the Memorabilia has only four staff members, and they are eager to recruit new members! Staff members take pictures, write articles, and create layouts in the computer program InDesign. Happy to take volunteers regardless of their experience, Rich stresses the occasional extra benefits, “You get tickets to Kean’s concerts, backstage passes so you can meet the bands, and lots of other great perks.” Rich adds, “We try to capture every aspect of campus life.” If you are interested in working on the Memorial, please contact keanmemorabilia@yahoo.com. Also, if you don’t want to be on the Memorabilia staff but you would like to help, you can still purchase previous editions of the Memorabilia, as far back as the 1970’s. Rich emphasizes that sales of the yearbook yield money to put towards the necessary equipment, such as a new camera, to make the Memorabilia successful.
For bonus news and information, visit our online edition at www.cougarsbyte.com