Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X Lecture » Page 2
L'Oréal Company's First Biology Intern »Page 7
VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 8
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Kean Celebrates Black History Month
Activities and events students can look forward to Petruce Jean-Charles
K
Staff Writer
ean University likes to shine light and show acceptance of different races and cultures. Black History Month is a time for the Kean community to get together and celebrate the accomplishments, achievements and struggles that many African American people went through. From Feb. 1 to Feb. 28, students can become engaged and involved in many different activities. Black History Month 2018 at Kean University is sponsored by the Office of Academic Affairs, Office of Africana Studies, the Center for Leadership and Service, the Graduate and Parttime Student Council (GPSC), Kean Stage, the Pan-African Student Union (PASU), the Office of Student Government, Student Organization of Kean University, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and many other campus student organizations and departments. The schedule for Black History Month 2018 includes the following and many more: ■ Feb. 1 - Black History Month Kickoff from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. hosted by the Student Organization of Kean University and P.U.L.S.E located in the Human Rights Institute ■ Feb. 5 - Black History is American History from 9 to 10 p.m. hosted by Office of Residential Student Services located in the New Upper Multi-Purpose Room ■ Feb. 6 - African Dance Class from 7 to 9 p.m. hosted by Student Organization located in D'Angola Gym Room D192
TUESDAY | JANUARY 30| 2018
www.cougarsbyte.com
Greek Letters Galore at Meet The Greeks Spring 2018!
The spring semester kicked off with Greek Life EXPO at Harwood Arena
■ Feb 9 - Ladysmith Black Mambazo from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. hosted by Kean Stage located in the Enlow Recital Hall ■ Feb. 20 - Interracial Love Part 2 from 6 to 7 p.m. hosted by Office of Residential Student Services located in the New Upper Multipurpose Room Additional events and activities can be found within the Black History Month 2018 calendar. Take the time out of the day to go to one of these events! Kean University's departments like the Center for Leadership and Service, Student Organization and many more have set events up so that each student has the opportunity to learn, explore and experience! Petruce Jean-Charles, junior communicationjournalism major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.
Marcus Van Diver
O
Staff Writer
n a cool and crisp January afternoon, students, faculty, alumni and students from other schools patiently waited in a lengthy line that stretched throughout the outer hallway of Kean University's Harwood Arena. Two tall, grey metal detectors adjacent to three plastic tables were in front of the pathway of the students and faculty, accompanied by multiple police officers anticipating to check in students' bags and personal belongings, as the audience members awaited the amusement and entertainment that their event would bring. As identification cards were processed and approved by the event's employees, active members of Greek organizations, Kean alumni, students and other fans of Greek Life filled the spacious Harwood Arena.
Greek letters and vivacious Greek designs that commemorate the 30 different organizations at Kean blanketed the blue and white padded walls and the carpet beneath them. On the floor, the architects of the murals dedicated to honoring their organizations appeared synonymous with their organization's colors. No matter how big or small each group's numbers were, their uniqueness through their designs and outfits helped to attract those who had even the slightest of inclination about Greek Life to learn more about why it is so great. Ecstatic fraternity and sorority members in the middle of the floor and inquisitive members of the Kean community who walked from one Greek table to another only meant one thing: Meet The Greeks was back.
SEE "GREEKS" ON PAGE 4
Find out How To Get Kean University Foundation More Involved at Kean Scholarship is Available! A scholarship available to all students Involvement Week!
A week commemorating and recognizing the 170 Kean student organizations starting Monday, Feb. 5, to Feb. 9 Marcus Van Diver
K
Staff Writer
ean University's Involvement Center is hosting an informational campus-wide week for students to learn about the 170 student groups and organizations across Kean's three campuses: Kean Ocean, Kean-Wenzhou. and the Union campus. Titled "Involvement Week", students will be exposed to finding out about the various and diverse organizations on campus. Each of these organizations has a unique mission and purpose and contributes differently to the campus community. During this week (Feb. 5 to Friday, Feb. 9) these student groups and organizations will showcase their uniqueness through several activities. Collectively, these organizations hosted more than 1,000 student events last year. Whether the events were bake sales hosted by these groups, or charity-driven events to benefit the Kean community and other communities surrounding it, over 52,600 hours of community service were put in by the student body over the past academic year to make the world a better place. For students who want to get involved, there are tons of benefits for helping out the Kean community. Learning new things, building a resume, networking, making experiences that last a lifetime and making new friends all factor into students wanting to participate in helping the campus outreach.
Brandon Gervais
T
Staff Writer
he Kean University Foundation works to sponsor the education of Kean students ranging from incoming freshmen to undergraduates and graduate students. The scholarships available may be tied to specific majors at Kean or for any major. The requirements are based on academic merit. The Kean University Foundation scholarship allows interested students to fill out an online application to be submitted and have their application be considered for a multitude of awards. Based on the requirements each entrant meets, they are considered for different scholarships based on Kean year, availability, major, involvement, GPA and financial need. Most of the scholarships offered by the Kean University Foundation are one-time awards, and all Foundation Scholarships are awarded based on active donor support, which means not all scholarships listed are available every year. The application opened Dec. 1, 2017 and students interested have until March 1, 2018 to submit their applications. The priority deadline for incoming freshmen is Feb. 1, 2018.
Foundation is willing to offer or would like more information about scholarships, they can go scholarship services page and complete an application. For more information contact the Scholarship Services Office at 908-737-3480.
If anyone is interested in submitting an application to be considered for the many different scholarships the Kean
Brandon Gervais, freshman English education double major, is a member of The Cougar's Byte staff.
SEE "INVOLVEMENT" ON PAGE 6
Make Sure To Get Your Copy
Pass by The Cougar's Byte table for a picture and a copy
A Leadership and Service Publication for the Kean University Student Community
PAGE 2
TUESDAY | JANUARY 30 | 2018
KEAN UNIVERSITY
CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE
Miron Student Center, room 215 1000 Morris Avenue • Union, NJ 07083 P: 908-737-5179 • F: 908-737-5175 cbyte@kean.edu • www.cougarsbyte.com The Cougar’s Byte is a leadership and service newsletter where you will find up-to-theminute information on all things related to student life at Kean University. A student news publication that features University events and student activities and accomplishments, The Cougar’s Byte strengthens the overall experience of students by immersing them in the complete college culture. By increasing awareness of all aspects of campus life, students can utilize everything Kean has to offer, while networking and paving the path for their academic and social development. Published every other Tuesday during the regular academic year, The Cougar’s Byte can be viewed both online, at www.cougarsbyte.com, and in print, distributed biweekly to over 15 campus locations on the Union and Ocean campuses of Kean University. The Cougar’s Byte welcomes Letters to the Editor, calendar events, event news and information, articles, story ideas, artwork and digital photo submissions. To learn more about our publishing policy visit www.cougarsbyte.com.
Caleb Lopez
Senior Editor lopezcal@kean.edu
Lucas Hernandez
Graphic Design & Marketing Manager hernluca@kean.edu
Michael Carfagno
Creative Media Manager carfagnm@kean.edu
Brandon Gervais Staff Writer gervaisb@kean.edu
Petruce Jean-Charles Staff Writer jeanchap@kean.edu
Abigail Anne Rafael Staff Writer rafaela@kean.edu
Marcus Van Diver Staff Writer vandivem@kean.edu
Patricia Cenit
Graphic Design Specialist cenitp@kean.edu
Omar Inca
Graphic Design Specialist incao@kean.edu
Danielle Thomas
Graphic Design Specialist thomasd2@kean.edu
The Other Sides of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X
Malcolm X Associate, Peter Bailey, guest speaks at Kean University as tribute to the true characters of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X Abigail Anne Rafael
O
Staff Writer
n Jan. 25, 2018 Malcolm X associate, A. Peter Bailey, gave an insightful presentation discussing the similarities between Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. at the Miron Student Center Little Theater. Bailey is a journalist, author, and lecturer. He also helped establish The Organization of AfroAmerican Unity (OAAU) with Malcolm X. Bailey was a close colleague of Malcolm X and was even one of the last people who spoke to Malcolm X on the day of his assassination on Feb. 21, 1965. He later served as a pallbearer at Macolm X's funeral. He has since written and lectured throughout the country about Malcolm X and has made notable contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and its collection of writings. Bailey was invited to speak at Kean University by the Office of Africana Studies. Bailey's goal in his lecture was to educate the masses about the other sides of Civil Rights leaders, Malcolm X and King, who are not popularized by the media or school textbooks. The presentation began through the introductions of the Office of Africana Studies's director, James Conyers, Ph.D., who is a close friend of Bailey. He explained Bailey's many accomplishments and credibility toward the subject before giving him the stage. Bailey first addressed the audience saying, "To the young people--you all hear about the King that you celebrate and talk about, but it is all just a small part of who he was. But I have new information today." He then proceeded to criticize the reduction of King's character as pertaining only to his "I Have a Dream" speech, which was spoken at the March on Washington in 1963. Bailey emphasized that King had spoken more remarkable things on that day. He notes that this can be verified by the Washington Post's documentations that King's speech had prompted the FBI to launch its biggest surveillance operation in history in preparation for any mass uproar that may result from his speeches. Bailey went on to explain his own position about King during when King was still alive. At the time, Bailey was in his mid 20's and labeled himself a "Malcolmite." Bailey admitted that he and other Malcolmites had believed that if you supported Malcolm X, you could not support King or vice versa. It took Bailey a couple years of reading and thinking to come to realize the many similarities the two national leaders had. He notes that
Creative Media Specialist delpretc@kean.edu
Noah Dobson
Creative Media Specialist dobsonn@kean.edu
Mary Linen
Creative Media Specialist linenm@kean.edu
Martin Alonso
Graduate Assistant, The Cougar's Byte
Scott K. Snowden Jr.
Director, Center for Leadership and Service
A. Peter Bailey, a Malcolm X associate, speaks at the 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute on Thursday., Jan. 25, 2018 in the Miron Student Center Little Theatre. Malcolm X had actually gone to Selma to support the then imprisoned King. Because Malcolm X was a significant figure, his presence made authorities more hesitant about killing King. Malcolm X also gave a riveting speech that, to the surprise of many, talked about topics more typically attributed to King rather than the call to violence that Malcolm X is often stereotyped as advocating. Bailey notes how one 14-year-old girl, who had marched on Bloody Sunday, was disappointed that the aggressive Malcolm X she had thought to exist had not shown through in the speech.
of the letters Bailey discussed were responded to by the rival party.
"I say this to show Malcolm X's influence is outside the impact of what you all hear about him. He had a relationship with Martin Luther King Jr. Now, I'm not saying they were 'homeboys' or 'bff 's,' but I do believe they had a relationship because they both had a commitment to the cause. With this commitment, they would've found some type of way to work together," Bailey clarified.
Bailey hinted that these commonalities between King and Malcolm X caused the government to fear a unity, prompting the eventual assassination of both national leaders, as well as the distortion of both of their characters over time. Bailey then ended his presentation reminding the audience to continue their exploration into the true characters of MLK and Malcolm X and to commemorate their true selves in their upcoming birthdays and assassination days.
According to Bailey, one man who knew of this relationship and feared it was John Edgar Hoover who was the first Director of the FBI. Bailey exemplified this by sharing a quote by Hoover to the then Senator Lyndon B. Johnson which said, "We wouldn't have any problem if we could get those two guys fighting, if we could get them to kill one another off..." Bailey explained that the fear of a potential relationship between Malcolm X and King is due to the fact that the two could've and would've surely eventually come together to create a serious national movement. In fact, both Malcolm X and King had written correspondents to one another about uniting in each other's rallies at separate points in time. Unfortunately, neither
Still, Bailey went on to remark about the similar thoughts between the two national leaders. He quoted parts of speeches from King that addressed issues in a surprisingly Malcolm X way. In the same fashion, he unveiled Malcolm X quotes that shared the same ideologies as King. Bailey told many quotes in order to emphasize the other sides of both Malcolm X and King and the commonalities shared that are not popularly known by the masses.
Bailey's insightful presentation lead to many questions during the post presentation Question and Answer segment. Most of the questions pertained to where more information about the characters of King and Malcolm X could be found. It was obvious by the audience's thirst for more knowledge that there is still more to learn about the subject.
Abigail Anne Rafael, a sophomore communicationpublic relations major, is a member of The Cougar's Byte staff.
Research By Students Registration for Research Day has begun Caleb Lopez
Christopher Del Prete
Abigail Anne Rafael | The Cougar's Byte
R
Staff Writer
esearch Days is set to take place on April 24-25 in the spring semester of 2018 in the STEM Building, and all students and faculty who are engaging in a research project are encouraged to join. This event has always been a positive experience for students and seeks to continue in such fashion next year. Research Days is an awesome event where both students and faculty come together to exhibit their research projects to the university. Through this event, Kean University continues to inspire and spur individuals into contributing to research and the advancement of knowledge. "Kean Research Days is a campus-wide event that brings together students from all disciplines," said Reenat Hasan, the assistant director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. "This event provides a platform for students to showcase their research work and creative endeavors. At this event, students are able to present their research to a
general audience, share their findings with the campus community and also attend faculty and fellow student oral presentations and poster exhibits on various innovative topics." Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to register for Research Days as long as their research is original and supervised by faculty. Oral presentations and posters are some of the permitted styles of presenting research. This event not only is a great way for students to display their research, but it ultimately brings students and faculty together. Much of students' academic careers are dominated by faculty teaching and assigning work. Yet on Research Days, students and faculty work together in their research. "University Research Days celebrates the research and creative work of faculty and students at Kean," Hasan mentioned. "Preference is given to faculty student collaborative projects. Over the years, we have seen an increase in faculty student led research teams. Faculty also serve as advisers on the student led research projects and guide them throughout the
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process. Hence, this event provides an opportunity for faculty and students to collaborate on interesting intellectual projects." Faculty presentations and a keynote speech is scheduled for April 24. Student presentations will take place on April 25. Student registration for Research Days is currently open, and it will remain open until Feb. 25. It is important to
www.cougarsbyte.com
note that registration may close prior to Feb. 25, depending on whether spots fill up quickly. Thus, students are encouraged to register as soon as possible. To register, click here. For more information, visit the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs or visit their website. Caleb Lopez, junior psychology major, is a member of The Cougar's Byte staff
TUESDAY | JANUARY 30 | 2018
PAGE 3
The Very Involved Isaac Taylor!
Get to know Isaac Taylor and learn about all of his involvement here on campus Brandon Gervais
I
Staff Writer
saac Taylor is a sophomore at Kean and has already been involved in multiple community service projects to help build a strong involvement resume. He is secretary of the Biology Club, a resident assistant, PARC AC, former freshmen class secretary, current representative for the sophomore class and a Silver Leader with the Leadership Institute. He is able to balance his major in cell & molecular biology with all of his involvement and responsibilities at Kean. As of the end of Spring 2017, Isaac has been secretary of the Biology Club. The Biology Club is a club for those in and around the biology major. They come together with a common interest in biology and work together to raise funds for their club events and serve the Kean community. Isaac, being a cell & molecular biology major, plans to graduate from Kean and go on to medical school to work in the surgery field or in toxicology. "Because we are not funded by the University, we hold a lot of bake sales and fundraisers to raise money for the Biological Conference we hold in April, where we have people who work in the science majors come and give speeches to the students." Isaac Taylor is a sophomore at Kean and has already been involved in multiple community service projects and has grown a strong involvement resume. A PARC AC is an activities coordinator for residential student services. Isaac helps with the on campus programs for the residential community.
dorms and oversee student activities.
future leaders and volunteers on campus.
"We as RAs are held to a very high standard, academically and morally. We are leaders on campus, so every time you step out of your building, every time you are on the Kean campus or off of it, you are still a leader and representative of Kean, so you're expected to act accordingly. It helped me grow up and made sure I was always doing the right things at the right time. I would never act up as a freshman, but I was more carefree, whereas now I am more structured and involved."
Isaac's favorite memories come from working in student government and the most special friendships to him are from the people he met during the T2K Bronze Leadership Retreat.
Through Isaac one can see the significance of involvement and the difference it makes on the Kean student. With Isaac's heavy involvement, he has made numerous friendships and built himself a strong resume. It is because of his involvement and the Leadership Institute that he was able to get himself the RA position. Brandon Gervais | The Cougar's Byte
Isaac Taylor is a sophomore at Kean and has already been involved in multiple community service projects and has grown a strong involvement record. "We just do different programs to help the residence feel like they are home and have a sense of community," Isaac said about being a PARC AC. In accordance with being involved in the planning programs with the residential community, Isaac is a Resident Assistant (RA). An RA is responsible for the residents of a floor in a residence hall. They oversee what happens in the
He credits much of his reasoning for involvement to the Leadership Institute saying he has made the most friendships there over the Bronze Weekend. "I was new to Kean when I joined the Leadership Institute. When I knew I was coming to Kean, I wanted to get as involved as I could, just like I was in high school, and I saw leadership as a great pick for me." The T2K Bronze Leadership Retreat welcomes a selected group of incoming freshmen to spend a weekend at Kean before move-in day. The applicants apply for The Leadership Institute and over the weekend, volunteers and specialists from the Leadership Institute offer the new Bronze Leaders a series of leadership and teambuilding exercises to promote the students to become
Being in multiple groups on campus, Isaac has participated in many service projects. He says his favorite was the Cougars that Care canning volunteer project from Spring 2017. Volunteers for this project worked to gather food to be donated to the community food bank. Involvement helps Isaac stay connected to Kean and it makes him feel in the know of everything that goes on here on campus. Even if he is not directly connected to every event on campus, because of his positions and the connections he has made through his involvement he knows what is planned. Isaac wants his future employers to see all of his involvement projects and know he is special. Future employers are interested in the students who were in clubs and organizations and volunteered. With everything Isaac has done and will continue to do, he is an ideal hire. Isaac credits his involvement for his growth as a person here on campus and his continued feeling of inclusion at Kean.
Brandon Gervais, freshman English education double major, is a member of The Cougar's Byte staff.
Calendar of Events Last day to withdraw with a 75% refund 1/30/2018 • 8:00 AM • Kean University Hosted by: KEAN UNIVERSITY
Last day to declare a course as an audit 1/30/2018 • 8:00 AM • Kean University Hosted by: KEAN UNIVERSITY
Last day to declare or change undergraduate Pass/Fail option 1/30/2018 • 8:00 AM • Kean University Hosted by: KEAN UNIVERSITY
CLOSED: New Eyes for the Needy 1/30/2018 • 9:15 AM • New Eyes for the Needy
Hosted by: Center for Leadership and Service
Welcome Back to School Bake Sale
1/30/2018 • 12:00 PM • Miron Student Center Atrium Hosted by: Omega Sigma Psi
Cystic Fibrosis Bake Sale 1/30/2018 • 1:00 PM • Hennings Hall Hosted by: Delta Phi Epsilon
KU Hillel’s Tu B’Shevat Tabling
1/30/2018 • 2:30 PM • Center for Academic Success, 1st floor Hosted by: Kean University Hillel
“Roots” Audition
1/30/2018 • 3:15 PM • Miron Student Center room 312 Hosted by: Student Organization of Kean University
Fit to be Kean - Cougar Circuit
1/30/2018 • 3:30 PM • Whiteman Hall Lounge First Floor Hosted by: Health Services
Fit to be Kean - Total Body Workout 1/30/2018 • 5:00 PM • Whiteman Hall Lounge, 1st Floor Hosted by: Health Services
Fit to be Kean - Cougar Circuit
1/30/2018 • 6:00 PM • Whiteman Hall Lounge, 1st Floor Hosted by: Health Services
Miron Student Center Cougar Fair 1/31/2018 • 10:00 AM • Miron Student Center Alumni Atrium
Hosted by: Miron Student Center Operations and Event Management
“Roots” Audition
1/31/2018 • 3:15 PM • Miron Student Center room 312 Hosted by: Student Organization of Kean University
Women’s Basketball Vs. New Jersey City University 1/31/2018 • 6:00 PM • Harwood Arena Hosted by: Kean Athletics
Fit to be Kean - POUND
1/31/2018 • 7:00 PM • Whiteman Hall, 1st Floor Lounge Hosted by: Health Services
Do’s and Don’ts on Social Media
1/31/2018 • 7:00 PM • Miron Student Center Room 226 A Hosted by: Mu Sigma Upsilon
Fit to be Kean - Zumba w/ Rachel
Last day to file for March 3 graduate comprehensive examinations 2/2/2018 • 8:00 AM • Kean University Hosted by: KEAN UNIVERSITY
Vibrant Bounty: Chinese Folk Art From The Shaanxi Region
Senior Class Rings
2/6/2018 • 11:00 AM • Miron Student Center Cafe Hosted by: Student Organization of Kean University
Student Involvement & Employment EXPO
2/2/2018 • 10:00 AM • CAS: Karl and Helen Burger Gallery
2/6/2018 • 12:00 PM • Miron Student Center, Alumni Atrium
Men’s Basketball Vs. New Jersey City University
National Wear Red Day - Women’s Heart Health
GRE/GMAT Strategy Session
Hosted by: Kean Athletics
Hosted by: Center for Leadership and Service
1/31/2018 • 8:00 PM • Whiteman Hall, 1st Floor Lounge Hosted by: Health Services
1/31/2018 • 8:00 PM • Harwood Arena
Last day to file applications for pre-professional field experience or student teaching for the following Fall semester
Hosted by: Kean Galleries
2/2/2018 • 12:30 PM • MSC Atrium
Nets Vs. Lakers
2/2/2018 • 5:15 PM • Wilkins Theater
Hosted by: Graduate and Part-time Student Council
2/1/2018 • 8:00 AM • Kean University
Cornell Hall
Black History Month Kickoff
Hosted by: Center for Leadership and Service
Hosted by: Student Organization of Kean University
Frankie Avalon
Fit to be Kean - Cougar Circuit
Hosted by: Kean Stage
Hosted by: KEAN UNIVERSITY
2/1/2018 • 3:15 PM • Human Rights Institute
2/1/2018 • 3:30 PM • Whiteman Hall Lounge, 1st Floor Hosted by: Health Services
Soup for the Soul
2/1/2018 • 3:30 PM • MSC 315
Hosted by: Catholic Newman Club
RECEPTION: Transnational Migration & Immigration by Franca Marini
2/1/2018 • 3:30 PM • Human Rights Institute Gallery Hosted by: Kean Galleries
Fit to be Kean - Total Body Workout 2/1/2018 • 5:00 PM • Whiteman Hall Lounge, 1st Floor Hosted by: Health Services
RECEPTION: Transnational Migration & Immigration by Franca Marini
2/1/2018 • 5:00 PM • Human Rights Institute Gallery Hosted by: Kean Galleries
Fit to be Kean - Cougar Circuit
2/1/2018 • 6:00 PM • Whiteman Hall Lounge First Floor Hosted by: Health Services
Student Wellness Workshop 2/1/2018 • 6:00 PM • Center for Academic Success, room 106 Hosted by: Kean Athletics
Final deadline for late filing of May 2018 and August 2018 bachelor’s graduation application 2/2/2018 • 8:00 AM • Kean University Hosted by: KEAN UNIVERSITY
Last day to file application for May 2018 master’s degrees and graduate certification 2/2/2018 • 8:00 AM • Kean University Hosted by: KEAN UNIVERSITY
2/3/2018 • 1:15 PM • Cornell Hall
2/3/2018 • 3:00 PM • Enlow Recital Hall
Frankie Avalon
2/3/2018 • 7:30 PM • Enlow Recital Hall Hosted by: Kean Stage
Fit to be Kean - Zumba w/ Rachel
Hosted by: Center for Leadership and Service
2/6/2018 • 3:20 PM • Miron Student Center
Hosted by: Student Organization Class of 2018
Shazam IT! : Involvement Center Edition
2/7/2018 • 6:00 PM • Miron Student Center, Little Threater Hosted by: Center for Leadership and Service
Fit to be Kean - POUND
2/7/2018 • 7:00 PM • Whiteman Hall, 1st Floor Lounge Hosted by: Health Services
Fit to be Kean - Zumba w/ Rachel
2/7/2018 • 8:00 PM • Whiteman Hall, 1st Floor Lounge Hosted by: Health Services
Fit to be Kean - Cougar Circuit
Tri-Beta Bake Sale
Hosted by: Health Services
Hosted by: Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society
Fit to be Kean - Total Body Workout
Senior Class Rings
2/6/2018 • 3:30 PM • Whiteman Hall Lounge First Floor
2/6/2018 • 5:00 PM • Whiteman Hall Lounge, 1st Floor Hosted by: Health Services
2/8/2018 • 10:00 AM • Miron Student Center (MSC) Atrium
2/8/2018 • 11:00 AM • Miron Student Center Atrium Hosted by: Student Organization of Kean University
Fit to be Kean - Cougar Circuit
LSAT Strategy Session
Hosted by: Health Services
Fit to be Kean - Cougar Circuit
2/6/2018 • 6:00 PM • Whiteman Hall Lounge, 1st Floor
Safer Sex Workshop
2/8/2018 • 3:20 PM • MSC Greek Lounge
Hosted by: Student Organization Class of 2018
2/6/2018 • 6:00 PM • Center for Academic Success, room 106
2/8/2018 • 3:30 PM • Whiteman Hall Lounge, 1st Floor
Hosted by: Health Services
Hosted by: School of General Studies Transition to Kean
Atria Senior Living
African Dance Class
Valentines Day Bake Sale/ Pictures with Cupid
2/4/2018 • 12:00 PM • Whiteman Hall, 1st Floor Lounge
2/4/2018 • 12:15 PM • Atria Senior Living
Hosted by: Center for Leadership and Service
Fit to be Kean - POUND
2/4/2018 • 1:00 PM • Whiteman Hall, 1st Floor Lounge
2/6/2018 • 7:00 PM • D’angola Gym Room D192 Hosted by: Student Organization of Kean University
Media Munipualtion
2/6/2018 • 8:00 PM • Kean University
Hosted by: Health Services
Hosted by: Alpha Phi Alpha
Involvement Center Day
Tea Party
Hosted by: Center for Leadership and Service
Hosted by: Delta Phi Epsilon
2/5/2018 • 10:00 AM • Miron Student Center, Involvement Center RM 303
MCAT Strategy Session
2/5/2018 • 3:20 PM • Miron Student Center Hosted by: Student Organization Class of 2018
Fit to be Kean - Total Body Workout 2/5/2018 • 5:00 PM • Whiteman Hall Lounge, 1st Floor Hosted by: Health Services
Fit to be Kean - Zumba w/ Rachel
2/5/2018 • 6:00 PM • Whiteman Hall, 1st Floor Lounge Hosted by: Health Services
Black Card Revoked
2/5/2018 • 7:00 PM • MSC Little Theater Hosted by: Student Organization of Kean University
Personal Jewelry
2/5/2018 • 7:00 PM • Miron Student Center 226 A Hosted by: Mu Sigma Upsilon
Last day to withdraw with at 50% refund 2/6/2018 • 8:00 AM • Kean University Hosted by: KEAN UNIVERSITY
2/6/2018 • 8:00 PM • Kean University MSC 226
Student Wellness Workshop
2/7/2018 • 11:00 AM • Center for Academic Success, room 106 Hosted by: Kean Athletics
Hosted by: Health Services
2/8/2018 • 3:30 PM • MSC ATRIUM
Hosted by: Lambda Theta Alpha
The Escape Room: Involvement Center Edition
2/8/2018 • 4:00 PM • Miron Student Center, Involvement Center RM 303 Hosted by: Center for Leadership and Service
Fit to be Kean - Total Body Workout 2/8/2018 • 5:00 PM • Whiteman Hall Lounge, 1st Floor Hosted by: Health Services
Fit to be Kean - Cougar Circuit
Senior Class Rings
2/8/2018 • 6:00 PM • Whiteman Hall Lounge First Floor
Hosted by: Student Organization of Kean University
Community FoodBank of NJ
2/7/2018 • 11:00 AM • Miron Student Center Atrium
Cupcake Bar
2/7/2018 • 3:00 PM • MSC
Hosted by: Omega Phi Chi Multicultural Sorority, Incorporated
Student Wellness Workshop 2/7/2018 • 3:15 PM • Center for Academic Success, room 106 Hosted by: Kean Athletics
Ballin’ on a Budget with Wells Fargo!
2/7/2018 • 3:30 PM • Miron Student Center 315A Hosted by: Accounting Club
Portuguese American Club Bake Sale
2/7/2018 • 4:00 PM • East Campus Lobby
Hosted by: Portuguese American Club at Kean
A Leadership and Service Publication for the Kean University Student Community
Hosted by: Health Services
2/9/2018 • 12:15 PM • Community FoodBank of NJ Hosted by: Center for Leadership and Service
Ladysmith Black Mambazo 2/9/2018 • 7:30 PM • Enlow Recital Hall Hosted by: Kean Stage
Habitat for Humanity
2/10/2018 • 7:15 AM • Habitat for Humanity Hosted by: Center for Leadership and Service
Men’s Basketball Vs. Stockton University
2/10/2018 • 1:00 PM • Harwood Arena Hosted by: Kean Athletics
Events Calendar is subject to change. New events are added regularly. Visit the Cougar Link events calendar for additional information about these events and to see newly added events.
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TUESDAY | JANUARY 30 | 2018
TUESDAY | JANUARY 30 | 2018
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Greeks (continued from page 1) From the informational sessions on the floor about Greek Life at 5 p.m., to the exhilarating and energetic performances by 17 organizations that concluded at 10 p.m., the day dedicated to informing students about Greek Life and the abundance of benefits it provides happened on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018. The event began at 5 p.m. with a special and lively mix of some of the country's most popular hip-hop, pop and EDM tunes by DJ Nix in The Mix, a renowned DJ who performs his mixes at Meet the Greeks every semester. As the fans of Greek Life danced and sang on the floor, members of the variety of Greek organizations danced and sang along. Prospective new members of these organizations stepped up to their fraternity or sorority of their choice and spoke to the members, while exchanging contact information with the young students. Maria Camila Aponte, a junior majoring in mathematical science and a sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Incorporated, felt that the familiarity that each organization shows during the five-hour event was the single biggest factor that attracted students who wanted to know about Greek Life to the 30 different tables in the room. "If it feels like home [and] if [students] have the feeling when they see an organization that they cannot explain, it is the right one for them," Aponte said. "There is always this rush to attract new members who may one day become brothers of a fraternity or sisters of a sorority." Different members of other organizations, like Adre Brown, a senior majoring in communications with a concentration in media and broadcasting and a brother of Beta Kappa Psi Fraternity Incorporated, felt that the exposure to what Greek Life looks like contributed the most to students visiting the Greek tables of their choice. "Meet the Greeks is definitely one of the many ways to get exposure for any of the organizations. Seeing fraternity and sorority members rock their letters, do their strolls and step and let people know what they are truly about and what they do helps the most," Brown said. Many of the Greek members in front of their tables were previously not in organizations until this semester. As alumni and older active members exchanged salutations with people interested in their organizations, new members of each fraternity and sorority greeted younger students and informed them about Greek Life, all while enjoying their first time at Meet The Greeks as a Greek. Jason De La Cruz, a sophomore majoring in communications with a concentration in media and film and a new brother in the Sigma Theta Chi fraternity, commented on his first experience being behind the table and speaking to those who appeared to be interested. "Meet the Greeks definitely influenced me to join this organization. It showed me the way to find my home. This is amazing for me, and I feel like an insider, now that I am in the organization," De La Cruz said. For other upperclassmen, however, their last Meet the Greeks as undergraduate students was experienced, and for some, being in front of their unique table designs for the last time as active members was bittersweet. Stephanie Cardenas, a senior majoring in biology with a minor in health and a sister of Omega Sigma Psi, explained her enjoyment for her final time. "The first time, I think, I loved it. It was the first time that I was a part of something so big where everyone was looking at our organization and what we were doing. This was my third year, and now I am going to graduate and I wanted that last chance to tell new students, 'come, join what I did. See where I started and where I am ending'. I feel like this is always a great opportunity," Cardenas said. Contrarily for another organization, the first time having an official tabling session was worthwhile. The newest fraternity on campus, Lambda Upsilon Lambda, crossed their first line at Kean University last semester. However, their first information tabling session proceeded on Tuesday afternoon. The new members of the fraternity greeted the students who walked by their table with kindness and professionalism, as they learned the new group's motives and mission for their new campus. The newest members of the fraternity spoke on how incredible the experience was in finally being in the organization of their choice, as well as being on the floor for Meet The Greeks as an official organization recognized by Kean. "It feels humbling to be here for the first time, because last semester, we were all on the other side of the table, so now we are here, and we are amazed," said Devante Bravo, a senior majoring in criminal justice and a new brother of Lambda Upsilon Lambda. "Us being the founding line [at Kean], we have a lot to bring to the table. For the students who walked throughout the arena, the experience of meeting members of the 29 different tables proved to be a memorable one. Many freshmen who were excited to enjoy their first Meet the Greeks walked away with a positive experience and some decided to write their names on the interest lists of the different Greek organizations. One freshman in particular and a journalism major, Alexandra Hernandez
enjoyed her first time at Meet the Greeks. “This was my first time, and I really enjoyed looking at the Theta Phi Alpha table and their designs," Hernandez said. "I also liked their outfits too, and the fact that there were a lot of them. It definitely makes makes me more interested to look into it.” Other returning students, such as Elijah Head, a senior majoring in psychology, were able to gain an understanding of Greek life, even if they were not interested in joining an organization at the moment. “It may not be for me, but I definitely enjoyed the experience. The different members of each organization are very high on empowering and helping each other while helping their organization reach new heights for the community." At about 6:30 p.m., all of the students were escorted to the bleachers inside of the arena. The show was about to begin. As the performances commenced, different organizations spoke on how beneficial Greek Life was to each member and the University, as well as what being in an organization means as a whole. Brothers from Gamma Psi Epsilon spoke on the substantive power that Greek letters can have on one’s life. Sisters from Mu Sigma Upsilon commented on the diversity of the sorority and how Greek organizations are growing with people joining from all colors. After a select amount of organizations spoke about their groups, the strolling and step show kicked off. The brothers of Beta Kappa Psi started off the show with a custom step devoted to their fraternity’s history. Groups such as Delta Sigma Theta and Psi Sigma Phi would get on the stage to strut their stuff as well. Omega Sigma Psi, Lambda Tau Omega and Chi Upsilon Sigma son followed with their energetic and frenetic strolls and dances, all accompanied by popular jersey club beats that the audience danced to simultaneously. As the show progressed, a dance battle also happened between three students in a battle of New Jersey between South Jersey, North Jersey and Central Jersey as the crowd cheered and danced along. Lastly, the show concluded with some of the popular Divine Nine organizations stepping foot on the stage. Groups like Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma and Iota Phi Theta all performed to their favorite songs as the audience also danced with them. At the end of the show, a group stroll with all of the organizations who performed happened on the stage and on the floor in an exciting finish. For another year, Meet the Greeks was a success. Strolls were performed, information about each organization was given, and fans of Greek life walked away with more awesome memories of the fun event that takes place every semester. Marcus Van Diver, junior communications-media major, is member of The Cougar's Byte staff.
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A Leadership and Service Publication for the Kean University Student Community
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TUESDAY | JANUARY 30 | 2018
Meet the President of Sigma Beta Chi! Get to know Victoria Kimberlin-Orsini and her incredible work wit Brandon Gervais
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first semester freshmen found it difficult to adjust and make friends in their new college environment. It wasn't until she was invited to an open tea rush event with Sigma Beta Chi that she realized her interest in Greek life. After looking into other organizations, she found her way back to Sigma Beta Chi.
Staff Writer
resident of Sigma Beta Chi Victoria Kimberlin-Orsini perfectly displays the benefits of being involved and taking full advantage of the college experience. In her years at Kean, she has dedicated herself to a double major in elementary education and sociology, as well as being the president of the well respected Sigma Beta Chi sorority. In 2017, Kimberlin-Orsini won a scholarship and service award for having 75 hours of community service.
"Surrounded by people like myself who made me feel comfortable and welcomed, the ladies of Sigma Beta Chi were role models to me," Kimberlin-Orsini said. "I saw the great things they accomplished and needed to be a part of that. The positive energy was contagious. Next thing you know, after hard work and determination I became a sister of Sigma Beta Chi!"
Education runs in Kimberlin-Orsini's family as her grandfather is a retired teacher, guidance counselor and principal. He is very involved in supporting her in her major and is a role model for her. "My grandfather has inspired me, motivated me and has shown ample support to me while in college. He sends me letters with tons of helpful tips for my future career and shares much of his own experience with me. I hope to follow in his footsteps," said KimberlinOrsini.
Courtesy of Victoria Kimberlin-Orsini
President of Sigma Beta Chi Victoria Kimberlin-Orsini perfectly displays the benefits of being involved and taking full advantage of the college experience.
Kimberlin-Orsini is also a sociology major. She is taking full advantage of her being in college to gain as much out of her time at Kean as she can. Being a double major allows her to have options in whatever she chooses to do after college. Graduate school is in her mind to even further open those options. "My sociology major stems from taking Sociology 1000 and falling in love with the subject. I’m in college, I have the opportunity of an education. I want to take advantage of that and learn more about the subject. The classes I have taken in the sociology field have been so enjoyable, and I have to give credit to the professors." A native of Howell, NJ, Kimberlin-Orsini works at a country club off campus and is a part time substitute teacher. Her plan is to continue substitute teaching, gain much experience in her intended field and attain a full-time position. How Kimberlin-Orsini got involved with Sigma Beta Chi is relatable to any college student in a new place and looking for a place to fit in. It only takes a small decision to go check something out to find what will make your college years unforgettable. When she started college in 2011, Kimberlin-Orsini like many other
"From the moment I met these ladies my college experience changed for the better," Kimberlin-Orsini continued. "I looked forward to studying because I knew I would be accompanied by friends in the library. I had motivation to get good grades and to continue my education."
Looking back, Kimberlin-Orsini credits the support system she had throughout her college experience as being critical to her education and success. With a good support system, she found school more enjoyable. Being involved in her sorority allowed her to be active in helping others. She credits Greek life greatly in her success as a Kean student and as a volunteer. It is because of her dedication to her organization that she was able to win a service award and scholarship for having done 75 hours of community service. "Greek life has a lot of negative stereotypes but they are just that— stereotypes. My experience with the Greek community has been mostly service based. Participating in community service, informational programs and other campus involvement has really made a positive impact on my life. I love to give back and being part of an organization that can provide me opportunities to give back is wonderful. There is nothing better than getting up at the crack of dawn for a breast cancer walk with your sisters." Sigma Beta Chi is a local sorority that was founded here at Kean University by nine women on May 1, 1958. It is a sorority exclusive to Kean and it upholds the saying, "We can stand out and still stand together." The organization saying is the embodiment of the great diversity on our campus and the diversity in Sigma Beta Chi. The colors of Sigma Beta Chi are scarlet and gold and its flower is the red rose. Eternal sisterhood is what Sigma Beta Chi was founded upon as they strive to support one another and the community through service and volunteerism.
Involvement (continued from page 1) ■ Monday, Feb. 5 - Involvement Center Day! - The opening of 2018's Involvement Week, this day is devoted to students and faculty finding information on how to enhance one's involvement on campus. Games, snacks, activities and an assortment or prizes will be available to those who visit the Involvement Center's main office in Room 303 in the Miron Student Center (MSC) as well as the MSC Atrium from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
■ Wednesday, Feb. 7 - Shazam IT!: Involvement Center Edition - From 6 to 9 p.m. in the Little Theater located in the Miron Student Center, members of the student body can test out their musical recognition skills in a game of guessing students' favorite songs through the decades. More networking opportunities will be possible as multiple student organizations will attend the show.
With graduation approaching, Kimberlin-Orsini reflects on her experience at Kean and the choices she has made. Sigma Beta Chi defined her years at Kean and she couldn't be prouder. She was able to grow at Kean because of her involvement with service, her sorority and her majors. She is prepared to graduate and go on and live her life with her new husband and her goals of becoming a phenomenal teacher. "I know that my involvement on campus and in my sorority has significantly positively impacted me as a person and will continue to affect me outside of college. My experiences have engraved in me a passion for service and volunteerism. The joy that being involved in making other people's lives better brings me is priceless. I will definitely continue to participate in service and outreach type activities when I graduate. I will also come back as an alumni to visit and support my sisters in all the wonderful things they do." Despite a common misconception of what Greek Life is, KimberlinOrsini says it is what got her to where she is. Sigma Beta Chi has forever changed Victoria's life and she will always remember the time she spent here at Kean because of the organization she dedicated her time to and the volunteerism she contributed. "I became more driven, motivated and a better student," KimberlinOrsini mentioned. "I gained confidence, respect for myself and others and leadership qualities. I believe my sorority helped me grow up and become the woman I am today. With graduation approaching, I am so proud to say I joined this organization." "I am so grateful to Kean University for the wonderful opportunities they present their students," Kimberlin-Orsini continued. "I can walk away knowing I have gained more than just an education while attending. I think everything I am taking with me from Kean and my experiences in sorority will stay with me in my future. They will always be with me and a part of who I am."
Brandon Gervais, freshman English education double major, is a member of The Cougar's Byte staff.
Close to You: The Music of The Carpenters
The following events are:
■ Tuesday, Feb. 6 - Student Involvement and Employment EXPO! - Students that are looking to get started on their involvement but have little idea exactly where to start are encouraged to attend this event held in the MSC Atrium from noon to 4 p.m. Students can get to know an organization or on-campus occupation and what they do, while kickstarting their involvement on campus through networking.
"After an amazing year as vice president, I was then nominated and elected president for this current school year. I had always wanted to be president, as my “Big” was president the year I joined sorority. She was and is still to this day a role model to me. I still am so grateful to have been elected president and strive to be a great leader to my sorority and other students on campus. I want to be a positive role model in our campus community as all Greeks strive to be. As president of Sigma Beta Chi, I can say I am so proud of my sisters and the efforts they put in on campus and for our sisterhood. We are a very proud sorority. We keep our history and traditions near and dear to our hearts. We strive to make our founders and school proud every day."
Come experience the revival of The Carpenters's music by Lisa Rock Abigail Anne Rafael
T ■ Thursday, Feb. 8 - The Escape Room! - The Involvement Center will be hosting another event later in the week: their very own Escape Room! From 4 to 6 p.m., students will arrive at MSC Room 303, placed in teams of four to six people, and locked in the Involvement Center. Multiple riddles, trivia games, and clues must all be picked up and solved if they are to find the key and escape! ■ Friday, Feb. 9 - Get Your Heart Involved! Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and in Room 9, the MSC Greek Lounge, students can create their own Valentine's cards for someone special in their lives. The finale of Involvement Week will have accompanying music and the company of others. This event will last from noon to 4 p.m. For more information on Involvement Week, and on involvement in general, do not hesitate to reach out to the Involvement Center for questions. Their office is located on the third floor of the MSC in Room 303. Cougar Link is also another way to find out about different organizations and events on campus. Also, contact the Involvement Center at their phone number (908) 737-5270 for more assistance. Marcus Van Diver, junior communications, media major, is a member of The Cougar's Byte staff.
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Staff Writer
he Carpenters rocked the country with their smash hits like "Top of the World" and "We've Only Just Begun." Come experience their musical revival brought forth by Lisa Rock with a six-piece band on Sunday, Feb. 11 at the Enlow Recital Hall. The Carpenters are a popular brother-sister duo featuring Richard Carpenter and Karen Carpenter. They dominated the Billboard charts during the 1970s after producing their first hit singles, "Close to You" and "We've Only Just Begun." In an era characterized by hippies, rock-and-roll and drugs, The Carpenters still found success with their more catchy, soft rock songs. Their unique style earned them the title, "Young America at its Best," by President Nixon after their White House performance in 1973. The Carpenters continued to reach new heights in their popularity over the years for their music's ability to reach and be enjoyed by people of all ages. After dominating the music charts, they went on to tour the world and feature in variety shows. Unfortunately, criticism about her weight by
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the music community led Karen Carpenter to develop anorexia. Richard Carpenter was also weighed down by the music world's judgement and took to sleeping pills to cope. Despite their struggles, The Carpenters continued to make popular music, while confronting their vices. In 1981, Karen and Richard Carpenter made their last album together, "Made in America," which was received favorably. Karen Richard died two years later on Feb. 4, 1983 from a heart attack. The Carpenters's name and popularity survived for a little while longer as Richard Carpenter continued to release music from their previous projects. Although The Carpenters's era has since ended, their legacy lives on through the millions of fans they had accumulated as the most impactful and popular band of the 1970's. Experience the timeless music of The Carpenters through the interpretation of Lisa Rock on Feb. 11, 2018 at 3 p.m. in the Enlow Recital Hall. Tickets and more information can be found at keanstage.com. Abigail Anne Rafael, a sophomore communicationpublic relations major, is a member of The Cougar's Byte staff.
TUESDAY | JANUARY 30 | 2018
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The McNair Scholars Program Makes a Comeback
A popular national science program helps first generation and low-income undergraduate students apply for Ph.D. programs Marcus Van Diver
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Staff Writer
etween the many academic courses of study chosen by students to take, the variety of choices regarding their interests are vast. Whether a student is enthralled in the arts or is more business-focused, Kean University is willing to accommodate any student's scholarly wants and needs. At times, however, a considerably high amount of those in academia struggle to maintain the financial stability necessary to attend a four-year college or university. Student loans, the cost of books, and other expenses can impact one's pockets tremendously. Fortunately, programs such as financial aid, and different scholarships assist college students in the process of attending school, so that they are able to obtain their degree in their desired field. Furthermore, academic grants funded by the state at Kean University, such as the returning McNair Scholars Program, make it a priority to attract and recruit low-income, minority and first-generation students who are interested in the science field to attend graduate school and apply for Ph. D. programs. The purpose of the program is to increase the number of doctoral degrees attained by students who are income eligible, or members of groups that are underrepresented in graduate programs. The grant, proposed to Kean once every five years, began in 2007 and took a five-year hiatus after 2012. The program made its return to the science programs at Kean in 2017 and will remain a staple in the academic field until the year 2022.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) preparation for students going to graduate school, we attend workshops and conferences and encourage the members of the program to present their research in two conferences, either at the Kean Research Days here or anywhere else in the country," Alvarado said. "Whatever benefits we offer is covered by our program, and during the students' senior year, we help them with their personal statements when they are applying to graduate school. [Moreover,] we offer application fee waivers, so there is no limit to how many schools they can apply to." As Alvarado stated, the goal is to get students into graduate school, but also get them fellowships and funding for it. Once these prospective students have been accepted to be in the program, Alvarado ensures that it will stay with students and follow them until graduation to ensure their success. Other benefits include hands-on involvement in research and opportunities for peer and professional presentation, a research stipend of $2,000, tutoring and supplemental instruction, personal coaching and advisement as well as travel funds for research activities from the program itself. This program was founded as a tribute to the late Ronald E. McNair, Ph. D., one of the first three African Americans selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to enter the astronaut cadre in the January of 1978. He became the second African American in space in 1984 after boarding the Challenger shuttle and two years later, died on the Challenger with six other
passengers in an explosion. In his memory, members of the United States Congress agreed to provide funding for the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, in the effort to give first-generation, underprivileged and lowincome college students to enroll in graduate studies. To be eligible for this program, those who are interested in the sciences must have a desire to enroll in a graduate school program withe an intention of completing a doctorate degree. They must also have a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (GPA) when applying. Additionally, those signing up for the program are required to meet first generation and income requirements, or be a member of a group that is underrepresented in education. "I think that a lot of students do not know the benefits of going into Ph. D. programs in the sciences. As for myself, I was unaware that if a student was in one of the science majors and if they wanted to go to graduate school, they could get into these Ph. D. programs fully funded. I feel like, once students come into the program, and they are aware of all the benefits in getting a doctorate degree, it is a done deal," the director of the McNair Science Programs said. "If a student has the desire, eagerness and ability to go through graduate school and once they get accepted, it is a no-brainer." Due to the fact that those who are accepted into the program are McNair Scholars, they have an advantage of being in a top percentile of students getting into graduate programs across the country, no matter where they are. "A lot of schools ask on their application if those applying are McNair Scholars, and there are specific scholarships for those scholars. Once they come into the program, and they know what is out there, I think they will be more willing to go," Alvarado said.
This program is present in exactly 151 schools across the United States, and Kean University is one of five schools in the state to provide its services to prospective graduate students interested in the sciences. Wendy Alvarado, the Director of the McNair Scholars Program, took over the role of leadership in the month of November with the desire to entice those wanting to attain higher education.
To find more information about the program, contact Wendy Alvarado, the Director of the McNair Scholars Program at her email of walvarad@kean.edu. Also, contact her office inside Townsend Hall at the number of (908)-737-0270. Lastly, visit the official Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program web page on the Kean website.
"Our program offers a lot of benefits for those students. We offer summer research programs,
Marcus Van Diver, junior communications-media major, is member of The Cougar's Byte staff.
L'Oréal Company's First Biology Intern, Paula Caffree! From an educational lab to an industrial lab Brandon Gervais
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Outside of class, Caffree enjoys reading, exercising and dancing. She also volunteers for the The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) at Morristown Medical Center. HELP is a program at Morristown Medical Center that allows volunteers to visit adult patients at their bedside and provide therapeutic activities and companionship.
Staff Writer
aula Caffree is a senior at Kean University and she is the first biology major to intern at L'Oréal Company in Clark in the summer of 2017. Caffree is currently applying to graduate school to attain a master's degree in clinical research.
"With the HELP program, I provide optimal care for elderly patients by talking to them and doing fun activities that keep them active and alert," said Caffree.
Being a biology major offers Caffree different career options. She was fortunate enough to be contacted by a professor to be offered an internship with L'Oréal.
Caffree's participation in the L'Oréal Company, as well as her volunteering and connections with her professors, will set her apart when she goes to apply for jobs after graduation. She has gained valuable experience in her field and she has made connections in the biology field. She has an insight into what the environment is like which ultimately sets her apart from other applicants.
"My internship position took place in a microbiology laboratory and my duties consisted of assisting the senior researchers with tasks such as assays, gram stains, neutralization verification and other small organizational/ clerical projects," said Caffree.
"This internship has taught me how the Courtesy of Paula Caffree microbiology department contributes to the "Students should get out of their comfort zones overall research and innovation initiative in a Paula Caffree, senior biology major and explore different career options in their business setting. They determine how cosmetic majors. Finding an internship is an amazing products behave in the hands of the consumers. opportunity and if you happen to get one, remember to be friendly, work hard, Challenge testing is used to determine the effectiveness of the preservative make friends and ask questions," said Caffree. system in the tested products by inoculating them with specific strains of bacteria and fungi and observing the rate of kill over time." If you are thinking of becoming involved in an internship in your field, contact the Office of Internships and Cooperative Education at internships@kean.edu Like many college students working in their intended fields, it was equally or visit them in the Green Lane Academic Building, room 245. exciting as it was challenging for Caffree to adjust to the transition from an educational laboratory to an industrial one. "Despite that challenge, I was able to successfully adapt, and I was able to help meet my deadlines."
Brandon Gervais, freshman English education double major, is a member of The Cougar's Byte staff.
A Leadership and Service Publication for the Kean University Student Community
MIRON STUDENT CENTER MSC INFO DESK P: 908-737-5222 Monday - Thursday:...........8 a.m. - 12 a.m. Friday: ............................8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday: ........................10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday: .........................10 a.m. - 8 p.m. MSC GAME ROOM Monday - Thursday:.........10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday: ............................10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday: ........................10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday: ..........................10 a.m. - 7 p.m. MSC COMPUTER LAB Monday - Thursday: .......9 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday: ............................. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday: ........................10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday: ..........................10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
H O U R S O F O P E R AT I O N MIRON STUDENT CENTER (MSC)
Food Court Mon.- Wednesday: .....7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Thursday: ....................7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday: ......................... 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Jersey Mike's Monday - Friday: .......... 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Smashburger Monday-Thursday: ...... 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday: ......................... 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Auntie Anne's Monday - Thursday:.......11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday:.............................11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cougar's Den Monday-Thursday: .... 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday: ........................... 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday:..................... 1 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Outtakes Market Monday - Thursday: .... 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday: ........................... 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday: ..................... 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday:.......................... 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
UPPERCLASS RESIDENCE HALL
Residence Dining Hall Monday - Thursday:..7:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday:.....................7:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Saturday: .................. 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday:...................... 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
MAXINE AND JACK LANE CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS (CAS)
Starbucks Kiosk, 3rd Floor Monday - Thursday: ...7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
STEM BUILDING
Kiosk, 1st Floor Monday - Friday: ......... 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
1st Floor - North Avenue Academic Building
Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Nancy Thompson
Library 1st Floor
Monday - Thursday: .......... 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday: ............................... 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: ........................... 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday: ........................... 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
BARNES & NOBLE CAFÉ
Monday - Thursday: .......... 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday: ............................... 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: ........................... 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
BARNES & NOBLE
MIRON STUDENT CENTER, 1ST FLOOR Monday - Thursday: ........ 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday: ............................. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. http://kean.bncollege.com /KeanUniversityBookstore /KeanBookstore
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TUESDAY | JANUARY 30 | 2018
Join Our Writing Team!
Open staff writer positions here on The Cougar's Byte writing team! Brandon Gervais Staff Writer
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t The Cougar's Byte we offer campus news and information through a bi-weekly newsletter as well as an online website and YouTube channel.
Working out of the Center for Leadership and Service (CLS), The Cougar's Byte serves as a place for students and faculty to learn about student life at Kean. The Cougar's Byte covers everything from campus events, campus news, information and features on the spectacular students and student groups on campus. The articles written in The Cougar's Byte are written and researched by students of Kean. They work through a process of coming up with story ideas, getting the ideas approved, writing the articles, editing them and publishing. The Cougar's Byte is looking for new staff writers. The mission of The Cougar’s Byte is to promote the diverse opportunities for student involvement at Kean University including academic programs, academic activities, athletics, campus news, co-curricular workshops, cultural events, leadership development, and various other resources. Staff writers for The Cougar's Byte are responsible for producing the content of the print and online edition of the newsletter. They are asked to create story ideas, conduct interviews, do research and write articles to be published. The print edition of the newsletter is published bi-weekly and distributed on campus on Cougar's Byte Tuesdays. The print edition can also be found online on the The Cougar's Byte website, which also has online-exclusive articles. The readers of The Cougar's Byte include students, faculty and staff of Kean University as well as prospective students, families, other university and college representatives, community leaders, government officials, and anyone interested in Kean University.
Regarding staff writers, The Cougar's Byte looks for students who are involved and passionate about writing and keeping the students at Kean informed about everything going on here at Kean. Student applicants can expect a friendly and supportive work environment. The goal of The Center for Leadership and Service for their staff writers is to train and give experience in the field of writing and communications as well as to promote professionalism. If you are interested in joining The Cougar's Byte writing team, you can find the Center for Leadership and Service application by logging in to Cougar Link using your Kean username and password and finding our CLS page. Scroll down to "Forms" and click on "CLS Application for Employment 2017-2018." You can also access our application through our website at www.cougarsbyte.com/page/apply. On the application be sure to select The Cougar's Byte as the department for which you wish to apply. We look forward to having you join our team!
Brandon Gervais, freshman English education double major, is a member of The Cougar's Byte staff.
Meet the Secretary of Greek Senate
Valeria Cruz, breathes Greek Life and wants to better her community through it Petruce Jean-Charles
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Staff Writer
aleria Cruz is a senior studying psychology pre-occupational therapy with a minor in health sciences.
Taylor Shubsda, human resources manager believes that Cruz is an asset to their office and provides valuable support to the other staff. "She is motivated and always willing to assist with any task. Valeria’s friendly demeanor and upbeat personality allow her to interact effectively with everyone who enters our office. Valeria is not only a dedicated hard worker, but is also an exceptional student. Valeria is very involved in her sorority as president and is extremely generous when it comes to giving back to the sorority’s philanthropy," Shubsda said. Cruz remembers that she has always been involved in student life ever since her freshman year and that has led her the opportunity to stay involved and join different activities. Cruz is a sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Incorporated (LTA) where they host multiple programs for the Kean community such as Women’s Awareness Week, Aspire High Youth Development Program with children, along with multiple political, social and community service programs. "I was the president for the year of 2016 entering 2017. I am currently the vice president and secretary as well as the Recruitment and Retention chair. My organization helped me become the person I am today and be as involved and active on the campus community," said Cruz. Cruz is very passionate about giving back to the community with multiple hours of community service participating in the cancer walk, Alzheimer's walk, food bank, and many other activities. She believes it is important for students to take advantage of their jobs because they provide endless opportunities, connections and knowledge. "I am an active participant of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) here at Kean. I am also a Greek Senate e-board member where I am currently the secretary. I am in charge of doing paperwork where I make sure things are organized and ideas are brought to the table for the Greek community on campus. I am also a student
worker, working at Human Resources for two and a half years now. I recently joined KDM Committee where I will be in charge of planning KDM along with CLS, Alex Louis, Ashley Buchanan, Vanessa Lupo and the Greek senate eboard. KDM is a very important part of the spring semester and we will be making sure that we give it our best! For the kids!"
that needs to be done is done and I am still able to have an open day to relax and take care of myself. Planning ahead for the days to come, weeks, and even months is how I manage. I want to make sure I am prepared for every possible outcome of everything I do. I think that managing is a better word to use when describing balancing my busy, hectic life."
Cruz understands that life is about change, and she wanted to be involved so that she could better herself as a person. "The moment I joined Lambda Theta Alpha, my life completely changed. I wanted to be a part of something that I knew would better the person I was. I made connections, friendships, relationships and a sisterhood that I wouldn’t find anywhere else. Once you’re involved in something bigger than yourself, you want to keep growing," Cruz replied. "For all of these activities there is something different required from you because not every organization, club, or job requires the same thing from everyone. I feel that you have to experience your own growth in order to experience it." As a sister of Lambda Theta Alpha, Cruz is currently vice president, secretary and Recruitment and Retention chair. She handles paperwork, maintains deadlines up to date, brings ideas to the table, recruits and continues to uphold the organization's values with unity, love and respect. For the SOTA Club, she is an active member where she goes to the meetings, receives information and learns about her major. "All of my accomplishments have come right after I became a sister of LTA. LTA has changed my life by giving me opportunities to meet new people, spread my wings, be active on campus, have a voice, have self confidence when it comes to myself and what I believe in and the things I know I can accomplish. LTA has made me who I am, and I learned who I wanted to be. LTA helped me understand what my purpose was on this campus and through that, I learned to be an active leader," Cruz explained. "Setting goals gives me a long-term and short-term motivation. It also gives me the confidence I need to achieve higher and more complicated goals. I am the type of person that needs to keep growing because I can never be stuck doing just one thing. By setting goals and constantly reminding myself of them, I feel as though I work harder to achieve them. I have set many goals for myself, for example graduating with
When balancing all of the duties from her various organizations Cruz finds a way to fit them together so that they work well and are able to be finished. "Sometimes everything works together and other times it doesn't. At the end of the day, I am doing these things to better myself and that's the end goal and the main similarity of the activities I am a part of," Cruz continued. "I want to make sure I give my all. As the years pass by, it gets harder, but I know my purpose here and why it needs to be accomplished." Petruce Jean-Charles | The Cougar's Byte
Valeria Cruz, senior psychology preoccupational therapy major, health sciences minor 3.5 and higher GPA! That is happening in less than 6 months! Graduating and finding a job is my main concern right now. Education is another important aspect to succeeding in life. Without some kind of education, it is hard to achieve the skills needed in the world." Cruz feels that everything she does will prepare her for the future. Some of these things include standing up for what she believes in, learning how to be confident with her values and respected beliefs and understanding that she has the power to control her future. "After being so involved on campus I know I have a presence when I host an event, when I present in class and when I speak about what I have accomplished. Now I am working on or what I want for my future and I am confident in speaking about it because I am sure of who I am and what I want. I owe that to the people who believed in me, pushed me to be involved and find my voice." Cruz' philosophy is in order to accomplish goals, one has to continue the journey to reach them. "Time management helps me make sure everything
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Cruz believes that Kean University is a great school full of diversity and a friendly environment. As a first-generation student she was able to learn at Kean with dedicated staff members who inspired her to have love and appreciation for her career. "Adapting to a new living environment and new language was not easy when I came from Puerto Rico at the age of 12 but I was able to overcome. When it was my turn to move on to higher education, I did my research for months! Kean University is the second best school for Occupational Therapy majors. Which is why I am here pursuing my dreams to be the best occupational therapist I could be. One day." Cruz' words of advice to underclassmen would be to get involved, make connections, friendships and expand and follow endless opportunities. "BE A LEADER! A good leader is one who doesn’t know everything. Step up and learn because it is okay to not know everything. To be a good leader, one also needs to be open to change," Cruz mentioned. "Kean is a great school, and I am forever thankful for the great friends, sisters, and connections I have made in the last four years. I will be graduating in May and I couldn’t be any happier with the person that Kean University has molded me to be! Get involved, do your research, have fun and enjoy college!" Petruce Jean-Charles, junior communicationjournalism major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.