The Tower - The Independent Voice Of Kean University - February 2023 Issue

The Death of Tyre Nichols

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2023 Kean Baseball Preview Page 15

Kyeon Taylor, Destined for Professional Football

By Kervin Coleman

Some people have hidden talents’ some people have undeniable gifts; and some people are born to become great football players. Senior Cornerback Kyeon Taylor epitomizes the essence of all three statements.

Taylor is one of the football program's most prominent and illustrious players. His accolades go as follows. 2019: New Jersey Athletic Conference Honorable Mention, 2021: All-Eastern College Athletic Conference Team…D3football.com All-American Fourth Team…Associated Press All-American Second Team… American Football Coaches Association AllAmerican Second Team…College Football Playoff Network All-American Second Team…All-NJAC First Team Defense, 2022: All-NJAC First Team, All- ECAC Second Team, Participant in the Football Championship Subdivision National and Tropical Bowl.

Now, Taylor has a contract offer from the Ottawa

Kean to create course “wait lists” beginning Fall 23

By Adaora Nnakwe

Students closed out of courses during the registration period will have a new option starting next semester: go on a wait list.

Michael Salvatore, senior vice president of

BYE BYE BLACKBOARD. CANVAS COMING SOON.

By Isabelle Guthrie

Blackboard is a platform that has been used by the university, professors and students for more than a decade and the university plans to adopt Canvas as its primary platform for the Fall 2023 semester.

continued on page 10

administration, told the University Senate in January that Kean tested a waitlist feature of some sought-after courses during the registration period in the fall semester. More than 70% of students benefited from the waitlist feature and will be expected to be used for all course sections.

“We will be using that feature for the fall on all courses,” Salvatore said. “As a seat opens, students are then given the opportunity to join that class.”

“Students will benefit because they will have a greater chance of registering for the courses they want or are required to take. More courses will be open and available to students, reducing the need to take courses they consider a second option,” he said.

Wait lists are a return to the past as they were standard procedure across the country before computerized

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“Pain is temporary and your mind is a powerful thing.”

“Blackboard has been Kean’s LMS since 2005. It was the dominant player in the market at that time but has been steadily losing ground to competitors in the years since.”

Photo by Repollet’s Email Announcement

Announcing the New LMS

Photo by Kyeon Taylor Kyeon Taylor poses at Kean Football Media Day

Photo by Kean Website Kean Registration

THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF KEAN UNIVERSITY

Some Valentines celebrated love long distance

By Ridimerb Diaz-Ramirez

Love, love, love. Who doesn’t love love? Valentine’s Day, celebrated every year on Feb. 14, is love day. The day couples celebrate their love for one another and honor their relationship. This is also the day when many choose to celebrate their love for a family member or a friend.

Avni Shridhar and Kristin Hsu, in their article, “Should We Celebrate Valentine’s Day?” said, “Valentine’s Day is what you make of it, so it’s for anyone and everyone to celebrate! The idea of Valentine’s Day has completely evolved, as it’s become a day to celebrate love as a whole, not just with one other person.”

College students tend to have busy schedules with classes and fulltime or part-time jobs. Balancing a relationship in college is really hard especially when that relationship is long-distance, it seems to be a lot.

That raises the question, when do they have the time to celebrate such special occasions? And how do they celebrate it?

Valentine’s Day is celebrated by many but not by all. Students leave home for university miles away from their partners. They are then faced with the challenges of trying to organize a successful distant lovers' day with their significant other.

Madison Castillo, a sophomore majoring in early childhood education said, “to make it work a lot of communication is needed, at least once a day.”

Castillo said, with a long-distance relationship it comes down to a lot of reassurance and finding time for each other, like trying to see each other at least every other weekend.

“It depends on how bad you want it,” Castillo said.

She also mentioned that

while last year she did celebrate Valentine’s Day with her significant other coming down to surprise her, this year they will have to wait until the following week, due to both having tight schedules.

Leah Gause, a freshman working on her earth science/environmental science degree, said she and her boyfriend have been together for a year now and while she decided to go to school up North and live on campus, he stayed in their hometown, Trenton, NJ.

“We maintain our relationship because he comes to see me about every two weeks,” Gause said. “For Valentine’s Day, we are going to get an Airbnb together that weekend, go to the Jersey Garden Mall, and go out to eat.”

Celebrating this special day can be different for everyone. Longdistance relationships can have a continued on page 12

Did you enjoy Valentine's or Galentine’s Day?

By Josephine Carrillo

Galentine’s Day is neither as popular nor commercialized as Valentine’s Day, celebrated on Feb. 14, yet it is just as meaningful and important to friends who show their appreciation for each other and express how much they value their presence and loyalty.

Though it is not an official celebration, Galentine's first appearance was on a U.S. sitcom called “Parks and Recreation” on Feb. 11, 2010. It is now celebrated every year on Feb. 13 by ladies who, regardless of their relationship status, want to commemorate and celebrate their friendships that have been through “thick and thin”.

On Valentine’s Day, couples get to celebrate their love and relationship. They celebrate that despite all hardships, their love, trust, and compromise are intact.

In the case of Galentine’s Day, this is the perfect opportunity for friends to show their gratitude for being heard, cared for, and the unconditional support they receive from each other.

“I will be celebrating Galentine’s Day this year,” Victoria Reghitto, a sophomore

majoring in communication with a concentration in public relations said.

“To me, Galentine’s Day is exclusively to appreciate our girl friends and celebrate

our love for each other, spend quality time together, and empower each other.”

Galentine's Day celebrates women, boosts their confidence, reassures them that they do not need a significant other, when they have friends that value, care, appreciate and will be there for them at all times.

Barbara Ardon, a sophomore studying public relations, said that this 2023, she will be celebrating Galentine’s Day.

“G-Day means being able to be with my girls, who I love, have a great time, and be grateful for having them by my side. Friendship is love too,” Ardon said.

Despite the saying “Friends come and go”, the value and impact of a friendship in one’s life is extremely important. Good friends become a part of one’s daily life routine. Sometimes they even stop being just friends, and become a part of the family. They become your “sister” or “cousin” because they have proved they are here to stay and will be your “ride or die” forever.

“I will be celebrating both festivities, since one is to appreciate my friends, but Valentine’s Day is about celebrating the person you love, and I love my friends,” Ardon said.

Even though Galentine’s Day seems

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“To me, Galentine’s Day is exclusively to appreciate our girl friends and celebrate our love for each other, spend quality time together, and empower each other.”

Photo by Davaughnia Wilson

A heart full of love

Photo by Josephine Carrillo

“...Friendship is love too” said Ardon

OPINION

By Keyon Gardner

Just one week into the new year, police brutality has continually been shaking the United States that has sparked nationwide protests.

Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man from Memphis, Tennessee was brutally beaten by five Black male police officers on Jan. 7, 2023, after being stopped for reckless driving according to police reports.

Nichols died three days later due to the extent of his injuries leaving behind his 4-year-old boy.

His son will now have to grow up without a father whose life was taken from men who were sworn to protect the citizens of the U.S., men that shared the same skin color as him and his father.

The mass public was outraged once videos of the violent confrontation were uploaded online.

The city of Memphis released body cam footage and street camera footage of the five officers punching, kicking, and using a baton to beat Nichols until he was unconscious and unable to respond.

President Joe Biden watched the videos and said in a statement, “yet another painful reminder of the profound fear and trauma, the pain, and the exhaustion that Black and brown Americans experience every single day.”

Money is taken out of our taxes to help fund police organizations that can’t seem to educate their men on proper police etiquette.

Zaniyah Smith, a junior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Women and Gender studies, and also a member of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department shared her concern that she is not comfortable with being around police officers and does

By Elaine Amico

Students and staff reflect on the death of Tyre Nichols

not trust that they will have her safety in mind.

“Before you had the fear of it only being white officers but now that it is Black officers, I’m fearing all officers, anybody in a uniform I don't want you near me even though your job is to protect and serve me I don't feel comfortable,” Smith said.

Another student, Dyquan Waters, a sophomore in English education with a minor in Africana studies who is

diverse.

Just seven days in the new year and there has already been another incident involving police abuse of power and another unarmed black man that adds to the stain on America's legacy and its blatant open systemic racism towards anybody who is black, brown, and Latino.

Professor Alexander J. Sepulveda, a professor in the department of criminal justice, expresses his concern about the terrible incident and hopes that criminal justice majors at Kean are in class with people who are from multiple ethnic backgrounds.

He also believes that criminal justice should not only be taught to people who are interested in policing.

“Our students need to know the law whether they are going for law school or to be a police officer,” said Sepulveda.

Sepulveda agreed that the entire policing system is a power trip for some officers and believes that police departments are like “mini gangs”.

“To be 18-30 years of age for a Black and Latino male in the U.S. is to also be a Target,” He said.

also a part of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion department expressed his concern for the videos that were released of the five officers beating Nichols.

“I knew that though they shared the footage I did not want to watch it because it adds to the trauma that I feel as a Black man,” Waters stated.

Waters added that he already feels unsafe driving through conservative towns in New Jersey that aren’t as

The five officers in connection to the beating of Nichols have all been charged with multiple felonies and have been fired.

Though accountability and action have been brought into place, systemic and institutionalized racism has seemingly been an ongoing issue. Kean NPHC held a candle lighting memorial at the clock tower on the day of his funeral to honor and remember the life of Tyre Nichols. n

#Bekind Movement Sweeps Kean Ocean

The #Bekind Movement has officially swept the Kean Ocean campus. The movement, a campus-wide initiative, aims to encourage students to be kind to one another on and off campus, by realizing that little acts of kindness go a long way.

While the movement was a team effort, Katie Napoli, assistant director for student services at Kean Ocean, asked her student assistants what being kind meant to them.

“As a team, we decided to expand upon it, and create fun, engaging events that students could collaborate on and prosper kindness on campus.” Maggie Lambusta,

Kean Ocean senior, and student assistant for Kean Ocean campus life said.

The leave a compliment, take a compliment box can be found in the lobby of the Gateway building at Kean Ocean and is sponsored by the #Bekind movement. It gives students the opportunity to pick up positive words from their fellow peers, and then write down their own for others to pick up.

“I was so pleased to see how many students were willing to participate in our leave a compliment and take a compliment box. I had to refill the slips after the first couple of days, and all of the compliments were genuine and kind,” Grace Cooper, Kean Ocean senior, and student assistant for Kean Ocean campus life said. “I was so pleased to see that people were willing to

"Tyre Nichols Protest at the Ohio Statehouse (1)" by Becker1999 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Justice for Tyre Nichols

“I was so pleased to see that people were willing to participate in something that could really help someone on a bad day.”

Photo by @keanocean_campuslife Take a compliment, leave a compliment flyer continued on page 12

“To be 18-30 years of age for a black and latino male in the U.S. is to also be a Target”

Black History With DEI

By Ja’Bria Laster

Every year, Black History Month honors the accomplishments of African Americans and draws attention to their crucial place in American history. At Kean University, it is important to educate our diverse campus community on the events that took place in history.

For the month of February, Kean University is hosting events by organizations to honor African American heritage. Making sure that students come together and learn the different components of African American history and where it all took place.

Some of these events are funded by The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and were added to their Black History Month Calendar. These events include but are not limited to the Black History Month Kick-Off hosted on Feb. 1 and the Black Love Gala that is being hosted on Feb. 16.

Erin Lester, the program coordinator for DEI, connects with student organizations and focuses on student life at Kean University by redistributing money back into student groups and to give the students a great world-class college experience and the opportunity to engage in multiculturalism.

“I think it is important to have community engagement and involvement. We are such a diverse community and also have such diverse interests that I think it’s important for that to reflect other’s interest,” Lester said.

At events funded by DEI, Erin Lester said it is essential for attendees to not only have fun and engage with one another but to learn something new and have it rooted in future education. There are many

different events supported by DEI for students to participate in.

“Black Love Gala taking place Feb. 16, is something I look forward to. Seeing the students dress up and essentially going to a dance which is all culturally picked …I think is a beautiful experience for the students to be a part of,” Lester said.

DEI not only focuses on students but there is a faculty and staff component that is addressed as well.

Kean University not only welcomes African American students but also supports and sees African American students. It is important for them to know that their lives matter, and their creativity, inspiration, and career goals also matter.

DEI provides programs and academic units with the department of Africana Studies, as far as making sure that it is a foundational base and part of the Kean experience. This is the most important component of what DEI does as an office.

Saniah Kinsey, a senior majoring in forensic science, is proud of how much effort the university puts into making sure that African American students feel included and heard. Kinsey attends many of the multicultural events that take place on campus to gain knowledge and also participate in fun activities.

“It is important to engage in these events because you walk in with the same mindset and you leave with a different one,” Kinsey said. “I am very passionate about my culture and I want others to have the same knowledge as well. Kean has definitely made quite an impression on my Kean experience here.” n

By Steven-Ross Bugayong

Focusing on creating opportunities for students who wish to succeed in the business world of sports, Kean Sports Business Club (KSBC) was established in Dec. 2022 to prioritize the business aspects of the sporting industry.

Sebastian Salazar, a junior marketing major, founder, and president of the organization saw Kean as an opportunity to build his passion for sports through the university's various connections with local sports teams.

"I saw an opportunity with Kean, with the Jets class they have, their partnership with the Red Bulls and FIFA, I knew I had

enhance their careers in the sporting industry by building connections while creating opportunities for themselves.

Club member junior sports and event management major Christina Chiarella said she joined the Sports Business Club to explore her interests in sports and help her decide on her career path after graduation.

“I hope to pursue my interests through networking and career-building opportunities while connecting with other group members," Chiarelli said.

“Learning about internships and jobs in the sports world and listening to special guest speakers is why I joined.”

A point of emphasis Salazar preaches to

to get here," Salazar said.

Salazar hopes the school's partnerships with local sports teams can provide members with firsthand experience. From providing guest speakers to setting up an internship program.

"We have all the partnerships we need at this university," Salazar said. "The campus is near New York, the mecca of the sports universe, so why not take advantage of that."

The Kean Sports Business Club hopes to work on career development by teaching members how to utilize sites such as LinkedIn. This, in turn, will help members

members of the KSBC is networking. Salazar explains to members that getting into the business world of sports is a challenging career as he has heard and experienced the hardships and benefits of following a career in sports.

"A hardship I experienced in applying to jobs and attempting to gain internships is understanding you need more than your experience," Salazar said. "The sports community is tight-knit. It's not the easiest to get into, but amazing once you are in. You have to develop a strong network."

New club plans to create opportunities for students in the sports business

“We are such a diverse community and also have such diverse interests that I think it’s important for that lane to reflect other’s interest,”

Photo by Kean Sports Business Club Club logo

Photo by Steven-Ross Bugayong Salazar leading a KSBC meeting

Photo by Steven-Ross Bugayong

Secretary Ben Rubens and President Sebastian Salazar

Photo by DEI Event Calendar

“The sports world, in general, is big on connections,” Rubens said. “If you have the right people around you and you work in the right places, it is really easy to find your niche.”

Changes In Keanu’s Kitchen Fitness center re-opens at D’Angola

By Justin “Jay” McDaniel

With the start of the Spring 23 semester students have been making their way to Keanu’s Kitchen to grab a meal only to find that there has been some major changes and new additions.

During the winter break, Keanu’s Kitchen added a new system where students would have to place their orders through tablets instead of waiting in line

unpredictable,” Guancione said. “There have been many times when the order numbers get called out of order. Even for the smallest of orders I still have to wait an hour just for that and it has been multiple times. You just need to hope you get it on time.”

There was also reports of a flood in Keanu’s Kitchen which has left a portion of the cafeteria closed off from students. When asked of the situation workers said

By Anthony Reyna

Featuring a turf workout area, monitors lining the entire room, a direct pathway to Harwood Arena and two floors of new cardio and weight-training equipment, the newly renovated D’Angola gymnasium serves as a massive overhaul from the previous workout centers on campus.

In the Fall 2022 semester, students, faculty and staff were informed that the D’Angola Gym was under construction and would re-open for the Spring 2023 semester. While the gym was under construction, students had to use interum gym located at East Campus.

On Jan. 17, the first day of the Spring semester, the new fitness center was opened in D’Angola with a soft launch. Dr. Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., was in attendance at the soft opening and said that this year his administration is focuing on wellness as a whole at Kean.

“We've done some great work with our facilities, athletic fields and recreation spaces, and this world-class fitness center is another option we are giving students,

and telling the cooks what their order is. One tablet is to place food orders on the grill while the other is for morning omelets or stir fry in the afternoon.

While the new system was intended to make ordering a meal easier for both students and staff, it seems as if the changes have caused the wait time for food to increase and have mixed reviews from students.

“Last semester I really enjoyed the setup they had but this semester has been completely different,” Christopher Moore an exercise science major said. “I had to wait an hour and thirty minutes for my food the last time I went. The tablets are always on and off too and the worst is when my orders get skipped over on the tickets.”

Longer waits in Keanu’s Kitchen has been an issue for most students who have been on campus since the start of the new semester.

Mike Guancione a business management major said his first experience with the new system was a relatively good one, however, since recently, the orders have been taking longer and longer to be fulfilled.

“I’m not really a fan of the new setup. I believe it's unorganized and

the issue was more with the sprinklers going off which led to the flood.

But even though the start of this semester has been tough the dining hall has been doing what it can to correct the wait time and make it easier for students.

“We've started making some of the food ahead of time so that when students get here the wait won’t be as long as it’s been.”

Elanoir a worker in Keanu’s Kitchen said.

“We have also added a slide that holds french fries, chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, and more to make things even easier.”

Currently, students are able to grab food prepared on the grill from a new section in the dining hall. This section keeps grilled food warm and ready for students to grab and go.

Hana Abouhaib, who majors in biotechnology and molecular biology said though the new additions were a bit confusing at first, she has adjusted and likes it.

“The setup from before I enjoyed more, but I see how this is better for the people who work there, much easier than having people yell their orders at them,” Abouhaib siad.

As it has been slowly progressing in the right direction it is left to be seen if the new system will last. n

faculty and staff to work out and improve their overall wellness,” Repollet said.

D'Angola Gymnasium is the original home for the athletic department and was first built in 1963 before a complete renovation and repurpose in 2006. The new fitness center’s renovation serves as the first major overhaul for a fitness center on campus in over 16 years.

“This gym is more modern than the

other fitness centers on campus,” Paul Williams managing assistant director of recreation said. “It has a variety of equipment that can appeal to fitness enthusiasts and student athletes alike.”

Thomas Johnson, a junior majoring in physical education who works at the fitness center as a receptionist said that the newly renovated gym is more spacious for students to workout.

Johnson said the gym is loaded with more advanced equipments in comparison to the old weight room adding that the new space “gives LA Fitness vibes.”

Regaining easier access to state of the art equipment and facilities is a major relief to the athletic department as well as all student athletes, following the completion of the lengthy renovation which left the space unavailable for a semester.

“I think the new gym is attracting more student to workout on campus due to the fact you just need your Kean ID and don’t have to pay for a membership,” Johnson said. “This gym allows students to workout in between classes as well and

just maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

The upgrade in space also allows for both students and faculty to workout comfortably and without interference, which was a frequent complaint made about the East Campus location

“The ability to provide an environment where students can be confident in

“I would say the new gym is well spaced out for students to workout and there are more advanced machines to use than the old weight room”

“You just need to hope you get it on time”

Photo by Kean University

Students working out in the new gym

Photo by Justin McDaniel Students waiting for orders at “the grill”

Photo by Justin McDaniel Keanu’s Kitchen Outside View

7 SZA Songs You Should Listen to Ahead of “SOS”

By Tyra Watts

The wait is finally over. After five years, SZA’s long-awaited sophomore album, “SOS,” has been officially released. The album consists of 23 tracks and has guest features from Travis Scott, Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

Ahead of the album’s release, SZA, whose

it is also an album that is popular amongst students at Kean University.

Bianca Nunez, a senior who is majoring in communication studies, expressed her support of the album, calling it a masterpiece.

“SZA made a masterpiece. The meaning behind the album cover was phenomenal,” Nunez stated. “The introduction of this album reeled me like a fish on a hook. Her

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:

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SPORTS EDITOR:

real name is Solána Imani Rowe, stated that she has been “currently stressed,” about meeting the album’s December deadline. Still, she has been in control of the “SOS” album rollout, releasing the highly awaited track “Shirt” on Oct. 28 and appearing on SNL as a musical guest on Dec. 2 alongside Keke Palmer, who hosted the episode.

The “SOS” album was met with praise, with critics such as Pitchfork calling the album, “a clear document of how extensively SZA has sharpened her songwriting since the exquisite CTRL, how she’s become an even more exacting lyricist and imaginative musician. While placing herself firmly in the tradition of R&B, she’s forcefully blasé about genre tropes.”

Not only was “SOS” enjoyed by critics, but

voice is amazing. Compared to her debut album ‘CTRL’, she is ahead of her time with this album. My top 5 from the album are ‘Snooze’, ‘Open Arms’, ‘Low’, ‘Too Late’, and ‘Far’.”

Stephanie Tande, a junior majoring in psychology, showed praise for SZA and the album, stating that it wasn’t bad.

“The album was pretty good,” She began. “It wasn’t bad. She definitely did her thing on it, she snapped.”

Tande then said that her favorite tracks on “SOS” are “Low” and “Kill Bill”.

Meanwhile, Gina Marzella, a senior majoring in education, stated that “SOS” is her most listened-to album, alongside SZA’s 2017 debut album “CTRL.” Marzella also expressed appreciation towards SZA for her

continued on page 11

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“SZA made a masterpiece. The meaning behind the album cover was phenomenal,”

Photo by Daniel Sannwald

“SOS” Album Cover

Photo by Jacob Webster SZA

The Golden Globe Awards Gets Spicy

By Isaiah Joseph

Last year’s Golden Globe Awards was an interesting one. Many actors and actresses were nominated for their chance to win an award as appreciation for their hard work participating in the year’s biggest films.

One thing stood out though, every year these awards are hosted by some of the greatest names in Hollywood. For example, the Golden Globes 2021 was hosted by actresses Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. The 2022 Golden Globe was hosted by one of the biggest and most highly anticipated actors in our generation today, Jerrod Carmichael.

American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and filmmaker Rothaniel Jerrod Carmicheal was the host of 2022’s Golden Globe Award event. For one, being a Black comedian in a predominately white industry gives him the center of attention.

“That is my dude! I love him, I'm glad he hosted it because he killed it!” Iris Fox, a junior theater major said. “We need more Black talents hosting these shows.”

Carmichael opened the award show with a deep dark comedic monologue, he withheld holding back as he was in the moment of the heat, and the spotlight was his.

“I'm here because I'm Black,” Carmicheal said. sparking controversy throughout the media with many claiming he is playing the “Black card”. But in contrast, it is more than that. This targeted the Golden Globe’s lack of diversity in the ceremony's history.

Leona Kingsly, a sophomore and marine biology student, stands with Carmicheal as he uncovers and thrashes the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) for its lack of Black members.

continued on page 13

Kean Students React to the Last Of Us Show Adaptation

By Andrey Nalbantov

HBO Max released the first episode of the TV show adaptation of the critically acclaimed video game “The Last Of Us” on Jan. 15 and just three episodes into the first season, it seems like the “curse” of adapting video games into shows and movies has finally been broken.

For years many studios and producers have been trying their hardest to deliver great video game adaptations to big and small screens around the world. In most cases, those adaptations fell flat and/ or failed to interpret the core material, until the release of “The Last of Us”.

“The first episode was phenomenal,” Norman Ayala, senior, and Media/Film student said. “It did an amazing job of

translating the panic of the unknown danger from the screen.”

Originally published in 2013, the video game developed by Naughty Dog drops the players in a dark and violent post-apocalyptic world. A world where a dangerous fungal infection called the cordyceps has ravaged everything on its path.

Players enter the role of Joel, a smuggler, who was given a very important item to safely deliver through ruined North America, while safely navigating through the dangers that lurk around. The show is directed by Neil Druckmann, Naughty Dog’s co-president and creative director for the original video game, in partnership with “Chernobyl” miniseries creator Craig

Mazin.

The production is a direct adaptation that not only brings the source material back to life on the home screen but also improves and expands on it.

The community remained divided when it came to the new additions to the storyline. Many were not very fond of them, because they were not present in the game. In contrast, others welcomed the further details and backstories with positivity, as it can give more depth and emotion to the characters.

“I personally love that the show goes more in-depth about the back stories as it gives more raw emotions for the characters and it builds to the plot," Robyn Epstein, junior, and Media/Film student said. “[I am] not going to lie, I cried after watching episode three and seeing the backstory of Bill and Frank.”

As every Intellectual Property (IP) that is being adapted as a TV show or a movie, “The Last of Us” also was subjected to doubts by its core fan base. After the recent disappointing adaptation that was handled by Paramount of yet another beloved gaming IP, in this case, Halo, it was evident that many faithful fans of “The Last Of Us” would approach that new project with caution.

In the case of the Halo adaptation, the producers chose to completely ignore the source material.

It is safe to say that “The Last Of Us” did not follow the same path as the Halo adaptation. Currently, the show stays in the number one spot in the “25 Most Popular TV Shows Right Now: What To Watch On Streaming” section of Rotten Tomatoes with an overall rating of 96%.

The post-apocalyptic drama has also infected viewership numbers, just as the cordyceps fungus, it has massively spread through the screens of HBO Max users. The first episode had a total of 4.7 million viewers, and the number has been going continued on page 13

“I'm here because I'm Black”

"File:Jerrod Carmichael at the Del Monte Speakeasy (cropped).jpg" by CleftClips is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Jerrod Carmichael

“Not going to lie I cried after watching episode three and seeing the backstory of Bill and Frank.”

Photo by HBO website, Naughty Dog Joel and Ellie

Photo by HBO Instagram page TLOU official poster

Back to School Strategies for Students to Stay Organized

By Colin Ward

Students at Kean University are slowly adjusting to being back on campus again. The quick transition from winter break to being back in the classroom could make it easy for students to fall behind academically.

With this sudden change of pace, students need to stay focused and organized, especially at the beginning of the semester. No one wants an early setback that’s going to hinder the course of their entire semester.

Students are juggling their jobs, relationships, and family lives, while still getting their schoolwork done. This can be overwhelming at times. Rocco Tarquiro, senior history major at Kean Ocean does not intend to overwhelm himself with all of his responsibilities.

“A relatively simple way for me to not get stressed is making sure I keep it realistic,” Tarquiro

said. “I try to keep a healthy balance between schoolwork, work, and family matters. I try not to front load or back load all the schoolwork.”

Starting an assignment the night before it’s due is an example of procrastination. Not putting in enough time or effort can negatively affect a student’s grade.

According to some students at Kean, procrastination is one of the main causes of failure for them.

Brandon Ryan, senior marketing major at Kean Ocean, has had issues with procrastination for the entirety of his college career.

“I have always been a huge procrastinator,” Ryan said. “I’m focusing on fixing that.”

A way Ryan is trying to fix his procrastination problem is by taking better notes in the classroom. For him, note-taking helps him remember what was taught during the lectures and keeps him organized.

“I stay organized by taking notes for the harder classes, like math or business, with a pen and paper,” Ryan said. “For other classes, I’ll take notes right on my laptop.”

Staying organized throughout the semester can give students a better chance of being successful. Taking notes in class is a good starting point, but there is more that can be done to become more organized this semester.

“I literally forget everything I’m told within twenty minutes,” Lauren Poulillo, junior marketing major at Kean Ocean said. “To stay organized with assignments and exams, I use an online planner on my laptop religiously.”

These online planners act as digital calendars. The student can plug in any assignments that are due or events they need to attend on a given day. The calendar sends the student a notification when something is coming up, so they won’t fall behind.

“I keep all my assignments and exams in one calendar, so I’m not surprised by any exams,” Poulillo continued. “I can complete all my assignments over a spread-out period of time, instead of all in one day because I forgot about them.”

Success is obtainable this semester. Eliminating stress and not being overwhelmed is a vital part of that. Not procrastinating, taking good notes, and becoming better organized with a planner may just change the trajectory of the entire semester. n

registration. For decades, students waited in line, usually in a large gymnasium, to sign up for the courses they needed, and if any were already full, they were asked if they wanted to be “wait-listed.”

Salvatore also informed the Senate that Kean will evaluate for improvement the availability of course sections. Students who were expected to graduate in the upcoming semester had more access to available courses. There were course sections that were open for more seat availability and over 100 students were able to register for classes.

At the Jan. 24 meeting held via Zoom, the Senate mostly discussed another major administrative move: the return to the national academic standard of departments instead of schools and chairpersons instead of executive directors. The change is expected to take effect for Fall 23 to discuss improvement issues of the department and chairs implementation task force along with the senate committee on adjunct faculty.

Laurie Knis-Matthews, Ph.D., an occupational therapy professor explained that the committee on chairs is examining the role of chairs and how to improve the position to benefit everyone.

“We have four aspects that we’re trying to take a look at for this phase,” Knis-Matthews said. “We’re looking at chair training. We’re looking at how to support those new to the role. We’re looking at creating a chair’s handbook and we’re hoping to present initial information about becoming a chair to the greater Kean community.”

Joy Moskovitz, associate vice president for academic

affairs, responded with a proposal to move forward with the senate’s support and what the next steps are towards the transition from levels of departments to the chair model.

Chairs are elected by full time faculty in each department and the process is articulated during negotiations between the university administration and the Kean Federation of Teachers, which represents full time faculty.

“With the senate’s support, we’ll go back to the provost with our latest work to move forward with the board and the president and prepare everyone for the (chair) elections,” Moskovitz said. “According to the master contract, it normally takes place by April 30.”

Sucheta S. Ahlawat, Ph.D., chair of the senate and professor in the school of marketing and management, discussed concerns about the awareness level of reorganizing the department structure.

Moskovitz provided information on the process moving forward and gave a website link.

“Our intention today was to give an overview and talk about what the next steps would be for the senate,” Moskovitz said.

Marshall L. Hayes, Ph.D., executive director of Center for Clinical Lab, said that the task force will focus on roles associated with the chair and coordinator functions.

Hayes said that a consideration document, a document linked to the original task force, will ask each academic unit to categorize its programs and provide the number of faculty, including adjuncts (who are part-time), full-time lecturers, tenured as well as tenure-track professors.

“The additional thing that our task force has done has been to gather information from other campuses across the country, if not the world, on how associate chairs and assistant chairs are also integrated in the process,” Haynes said.

“We’ve compiled all that information and we’re using it as a framework for decision making and informing the kinds of policies that we want to establish moving forward.” n

“I try to keep a healthy balance between schoolwork, work, and family matters. I try not to front load or back load all the schoolwork.”

“Students will benefit because they will have a greater chance of registering for the courses they want or are required to take,” Salvatore said.

Kean to create course “wait lists” beginning Fall 23 continued from cover

Photo by Colin Ward Rocco Tarquiro and Lauren Poulillo studying

Photo by Kean Website

Kean University Senate Members

BYE BYE BLACKBOARD. CANVAS COMING SOON.

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Blackboard is a convenient platform that is comfortable for most students and professors, considering the fact that it has been used for a while. However, with the upcoming use of Canvas, faculty members have been trying to adapt as early as Fall 2022 by using it to upload lectures, assignments and the class syllabus.

This has caused students to pass their judgment on the platform and compare it to Blackboard. Though students and faculty have endured frequent technical difficulties with Blackboard, the switch to Canvas seems less appealing.

On Kean University’s website, they offer a link that includes a guide to using Canvas along with a definition. Students and professors can use this link to help them get a basic understanding of Canvas.

On the website, Instructure Community, they define Canvas as “a web-based learning management system, or LMS. It is used by learning institutions, educators, and students to access and manage online course learning materials and communicate about skill development and learning achievement…Canvas includes a variety of customizable course creation and management tools, course and user analytics and statistics, and internal communication tools.”

Gabriela Melgar, a junior at Kean majoring in marketing, prefers Blackboard but said that she is open to the idea of learning how to navigate Canvas and can see herself getting used to it.

“I definitely prefer blackboard only because I am much more comfortable with it,” Melgar said, “I know where everything is, but Canvas is definitely a site that I can see myself getting used to and liking.”

Melgar is not the only student who prefers Blackboard over Canvas. Za’ree Neal, a Kean junior majoring in business, also prefers Blackboard, even with past experiences with Canvas.

“It’s not my first time using Canvas and it’s easy to use. I would prefer Blackboard honestly, but that’s because I have been using it for a while now and I am used to it,” Neal said.

Despite students giving positive reviews for Canvas, they note that they still prefer Blackboard despite its issues and inconsistency.

Billy Notté, a junior Kean student majoring in business management, who also has past experiences using Canvas, prefers Blackboard.

“I used Canvas in highschool so it’s not new to me and it’s overall easy to navigate through everything. I prefer blackboard because I've gotten so used to using it in college and it’s a little more simplistic than Canvas,” Notté said.

Although many students prefer Blackboard, Linda Davis, a graduate in fine arts at Kean, prefers Canvas. “It was easy. I also used it as the teacher, as I was a Teacher Assistant. Canvas is more user friendly and has less bugs, especially when using it as the instructor,” Davis said.

When Kean University made the announcement on switching to Canvas, they offered early access to teach courses through Canvas during the fall 2022 term. Some

professors jumped at the opportunity, while some stuck to the platform they know best.

Alexandria Ward, Adjunct Instructor in the Communication, Media, and Journalism Department at

said.

Ward would rather wait until the switch becomes mandatory, considering that it has been used for many years.

“I was not trained in using Blackboard, however I was comfortable with the platform because I have used it for my undergraduate and graduate studies as a student. I believe Blackboard is effective in keeping the course organized and allowing for students and faculty to keep track of student assignment submissions and grades,” Ward said. Melgar’s professor gave Canvas a try for this semester.

“My professor that is using Canvas actually explained to the class why she chose Canvas. She basically said that since Kean is transferring to Canvas next semester, she wanted to help us get familiarized with it and get used to it. That way next semester it’s not hard for us because we will already know how to use it,” Melgar said.

Dr. Lamont O. Repollet Ed.D. sent an announcement via email to the Kean Community announcing the new LMS along with explaining the switch from Blackboard to Canvas.

“Blackboard has been Kean’s LMS since 2005. It was the dominant player in the market at that time but has been steadily losing ground to competitors in the years since. Criticisms range widely, but most have to do with the complexity of the interface, the quality of support, and the difficulty of performing even routine actions. Similar concerns were voiced at Kean as well,” Repollet said.

It came down to two alternatives: Brightspace and Canvas, according to Repollet’s message. Brightspace has a website of its own called D2L Brightspace and it provides a definition as to what it is.

“Brightspace is an innovative learning management system for creating, hosting, and editing online learning resources. It contains a flexible suite of tools for creating custom content for institutions, courses and users,” According to the website.

The LMS Task Force conducted its work during the balance of 2020 to 2021 to see which platform was best to use.

“The results were clear. Among all constituencies and on almost every LMS-based task, Canvas came out on top. Brightspace was in second place. Blackboard, even in its newest iteration, was a distant third,” Repollet said.

Kean, currently uses Blackboard for her classes.

“I am currently using Blackboard because it is the platform that has been used for many years within the Communications Department at Kean. I am aware of the switch that will be mandatory from Blackboard to Canvas in the Fall of 2023, but I am comfortable with using this platform until that change becomes mandatory,” Ward

The switch to Canvas may not be everyone’s preference, but it is a switch for the better. This educational platform was placed first and it says plenty, with Blackboard being the most trusted platform we have always used.

Blackboard has caused issues in the past, this is a beneficial change. Canvas, for the most part, is easy to use and seems to be a platform we can start to trust and grow to love. n

Photo by Repollet’s Email Announcement Announcing the New LMS

Photo by Kean University Website Canvas Announcement

Kyeon Taylor, Destined for Professional Football

continued from cover

Redblacks, an opportunity that came as a shock to him.

“The CFL contract was a surprise to me too,” Taylor said. “A scout from Redblacks followed me on Twitter and so I assumed they were interested in me. They had emailed Kean to get access to my game film because they wanted to see how I move in a whole game film. The scout hit me up on Twitter to get more information on me and he gave me an opportunity to come play for them this season coming up.”

Most Division III athletes play for the love of the sport while getting their education. Still, unlike Divison I and Division II higher divisions of collegiate sports, Division III doesn’t offer athletic scholarships.

That never stopped Taylor, if anything, it made his grind harder. In the classroom, the Criminal Justice major maintained a 3.1 GPA while accomplishing heights on the field that many players haven't seen.

With all his success, people might think Taylor had years of experience doing what he does. That statement couldn’t be further from reality, as Taylor’s football journey didn’t begin until his senior year of high school at Rancocas Valley.

The journey wasn’t always a smooth ride. Taylor often had times of self-doubt within his optimism.

“Only playing one year of football in high school, I thought football was over for me until I got the opportunity to play at Kean,” Taylor said. “I knew I wanted to be great since freshman year at Kean because it felt like a fresh clean start.”

During the Covid-19 pandemic, sports at Kean, like the world itself, saw a rigorous change. In the Spring 2021 semester, the NJAC decided to continue on and have a season in the wake of the canceled 2020 football season. Many teams in the NJAC didn’t partake, but Kean decided to participate, at least momentarily. The Cougars played one game against the Montclair State Red Hawks and that day Taylor faced his largest defeat as an individual competitor.

“I had doubts that Covid year because there was some high expectations for me and that one Montclair game was the worse I ever played in my life,” Taylor said. “My biggest thing is that I did not want to let anyone down and I felt like I did. That game had me thinking that I was not reliable to be a leader or a great player here at Kean. That’s when the doubt came in and had me not [feel] like myself.”

The Cougars had to close down for the remainder of the spring 2021 season because of the roster number depleting along with recurring injuries, and overall unsafe conditions to play through. This gave Taylor no redemption arc, at least until the fall 2021 season came around. Taylor trained rigorously for the remainder of that time until he reported back to football camp in August.

“He overcame a lot of adversity in a very short period of time, and fought through the doubt,” Coach Matthew Krieder, Kean’s defensive coordinator said. “He refused to be a victim of circumstance. He dusted himself off and used that energy to motivate him to come back better

than ever. After five months of training - that refocus led him to become the statistical NCAA champion for interceptions.”

In the 2021 campaign, Taylor recorded 32 tackles, including 22 solos and 10 assisted, 16 passes defended, 8 interceptions and 3.5 tackles for loss. Taylor crossed over into the status of being one of the best collegiate

has changed his workout regimen to train his body to be ready for the competitive field of draft season.

“I’ve been eating and drinking better than before and have been training at Adrenaline five times a week for two hours,” Taylor said. “It’s been rough some days but it’s great work for me and I can feel the progress.”

Senior cornerback Nasir Neal spent every step of the way with Taylor, playing alongside him for the entirety of their college career. They’ve studied film, worked out, and took plenty of parts from each other's games over the course of five years.

“We’ve always told each other what needed to be heard rather than what was wanted, since the beginning,” Neal said. “We’ve held each other to a certain standard and when one of us didn’t meet the standard we reinforced it.”

He recalled that in Freshman year at Kean, Taylor was out of commission with a full body cramp while freshmen were learning a new technique. Taylor returned four days later and was using the technique as if he was there the whole time, he said.

“It’s because he was still taking notes although he couldn’t practice,” Neal said.

That standard earned Taylor the moniker and nickname “KT Island” based after his initials as well as his ability to play textbook defense and eliminate a complete side of the field.

“The people that made me KT were definitely my Kean family,” Taylor said. “Just being that person that anyone can talk to or ask questions to just holds more value to me.”

Another person he attributes to molding the moniker of “KT” is fellow NFL draft recruit Kyle Sapp. Sapp is a former teammate of Taylor at Rancocas Valley and played collegiate football at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania.

“Kyle Sapp, as we speak now, me and Kyle are grinding together and working hard to achieve this pro dream,” Taylor said. “He motivates me when I don’t feel like doing things and vice versa. Those hard working summers started with us so I have to give my boy a lot of credit for that.”

Those hardworking days and nights cultivated plenty of success and stature for Taylor.

players in the country as well as putting up arguably one of the best statistical seasons at Kean.

This drew major attention from scouts and critics from NFL teams such as the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and the Philadelphia Eagles, given his ability and prototypical NFL defensive back size.

Then, on Dec. 26, Taylor decided to stamp his name into pro football contention by etching his name into the NFL Draft.

Coach Kreider credited Taylor with preparedness and a willingness to study his opponents. He also said Taylor has confidence and good instincts. Taylor, for instance,

Taylor was thrown into the fire but persevered and it opened doors that he never thought were imaginable. Although he never expected to be great at first, he was willing to put in the time, effort, and dedication to separate himself from others.

For many aspiring football players, the journey begins at a young age. Taylor’s trajectory had to move at accelerated pace starting later in life than the typical football player.

Taylor’s success is just at its beginning and he has the potential to play professionally for a craft he didn’t start the journey to until his senior year of high school. One thing is for certain, the name Kyeon Taylor is forever engraved in Kean University football history.

Disclaimer: Kervin Coleman is a teammate of Kyeon Taylor. n

Photo by Rob Bergman

In game shot of Kyeon Taylor

Photo by Matthew Krieder Kyeon Taylor making an interception along with All American Banner

7 SZA Songs You Should Listen to Ahead of “SOS”

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vulnerability.

“As an artist, you can see she’s trying to be vulnerable,” Marzella stated. “She does her best to maintain her individuality, which is inspiring to me.”

Marzella also mentioned that her favorite songs from “SOS” are “Blind” and “Love Language”.

“SOS” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, gaining 318,000 equivalent album units earned. This marked SZA getting her first-ever number-one album. Currently, “SOS” remains number one on the Billboard 200, breaking records weekly.

To prepare you ahead of listening to “SOS,” here are seven SZA songs you should listen to.

1. Broken Clocks

Listed as the ninth track on SZA’s 2017 debut album “Ctrl,” “Broken Clocks” is a song where SZA looks back on her love life while dealing with her working life. She then realizes that her love life is getting in the way of her work life. One of the standout lyrics in this song, “I ain't had a smoke break / In about two days, don't break (Ugh) / Been about three years since I dated you / Why you still talkin' 'bout me like we together? / I moved on for the better, you moved on to whoever / I was down for whatever, and then some / You gon' make me late to work again,” highlights how SZA’s focus has shifted from love to work, and that it is her start to become independent.

2. Good Days

One of the 23 tracks on “SOS” released on Christmas Day in 2020, SZA seeks out positivity and hope for a future of “Good Days.” Accompanied by background

vocals from Jacob Collier and a dream-like production, SZA is yearning for something more but not missing her ex, with a lyric stating that “I don't miss no ex, I don't miss no text / I choose not to respond,” which many fans can relate.

3. I Hate U

Another one of 23 tracks included in the “SOS” album, “I Hate U” is arguably the most straightforward track on this list. This song was originally on SoundCloud in August 2021 and gained popularity on social media, mainly on the video-creating app TikTok. It led to SZA officially releasing this track on Dec. 3, 2021. “I Hate U” is malicious from the start, with the first lyric being “I be so sick of you n*****, y'all contradicting,” which sets the tone of the song, highlighting those who have hurt her while reminiscing on the past.

4. 20 Something

“20 Something,” serves as the last track on “Ctrl”, and it’s one of the most vulnerable songs off the album. Not having both her life and love life together, SZA sings about

the struggles and realities of going through your 20s. She prays that she keeps all her friends and that the 20-somethings don’t kill her. From lyrics such as “Honesty hurts when you're gettin' older,'' to “Hopin' my 20 somethings won't end / Hopin' to keep the rest of my friends,'' encapsulates the realities of adulthood with the hopes that things will get better.

5. 2 AM

One of seven additional tracks included in the deluxe version of “Ctrl,” “2 AM” is an interpolation of “Come and See Me,” by PARTYNEXTDOOR featuring Drake. In the original song, PARTYNEXTDOOR and Drake talk about wanting 2 a.m. hookups while the women they’re messing with want more than that: a romantic relationship. Meanwhile, in “2 AM,” SZA sings from the perspective where she realizes that she is not the only girl in the picture but doesn’t leave the situation because she is too attracted to the other person. The lyrics, “One of your girls on the side like that / I know your kind, how you lie like that / I know you're mine when you bite it like that / I know you're mine when you put it like that,” shows

how SZA does not care that there are other women involved, and instead desires how the other person satisfies her.

6. Drew Barrymore

“Drew Barrymore,” is the fourth track of “Ctrl,” named after the actress of the same name. In this song, SZA is insecure while dealing with a problematic relationship. You can feel the sadness and worry in her voice as she questions her partner and the relationship, with lyrics such as “Is it warm enough for ya inside me / Me, me, me?” and “Do you really love me? / Or just wanna love me down, down, down, down?” During a live performance, SZA explains that “Drew Barrymore” is about a party she went to, where she was supposed to meet a boy. However, the guy brought another girl to the party, and SZA decided to smoke alone. Despite this, SZA said she had a fantastic time.

7. Awkward

Another deluxe track from the deluxe edition of “Ctrl,” “Awkward” is a song in which SZA questions whether hooking up with a friend was worth it, and now she believes that she made things awkward. Despite this, SZA doesn’t regret it and hopes the hookup turns into a relationship, but she is unsure if her friend feels the same way. Lyrics such as “It is just deeper than friendship / Now let's keep it awkward / I think we're ready for it, yeah, mmm / Let's keep it awkward / I know I'm ready for it, you feel me?” sheds light on the effects of hooking up with your friends. n

Photo by RCA records June 9, 2022 press release “Ctrl (Deluxe)” Tracklist

Photo by RCA records Dec. 9, 2022 press release “SOS” Tracklist

Will you be having a Valentine or a Galentine?

Some Valentines celebrated love long distance

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like a perfect opportunity for women to celebrate each other and their friendships, some disagree and believe it is unnecessary.

According to an article from the Insider, by Rachel Hosie, G-Day is “patronizing, sexist and unnecessary” since it sends a message that women need to celebrate and get together with their friends before Valentine’s Day to appease the fact that they’re single, heartbroken, or whatever their situation may be, so “they don’t fall into a pit of despair.”

Corrine Drew, who is studying Public Relations, said, “I think Valentine’s Day's

essential purpose is to cherish, appreciate and do something nice for someone you love. It does not have to be celebrated with a significant other, your friends can be your Valentine’s.”

The three ladies, Reghitto, Ardon and Drew agreed that a friend can also be one’s Valentine and there’s no need to have a significant other for the holiday, cherish those around you that love you for who you are.

So, what will you be celebrating this upcoming week? n

bit of a harder time celebrating this day, but many find a way to make it work one way or another.

While some may not necessarily spend the lovers holiday with a significant other, there are other loved ones in their family to celebrate the day with. Being single doesn’t mean being left out of the lover’s holiday, as some stated it is not only about couples.

Joshua Handy, a sophomore majoring in accounting said since he is single, he will be spending time with his mom, getting her some flowers, and taking her out along with his brothers.

“This day will be all about family time,” Handy said.

While some students battle the challenges of a long-distance relationship and some are single on the lover's holiday and choose to spend it with family and friends, others are coupled up and are waiting to be asked, “will you be my valentine?”

New club plans to create opportunities for students in the sports business

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Ben Rubens, a senior sports and event management major and KSBC’s secretary, agrees with Salazar’s sentiment as he said the club is a way for students to build connections.

"The sports world, in general, is big on connections," Rubens said. "If you have the right people around you

and work in the right places, it is really easy to find your niche."

Though KSBC is still in its infancy, the club hopes to expand its brand with plans for a newsletter and radio show. But with the plans to expand the organization, the objective remains the same, providing a network for

#Bekind Movement Sweeps Kean Ocean

continued from page 2 continued from page 3

participate in something that could really help someone on a bad day.”

Students on campus have had positive reactions to the movement as well, and are enjoying bringing awareness to how little acts of kindness can really impact someone.

“One of my favorite parts of coming into the Gateway building for class on Thursdays is picking up a compliment and writing one down for someone else,” Maria Towra, sophomore at Ocean County College said. “I try to think of really unique things to say, and make sure that whoever is reading my compliment knows that the world is a better place with them in it.

The movement also hosted a “Come Sweat” event, on Feb.1 in the Ocean County College fitness building. There

they celebrated National Women in Sports Day, and brought awareness to being kind to yourself, and your body. Students did a variety of workouts with one another, and every student that attended received a free #Bekind t-shirt, and free protein snacks to help fuel their body.

“I hope that students will become more aware of their actions, and how a simple smile can impact someone’s day,” Lambusta said. “I hope that they understand the value of being kind to everyone no matter what they’re going through and to encourage positivity.”

The #Bekind movement will continue throughout the semester at Kean Ocean. Each month there will be different events taking place including donation drives, kindness activities, and volunteer opportunities. n

Ashley Palmer, a junior majoring in psychology, said she expects her boyfriend to ask her to be his Valentine.

She also mentioned that her birthday is on Feb. 10 and that they will be celebrating both occasions with a special dinner.

Likewise, Allison Macias, a junior working on her marketing degree, said this Valentine’s Day she will be spending the day with her boyfriend and enjoying a rooftop dinner with him.

Regardless of how people choose to celebrate or view the lover's holiday, whether it is with family, friends, or a significant other, it is all about what makes the individual, in this case, happy. There are so many ways to celebrate this occasion and it is evident that everyone chooses the one that best suits their current situation. In the end, it is all about being surrounded by love because that is what this day is all about. n

students to make it in the sports industry.

"For most people who want to work in sports, it seems like a pipe dream,” Salazar said. “But hopefully, students who join our club can learn that doing things such as building connections can make it seem more attainable, that you can make your own way.” n

“to make it work a lot of communication is needed, at least once a day.”

Photo by Maggie Lambusta

Students who participated in “Come Sweat”

Photo by Josephine Carrillo Galentine’s Day 2023

Kean Students React to the Last Of Us Show Adaptation

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up ever since. The second episode raised its audience by 22% more, while the third by 12%.

The show has also attracted many viewers who have either never played or heard of the game before. For Epstein who had never played the game before, there were no expectations involved, and she ended up being sucked into the show instantly.

“I was immediately drawn to the series and its plot,” Epstein said. “The cinematographer was excellent and it did a great job setting up the universe.”

Another aspect where the community has been divided involves the cast selection for the main protagonists.

Game of Thrones alumni Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey step in the shoes of Joel Miller and Ellie Williams. For some of the core fans, the casting choice is inaccurate to the appearance of the original characters.

Some criticism comes from the fact that Pedro Pascal is Hispanic, while the character he portrays is caucasian. On the other hand, many believe that the acting abilities of the actors will be enough to bring the characters to life instead.

“I had already been informed by various news outlets regarding the casting and already had high hopes for the show as well as the cast,” Ayala said. “We're only three episodes in, and so far the actors are giving an amazing performance.”

The resounding success of the first three episodes gave the showrunners the green light for a second season. On Jan. 27, 2023, Naughty Dog confirmed on their Instagram account that the show will continue for a second season. With the great news from the announcement, a little spur of negativity was also provided by some fans.

Neil Druckman confirmed that the second season will

The Golden Globe Awards Gets Spicy

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“He dragged their ass, and they definitely deserved it,” Kingsly said. “I feel like people who oppose his monologue must see that he has a point, feel me?.”

With that, Carmichael pitched into a recap of the current record of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and its prolonged lack of Black associates.

“I’m not saying it’s a racist organization,” Carmichael said. “but it didn’t have a single Black member until George Floyd died.”

Carmichael refers to the history of the organization being closed off to black actors and actresses until the spark of George Floyd and the BLM movement that initiated the organization’s means to be more diverse.

“That comment was kind of insane in my opinion not going to hold you,” Fox said. “But now, when I think about it, it makes sense that when the issue with George Floyd happened every company and organization hopped on the BLM wave.”

Carmichael then continued his monologue with how he was invited to a sit-down talk with the HFPA President Helen Hoehne, which he kindly denied three times calling it “a trap.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Definitive Voice of Entertainment News, the comment left Hoehn shocked and

follow the storyline of “The Last Of Us” Part II, a game that was hated by many core fans. As considered by many to be controversial narrative choices by the developers, and the death of a beloved character were two of the main reasons why so many hardcore fans of the franchise gave “The Last Of Us” Part II negative reviews.

With the announcement of the second season, there is the hope that the showrunners will decide to make small narrative changes. Changes will keep important characters on-screen for longer, and that will take the negative feedback the developers received after the release of the second game and turn it into a new narrative for the show.

“I think it is important for the showrunners to keep the plot and the missions the same throughout the series but make sure to add those details that make the show unique,” Epstein said. “Selfishly I don't want to see Joel die because I have come to love his character.” n

upset. Sources claimed Hoehn walked out of the ballroom and was consoled by friends.

Social media felt like Carmicheal was going a bit too far with his monologue. Instagram and Twitter users expressed how the “whole thing was so awkward and uncomfortable,” and “the show needs to be fun, and it didn’t feel fun” because of the heaviness of some of the jokes.

“He did the right thing calling them out for being racist, this isn’t something new either,” Kingsly said. “White people have been controlling the film industry since the beginning of time, now that we called them out they want to bitch and cry, oh well!”

Carmicheal didn’t regret the monologue he presented as he casually concluded the monologue with a joyful smile.

“And regardless of whatever the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s past may be, this is an evening where we get to celebrate. And I think this industry deserves evenings like these. And I’m happy you all are here, and I’m happy I’m here, and I hope you have some fun tonight.” Carmichael said There is alwayzada said. n

Fitness center re-opens at D’Angola

continued from page 5

the facilities is extremely important,” Williams said. “In addition to having the appropriate equipment and gear, we also pride ourselves on cleanliness and organization to make sure everyone who enters the gym has a good experience.”

D’Angola’s new Fitness Center is open to students, staff and faculty on MondayThursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Fridays at 9 a.m to 4 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday’s from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. n

Photo by Anthony Reyna

The Entrance to the New D’Angola Fitness Center

Photo by Hollywood Foreign Press Association

The Golden Globe

Photo by Naughty Dog Instagram page TLOU Season 2 announcement

By Wayne Dawes

The Kean women’s basketball team has found their rhythm in 2023. With two games to go in the regular season, Cougars (14-9) have won 8 of their last 9 games. While the team is playing remarkably, one player in particular, fifth-year senior guard Shannon McCoy, has been playing at a high level.

McCoy, who is working towards her second degree in art education, has been playing lights out for the Cougars. On Jan.18 McCoy scored 41 points against William Patterson University and followed up that performance with 27 points in a victory against Rutgers-Newark.

“My motivation is the fact that I'm starting to realize my career is coming to an end,” McCoy said. “Every time I step out onto the court, I want to be able to say that I gave it my all with no regrets.”

For the week of Jan. 22, the U.S. Basketball Writers Association voted McCoy as D-3 women’s basketball player of the week. McCoy was excited to receive such a big reward.

“I was shocked,” McCoy said. “I was sitting in my class when my coach texted me the article and my jaw dropped. I was holding in so much excitement. Being recognized on the national level is pretty cool and was definitely a moment to be proud of myself and see all the hard work paying off.”

McCoy ensures that she shares her experience on the court with the younger players so that they know what to expect when the season is upon them.

“It's going to be hard,” McCoy said. “Playing basketball on the collegiate level is challenging. We really don't have your traditional ‘off-season’ like fall and spring sports do. Our season is much longer with preseason, regular season, and postseason lasting basically the whole school year.”

Even with the long season, McCoy says embraces the positives, “because it goes by really fast.” Adding that she does not take basketball for granted even when there are

obstacles and challenges during the season.

SPORTS Can Shannon McCoy keep up the level of high production on the court?

“I've made so many amazing memories and friendships with my teammates while also experiencing so many mental blocks with my sport and being physically and emotionally drained,” McCoy said.

With their win over The College of New Jersey on Feb.1 McCoy has one major goalto “leave everything on the court.”

“It's getting closer and closer to the day that I'll only have one more game to put my uniform on and play the game that I fell in love with 15 years ago,” McCoy said. “I want to end my career with no regrets and enjoy every single moment with my teammates and coaches because I'll never have this experience again.”

Head Coach Mandy King, in her eleventh season as head coach, gave high praise for McCoy when it comes to her production on the court and how she is off of the court. With McCoy receiving the award, Coach King states that Shannon is a oncein-a-lifetime player and that she gives her best every time she steps out on the floor.

Women’s Swim wins first NJAC Championship in Program History

By Dorian Alerte

It was a sight to see as Women’s Swimming Head Coach Chris Swenson jumped into the pool in The College of New Jersey Aquatics Center following his team. His team cheered as they witnessed their coach follow in the tradition of coaches jumping into the pool following this big victory.

On Jan. 14, for the first time in its program history, the women’s swimming team (8-0) won the New Jersey Athletic Conference championship over TCNJ 150-112.

“As a college coach, that was the greatest professional day of my life,” Swenson said.

It is also the first time since the NJAC adopted women’s swimming and diving that a team other than TCNJ or Rowan University has won the championship.

“That’s never been done here,” Swenson said. “This team will always be the first that’s not TCNJ or Rowan

that’s done that.”

This season has been one to remember for the Cougars. They have dominated their competition, both in and out of the NJAC conference. At no point during this season have they trailed any opponent.

“This is a dominant team,” Swenson said. “Up to this point, they have just absolutely taken care of everybody in their path and have left no doubt that they are the best team in this conference. That to me is the most impressive thing. They’re not just winning, they’re winning big, with class and grace, on top of having the highest GPA in the conference.”

The Cougars began the championship meet claiming first and third place in the 200-yard medley relay. That first event earned the Cougars an opening 13 points. The

continued on page 16

“I want to be able to say that I gave it my all with no regrets.”

Photo by Kean Athletics

Kean women’s swim delivers first NJAC championship in program history

Photo by keanathletics.com

Shannon McCoy continued on page 16

2023 Kean Baseball Preview

By Matthew Sierra

The spring semester is in full swing and it is time to get ready for the spring sports season at Kean University. Baseball season is approaching, and it is bringing the white-hot Kean Cougars. However, do they have what it takes to make a statement this season much like they did in 2022?

It’s important to know what made them such a threat last season and what will make them the team to beat this upcoming season.

The Cougars finished their 2022 season with a 31-13 record and 12-6 record in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). Seven players won All-NJAC selections, including outfielder Kyle Adorno, who won the NJAC Rookie of the Year award.

Adorno was a major factor at the plate sporting a .358 batting average and a .431 on-base percentage as a freshmen. Another notable player that was a stand out in 2022 is All-NJAC Honorable Mention infielder Brett Hilsheimer.

Hilsheimer capped off his remarkable season with a .346 batting line as well as a .472 slugging percentage.

Pitching is a significant factor in winning in baseball, and that is precisely why pitcher, Collin Kiernan, is going to play a pivotal role this upcoming season. The right-hander

out of Verona, N.J. boasted a 9-2 record with a 2.39 ERA.

With a large number of freshman talent on the team this season, including but not limited to: Sean DuBois, Tyler Stone, Colten Gottlob, and Joe Giori, Kean is a force to be reckoned with.

Entering his twenty-sixth season as the skipper of the Kean Cougars baseball team, Coach Neil Ioviero looks to carry over his historic run as a head coach. The 2007 NCAA Division III National Champion and Coach of the Year, looks to take his team to the Promised Land once again. After obtaining his 700th victory as a head coach, his coaching style has remained the same.

“We’re teachers of the game,” Ioviero said of his coaching style. “Teach each player the way that they learn. If a player is more visual, the coaching staff will adapt to make sure that player understands the information.”

The Cougars’ season will begin on Feb. 9 at home against the Widener University Pride in a non-conference matchup. It is going to take a herculean effort to do better than the season prior, but with all the fresh talent and the experienced veterans returning, the Kean Cougars will be the team to beat in 2023.

“Our mentality has always been, do it again and do it better, it shouldn’t take another player's good season to motivate another player,” Ioviero said n

Jack Freese Earns NJAC Rookie of the Week

By Hector Morales

Kean University spring semester is under way and the men’s volleyball season has officially begun in the New Jersey Athletic Conference and the Continental Volleyball Conference.

The Cougars are looking forward to having a successful season and one player that stands out to be promising for the Cougars is freshman middle blocker and right side hitter, Jack Freese.

On Jan. 27, Freese was named NJAC Rookie of the Week for the first time in his college volleyball career and he was amazed by what he accomplished in week one of this volleyball season.

“At first I was mostly just surprised," Freese said. “I shared this award with my friends and family and I was proud to show it to them.”

The freshman currently has a .379 hitting percentage, the highest in the NJAC. He is also top three in the conference in kills with 37, and his 43.5 points have earned him sixth in the

conference in points scored.

Freese has been playing volleyball since the summer before his freshman year of high school. Ever since he started to improve during his senior year of high school, he has committed to play college volleyball.

Head Coach and former Cougar outside hitter, Bez Arslani, said he is proud of Freese’s accomplishment and he is eager to see what he and other rookies can do the rest of theseason.

“The NJAC is pretty powerful this year and Jack is one of our powerful

hitters,”Arslani said. “I’m looking forward to him getting more in the future and hopefully get other players on the team earning NJAC Rookie of the Week as well.”

The team’s chemistry has been improving for the Cougars as Freese enjoys playing with his new teammates.

“The team’s chemistry is really coming along and they look like one unit out there,” Arslani said. “When you come to the games and you’re watching them live, the bench is just as energetic as the guys on the court.”

Freese looks forward to having a successful rookie season and he hopes he becomes the third Cougar to earn NJAC

Rookie of the Year.

“My goal right now is to get at least seven rookie of the week awards and if possible earn the rookie of the year award,” Freese said.

The Cougars won their first game against The College of Old Westbury 3-0 after losing their first three matches to start the season. But this is just the beginning for the Cougars as they hope to get back and win the CVC tournament and reach the NCAA tournament. n

“Our mentality has always been, do it again and do it better, it shouldn’t take another player's good season to motivate another player.”

Photo by keanathetics.com

Brett Hilsheimer

Photo by keanathetics.com Kyle Adorno

Photo by Kean Athletics Jack Freese

“I’m looking forward to him getting more in the future and hopefully get other players on the team earning NJAC Rookie of the Week as well.”

Photo by Kean Athletics Bez Arslani

Can Shannon McCoy keep up the level of high production on the court?

continued from page 14

#OurFamilyVsTheirTeam allows her players to build a sisterhood.

“Shannon is a once-in-a-lifetime player and an incredible young woman,” King said. “She shows up every day to give her best to the game and her teammates. We are so excited that she is being recognized as one of the best players in the country. Her character, work ethic, and competitiveness are unmatched. She plays the game the right way and with a joy that brings out the best in all of us every single day.”

Throughout the season and offseason Coach King reminds her players that basketball is what they do, but family is who they are. Her motto

“We emphasize that who they are as a person is more important than what they do as a player,” King said. “We try to remind them that basketball is what we do but family is who we are. We want to live our motto of #OurFamilyVsTheirTeam every day by focusing on setting and chasing high standards and trusting and lasting relationships. We are focused on creating an environment where everyone can be their best and build a sisterhood we can lean on for life.”

When it comes to leadership and upholding the team’s values, every player on the roster is expected to be a leader and be the best version of themselves.

“We expect all of our players to be leaders and uphold our values of family, integrity, gratitude, hard work, and toughness,” King said.

As the regular season approaches its end and the postseason begins, Coach King’s goal is for the team

to continue improving and for each player to have each other's back and build long-lasting relationships.

“Our focus down the stretch is to constantly seek improvement, stay locked in the moment, have each other’s backs, and continue to build strong relationships and trust so that we can play our best when it matters the most,” King said. “And remind each other that we get to play a game we love with the people we love and it doesn’t get any better than this.” n

Women’s Swim wins first NJAC Championship in Program History

continued from page 14

team comprised Ashley Konz, Teagan Powell, Abby Burns, and Emma Bellars. From that point on, the Cougars never looked back.

Burns, a freshman, placed first in the 200yard freestyle and the 100-yard butterfly. Burns has been integral to the Cougars’ success this season as she has claimed NJAC Rookie of the week twice this season, including this championship weekend.

“It was definitely relieving,” Burns said. “We knew what we were capable of, it was just a matter of performing well at that point. It was just really exciting and a really good team win to start off the new semester.

Mid-year transfer Naomee Miller proved to be a fierce competitor. The Sophomore transfer from Marshall University picked up her first collegiate victories, placing first in the 200-yard backstroke and the 200-yard individual medley.

“The girls made it easy coming in from a D-1 school,” Miller said. “I had an expectation of what was going to happen, but I’ve really enjoyed the process so far. It was my first collegiate win ever… It feels pretty good, I was pretty excited.”

Kean women’s swimming program began in 1977, before taking a 14-year hiatus,

beginning following the 2002-2003 campaign. The program was revamped in 2017 and Swenson became the head coach in the 2018 season. Under Swenson, the program has grown and improved every season.

In her second season with this team, sophomore Powell has seen the immediate progression of this team under Swenson.

“I think it definitely happened a little sooner than we thought,” Powell said. “It was definitely awesome. Seeing the girls train all year, I just knew that this is what was going to happen this year. This is what was expected.”

Although the Cougars are NJAC Champions, their season is not over yet. With three meets left in the season before Metropolitan Conference Championships, Swenson and his team have big expectations for this program for this season and the future.

“There is going to be National Champions coming out of this program very soon,” Swenson said. “We’re just getting started. I definitely think in the next two years, we are going to be a nationally ranked program, and well-known.”

The sky is the limit for this team as they will look to continue their undefeated regular season. n

Photo by Kean Athletics

Head Coach Chris Swenson hoists the championship trophy

Photo by keanathletics.com

McCoy selected Usbwa Division III national player of the week

Photo by keanathletics.com

Women’s basketball makes it seven in a row

Photo by Kean Athletics

Women’s swimming jump into the pool following their victory

“As a college coach, that was the greatest professional day of my life,” Swenson said.