The Tower - April 2019

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TH E I N DEPEN D EN T VOI C E O F KE AN U N IV E R S IT Y

From professor to podcaster

By Craig Epstein Podcaster and Adjunct Professor Anthony Nicoletti was a student at Manhattan College when he realized that he wanted to make a career out of talking about sports.

“We had a radio show at Manhattan College as a three man show which included myself, my co host now, and our hockey insider Rob Colaianni.” Nicoletti said. “Afterwards, my co host and I wanted to get into Sports Communications, so I took a job with CineSport and he took a job with Westwood One.” Fast forward to 2014 and that is how M&A Sports Radio came to be. The M&A stands for Michael “Moose” O’Brien and Anthony Nicoletti who, together, each week create a podcast riffing about sports. The podcast can be found on iTunes and Spotify.

“I taped a demo to try to send around to different radio stations,” said Nicoletti who, as an adjunct, teaches COMM 1402 Speech as Critical Citizenship at Kean. “We did a 45 minute demo that we sent around to our friends and they told us we should make a podcast and that was it.”

Podcasting has become such a large and powerful force in the world of radio so Nicoletti believes that it is the show’s genuineness and authenticity that separates it from the others. Having downloads in all 50 states, he doesn’t try to come off as something that he’s not because he feels that he would become a caricature of himself which would ultimately

Photo by M&A Sports Radio

Anthony Nicoletti at Bar A standing beside one of his inspirations as a radio host in Mike Francesa

drive people away from his show.

“I think it’s our uniqueness in the sense that you know what you’re going to get. I’m going to make corny jokes and Moose is going to try and get me to laugh,” he said. “But at the end of the day, we understand the scope of what we’re doing.”

O’Brien believes the fact that the two have known each other since their days in college

Six students return to locked classroom to find property stolen

By Joshua Rosario Six students returned to their classroom in Bruce Hall on March 26 to find their laptops and wallets missing. They had been out on a lab assignment with their professor and had left their personal belongings in the classroom, which had been locked behind them.

The ecology class left the locked room B110 as they went to make observations and collect samples at the Kennedy Reservation located near Harwood Arena. The class had returned to the locked classroom to find some of the

2:15 pm from the lab that his bag was not in the same chair when he left and saw his laptop was missing.

“It absolutely blows my mind how this could have happened,” said Singh. “ This isn’t the first time anything has been stolen from that building. There have been many stories and it blows my mind as to why they still don’t have any cameras, especially in that building.”

Kirby stated everything looked normal when they came back. Some of the chargers were moved to one bag but the room wasn’t “ransacked.”As of right now, the students will be

Photo by M&A Sports Radio

Anthony Nicoletti working on the set of M&A Sports Radio

“I think it’s our uniqueness in the sense that you know what you’re going to get.”

only adds to the authenticity of their show.

“Our show is different because it’s two friends who met in college and had a show then and it’s something we continue to do and build on to this day,” O’Brien said. “Anthony is one of my really good friends and all we’ve ever tried to do is be authentic and I think listeners of our show gravitate towards that.”

Along with his colleagues on the show whom he calls his “Circle of Trust,” Nicoletti feels that in order to be successful you must carve your own path. As a result, Nicoletti takes the M&A Sports Radio brand very seriously and will speak out if he sees something that he does not like.

“I’m not trying to have skeletons in our past.

I’m trying to build a brand, make connections, and raise some money for charity because that’s what it’s really all about,” Nicoletti said.

“If you want to venture out into the sports media you’re going to have to take your own path, so if I see something come out from our brand that I don’t like I’m going to voice my opinion.”

Whether they are discussing sports, conducting interviews, or even talking about Survivor Pool Locks, Nicoletti and O’Brien aren’t opposed to having a good time in the form of bits or simply shooting the breeze with one another. At the same time, the

Photo by Joshua Rosario

Door to room B110

Photo by Joshua Rosario

An entrance to B108 located inside B110

“It absolutely blows my mind how this could have happened,” said Singh. students were missing items. Iris Garcia, Patrick Malinowski, Aliyah Hargrove, Navdeep Singh, Weetsnie Eloy, and Micilene Moise had laptops and wallets as well were stolen from their stuff left behind. “ I’m out of a brand new laptop,” said Hargrove, a senior biology major. “ I don’t have the money to buy another and I will not buy a new one!”

Ecology Professor Lucas Kirby had locked all the doors in B110 as some of the rooms in Bruce Hall are conjoined. There was no class next door when they left the classroom around 12:30 pm.

There is a room conjoined at each side of the classroom. One of the doors into room B110 has a code lock.

“We all saw him take the key and locked the door; he pulled the door handle to make sure it was locked and then proceeded to check the doors of the adjacent connecting room doors which where also all locked,” said Hargrove.

“So someone had access to a key to get into the locked room and it was still locked when we returned.”

Singh noticed when they came back around

receiving temporary laptops to use for classes.

“You think a locked classroom is a locked classroom,” said Kirby. “You want to take them outside, but you don’t want them taking their laptops into the forest.”

The students are hoping to be reimbursed for their losses as the theft of their property was from a locked classroom.

“If the school doesn’t hold themselves accountable and give me the same amount of money that I lost in this theft,” said Garcia, a junior biology major.

University Police are continuing to investigate the thefts that were reported at Bruce Hall on March 26, according to University Spokesperson Margaret McCorry.

“In the meantime, the University has been proactive in offering loaner laptops to students whose computers were stolen and is working to thoroughly reimburse students for their losses,” said McCorry. “ The University takes these issues very seriously and continually looks for ways to further enhance our secure campus environment.”

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Why do our buildings have names?

By Kelly Contreras Every day an endless number of students and faculty enter and leave the buildings on Kean University’s Union campus, but it seems few know the real names of our buildings.

Students and faculty may refer to some buildings by nicknames like “CAS” or “the library” rather than the actual formal names.

In recent years, Kean has bestowed new names on some old buildings – such as the Maxine and Lane Center for Academic Success (CAS) and the Miron Student Center, formally known as the UC for university center.

In fact, the university itself was previously called Newark Normal School and was renamed Kean College when it moved to Union from Newark.

But how did these people get their names on a building? Well, each building has a story.

CAS was named after Maxine and Jack Lane in order to honor the couple’s generosity of an estimated $6 million donation in 2009.

Maxine graduated from Kean University in 1978 with a

degree in social work. She provided one of the largest gifts in Kean University history to the Kean Foundation.

Sozio Hall is named after Ralph P. Sozio, a former student who served in the United States Army during WWII. Sozio was involved in multiple plays, wrote a musical called College Daze, and a march called Flying Gunners Parade which the Army School of Gunnery adopted as its official song.

Unfortunately, Sozio was unable to graduate Photo by Kelly Contreras because while he was D’Angola Gymnasium located at the main campus away, he came down with rheumatic fever and died at a Texas Army camp in 1945. To honor normal institution to a four-year college.

Sozio, the college named the building after him.

Construction on Bruce Hall began in 1956 in Union and it Guy V. Bruce was the head of the science department here was ready by 1958 for the students. Although he retired one year before the move, he still led the annual commencement at Kean University from 1933 until he retired in 1955. He ceremonies for several years after. was very involved when the school was upgrading from a

…honor the couple’s generosity of donating what is an estimate of $6 million.

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2 THE TOWER

April, 2019

The Muslim Student Association Holds A Vigil for New Zealand Victims

By David Janes A vigil was held to commemorate the victims of the New Zealand attack, at 7 p.m. on March 26.

A gunman targeted two mosques opening fire and killing at least 50 people in Christchurch, New Zealand, while streaming it live on Facebook. The video streamed live, with the shooter arriving and eventually opening fire at the Noor Mosque. He then drove away and opened fire on several people walking the street before targeting his second location, Linwood mosque and opening fire.

Around twenty to thirty people quietly showed up to the vigil, which was held next to the clocktower next to the Miron Student Center, to showcase their support, as they all rallied together holding a candle.

“The meaning of a vigil refers to somebody or people staying up at night when they should be sleeping to commemorate or honor a certain cause.” said Rifa Shariff, communication major and President of the Muslim Student Association.

With the polarizing climate, the issue of safety was brought up at the vigil. Shariff finds safety to be an interesting issue, as she’s fortunate to not have grown up in an area feeling unsafe.

However, it’s an ongoing problem that many experience.

“I can’t speak for other people but I know the other people feel that their safety has been violated multiple times like too many times honestly to argue even consider feeling safe, just generally,” said Shariff. “It depends on where you are....and what you have going on around you. But given the rhetoric, we should stop telling ourselves we are safe all the time.”

Muhammad Hassan, Advisor to the Muslim Student Association as well as Director of Nancy Thompson Library Learning Commons hopes students are able to understand and

Photo by David Janes

Rifa Shariff speaking on the New Zealand attacks

“We’re all united together, it doesn’t matter what color, what race, what religion.

We are all together,” said Hassan. take away from the vigil that there’s peace and love all around said Harrell. and the shooter’s mission to spew hatred in the community “A lot of hate is happening failed. in the world “We’re all united together, it doesn’t matter what color, today and I am what race, what religion. We are all together,” said Hassan.

“Everyone here are twenty different races, twenty different color, twenty different religion but we were all united, we were all together, it doesn’t matter who we are, what we are, we are one united nation and that’s all that matters.

Photo by David Janes According to the Kean Muslim Student Vigil Announcement outside CAS 442 Associations website, The MSA works to fulfill its role and purpose by acting as “the local representative a firm believer that we should love all body of the local Muslim student community.” our neighbors, everyone who’s here with It also works to promote a friendly relationship us and hearing that kind of hurt, that between Muslim and Non-Muslim students on someone really hated a group of people campus, and to strengthen the bonds between that much that you wanted to take lives Muslim students of Kean University. of children, someone who greeted you According to Shariff, the Muslim Student with open arms.”

Association creates a community in bringing the Harrell is involved with the Black local muslims together and also for anyone who’s Leadership Union on campus, which Photo by David Janes interested in Muslims, and anyone who has questions The Clocktower outside MSC is how she found out about the Vigil about them. Plus they have a prayer room located in happening on campus. She found it to be CAS Room 442, where they gather for their daily immensely powerful and emotionally resonant. prayer as well as meetings.

“It shows how much solidarity matters and how much we The organization also serves as an opportunity for members need to be together right now instead of drifting apart and to voice their opinion. looking for reasons to look at each other as other when we’re “We give them an opportunity, a space to voice their all arguably as one big happy family in protecting one another,” opinion, themselves, their safety, concerns, whatever it may said Harrell. be. The Muslim Student Association is more an outlet for that Hassan believes that people need to start becoming more concern,” said Shariff. positive about everything that will hopefully lead to positive Zaria Harrell, Sophomore Psychology major, was very and effective change. “I think positive energy attracts emotional when hearing about the shootings in New Zealand. positivity, so we’ll start seeing positive in other people instead “I remember hearing when it happened, and I thought that of seeing negative, and the next person you’re standing with look at a positive of that person and I think that will bring a sounded completely crazy like who would do something like change in every single person,” said Hassan. that, live-stream the whole thing like as if it was a video game,”

New Statement Plans to Introduce Civility on Campus

By David Janes The University Senate unanimously approved a campus culture statement on civility last month in response to the nation’s increasingly polarized political climate.

toward fake news, post-truth, and hate speech arising in this country.

“We call upon programs and classes to seek creative ways to identify and value fact-based truths by refuting rumor, fake videos and innuendo,” said Senate Secretary

Photo by David Janes

Hallyu Club bands Korean pop culture lovers together

By Lena Zhu The Korean word “Hallyu” is used to describe the Korean entertainment industry making its way overseas and gaining popularity. The Hallyu Club looks to do the same.

With the recent and new successes of popular Korean pop bands such as BTS or BlackPink making its way through the charts, Hallyu Club president, Natalia Rios, thought that the club would be a great hit.

According to CougarLink, the purpose of the club is to “spread knowledge of Korean pop culture by bringing people with the same interest together. Our goal is to educate others on the growth and the history of Korean pop music by being physically involved.”

Min-Chung Han, a Marketing professor at Kean, believes that the club is an important and creative way for students on campus to

new friends.

“I wanted to join the club to try and meet new people who had similar interests as me,” Munoz said. “I don’t know many people who enjoy K-Pop at Kean so I decided to get out of my comfort zone and attend to share my love for the music.”

Victoria Cardieri, freshman, felt like she could be herself without being judged. “[The last meeting] was fun. I enjoyed the dancing,” Cardieri said. “I felt like I finally found a place on campus where I belonged.”

Many students in the club, like Munoz, have a huge respect for the way that the Korean entertainment field is trained along with its successes.

“I genuinely love the music and really appreciate/respect how hard the industry is so I try to support everyone that I can.”

Munoz said.

“Kean University’s Mission strives to prepare [students] to think critically, creatively and globally to adapt to changing social economic and psychological environments and to serve as contributing members of their communities.”

Photo by David Janes

Photo by Lena Zhu

A basic preliminary lesson on Korean characters (alphabet)

Senate Chairperson Claire Mulry said the intent of the civility statement is not to block academic freedom or dictate thoughts, but for faculty to serve as models for students in civility, critical thinking and dealing with facts, not rumor, innuendo or hyperbole.

The statement reads: “Kean University’s mission strives to prepare [students] to think critically, creatively and globally to adapt to changing socially economic and psychological environments and to serve as contributing members of their communities.”

Recent incidents of polarizing political speech, hate speech, fake news, and mass shootings has sparked conversation about civility on college campuses in this country.

With the divide in society widening following the election of President Donald Trump, there has been a societal shift

J. Barry Mascari, who read the statement at the March 26 meeting.

According to NBC News, President Trump signed an executive order for colleges and universities that accept federal funding, which include federal research grants, must support “free inquiry.” According to Trump himself, “free inquiry” means “free speech.”

“Free speech is important. It’s in the Bill of Rights, it’s what a campus community is based on, so it’s super important, but I think when it crosses its line to hate speech, hate speech is no longer free speech,” said Dr. Mulry. “I have a right to my free speech as long as I don’t infringe on your rights and when you get to that hate speech your crossing that line.”

The civility statement calls on the entire Kean community to reflect on the teachings, basic values and the mission of the university in the midst of the societal shift toward

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learn about differences and Asian culture.

“In the era of cultural globalization, it is important to understand different culture and accept the differences,” Han said. “Hallyu club students learn dance, music and the language which will facilitate to understand foreign culture.”

Han believes that, culturally, the club will bring more diversity onto Kean campus.

“Although Kean is already very diverse campus, due to the low population of Asian students in campus, Asian culture is relevantly unfamiliar to Kean students,” Han stated in an email. “Hallyu club will play an important role to introduce Asian culture to Kean campus and students and it will contribute to strengthen multicultural environment in Kean campus.”

For Kiara Munoz, a sophomore studying Media and Film, the Hallyu club was a perfect place to get out of her comfort zone and make

As the club gains popularity, the members of the e-board wish to have future meetings that start with a small Korean language lesson and proceed onwards to learning dances from K-Pop bands.

“A big part of why I love the K-pop scene so much is because it connected me back to my old friends from high school,” Massucci said. “I think that was a big factor in why I’m so immersed in it because I like the sense of community.”

“I felt like I finally found a place on campus where I belonged.”

April, 2019

THE TOWER 3

Holocaust and Genocide Awareness Month Brings Light to Tragedy

By Erin McGuinness April marks Holocaust and Genocide Awareness month, a time to remember past tragedies while advocating for a peaceful future.

For Dr. Adara Goldberg, director of the Holocaust Resource

Photo by Erin McGuinness

Holocaust survivor Fred Heyman speaks at the Miron Student Center on April 4.

Center, and Sarah Coykendall, managing assistant director, their duty and passion to educate Kean University students about the Holocaust is only the surface level of this month’s agenda. They have teamed up with other Kean University organizations to reflect on other genocides and cultural issues.

Now 74 years after the end of World War II, the center chose to commemorate that era with this year’s program themed “The Greatest Generation.” Goldberg and Coykendall see the theme as way of honoring still living survivors, as well as the ones who are no longer here by continuing to educate the public about the Holocaust, genocide and other hate crimes, they said.

“Curating a calendar of events that speak to different experiences, that will attract different groups, students and community members from different fields and working together is probably the best thing we can be doing to show that generation that we have not forgotten,” Goldberg said.

“That even though they are not here to be the ones to speak, that we will continue to speak on their behalf.”

On April 1 in the Human Rights Institute, Dr. Alexander Hinton, a professor at Rutgers University and a leading scholar on the Cambodian Genocide, gave a presentation on transitional justice in relation to the tragedy.

On April 4, Holocaust survivor Fred Heyman spoke in the Miron Student Center. Heyman survived war as a child in Berlin, Germany.

The April 16 film screening event Women, War and Peace: Peace Unveiled will have multiple disciplinary focuses, said Coykendall. The event was co-organized with the Center for Interdisciplinary Students and Women’s and Gender Studies.

The film focuses on women in the Middle East and their journey to bring peace to the region.

“The documentary explores their struggles in being recognized as equal partners in the process,” said Dr. Consuelo

Bonillas, Coordinator of the Women’s & Gender Studies Program. “It’s a powerful and moving film on how women continue to persevere against all odds.”

A showing of “Ingelore,” the story of a deaf, Jewish woman who survived the Holocaust, will take place April 24 in the Miron Student Center. The event was co- American Holocaust survivor Robert Max organized with the Delta Rho chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education. People with disabilities were targeted by the Nazis, Goldberg said.

Ingelore was dually targeted and still able to survive, making her story even more important. The film is in both English and American ASL. Arrangements are being made so that deaf students can take part in a post-film discussion, Goldberg said.

The final event will take place May 1 on Yom Hashoah, a remembrance day in the Jewish community. Keynote speaker Robert Max, a liberator during the war who was captured and forced into slave labor, will headline the event that is open to the public. The event was co-coordinated with the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ. Goldberg and Coykendall had a goal to curate a schedule that all Kean students could relate to and feel eager to attend, they said.

“This is the legacy that the survivors and that generation left behind, they left it and entrusted us with caretaking the memory,” Goldberg said.

Kean Graduate Wins Second Place in Formica Design Competition

By Nicole Diefenbacher Rachel Marie Thompson, a recent graduate of the Michael Graves College who earned her degree in industrial design at Kean University, won second place and a $1,000 prize in the second annual FORM Student Innovation Competition by Formica Corporation for her “Ke-li-di-skop” chair design.

“Be careful when you look, you might get lost in the geometric memorizing explosion of colors,” says Thompson. “Each 156 pieces were placed specifically to create a unique repetitive pattern that will keep your eyes wandering for more.”

Thompson says her design was inspired by a red pincushion, which is typically made of fabric or knitted yarn.

“Taking on the challenge of creating a similar shape to the pincushion, I pushed the skills of working with a hard material and making it appear to be soft like a cushion.

After successfully achieving the shape I admired, I noticed a pattern start to emerge. The hardest decision I had to make was narrowing down 20 different color palates I created and deciding which one was the winner.”

This is not Thompson’s first experience in the FORM Competition by Formica Corporation. Thompson took home first place for her concept, “Deflexion” at the first annual FORM Competition, which was open to all Industrial designers and architects, not just students.

“I wanted to push the boundaries of different geometric shapes to create a harmonized shape,” says Thompson.

Formica Group likens Thompson’s design to the kaleidoscope.

“The classic toy that allows users to look inside and see small bits of color change shape as the instrument is turned around,” Formica Group said.

“The chair’s striking design, comfortable shape and inviting colors, including navy blue, chrome yellow and eggplant, add to its appeal.”

Formica Group created this competition to design furniture in which the winner received prizes as well as recognition.

“Interior design, architecture and furniture

Photo by Rachel Marie Thompson

Ms. Thompson’s 2018 design, which won 1st place at the first FORM design competition

“I wanted to push the boundaries of different geometric shapes to create a harmonized shape”

Photo by Rachel Marie Thompson

Chair which won 2nd place at the Second Annual FORM Student Innovation Competition

design students were challenged in the FORM competition to create a ‘resimercial’ furniture design using Formica Brand products,” says Formica Group of their FORM competition.

“And competed to win cash prizes, national recognition and the opportunity to see their designs come to life in a public exhibit.”

Frutta Bowls set to open Fall 2018 after filing for bankruptcy “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the doors for Frutta Bowls ever open for people to work on it.”

Photo by Zoe Strozewski

Frutta Bowls will be located on the first floor of Cougar Hall

By Zoe Strozewski The Frutta Bowls franchise has recently filed for bankruptcy protection in the District of New Jersey. However, the administration continues to move forward with plans to open a Frutta Bowls location on Kean’s campus.

Frutta Bowls is a chain that serves acaí bowls, smoothies, toast, oatmeal and organic coffee. The franchise is headquartered in Freehold, New Jersey and has opened approximately 50 stores across 14 states.

According to Margaret McCorry, Kean’s director of media relations, Frutta Bowls was chosen to open a location on campus due to the recent popularity of the acaí and superfood concepts within the college demographic.

“Frutta Bowls was identified for the space in Cougar Hall based on input from students and a financial review of its viability as a campus eatery,” McCorry said.

Despite a ranking on entrepreneur.com as one of the fastest growing franchises of 2019, Frutta Bowls Franchising, LLC

filed a voluntary petition for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Feb. 15. According to uscourts.gov, a chapter 11 filing typically implies that the company plans on going through a reorganization in order to stay afloat.

Despite the petition for bankruptcy protection, Kean has not halted its affiliation with the franchise.

Kean’s Frutta Bowls will be located on the first floor of Cougar Hall. Freshman Amanda Delio, a current resident of Cougar Hall, said that she was initially intrigued upon hearing that a Frutta Bowls would be opening in her building.

“I thought it was kind of different because I’ve never heard of that before or been to one, so I was super excited to try it and hopefully I can next year,” Delio said.

As the academic year progressed and Frutta Bowls did not open to students, Delio said that she experienced some discontentment.

“I was a little disappointed because I wanted to try it and thought it would have

been done while I was still living there,” Delio said.

The outside of anticipated Frutta Bowls has been hung with numerous posters with the company’s logo and text that says the location will be coming soon since the beginning of the fall 2018 semester. These posters cover each of the store’s windows, so any construction taking place on the inside is not visible to the public.

Delio said that any advances in the construction of the location are not evident from the inside of Cougar Hall either.

“I didn’t see any progress or anything.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen the doors for Frutta Bowls ever open for people to work on it,” Delio said.

Frutta Bowls is set to open its doors to the public almost exactly a year after it began to be advertised.

“The university continues to work with the franchise on plans to open Frutta Bowls in Cougar Hall for the fall semester,” McCorry said.

4 THE TOWER

April, 2019

The role of Christianity in higher education institutions A Day in the

By Petruce Jean-Charles At higher education institutions, research has been conducted to better understand how practicing Christianity can affect college students.

Kean University has a variety of religious organizations, especially within the Christian population on campus.

Christian organizations such as: Office of Campus Ministry, Catholic Newman Club, Coptic Orthodox Christian Fellowship, Cru at Kean University, Impact Apostolate Club, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and Kean

celebration of Easter. During the six weeks, people fast, give up or abstain from distractions in honor of their faith.

In 1983, Gary E. Madsen and Glenn M. Vernon conducted a study sampling college students from the University of Utah to research their experience with their religion.

Madsen, a professor at Utah State University and Vernon, a professor at the University of Utah suggested the importance of peer support when joining a religious group.

“Campus religious group participation was found to be an important variable related to

Photo by Kean University

Campus Ministry Office in Downs Hall, Room 103

Photo by Petruce Jean-Charles

“The commuter population at Kean University is larger than the residential population, however, both groups have a desire to participate...so one of the challenges our group faces is creating a schedule to address the needs of both,” Roldan said.

Campus Minister Mariama Roldan

Photo by Pew Research Center

Pew research Center study on religion

Gospel Choir were created to provide a space for students to practice their faith.

Taking into consideration students practicing their faith, Office of Campus Ministry and Catholic Newman Club are providing meatless lunches for Lent. Under the name “Lenten Lunches,” students will be served meatless lunches March 22, March 29, April 5 and April 12 in celebration of Lent.

At the beginning of Lent, people signal the start of their faith through spreading of the ashes. Lent is the six week period leading up to Easter; every year starting on Ash Wednesday and ending before Easter Sunday.

Lent is an important time for Christians, especially Anglican, Catholic or Orthodox individuals to observe and prepare for the

scripture study or religious education groups.

Anne Klaeysen, writer for affordable colleges online, noted that research suggests that college students are more likely to struggle with keeping their faith than any other demographic.

In her article, “On-Campus Organizations And Resources For Religious And Spiritual Students,” Klaeysen wrote about challenges some students faced.

“One of the biggest challenges for Christian students can be finding a community as robust as the one they left behind,” Klaeysen wrote.

“Joining a local church allows students to be part of weekly bible studies, find a spiritual mentor, and meet other college-aged students who are serious about their faith.”

Catholic Campus Minister, Mariama Roldan spoke of the importance of campus ministry and the outcomes of students participating at Kean.

“It is of great importance for the Kean community to have religious groups available to...serve the spiritual needs of the students on campus that seek out these organizations,” Roldan said. “Through our faith-based programming...students gain understanding of the Christian faith, of their own relationship with God and relating to others about faith.”

Despite change being necessary in all facets, Roldan believes Kean has made campus ministry a welcomed part of the community.

In addition, Roldan noted the larger ratio of commuters to residential students and the challenges faced to accommodate but of them.

“The commuter population at Kean University is larger than the residential population, however, both groups have a desire to participate in our events,” Roldan said.

In terms of Lenten Lunches, Roldan thought it would be a creative way to engage students during the holiday season.

“On Fridays during Lent, Catholics are asked to abstain from meat so the Lenten Lunches are a meatless option for anyone to enjoy, while having a speaker encourages students to reflect upon spiritual themes while enjoying good lunch,” Roldan said.

Jennifer Garza, president of the Catholic Newman Club agrees that school loads can be hard to balance while attending church, but advocates for student involvement on campus.

“In my opinion, the school load can become heavy and attending religious events or even praying can become difficult, but it is all about learning to manage your time and doing things ahead of time,” Garza said.

The Catholic Newman Clubs aids the students because they offer bible study on Wednesday, Mass on campus on Tuesdays and Sundays.

“We also have a Chaplain that comes to most of our events as well,” Garza said.

They also offer many opportunities to learn about the Christian faith and are welcoming to all students, in hopes to provide support during school.

“The challenges I have faced are learning to get my priorities straights and managing my time better with my school work,” Garza said. “I think it depends on what students prioritize because anyone can get distracted or procrastinate, but it depends on what they choose to do.”

stability and change,” Madsen wrote.

In a 2014 study, the Pew Research Center found 21 percent of participants were Evangelical Protestant, 17 percent Mainline Protestant, 4 percent Historically Black Protestant, 20 percent Catholic, 2 percent Mormon, 1 percent Orthodox Christian, less than 1 percent Jehovah’s Witness and less than 1 percent other Christian.

According to the Pew Research Center, 75 percent of students that completed college believed their faith with absolute certainty and 65 percent believed the importance of Christianity in college.

The Pew Research Center also found that 51 percent of college students pray once a day but 61 percent seldom participate in prayer,

Kean Got Talent

By Alexander Valdes Kean University is a host to a variety of students who come from different backgrounds and cultures; therefore, there’s bound to be some who possess unique gifts and talents. “Kean Got Talent” is a club at Kean University where students go and showcase their talents to like minded individuals.

Any sort of talent is welcomed, though some of the more traditional talents include singing and acting. No student should be ashamed to attend a club meeting and show off the talent that they have, whether it be something as small as painting or writing poetry.

“There are no limitations of performance or some kind of art, when it comes to ‘Kean Got Talent’,” said club vice president, Angelina Pizzatiello. “One of the most common talents is singing and maybe below that would be acting, then dancing and then we can have any people who are into the visual arts as well or even instrumentals, so there’s no limitations.”

People are welcome regardless of the talents they were born with or learned and

Photo by Alexander Valdes

Come Join the Family!

Photo by Alexander Valdes

Show off your Talents!

“Give it a shot, because at the end of the day, what are you going to lose? You never know, maybe you could be the next Seal or Kelly Clarkson, you never know, I say go for it,” said Montiero-Chaves. are encouraged to embrace that side of them by joining the club and taking their talents to the next level.

“I have to say if music wasn’t around and like creativity, what would we be doing,” said club president Carolina Montiero-Chaves.

Students may have insecurities about showing off their talents to others or may be extremely self-conscious.

“Give it a shot, because at the end of the day, what are you going to lose? You never

know, maybe you could be the next Seal or Kelly Clarkson, you never know, I say go for it,” said Montiero-Chaves.

The advisor of the club is Professor Ernest Wiggins, which means theatre majors will feel right at home with the positive energy and mindset of the club.

If you or anyone you know relishes in expressing themselves through creativity by way of singing, dancing, acting, etc.; perhaps consider joining “Kean Got Talent.”

Life of an RA

By Breanna Palzer One of the most valued positions to have on Kean University’s campus is as a Residential Assistant. An RA job comes with free room and board and a lot of responsibility.

Photo by Breanna Palzer

Residential Assistant Ashley Winrow

Photo by Breanna Palzer

Winrow’s women positive bulletin board

The Residential Assistant is the student who looks over one of the many floors in a dormitory, and makes sure everything runs smoothly. Every month they are responsible for making a creative bulletin board as well as doing monthly room inspections and meetings with residents on their floor.

RAs are also responsible for holding a floor event once a month. For example, an RA did an event where they served hot chocolate to help students warm up from the cold weather outside.

“Since this is a dry campus, we also have to make sure no one is drinking or smoking in their rooms. It’s a pretty hard job,” said Residential Assistant, Ashley Winrow.

Ashley has been an RA for two semesters

“Yeah, I don’t get paid to be a RA. I get the free room and board but in order to get money I had to pick up a job as the mailroom manager,” said Winrow. and says it has been a very positive experience.

“It’s given me a sense of responsibility and taught me how to be more mature,” Winrow said.

Even though there are many responsibilities an RA must assume, the perks are nice. An RA can look forward to their own room; no roommates!

“It’s so nice,” said Winrow. “I have a double bed in my room and I get to have my own space. That’s one of the things I really like about being an RA is having my own space.”

Students who have this position also often work somewhere else on campus to get a cash flow.

“Yeah, I don’t get paid to be a RA. I get the free room and board but in order to get money I had to pick up a job as the mailroom manager,” said Winrow.

This may seem like a lot to have on one’s plate but often RAs have time to do homework and such during their shifts along with a flexible schedule that works around their work schedule.

To become an RA, there are easy steps to follow to get the position. Grades are first priority; you need a 3.0 GPA in order to even be considered.

Once you accomplish that, you then must attend three seminars about what an RA does and what is needed from you to become an RA. The candidate must then attend a group interviewing process where Resident Hall Directors decide whether or not you get to move onto the next stage of the process.

If you are chosen, you are then asked to come up with your own floor event and make a flyer for it.

There is one more round of interviews for the RA position and then about three months later, you will be notified on whether or not you received the position.

April, 2019

THE TOWER 5

New Statement Plans to Introduce Civility on Campus continued from page 2

intolerance.

“All Kean community members have the responsibility to become aware and speak out,” said Dr. Mascari, “It is the responsibility of all members of our community, our campus community, to build and teach a mutual respect.”

The topic of open dialogue and opendiscussion was addressed as well.

The statement encourages listening to differing voices in an effort to understand another person’s perspective and enhancing the quality of dialogue and tolerance on campus as well as seeking fact against “false truths.”

The statement encourages administrators, staff, faculty, and students to give an

empowering voice to the powerless that treats every individual on campus with dignity, equity and equality.

Dr. Dan Gover, an English professor, said while statements like this are meaningful, it’s a bit beside the point in an age of mass shootings.

“When we live in a country where the government takes no action after a mass shooting and we’ve seen quite a number of them,” said Gover.

The recent shootings in a New Zealand mosque last month that left at least 50 dead and the attack at the Tree of Light Synagogue in Pittsburgh was raised. The gunman in New Zealand opened fire in the mosque and streamed it live on Facebook until the social

media giant was able to block it.

“I think a number of events, New Zealand being the latest of them are jarring as to how when we don’t treat people with respect or we hear other’s perspectives in a civil way it leads to more problems,” said Dr. Mulry.

Dr. Christopher Lynch, a Communication professor, said everyone, himself included, needs to learn how to dialogue with each other. It’s a process.

“I think you can just raise consciousness among each other so we do become more aware of the issues,” said Dr. Lynch.

Dr. Stavola-Daly, professor in the Physical Education Recreation and Health department, said that the statement sets a framework for everyone on campus for a

more positive and civil community.

Dr. Stavola-Daly said it’s this kind of action that helps create discussion on campus about issues and give people the opportunity to share their ideas and be able to support tolerance.

Dr. Mulry thanked Dr. Christopher Lynch and Dr. Frances Stavola-Daly, who led the work on the statement.

The Senate plans to revisit this once the awareness is on campus and move into phase two of an action plan based off what was said at the meeting nd how else the idea be infused into campus activities to make “civility” even stronger.

Girl Boss on the rise

By Salimah McCullough Some may think it’s impossible to handle something as big as starting a business while being a full-time student. But that doesn’t become a hindrance to many as some of the biggest companies were created out of a college students dorm room.

Facebook, Snapchat, and Def Jam Records are few of the many companies that were started by college students. They all had some form of motivation that kept them determined. For some, having a motto in one’s life like “anything can be done,” the task of starting a business in college seems much less impossible.

“Anything can be done” is a motto that gives off strength and positive vibes, two things desired when starting a business.

Tiara Muslim, Kean junior studying communication with a concentration in

Photo by Courtesy of Tiara Muslim

Red Velvet Cake made by Tiara

media and film, keeps this motto in mind when working and doing tasks for her own business.

Queen Decorations & Treats is the name of Muslim’s business.

“I started this business a year ago,” Muslim said. “My business is very important to me and I put a lot of time and effort into [it] each and every day.”

“I always find time to do my work and handle business,” Muslim said.

“Each day I set time aside for my business and also my school work.”

Photo by Courtesy of Tiara Muslim

Tiara’s contact information

Muslim’s business offers many things she supply the food and decorations for to her customers. Not only does she offer events, but she also hosts many events from decorations for any event, but she also offers birthday parties to baby showers. Muslim food, event planning, sweets, and more. is in the works of hosting a huge event for Being a full-time student comes with a mothers day this year. lot of work and a lot of responsibilities.

“In May, on the 11th, we are hosting a From exams to greek life, juggling all the ins mother’s extravaganza,” Muslim said. “This and outs that come event is from 3pmalong with college 7pm. Tickets are $35 can be difficult for and there will be gifts anyone let alone a for all mothers, a business owner. But live jazz band, food, with excellent time a photo booth, and management, it could more.” work out well.

The idea of starting “I always find time her own business to do my work and has always been in handle business,” the back of Muslims’ Muslim said. “Each mind for as long as she day I set time aside can remember. She has for my business and always had a wanting also my school work.” to create something of With the help her own that she can of useful time be proud of.

Photo by Courtesy of Tiara Muslim Table decorations from a client baby shower management skills, According to a Muslim strives her survey done by best to continue to succeed in school while Guidant Financial, the highest reason for running her business at the same time. someone opening up their own business, One of the services Muslim’s business being at 26 percent, is due to the motivation offers is event planning. So not only does of becoming their own boss. This is exactly

Photo by Courtesy of Tiara Muslim

Basket of chocolate covered pretzels made by Tiara

what Muslim felt.

“I started this business because I always wanted to be my own boss and I wanted to call something my own,” Muslim said.

“I come from a family of entrepreneurs and they inspire me each and every day, especially my mom and grandma.”

For any inquiries about Queen Decorations & Treats, Tiara is more than welcome to take questions and orders at queendecor16@ gmail.com.

The Importance of Rare Earth Minerals and Trade with China

By Danielle Junio From the electronics, medical equipment, and vehicles Americans use daily, the United States clearly depends on the use of Rare-earth minerals.

Erin Wright, a Junior Bio Special Education Major from Kean University, said, “I think rare Earth elements are elements that occur naturally throughout the environment and could be used as chemical catalysts and have many other implementations.”

In a CBS “60 Minutes” episode called “Modern Life’s Devices Under China’s Grip?” interviewer Leslie Stahl noted that “rare Earth elements” were discovered in the 1960s. At first, geologists considered them to be geological abnormalities, since these earth elements were noted to have the strongest magnetic traits, luminescent features, and etc. anyone has ever witnessed.

To prove their theory, scientists have conducted various experiments and concluded that only a small amount of these rare elements can produce magnets that are able to lift objects that are a thousand times their weight. However, what they did not know was that these geological “abnormalities” would lead to a technological revolution.

The American Geosciences Institute and Harmonic Shield Corporation listed a majority of the items Americans use that consist of these rare Earth elements.

Electronics: ■■ TVs, computers/laptops, cell phones, silicon chips, monitors, long-life rechargeable batteries, camera lenses, LED lighting, fluorescent lamps (CFLs), airport baggage scanners, marine propulsion systems, electric windows, electric seats, and speakers, power steering, GIS Systems.

Manufacturing: ■■ High strength magnets, metal alloys, stress gauges,

pigments/colorants in ceramics and glassware, chemical oxidizing agents, polishing powders, plastic, strengthening other metals, automotive catalytic converters, and steel making.

Medical Science: ■■ X-ray machines, MRI machines, contrast agents, nuclear medicine imaging, cancer treatments, genetic screening, and medical/dental lasers.

Technology: ■■ Lasers, optical glass, fiber optics, radar detection devices, nuclear fuel rods, mercury-vapor lamps, highly reflective glass, computer memory, nuclear batteries, high temperature superconductors, hard disks, CD-ROM, and DVDs .

Renewable Energy: ■■ Hybrid vehicles, wind turbines, and biofuel catalysts.

These rare earth elements are not extremely hard to find.

They say that a majority of people could find these elements in their backyards hidden inside rocks. What gives them the “rare” title is that these elements are usually only found in tiny abundances. This causes a few discrepancies since people try not to mine for these minerals if there is not an abundance of them in one specific area since obtaining these elements is a long and hazardous process that involves chemicals, water, and toxic waste.

The United States started this rare Earth element revolution and was the first country to create this extremely advanced technology, but China is the main provider for these rare elements. Without them, we would not have the technology that we have today which has led to some power struggles between the United States and China.

To be more specific, in the interview with Lesley Sthal, states that “one country has a virtual monopoly - roughly

90 percent – of the mining, refining and processing of rare Earths – China. And in 2010, it used that power to disrupt the world’s supply. It’s especially troubling, because it was the United States that started the rare earth revolution in the first place.”

This can cause tension since the United States created these devices with the elements provided to them, but if they are ever cut off to these elements from China, everything will be placed on a major stand-still and could potentially put the United States in jeopardy.

The interview uses a car as an example by explaining how hybrid cars like “A Prius has roughly 25 pounds of rare earths in a single vehicle.” Since we are becoming reliant on these elements we would technically be lost if we no longer had easy access to them.

“I think trade with China is extremely important,” said Jennifer Torres, a current Kean University student. “Mostly everything we use comes from a foreign country (specifically China) and without trade, we would not have a lot of stuff.

Without trade with them we won’t have a lot of those metals we need to make stuff.”

Trade with China for these rare minerals is also critical to the United States since all of the new and improved weapons our military has contains a bunch or rare Earth minerals.

Sthal even states that “the guidance systems on weapons system and tomahawk cruise missile, any of the smart bombs have rare earths in them.”

Former White House Official Dan McGroarty says that’s just for starters. As a result, if the United States ever gets cut off from trade with China, they would not only not be able to continuously push out new technology, but also would not be suitable to sustain a strong defense system since there would be a very limited supply of rare Earth minerals.

6 THE TOWER

April, 2019

Why do our buildings have names?

Department of Communication

continued from cover

Whiteman Hall was originally an all women’s dormitory. As recognition for her dedication to student life, the building is named after dean emerita Harriet E. Whiteman.

She was an education secretary for thenpresident Dr. Marion Earnest Townsend.

She worked for over 20 years throughout Townsend’s administration and was dean of

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and Joseph D’Angola’s name became well known with Kean Athletics from 1918 through 1956.

He worked as the head of the Department of Health and Physical Education, was responsible for multiple varsity sports on campus, coached men’s basketball for 10 seasons, and he was also named Dean of Men at the college in 1935.

The Tower is an independent, laboratory newspaper of Kean University’s journalism option in the communication major program. It is published monthly through the regular academic year and supported by advertising and the Department of Communication. The Tower is not responsible for claims made by its advertisers. The Tower is a public forum and is free from censorship and advance approval of content by the university administration. The Tower staff is responsible for its content.

EDITOR IN CHIEF: JOSHUA ROSARIO NEWS EDITOR: LENA ZHU FEATURES EDITOR: KIARA MAYS SPORTS EDITOR: Photo by Kelly Contreras

CRAIG EPSTEIN

Sozio Hall, a dormitory for dome of the residents on main campus.

students until she retired in 1962.

Bartlett Hall was built in 1973 and named after Mary M. Bartlett, a reading specialist, author and editor who researched and co-wrote several pieces for MacMillan Publishers.

She began working for the university as an English professor in 1937, served as a chair of the Department of English from 1946 to 1958 and helped the University in regard

ONLINE EDITOR:

He retired two years before the school moved to Union. The D’Angola Gymnasium was built in honor of “The Chief” and his wife, Anita, also a faculty member.

Hennings Hall was named after a couple whose combined amount of service was about 63 years towards the University. Also, Dougall Hall which is named after John B. Dougall, the 12th president of Kean.

Kean University was initially named Kean

RAFAELA TEIXEIRA ONLINE EDITOR: PETRUCE JEAN-CHARLES SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: SALIMAH MCCULLOUGH ASSOCIATE EDITOR: KELLY CONTRERAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR: W YNTER AIKEN COPY EDITOR: ALEX WISNIEWSKI WRITERS NICOLE DIEFENBACHER TASHA DOWBACHUK VALENCIA STEVENSON GARDNER ZOE STROZEWSKI DANIELLE JUNIO DAVID JANES BREANNA PALZER STEVEN MERRILL

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Maxine and Jack Lane Center for Academic Success (CAS).

to curriculum development and teacher education.

She became very interested in students’ extracurricular activities, as she helped a sorority and with the development of many student programs. After 28 years working at Kean, she retired in 1965. She was awarded the rank of professor emerita in 1966.

For many generations, D’Angola Gymnasium was referred to as “The Chief”

College, after the Kean family, which has a long lineage in New Jersey that includes a former U.S. Senator, a Governor and a current state Senator. One line of the Keans grew up across Morris Avenue in Liberty Hall.

So as you can see, Kean University buildings each have a historical story to be told. And there will be more stories to tell in the future.

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OPINION PIECES AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Tower welcomes guest columns and letters to the editor from any source.

Such material should be submitted to thetower@kean.edu or left at The Tower’s offices. To verify sources of written material, submissions must include the writer’s name and contact information. Students should include their class (sophomore, graduate, etc.) and major. Faculty and staff should include campus title or position. On request, names may be withheld from publication if The Tower staff determines there is a legitimate reason to do so, but no anonymous letters will be accepted for publication. The Tower reserves the right to edit, and refuse publication of any submission.

Does America value Potential or Privilege when it comes down to Education

By Anastasia Zhelezova Chances are you’ve probably heard about the recent college admissions bribery scandal.

People, particularly wealthy people, went to extreme lengths to get their children into Ivy League and prominent American universities.

disgusted with the truth behind how the rich can get away with that for so long,” said Gadalla.

Gadalla said she applied to NJCU where she was offered a full ride but she liked Kean more.

John Jay College was Gadalla’s top choice, but the out of state tuition was too expensive for her.

Photo by education.cu-portland.edu

Standardized testing

Girls and boys who’ve never spent a single day playing a particular sport suddenly receive a scholarship for it. But up until now, no one had ever questioned it. The recent scandal currently is the Justice Department’s biggest college admissions prosecution yet.

Caroline Gadalla, who graduated in December with a MA in Criminal Justice, said the scandal didn’t surprise her.

“When I heard about the scandal, for some reason I wasn’t actually surprised but I was

In the admissions scandal, parents paid a network of people in order to get their children into name schools such as University of Southern California (USC) and Yale. One reason people want to get into those schools is to gain access to a wide network of influential people.

“Yes I think a top college gives you a leg up but it’s only because of the name. It’s basically the labeling theory, but here, we’re labeling something with a positive connotation.”

“Kean, on the other hand, was financially feasible and its diversity made the decision easier,” Gadalla continued. “Plus not a far commute from home.”

When asked whether she thinks a big name school makes a difference when applying for jobs, Gadalla said it probably does.

“Yes I think a top college gives you a leg up but it’s only because of the name,” she said. “It’s basically the labeling theory, but here, we’re labeling something with a positive connotation.”

that Kean has to offer and its affordability.

Pia Toloso, another student currently enrolled at Kean, raised an interesting point regarding a big name school such as Yale or Harvard versus a school such as Montclair or Kean on whether or not it makes a difference when you put the school on your resume.

Photo by Grunge.com

Students cheating on tests

“Is it worth it? Yes. But is it right? Absolutely not,” Gadalla said.

Melissa Gomez applied to Montclair, Rider and Rowan, but Kean University was her top choice.

“This is my fourth year at Kean and I couldn’t be happier,” Gomez said. “It’s always alarming to think this happens more often in prestigious schools.”

Students said they appreciate the diversity

“I think there is no difference whether you graduated from Kean or from Rutgers because neither are considered prestigious schools,” she said.

Top schools can get you a “leg up” in terms of applying for jobs, she said. However, when you attend what is considered a “non-top school” she said it no longer matters. She said the only competition is between you and the other person that has applied for the same position, not between the schools.

April, 2019

Men vs.

Flowers

By Tasha Dowbachuk

The societal standards of masculinity are being challenged throughout every medium of communication to date. Narratives of the stereotypical “stoic” man are slowly being replaced by the reality of how men think or act outside of what it means to be masculine.

Based on the idea of redefining masculinity, could it be that men receiving tokens of appreciation, such as flowers, undermine the perception of manliness?

Accoring to the American Psychological Association, American society “socializes boys and men to conform to a definition of masculinity that emphasizes toughness, stoicism, acquisitiveness and self-reliance.”

As a result, this leads into the growth of emotionally stunted men.

Omara Cardoza, Human Sexuality and Gender Studies professor at Kean University, explains how gender roles have impacted society through the lense of stereotypes and how masculinity is conveyed.

“I think if society has constantly placed men in these gender boxes, whether they like flowers or not, it’s gonna be more of, what will others think if I accept these?” said Omara Cardoza.

Cultural expectations and generational mindsets also play a role within the evolution of how masculinity and femininity are defined. Almost all cultures have an archetype when it comes to identifying complementaries in men and women.

“Cultural aspects, such as machismo within Hispanic/Latinx culture, reflects upon the same expectations of gender roles,” said Cardoza.

According to Psychology Today, cultural differences in masculine and feminine types “often mirror the idealized archetypes elevated as moral models in different

societies”, in which translates to what is deemed socially acceptable in the eyes of the culture.

Effeminacy, being one of the many components, is defined as “the manifestation of traits in a boy or man that are more often associated with feminine nature,” which is seen within various cultures. In contrast, most cultures view masculinity in women and femininity in men as unbalanced, or negative.

Cardoza explains this hegemonic phenomenon as, “toxic masculinity”, where men are being “affected by societal standards and having to be pressured to abide by these rules,” served as a gender order.

Although, this kind of ideology still exists within our society, the current generation does not abide by the “status quo.” In 2012, an open thread posted by The Good Men Project, stated that men disregard the idea of flowers but see the purpose behind the act of receiving the flowers.

“The flower can be anything, but it’s the act of receiving the flowers that shows a deeper significance, so I don’t have a problem with it,” Vincent Legaspi, who is a senior with a major in Media and Film said.

“I think it’s up to you to define, in terms of masculinity and femininity.” Legaspi said Another student, Dervens Celestin, a freshmen with an intended major in Theater, describes the gift of flowers as “a symbol of love and appreciation” from one person to another.

In Cardoza’s words, it is “important for both men and women to learn about masculinity, where it came from and what we can do to minimize the pressure on men to act a certain way to be liked by their peers”.

“It’s more of how can we work together as a society and focus on the similarities we carry.”

THE TOWER 7

OPINION Transferring to Kean is a journey, not a sprint

By Amanda Vogel Transitioning, at any time of life can be daunting. Transferring – whether knowledge, energies, careers, or a college – may become the first step of a smooth, seamless transition but it can be terrifying.

Just ask Natalie Mendoza, the TIM for Kean’s GE 3000 44 course.

“Yeah I definitely do think Kean’s transfer students experience a little bit of ‘little fish in a big pond’ syndrome once they see the campus,” Mendoza said. “But, once they get used to where things are and how things operate, they start to think, ‘Oh yeah! I can do this!’”

Although coming from two-year community colleges, students have already begun walking their different paths of collegiate careers, the move can be intimidating at first. Transferring to Kean, however, becomes a great tool for an inspirational metamorphosis to take place if the student commits to pursuing and establishing who they are as intellectual scholars, and humble humans.

Upon stepping foot on campus, I had already run a community college circuit, and during that time many successes had come and some were met with hardship. My final semester proved that I could run through Hell. Although I was, at times, swamped with work, I was doing things to fuel my artistic fire in the not too distant future.

That chapter of my life took time, diligence, and a lot of caffeine; and not a lot has changed since becoming a transfer student. I still consume coffee like it’s my job, but I’ve traded stress for passion, copious amounts of effort realized, and an important truth lent

to me by one Kean senior.

“We’ve all got our own passions and set of goals and as long as you reach yours, who cares how long it takes? Courtney M. said.

“It’s not a race.”

As a transfer student, there are a few basic guidelines to be established: understand the basics, value the past, look to the future, invest in you, and be honest with yourself.

“You have to know the past to understand the present.” Astronomer, Carl Sagan, spoke those words and students must understand that any one negative blip on their academic radar doesn’t determine the future, or even the one single moment it takes to read this sentence.

They must stay humble, appreciate the talents they’ve been given, use those talents well, and create a life that they are proud to live.

When students register at Kean, they no longer have to feel the narrowing of their ideas because it’s what’s expected is correct.

The fear of walking alone in a different direction often overcomes us. But, we must embrace our beautiful differences as scholarly individuals.

A new journey is about taking risks and focusing on you, not the person next to you; and with Kean’s extensive course catalog, there’ll always be a greater step if we keep walking. The process of receiving a college education provides growth; and it is as important as obtaining a degree. As a transfer student, it’s crucial that both comfort and confidence is equally practiced here, at Kean.

“the move can be intimidating at first”

Amanda Vogel contributed this article to The Tower.

OPINION

“How a video of three young men eating out the back of a garbage truck got Univision anchor Jorge Ramos expelled from Venezuela”

By Valerie Sanabria As a Latinx immigrant whose dream is to work in the Spanish-Language media, it was shocking to find out that one of our prominent journalistic figures, Jorge Ramos, was detained in Venezuela on Monday, Feb. 25.

I found out about what was happening when my mom’s “novelas” were interrupted with breaking news that Ramos and his team were robbed, detained, and expelled from Venezuela. The majority of Hispanic journalists I follow on Instagram began posting about this clear violation of journalistic freedom.

Ramos wrote an opinion piece in The New York Times where he said that he got an interview with Venezuelan President, Nicolas Photo by Wikimedia Commons Photo by Wikimedia Commons Maduro, after a Univision producer called Protest in Venezuela Venezuelan’s President Nicolas Maduro Venezuela’s communication minister, Jorge Rodriguez, and requested it.

Univision sent Ramos to Venezuela with a team for the interview at the Miraflores Palace, where the interview started three hours late according to Ramos.

The first question Ramos asked was, “whether [he] should call [him] “Presidente” or “Dictador,” as many Venezuelans do.”

Ramos is known for asking the tough questions that most would be afraid to. He equipment, and every piece of proof they had from that garbage asked Maduro questions about presidential fraud, human interview. Ramos said he and his team were taken to different truck are rights violations, and the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela; dark rooms and were patted down because, “they didn’t want images that but what caused the interview to last 17 minutes was what any leaks.” the world Ramos recorded the day before on his cellphone.

Two members of Ramos’s team are from Venezuela, and can see and It was a video he shot and showed Maduro of three young they were expelled too. They were in a life-threatening understand, men looking for something to eat in the back of a garbage situation in their own country. images that truck. I saw the video and it was hard to see one of them When I emigrated to the U.S. from Guatemala, I knew it show what Photo by Wikimedia Commons putting waste in their mouths while explaining to Ramos was for a better future and because I was going to have better Venezuelans Univison anchor Jorge Ramos that they must do that every day. It broke my heart. opportunities, but I was sure I wanted to go back and visit are going It was obvious to me that after seeing those images, and still be safe. Many Venezuelans have emigrated or run through.

Maduro did not want to continue speaking to Ramos. All the away because of the humanitarian crisis in their country, a Venezuelans are facing not only a shortage of resources, good he claimed to be doing for the country was immediately crisis that seems unstoppable and that makes it hard to go but their freedom is also at risk. If foreign journalists are shot down by the images of people suffering from Maduro’s back and visit. robbed and abused in Venezuela, imagine what Venezuelan actions.

Ramos’ interview was stolen, but his testimony and that journalists have to suffer though every day in a country that Rodriguez’s security agents took Univision cameras, video of the three young men eating from the back of the is slowly dying and the rest of the world won’t save.

The first question Ramos asked was, “whether [he] should call [him] “Presidente” or “Dictador,” as many Venezuelans do.

8 THE TOWER

April, 2019

The Super Seniors

Embrace Your Crown: I Am Not My Mental Health Stigma!

By Wynter Aiken

Photo by Creative Commons

“I only use the term super senior jokingly because I know that being here longer doesn’t devalue anyone,” said Abernathy.

By Valencia Stevenson “Super Senior” is a term for students who take more than four years to finish college.

Georgette Carter-Nobles, a “super senior” who is majoring in Asian Studies and Music calls herself such because she has been at Kean for five years. Starting in Fall of 2014, Carter-Nobles said that the reason she has stayed here is because her classes kept getting cancelled. She also changed her major. Now, she hopes that next semester will be her last at Kean.

The 22-year-old student heard the term “Super Senior” in her freshman year at Kean.

She had a few friends that have been at the school longer than four years call themselves that and since then, Carter-Nobles has adopted the term, she said.

“Honestly, I had a plan when I first came in here and now I just don’t have a plan at all,” she said. “My original plan was to be a Chinese translator and go to China to translate everything, maybe go to the government. But at this point I have no idea because I picked up a second major around my junior year which is music. I feel like my first major is kind of wavy because of how my classes are.”

Carter-Nobles said in her time here, there are new buildings and the people have changed. She stated that the new students that arrive to Kean have gotten a little bolder such as the Game Room at the Miron Student Center, where she works.

For instance, people have gotten louder and there is more diversity which is something she was not used to before.

“You get used to it. Different personalities.

They’re more out there. I wouldn’t say it’s bad but it’s just different, and I feel like that’s just life. You just have to keep going and deal with it,” said Carter-Nobles.

Teshaina Abernathy started at Kean in the Summer of 2014 and this is not her last semester either.

“I only use the term super senior jokingly because I know that being here longer doesn’t devalue anyone,” said the 23-yearold Theatre major. After she graduates, Abernathy hopes to regularly go to auditions, record music and, in her downtime, work retail jobs to sustain her living for a while.

“There have been major changes to Kean including more food options on and off campus, better computers, and dorming options and we have a few changes to our visual aesthetics like the new statue and pavement in front of the Miron Student Center,” said Abernathy.

Mikael Pena, 22, began pursuing his mathematics degree in Fall 2014. Pena has one more semester before graduating.

“Because I’m old,” Pena joked when asked why he calls himself a super senior. “Credits wise I am a senior but there is still more for me to do. I have more growth to learn.”

Pena said he hopes to get a job after he graduates, make some money and try to go for his Masters. He also wants to continue being in good and healthy relationships with other people.

“Kean has changed in two ways. One, the people. People have either grown significantly in maturity or they got less intelligent as the years gone on. With more on infrastructure, we got different buildings.”

The Embracing The Crown’s annual college workshop tour made their pit stop at Kean University’s Miron Student Center Mar. 25, in partnership with the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), to present the “I Am: Power of Words” workshop to promote positive mental health. The Embracing the Crown organization is a movement dedicated to uplifting, empowering, and uniting women of color.

Members of both organizations created a safe space for understanding, healing, and growth while using creative and unconventional tactics to break the stigma and allow students to feel comfortable and welcomed.

The workshop started with ice-breaking activities from “a quote you live by”, “match your zodiac and spiritual color”, and “ match a favorite color”. The activities allowed everyone to get to know each other and to speak about how words can make people

“Last year, I attended the Women’s March with friends from campus. There were all kinds of people there and I remember this man who called me the “N” word just because he felt that I shouldn’t be there. It hurt me deeply and stayed with me for a long time.”

Govan-Smith said.

The workshop switched to a broader topic, analyzing the way the black culture has incorporated demeaning words and phrases about women or men and how no one realizes that the words being said in a daily conversation between friends can be harmful to someone’s mental wellbeing.

“As a black woman, people always have this misconception that we’re supposed to be happy or smile. They tell it to our faces how we should be but sometimes we don’t want to.”

Embrace Your Crown creator Adéa Asante said.

“We’re not always angry or mad. We have our own mental issues and I think it should be acknowledged.”

The NCNW and Embracing the Crown

Photo by Wynter Aiken

T-shirt with Logo

Photo by Wynter Aiken

Sorority Members/Council Members

From professor to podcaster continued from cover

two understand when it’s time to approach on his radar but he didn’t respond to that,” segments in a professional manner as well.

Nicoletti said. “We sent him a shirt but he “What you see and hear from us is who we hasn’t reached back so I don’t think he likes are. It’s not an act or a shtick,” O’Brien said. us.”

“We come into each and every show ready to Nicoletti was more flattered than anything have fun, but we will be serious when we need that they both came up with a similar idea, but to be.”

Russillo wasn’t getting the joke. Eventually, The 28-year-old East Brunswick native Nicoletti decided to call up Barstool’s show gets a lot of his inspiration from radio hosts “The Evening Yak” on Sirius to explain that his like Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, Ryen Russillo, intentions were good natured.

Mike Francesa, and a little bit of Craig “I called into Big Cat’s show on Sirius, Carton. Nicoletti is a big knowing that they’re close, fan of Barstool Sports explaining that we’re not and he takes some keys bad guys and that it was from a number of their just a misunderstanding,” personalities as well. he said. “So, Big Cat tells Whether it’s Kevin Clancy me if he remembers, he (KFC), Dan Katz (Big Cat), would do it, but he forgot.”

Eric Sollenberger (PFT Nicoletti understands Commenter) or Dave that it’s difficult to be Portnoy (El Presidente), successful in podcasting, Nicoletti believes that so if he doesn’t get to each of them are geniuses where he ultimately wants in their own way. to be as a radio host then In September 2017, he is prepared to close that Nicoletti unintentionally chapter of his life. At that set off a spat with point, he said he might Russillo when he jokingly pursue becoming a full messaged the former time professor and pursue Photo by M&A Sports Radio ESPN radio host about his Anthony Nicoletti and Michael “Moose” his doctorate. His ultimate new segment called The O’Brien standing alongside former Head goal is to live his life on his Basketball Coach of Siena College Jamion Sit Down. terms and carve a path that Christian “We have this segment he enjoys. Whether that is called the Sitdown which in front of a microphone we have as one word and Russillo put out a or not, Nicoletti is proud that he will at least segment under the same name but as two live with the knowledge that he gave a career words,” Nicoletti said. “So, on Twitter I told in podcasting his best effort. him that he would be hearing from our “I want my name to stand for something representation, hoping that he gets it’s a joke.” because I think there’s so many people in life After trying to explain that it was all a means that just go through the routine of bouncing to get on his radar, Nicoletti made an effort to from cubicle to cubicle,” Nicoletti said. “If mend the fence between his sports radio idol that’s your life and you want to do that I’m not and himself. trying to take a shot whatsoever, but I couldn’t “We just wanted to play it up a little and get do that.”

“Words can trigger.”

Photo by Wynter Aiken

Display

share similarities instead of differences.

Simply matching zodiac signs and quotes that gets one through the day. It can help anyone’s mood and hopefully bring one out of the inner shell.

Junior Kiaira Hall was able to form a connection with members of her small group - Senior Breana Kollock and graduate student Bre’Yanie Pearson, all through similarities between meaningful quotes and zodiac signs.

“Just meeting someone with the same things as you, zodiac sign or quote, means that I’m not alone. We all came here tonight to connect with each other, speak about our experiences while at Kean. said Junior Lauren Johnson.

“Being in a room with those that look like me and may share a similar story, it means a lot.”

The workshop continued with a group discussion with the President of NCNW and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Sade GovanSmith speaking on the subject of how words can hurt people mentally without realization.

all share the common goal of supporting and uplifting black female and male college students who experience a variety of difficult situations contributing to mental health issues. Coming from all forms of background and different colleges before making a home out of Kean University can be overwhelming, but by sticking together and sharing stories with each other, it can help ease the fear of speaking out.

“Look at the lyrics that today’s rappers use knowing they have a hand in the way our people speak to each other. We don’t know how hurtful we are to someone when we say certain things. We need to be more aware.

Words are powerful and they cut deep.” said Junior Taisha Gordons.

With the right resources available designed to assist students of color to adapt to difficult situations, the campus environment can make a positive difference in their adjustment and overall emotional wellbeing. If you know someone that is struggling with mental health, visit https:// www.kean.edu/offices/counseling-center/ counseling-services

April, 2019

Jordan Peele’s latest film more than just another thriller

Photo by Collider.com

Official movie poster for Jordan Peele’s latest film, “Us”

By Kiara Mays What do you get when you mix doppelgangers dressed in red jumpsuits, a 1989 “Hands Across America” charity campaign, and a pair of gold shears?

WARNING: Spoilers ahead.

Jordan Peele’s latest film, “Us”, advertised itself, according to ign.com, as a home invasion movie featuring a family of evil doppelgangers. However, as those who’ve already seen the film have come to realize, it turned out to be much more complex than that. Loaded with references to popular culture and history, symbolic imagery and “easter eggs,” “Us” was, according to some, definitely worth a second and perhaps, even a third watch.

“I personally would watch the movie a couple more times,” said Tiara Muslim, junior, communications major at Kean. “The ending was very shocking and had me lost for words.”

According to a synopsis detailed on the movie’s official website, usmovie.com; after returning to her childhood beach home for a summer vacation getaway, Adelaide Wilson (played by Lupita Nyong’o), along with her husband Gabe (played by Winston Duke), and their two children, begin to experience a series of unexplainable events. However, it is when the Wilsons are met by a silhouette of four figures in their driveway that turn out to look exactly like them, that things take a turn for the worst.

“The movie didn’t meet my expectations due to the way it was marketed to the public,” said Evan Hewitt, senior, public relations major. “To me, there were just too many hidden messages and signs, therefore, I just found it difficult to follow and understand.”

Peele recently appeared on The Empire Film Podcast to clear up some things surrounding his sophomore film, but especially concerning the film’s ending.

“This movie’s about maybe the monster is you,” said Peele in the podcast. “It’s about us, looking at ourselves as individuals and as a group.”

In the film’s primary plot twist, it is revealed to viewers that the main character, Adelaide, has been hiding her true identity all along.

“The protagonist in the movie is the surrogate for the audience, so it felt like at the end of the day, I wasn’t doing my core theme any justice if I wasn’t revealing that we have been the bad guy in this movie,” continued Peele. “We’ve been following the villain.”

With all that took place, especially during its final scenes, viewers like Muslim, predict that an “Us 2” will be in the works soon if not already.

If you haven’t seen the film yet, “Us” is still being shown in theaters. Check your local listings for dates and times or visit amctheatres.com.

THE TOWER 9

Despite being ‘killed in the eyes of family,’ Muslim woman chooses love over arranged marriage

By Rafaela Teixeira She was working at her campus job at Kean University, wearing the traditional hijab of her Muslim faith, when a fellow student instantly caught her eye.

In modern day fashion, she sent him a direct message on Facebook. That one action would inadvertently lead her later to an excruciating choice between love and family.

Their intense love affair was a secret to almost everyone because her Muslim Indian family would not approve of her dating a Catholic Colombian man.

She ultimately left the love of her life for an unhappy and abusive marriage, unknowingly set up by her family. She shared her struggle to follow her heart and risk her family’s disapproval to create awareness about the dangers of arranged marriage. The student, who is a senior, soon to be graduating, asked not to be identified because of the personal nature of her story.

“I was married for a little over a year and I stayed because I was scared and I didn’t know how to go about it,” she said. “I was afraid and nervous because I always knew I didn’t want to be [married to him] if I wasn’t happy.”

At first, getting into a relationship with a man she knew wouldn’t end up being her husband seemed irrelevant.

“I was raised knowing I would have to marry a Muslim guy, but I was always the black sheep,” she explained. “I didn’t want to be one of those girls that thought ‘oh I could’ve done this’ or ‘I should’ve done that’.”

She decided to follow her heart and build a strong connection with a man of an entirely different religion and culture.

When she was 21 years old, her family believed she was too old to be single. Her younger cousin, who at the time was 16, had gotten married, which created an urgency for her to get married as well.

Her parents decided to invite a man she had never met before over their home for dinner and shortly after he left, they told her that she would marry him.

She noted, however, that in Indian culture, forced arranged marriages are accepted, whereas religiously they are not.

She also explained that her parents are more culturally inclined than they are religiously.

According to muslimmatters.org, an arranged marriage should not be seen as a forced marriage. Many Muslims will often meet their future spouses through familial connections. In her case, through her great uncle, who is the eldest in her maternal family.

“It wasn’t really ‘we will disown you’,” she said. “It was more like ‘this is your only option’.”

Although her secret relationship had been fairly new, she had to break the news of her sudden engagement to her boyfriend and explain that even though she loved him, she couldn’t leave her family.

“It was the hardest thing in my life,” she said. “Even today, I think about it and I start tearing up because witnessing him crying on my lap and seeing his helplessness makes me sad.”

She broke off their relationship and was engaged for nearly three months before having a traditional Indian wedding.

“For a young girl you always look forward to your wedding,” she said. “Especially being Indian, I grew up knowing that I would have a 4-5 day wedding and it would be extravagant, but I never imagined faking a smile through all of that.”

Her friends knew how she felt and that she was putting up a front for her family, but they never knew the extent of her unhappiness in her first marriage.

“I knew my first marriage was not right because it was forced upon me,” she said. “I didn’t have any choice and so I never really accepted the fact that I was married because in my heart I wasn’t.”

She also explained that young Muslim women will often put up a “front to show that they’re happy,” hoping to be accepted by society– noting that divorce is a “taboo topic” in her religion and culture.

According to the Rutgers University National Marriage Project, the divorce rate for the North American Muslim community was about 31 percent when the study was conducted in the 1990s by Ilyas Ba-Yunus.

However, after multiple incidents where her first husband physically and emotionally abused her in the duration of their marriage, she took it upon herself to file for divorce without her parents’ consent and his knowledge.

“When I was like ‘screw society’ and went my own way… I was killed in the eyes of my family,” she said.

While in the process of her divorce and still maintaining her education, she reunited with the man she initially fell in love with.

She explained that their relationship became different and he was willing to do anything to keep her, including converting to Islam.

Although most of her family disowned her, she slowly mended her relationship with her parents and siblings and introduced them to her boyfriend who had every intention of becoming Muslim for her.

“We knew right away that we wanted to get married,” she said. “So instead of having an extravagant wedding where we spent a lot of money for other people instead of ourselves, we had a very intimate wedding ceremony.”

Their “simple Islamic wedding ceremony in the mosque” included both of their parents and some very close friends.

“We were happy and even though it was a smaller ceremony, I was present and I was happy,” she said.

She explained that his interest in Islam has grown and he often leans on her parents for advice on conversion and understanding their religion.

Although she doesn’t have many regrets regarding her life, she shared that her experiences in being married to an abusive man make her an advocate.

“I should’ve opened my mouth about my ex-husband earlier and showed his reality instead of keeping my mouth shut,” she said.

“In our culture it’s better to suck it up rather than spill our dirty laundry, but I should’ve spilled it anyway.”

Her advice to other young Muslim women is to be educated and have discernment in life situations. She noted that no one should “suffer through it because they’re alone,” but instead “fight for themselves.”

“Although I had my current husband to fall back on, I always had my education,” she explained. “I knew right from wrong and I knew that even if I didn’t have him, I would’ve still gotten out of it because I had my education to back me up and that it would one day get me a job.”

New Interactive sculpture featured on Cougar Walk

By Shannon Sheehan Kean University prides itself in being involved in the arts community, which can be seen through the various art galleries and performances on campus.

One art piece that has recently been brought to Kean has caught the attention of many in the Kean community, as it is an interactive sculpture.

The sculpture is called, “Captured,” and is located on the patio of the Miron Student Center.

It is currently on loan from Seward Johnson Atelier and sculptor Seward Johnson. The piece features a bench, which is the interactive piece, and a sculpture of a woman in a spring or summer outfit reading the book, with her flip flops placed on the bench beside her.

When one first glances at the piece, one may think that the Photo by Shannon Sheehan sculpture is an actual woman as This sculpture is on the MSC Patio and is available until the end of the Spring Semester. the piece is very realistic. It was installed in late February, which is what threw passerbyers off as they first saw the sculpture. Many students thought the sculpture was a real person, and were wondering how she was not cold due to the cold weather.

For example, Senior Elvia Luna said, “When I first walked down Cougar Walk and saw the sculpture, I thought she was cold and I approached her to ask her, but she didn’t answer. That’s when I the piece. The woman is reading a book of his life-sized sculptures featured in various realized she was a sculpture.” poetry entitled Captured, which is an actual museums and collections around the world, Other students also has the same book that was written by the sculptor’s Johnson is the founder of the Grounds for reaction. Junior at Kean University Precious daughter, India Blake, which shows that it Sculpture and The Johnson Atelier.

Castanon said, “On my way to class I saw [the ties in with the artist.

The students and the Kean community sculpture] in person and was taken back for Johnson, the artist, began as a painter but overall are very intrigued by this sculpture a moment because the sculpture looked real, then transitioned into sculpting. His work and the interactive aspect. “Captured” will especially when I walked close up to her.” focuses on people doing every day activities, be available for the community to view and While the sculpture caught some in the which can be seen in “Captured,” which was interact with until the end of the spring community off guard at first, it is important also a part of his Celebrating the Familiar semester at Kean. to know the symbolism and meaning behind series. In addition to having over 450 of

One art piece that has recently been brought to Kean has caught the attention of many in the Kean community, as it is an interactive sculpture. The sculpture is called, “Captured,” and is located on the patio of the Miron Student Center.”

10 THE TOWER

April, 2019

Healthcare starts with Healthy Food

By Professor Tara Bogota & Dr. Josh Palgi Senator Cory Booker declared his bid for the presidency in 2020. If he makes it into the White House, he will be the nation’s first vegan president. The first president with a meat free diet.

Much of the world today is trending towards plant-based eating and this global shift may be here to stay. There’s been a 600 percent increase in people identifying as vegans in the U.S. in the last three years. According to a report by research firm GlobalData, only 1 percent of U.S. consumers claimed to be vegan in 2014. And in 2017, that number rose to 6 percent.

Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.

There are many ways to embrace vegan living. Yet one thing all vegans have in common is a plant-based diet avoiding all animal foods such as meat (including fish, shellfish and insects), dairy, eggs and honey - as well as products like leather and any tested on animals. There are several categories of veganism; strict; ethical; environmental - although they vary slightly the common mindset is the awareness of effect of animal products and industrial farming on our health and environment.

The benefits of this diet and lifestyle are many. It can help you maintain a healthy weight, lower blood sugar levels, it may protect against certain cancers, linked to lower rates of heart disease, can reduce inflammation in the body resulting in less chronic pain.

So what do you eat?

■■ every type of fruit and vegetable nuts and seeds: almonds, cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, almond butter

SPORTS

■■

Photo by Pixabay.com

■■

carbohydrates: potatoes, pasta, bread, bagels, pitas, wraps, rice, quinoa

■■

beans and legumes: tofu, edamame, hummus, black beans, chickpeas, lentils

■■

non-dairy milks: coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, hemp milk, oat milk

■■

chocolate: many varieties of dark chocolate as well as non-dairy milk chocolates made from coconut, soy, or rice milk

■■

dairy alternatives: coconut ice cream, almond and coconut yogurt, coffee

■■

creamers, vegan cheese and cream cheese, vegan butter

■■

meat alternatives: tempeh, veggie burgers, seitan

There are so many options for delicious plant based foods and just like any lifestyle change it is an adjustment. Many vegans report that it may be a little more time consuming and require a bit more conscious planning but the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

If you are transitioning to a vegan diet, do so gradually so your body can adapt. Some considerations to be mindful of are receiving adequate protein, B-12 and iron.

Although you can find these nutrients in plant based foods, supplementation can be an option. Well planned vegan diets follow healthy eating guidelines and contain all of the nutrients our bodies need. Both the British Dietetic Association and the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognize that they are suitable for every age and stage of life.

There is a wide variety of resources available about learning the hows and whys of being vegan. There are some very informative documentaries, books and websites worth looking into. Now it is time to ask ourselves: if it is now possible to live a life that involves delicious food and drink, delivers better health, leaves a smaller carbon footprint and avoids killing other creatures - then why don’t we?

Professor Tara Bogota & Dr. Josh Palgi are in the School of Health and Human Performance

Kean student thrives in the classroom and on the golf course

Photo by Lauren Treich

Basking Ridge Country Club.

Photo by Lauren Treich

Adam Kennedy provides a golf lesson for young kids.

“I have always loved golf ” Photo by Edward Kennedy

Adam Kennedy at Dromoland Castle Golf Club in Ireland

By Steven Merrill For the past four years, it was straight from the golf course to the classroom for Kean student Adam Kennedy.

Kennedy is a certified Professional Golfers’ Association Apprentice that works at the Basking Ridge Country Club in Somerset County. He was also a communications studies major at Kean University until this past fall when he completed his credits. He will be graduating in May. Managing a job and schoolwork in college was a challenging task for Kennedy, but his passion for golf helped him get through it.

“I have always loved golf,” Kennedy said. “I got the degree just in case. Maybe it can help me make a little more money.”

His job at the country club covers a variety of roles throughout the day. Setting up tournaments, outings, giving lessons, doing clinics, running camps and working in the pro shop include his responsibilities. However, Kennedy’s favorite part of his job is working with the kids.

“Kids that come and play but aren’t interested, I

can relate to and connect it to golf,” Kennedy said.

“It’s also cool to see the desire, they want to play golf.”

From March-December, Kennedy worked between 40-60 hours a week and would make the 45 minute drive from Basking Ridge to Kean for night classes.

Kennedy likes to remain occupied with his hobbies which include playing video games and spending time with his family.

“I play a lot of Fortnite,” he said. “I’m always with my family and girlfriend because I like to be around people, I don’t like to sit and do nothing.”

Kennedy’s grandfather, Albert Smith, introduced him to golf at a young age. Smith would drive him around the course and take him out to play. The two would also swing the clubs at family gatherings.

The first course that Kennedy worked at was Canoebrook Country Club in Summit where his grandfather was a member. After eight years of working at a golf course, he feels ready to take the next step in his career and move up the ranks.

Kennedy currently lives in Springfield, New Jersey and attended Jonathan Dayton High School where he played on the golf team for four years.

Since then, he has worked as an assistant golf professional at the Basking Ridge Country Club since his sophomore year of high school.

“I love it at Basking Ridge,” he said. “It’s a good place to be.”

After high school, the now 23-year-old spent one year at Stockton University with interests of becoming a broadcaster. He played on their golf team for one year before transferring to Kean.

While Kennedy wanted to start up a golf team at Kean, he never pursued the matter seriously. He would still like to see one form, however, because of the several golf courses in the area.

Kennedy really enjoyed the communications classes during his time at Kean, especially his class with Dr. Ronda Oosterhoff.

Kennedy is currently enrolled in golf school where he is required to pass three levels in order to become a PGA Class A member. He is presently on level one which consists of a lot of book work.

Until he finishes golf school, Kennedy will continue his role at the Basking Ridge Country Club with the hopes of one day becoming a Head PGA Apprentice at a golf course where he would be in charge of all operations.

Toni Harris is first female football player to receive collegiate scholarship

By Chelsea Gray Toni Harris, Becca Longo, Sarah Thomas, Jen Welter and Kathryn Smith have paved a way for other women in sports, specifically football. Toni Harris is the first female football player to accept a full scholarship for a skill position on a football team.

Longo is a kicker at Adams State and was the first female to sign a letter of intent to play college football. Thomas is the first female full-time Nation Football League (NFL) official, Welter is the first female coach in a professional football league and Smith is the first female full-time coach in the NFL. In the sports world, there is a divide between male and female sports. For the most part, there are female sports to counteract or balance the male sports, for example, baseball and softball, or that there’s men’s teams and women’s teams for some sports like soccer and basketball.

Title IX states that no sport can turn down an athlete based on physical appearance, meaning that anyone, male or female can play any sport. Yet, many females did not take advantage of that when it came to football.

People believe that females should be able to play football

and in reality, they are able to play. Many people also believe that they would get hurt with worse injuries than males would simply because of the differences in the body types.

Females are seen as fragile so their sports have rules that protect their bodies more. Males are seen as strong and their sports use that to their advantage. Football requires strength

“If it doesn’t happen, I can just pave the way for another little girl to come out and play – or even start a women’s NFL,” Harris said in an interview with NFL.com.

Harris is currently on Central Methodist University’s football roster. Their season starts on August 31, 2019. She is not the first female to be on a college football roster.

For females that want to play football, Kean University has an intramural flag football league.

According to Kean’s intramurals. keanathletics.com, “The Kean University Recreation and Intramural department is now running a men’s and women’s Flag Football league.”

There are ways that females can play football, it may not be the NFL but females can only go so far.

While there are female coaches in the NFL, there may not be any female players for a while.

Females playing in the NFL would require the support of so many people, possible rule changes. And even still, it may not last long. The NFL is constantly changing to please the majority of the viewers.

“If it doesn’t happen, I can just pave the way for another little girl to come out and play – or even start a women’s NFL”

that many females cannot attain compared to males.

That calls for the women’s football league, the Legends Football League (LFL). This football league is similar to the NFL but the games are not played as long or as often. The LFL plays for forty minutes compared to the NFL’s hour.

Harris, a free safety, wants to be the first female to play in the NFL.