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Common Read Author Sheds Light on Disability Justice
Liberty Hall Hauntings
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Kean Introduces New Women’s Lacrosse Coach
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Oct 26 | 2023 WWW.KUTOWER.COM
TH E I N DEPEN D EN T VOI C E OF K E AN U N IV E R S IT Y
Flo Milli Steals The Show at Kean University’s 2023 Homecoming Concert By Tyra Watts Rapper Flo Milli electrified the stage of Wilkins Theatre in front of hundreds of excited Kean University students during this year’s 2023 Homecoming Weekend.
An Overview of Interview with The President’s Task Flo Milli Force on Advising By Tyra Watts In an interview with The Tower, Milli said that her performance tonight was lit, and she had a great time. Not only that, but she has expressed that she would do it all over again. After the homecoming performance, Milli and special guest Maiya The Don, a New York rapper, will soon embark on the “Thanks For Coming Here, Ho” tour. Milli confirms that the Homecoming Concert performance
“I’ve always been doing this my whole life, so it’s like second nature,” Milli said.
Photo by Sandra Bandeira
From left to right: Tyra Watts, Editor-in-Chief of “The Tower,” and Flo Milli
Photo by Kean University SGA Instagram @keansga
2023 Homecoming Concert Flyer
continued on page 4
has set the tone for the upcoming tour. “I feel like this is jumping off,” Milli said. “Y’all started with great energy.” At the moment, Milli has an album coming out soon, titled “Fine Ho, Stay.” It is her sophomore album after continued on page 4
By Isabelle Guthrie On Oct. 16, the President’s Task Force heard the students’ frustrations on advising and presented their recommendations to potentially solve their issues. Students have had issues with advisement for quite a while. Some problems include scheduling with an advisor, the information they provide, or even the advisor they get. Many students feel they can advise themselves and ensure they graduate in the year they expect. Juliet Bauer, a global business major and senior at Kean, stated her feelings on advisement and advisors. “I feel that Photo by Isabelle Guthrie advising has helped Assistant Vice President of Admissions, me in the past but John Van Brunt, and Associate Director has led me in the for the Office of Student Retention wrong direction in and Educational Innovation, Viviana some cases. I had Zambrano one advisor that I found helpful, but when my advisor switched, I found them to be much less helpful and knowledgeable on what classes I should take,” Bauer said. Bauer also stated her experiences with advising, and they weren’t good. “I’ve had a few bad experiences with advisement. For continued on page 8
2 THE TOWER October, 2023
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime By Jaidon Harris-Morales Exceptional set design coupled with tremendous acting by the lead character offered a unique look into the brain of a neurodivergent teenager in Kean Theatre Conservatory’s first production of the semester, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime.” Set in the United Kingdom, the play follows neurodivergent teen Christopher Boone, played by Eitan Hiller, a senior in the theatre conservatory, as he sets out to solve a murder mystery. While never explicitly mentioned, the character’s Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, plays a huge role in the narrative. “Neurodiversity is a very large spectrum,” said Hiller. “Everybody has particular traits that make them who they are and I wanted to make sure that I was staying true to what makes Christopher himself. Photo by Holly Logue It is important to me that The Curious Incident of the dog in the Night-time people walk out of the theater having seen Christopher and not Eitan playing Christopher.” To help achieve this goal, an autism consultant was brought in to ensure an accurate portrayal of neurodiversity. The cast met with the consultant throughout rehearsals and she contributed to Hiller’s performance. “Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time . . . allows us great latitude for
By Justin McDaniel
creativity in its presentation,” said Professor Holly Logue, who directed. “A perfect example of this is the use of projections, an original score, and the opportunities for students to help create the world of the play by becoming inanimate objects.” The screens, which lined the rear of the Bauer Boucher Theatre, gave an almost cinematic feel to the production. Whereas the set traditionally has to be changed to fit the scene, the screens allowed the set to change as quickly as the actors moved across stage. Along with the implementation of the projections, the ensemble cast were also used as a variety of inanimate objects as well as donning multiple roles. This creative decision from Logue and her team utilized the smaller size of the stage and cast to the fullest extent. “Projections are a very common tool for scenic design, particularly in theatres that do not have what is called fly space,” said Logue. “The decision Photo by Holly Logue The Curious Incident of the dog in the Night-time to use screens came from the theatre design team, but primarily from the projection designer, Josh Langman.” Though the performances of Hiller, along with supporting cast Lea Rafisura, Brandon Luckenbaugh and Tori Hiotakis, are integral to creating the world of the play, any production is inherently a team effort. “I could not do this show without the rest of my cast who help me tell this story,” continued on page 9
Let The “Mind Game”s Begin!
Students discovered new ways to open their minds during Homecoming Week with a Mind Games Hypnosis Show led by a certified instructor of the art. With over 19 years of experience, Paul Ramsay is well known for his work as a speaker
“It was really another level of relaxation. I definitely would do it again!”
Photo by Justin McDaniel
Paul Ramsay getting the crowd involved
and hypnotist, and throughout his night at Kean had participants involved from start to finish. Right away, Ramsay told participants to close their eyes and clear their minds of all stress and worries as a first step. “ In order for hypnosis to work and in order to be hypnotized you have to be willing to accept it,”. he said before starting the first act.. “If you're telling yourself or your mind
that you don't want to be hypnotized then you simply won’t. “When you're getting hypnotized, what you're really doing is you are creating a mild dissociative event. Daydreaming is Photo by Justin McDaniel another example of Contestants on stage Hypnotised mild dissociation.” After showing different illusions on a screen and explaining that he uses his voice as one of his tools, Ramsay asked some participants to join him on stage. He then demonstrated his craft by showing the audience all the different things that can be done to the mind with hypnotism. First, he said he needed to get participants out of their comfort zones, allowing him to put contestants to sleep and with a snap, wake them up. Participants danced on command and one even believed she was First Lady Michelle Obama coming to visit the school. Participants would feel comfortable and free to do whatever they were told without the feeling of nervousness. “ I’ve never been hypnotized. Last year I tried to participate but my mind just wasn’t in the head space,” said Meliá Marte, one of the Kean students who who was called on stage and hypnotized. “ It was honestly a pretty great experience. It was also a little embarrassing afterwards. The best thing i can compare the feeling to was kinda like when you wake up from a nap and everything is fuzzy.” continued on page 9
October, 2023
THE TOWER 3
Liberty Hall Hauntings
By Layah Lopes
“You are walking through somebody's history and somebody’s energy in the house,”
Liberty Hall is an enduring, historic staple that’s been standing since the late 1700s. Its rich history has left many to ponder whether or not the aged building harbors more than just tales of the past. The fifty-two-roomed house is filled with marks and memories of generations long gone. With limited medical advancements and a substantially low mortality rate throughout the era, some may say the home must be filled with the echoes of ancient lives lingering in the walls. “I have not seen anything, I have definitely heard things, I have smelled things, but I have never physically seen anybody.” Says Executive Director Rachael Goldberg of Liberty Hall Museum. Perusing through the home one might encounter unexpected phenomena. The second floor which once housed the homeowner's private chambers, seems to have an inexplicable chill. Colder temperatures around the house may be due to the many additions made to the home, as a result, the cooling and heating system may be a little wonky. Photo by Layah Lopes Photo by Layah Lopes Photo by Layah Lopes Play Doll Enslaved Au Pair Room Rumors surround Maryalice Kean's room, the last owner, to be the most Liberty Hall haunted room. This just so happened to be the coldest room in the house. Many of the chambers possessed a frigid temperature, some more than others. remind visitors that lives once thrived. “You are walking through somebody's history and somebody’s energy in the house,” However, the bottom floor rooms seemed to have a comfortable condition. says Sandra Palma, a museum educator. Talk has been spread of sightings of apparitions of men and women in the house. As Palma mentioned hearing whispers in certain rooms that often sound like men or well as items disappearing and reappearing. Guests have mentioned catching whiffs of cigar smoke or perfume waiting in the air women having a conversation. even when no logical source could be found. The scents have been said to follow some and Other tour guides have mentioned no sightings or experiences with this kind of activity,
By Brittany Fuentes
Wenzhou students in Kean
graduate school and reach their goals. Jessica Goldsmith Barzilay, executive director for the Kean Wenzhou students studying abroad at the Union Center for International Studies at Kean, works with partners campus are offered new experiences that can help prepare at Wenzhou Kean University (WKU) in a joint process with them for their futures. the Center for International Studies in Wenzhou to make this achievable for the students. “Our exchange program is really for an exchange of ideas and an exchange of culture. We believe strongly that the world changes when we learn from each Photo by Brittany Fuentes other and learn From left to right: Yiyang Wang, Xiayu Chu, Jingyu Wu, Kaixin Zhu how we can work together,” Barzilay With 125 new Wenzhou students on campus this said. semester, the decision to study in the Union campus has Barzilay is interested in making sure international significantly increased with hopes that it can open up students are able to participate in the events that occur on opportunities for them in the future Some students have goals of studying in the United States campus. They have set up a student worker from Wenzhou and going to graduate school or getting a job in the United and a student from Union with the job of initiating States after graduation. They’re looking for a different engagement between international students, getting them experience and want to meet other people because it can involved in social events all semester long. They are planning events for the international students make them more employable. It can also help them get to
“We can learn a lot of skills and I think it’s more important that we start here,” Jingyu Wu said.
continued on page 8
such as a trip to the United Nations.The University President hosted Wenzhou students for a celebration of the Autumn moon festival with a barbecue on Tuesday, Oct. 10. The students from Wenzhou chose English names for themselves for convenience purposes as it can be difficult for others to pronounce their names. They chose their names in different ways, some chose their names from movie characters they like while others found names that sounded similar to their own and stuck with them. Jingyu Wu, whose English name is Brandon, a junior public relations major who chose to study at Kean because it’s an affordable school and provides him with a brand new experience. He can learn to live independently and learn to do things he had never tried before in China. It also provides the students with a diverse student body, which they do not get to witness or experience in the Wenzhou campus that is inhabited by a majority of Chinese students. It’s a different lifestyle than the one they come from and it’s one they need to adapt to. It was a strange experience for them when they first arrived,but as the semester progresses they are adapting and coming out of their comfort zone. “I made this decision easily, I just thought I should at least use one semester to come to Kean USA to see what it’s like,” said Kaixin Zhu, a junior public relations major, whose English name is Cory. This program allows students to go out into the world and continued on page 4
4 THE TOWER October, 2023
Flo Milli Steals The Show at Kean University’s 2023 Homecoming Concert continued from cover
The audience’s energy increased, and the theatre filled with enthusiasm as Milli took part in selfies and videos, walking back and forth across the front row.
Photo by Tyra Watts
Flo Milli dances with a student to the song “Rodeo.”
Students lined up at the entrance of Wilkins Theatre on Oct. 12, some even sitting on the sidewalk, long before the event began. Meanwhile, inside the theatre, the stage was set with a visualizer of Milli, with her name in pink and a few photos of her behind it. The photos were in color of Flo Milli, with the rapper in a wavy pink wig, a black ponytail, and a black afro. By the time 9 p.m. rolled around, students were seated, the lights were dimmed, and the stage went dark. Hundreds of flashing phone lights erupted from the audience as “Intro HBINC (Tiffany Pollard Speaks) (Ft. Tiffany Pollard,)” the introduction track to Milli’s debut studio album, “You Still Here, Ho?” began to play. “What’s up, Kean University?” shouted Milli, who was
still backstage. The audience jumped and cheered as blue and purple lights flashed. Then Milli asked “Are you ready to get lit?” and suddenly she appeared on stage wearing a Sailor Tattoo Print Set by Jean Paul Gaultier. The first song that Milli performed was “Come Outside,” another track from the “You Still Here, Ho?” album. The audience rapped along to the track as Milli dominated the Wilkins Theatre stage. She also performed her smash hit, “Conceited,” as the audience repeated lyric after lyric with Milli. Milli hopped off the stage and joined the audience at moments during her classic songs, such as “Beef FloMix” and “In The Party.” The audience’s energy increased, and the theatre filled with enthusiasm as Milli took part in selfies and videos, walking back and forth across the front row. The fan interactions didn’t stop there, as Milli asked an audience member to come on stage to do the rodeo dance. This dance ties into the song “Rodeo,” a collaboration between Milli and musical artist Lah Pat. A student happily volunteered to go on stage, and together, Milli and the student danced it out. The audience went wild, cheering on both Milli and the
student. Milli and the audience were electric throughout the Homecoming Concert, going track after track with the Alabama-born rapper. Even though time was up for Milli, she hopped off the stage again to take pictures and videos with the audience, which was uncommon among past homecoming performers. Last year’s performance for Kean’s homecoming was a comedy show by comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, also held at Wilkins Theatre. This year, the announcement of Milli, also known as Tamia Monique Carter, was posted on Kean’s Student Government Association’s (SGA) Instagram account on Sept. 27. Tickets went on sale the following day. Kean SGA Vice President of Programming Renee Rocha had the honor of introducing Milli to the crowd and SGA President Makenize Kuntz, Kean Graduate Student Government (GSG) Vice President Martha Julemis also were up on the stage before Milli was introduced and briefly explained their organizations and gave other announcements. The SGA sponsors the annual Homecoming Concert every year. n
Interview with Flo Milli continued from cover
“You Still Here, Ho?” Although she doesn’t want to give out too much information about the album, Milli said that if you loved “You Still Here, Ho?”, you’ll love “Fine Ho, Stay” much more. “I feel like y’all should definitely stay tuned for collabs,” Milli said. “Because most of the time, I don’t really collab with a lot of people, but this one has features and stuff.” When performing in front of thousands of people, Milli says it’s fun and that she
wouldn’t want to do anything else. “I’ve always been doing this my whole life, so it’s like second nature,” Milli said. Milli’s goals as a rapper are to keep thriving and getting more opportunities, winning awards, getting on Billboard one day, and getting into acting and modeling. Milli told The Tower that she grew up listening to Lil Wayne and many other different types of music, but the one who inspired her to rap was Nicki Minaj. “I think when I was like ten years old, I saw her [Minaj] for the first time
on “106 & Park,” and ever since then, I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s what I want to do,” Milli said. “But of course, Eve, she’s another influence, Missy Elliot, Beyonce, Rihanna, Shakira, almost all of the “it” icons.” Milli also had a message for Kean students: to keep pushing and not give up on yourself. "Know that y’all are strong to be pursuing what y’all are pursuing, and don’t let nobody talk you out of your dreams and goals because you can do
Photo by Sandra Bandeira
Flo Milli discusses her goals moving forward as a rapper
anything you can set your mind to,” Milli said. n
Wenzhou students in Kean continued from page 3
create change because they are able to make friendships with different people and they can make different countries work together. In WKU, there are diverse professors but all the students are Chinese, so students use English in class. Outside of class, they only speak Chinese among their classmates. As they study on the Union campus, they are more inclined to practice their English to be able to communicate
with other students on campus and to get around. “I prefer the classes here because they are active and I can meet many foreign students and make foreign friends.” said Xiayu Chu, a junior public relations major whose English name is Cheyenne. “I think it’s interesting that it’s the first time I go abroad by myself.” The differences between two countries are always being emphasized, but with this program there can begin to be a
celebration between the countries. Students can learn the similarities that are present between them and they can celebrate the differences, giving them a wider perspective. “In the future when we are doing a master’s degree, we will be familiar with this and it will be easier for us to adapt to the environment and the lifestyle.” said Wu. “We can learn a lot of skills and I think it’s more important that we start here.” n
October, 2023
Breast Cancer Awareness Month By Josephine Carrillo Every October, a significant number of organizations assembles charities for Breast Cancer, to spread awareness and
Photo by Riley Pond
Lisa Hagan Pond
acquire funds for research on the disease. According to breastcancer.org, Breast Cancer Awareness Month was not a thing until 1985, when the American Cancer Society, hosted a week-long campaign; that eventually became a month-long campaign; and in 1992, the pink ribbon became their symbol. Riley Pond, a graduate student at Kean University, shared her personal story of losing her mother to the disease in 2020, when COVID-19 was a major health issue worldwide. “I believe there was a lot of negligence from the hospital during this time, doctors were more focused on COVID-19 patients; rather than other patients,” said Pond.“ her surgery was delayed multiple times due to COVID as well.” Lisa Hagan Pond was a model for a fashion runway back in the 80’s, artist, entrepreneur, ran her own window display business and worked with wellknown companies in New York City; and also had a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts. She was recruited by Monopoly, a realestate board game, once to be a part of their World Championship in Roppongi Hills Mori Tower in Tokyo, Japan, back in 2004. continued on page 9
THE TOWER 5
On-Campus Drug and Liquor Violations on the Rise By Adaora Nnakwe Kean University experienced a big increase in the number of drug violations reported in 2022 on the Union campus, according to the 2023 Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report. The report showed 124 liquor law violations, up just six cases from 118 in 2021. Drug related violations reported jumped to 64 in 2022, compared to 23 cases in calendar year 2021. It was not reported what drugs were confiscated but 64 number of cases were handled on campus as disciplinary cases and zero ended in arrests. There have been complaints of marijuana usage from a student who lives on campus. Christopher Moore, a junior exercise science major and a member of Nu Delta Plim fraternity has seen students partake in smoking activities. “I’ve seen students using marijuana on campus and I smell it everywhere,” Moore said. “I even see students smoking outside of the dorms.” The campus disciplinary stats were gathered from the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs. The report provides information on student code of conduct, campus safety, emergency contacts, and crime statistics in the calendar year 2020-2022.
Photo by Adaora Nnakwe
Kean Union Clery Act Crime Stats
continued on page 7
Common Read Author Sheds Light on Disability Justice By Nefertiti Nzameyo Students went to Wilkins Theatre earlier this month to hear author Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha shed light on her
Photo by Caption Screen
A small screen on both ends of the stage translated the words spoken, silently rebelling against the longstanding history of ableism and promoting an inclusive environment.
latest book, “The Future Is Disabled.” The book was chosen as the freshman class’s Fall 2023 Common Read which accounted for a large freshmen attendance. The Common Read is a selected book assigned to first-year Kean students in their Transition To Kean courses. The book is a conversation starter that kindles ideas about the events that impact modern-day society. Piepzna-Samarasinha spoke to the audience through Zoom on Oct. 3 and opened up the presentation by describing her appearance to promote an inclusive environment for disabled persons. She acknowledged the beauty of being autistic, one of the many terms she proudly identifies as and embraces. "I think in terms of studying how to love ourselves, it's going against what we are taught and what we continue to be taught
by this world, which is not to love ourselves,” PiepznaSamarasinha said. “So if you're going to make it, really go into it day by day.” She stated what it means to represent a marginalized group like disabled BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Photo by Freshmen Get Involved in the Presentation Color) people by accurately Four Kean students stood before the audience with questions and poems depicting their realities they produced in response to the book. and the efforts to ensure she the disabled community. Four freshmen did so in a way that readers receive with stood before the audience with questions high regard. "I was staying up until 3 in the morning and poems they produced in response to until it was just right. I really hustled," the book. The significance the students derived from Piepzna-Samarasinha's Piepzna-Samarasinha said. Aside from the insightful words of work and the intrigue they communicated Piepzna-Samarasinha, the setting and through their own creations was a unique continued on page 6 structure of the presentation appealed to
6 THE TOWER October, 2023
Campus Responds to Stabbing Update
On Oct. 10, President Repollet reported that an arrest had finally been made regarding the stabbing. The juvenile, from Elizabeth, faces charges of possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and aggravated assault. “I am grateful to the KUPD, law
enforcement agencies in Elizabeth and surrounding municipalities, as well as the Union County Prosecutor’s Office for their efforts in investigating this crime.” said President Repollet following the arrest in his statement to all staff, faculty, and students. n
Common Read Author Sheds Light on Disability Justice
Department of Communication Kean University Center for Academic Success 1000 Morris Avenue Union, NJ 07083 Telephone: (908) 737-0470; Fax: (908) 737-0465 Email: thetower@kean.edu; www.kutower.com
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.
continued from page 5
method that captivated the audience’s discourse,” she said. “Different stages of life focus. are neglected differently." Sariyyah Hayes, a junior that attended For disabled BIPOC specifically, the the event said, “ The poems were really challenges dramatize the likelihood of good. I like that being targets they included of racism. The that, it's nice to constraints have students posed when there to relate.” demanding An ASL disability justice interpreter actualize in stood beside the their struggle podium, and to find spaces a small screen where they are on both ends encouraged to of the stage discuss their translated the experiences words spoken, freely. silently rebelling In Teen Vogue, against the she wrote: l o n g s t a nd i n g "Disability history of justice (DJ) ableism. spaces filled The inequality with disabled disabled people Black and brown Photo by The Future is Disabled Common Read Presentation Screen , by Nefertiti Nzameyo are subjected people are Audience members wait for Leah Lakshmi Piepznato throughout Samarasinha to begin the presentation on her latest book, crucial spaces their lifetime by “The Future Is Disabled.” for disabled, society led for sick, Deaf, and Piepzna-Samarasinha to take action and neurodivergent BIPOC people to witness voice their neglected truths. possible futures for ourselves, as we take in Piepzna-Samarasinha said she was other Black and brown disabled people as inspired by the works of Octavia Butler, Alice possibility models and friends." Wong, and Leroy Moore. She explained how The Future Is Disabled tackles the issues their work ignited passion that translated prevalent today and further extends the through her work and way of living. dialogue to consider how to transform "Disability is pushed out of mainstream peoples' perceptions for the better. n
Disability is pushed out of mainstream discourse
CORRECTION An article headlined “New Opportunities in Sports Communication at Kean” on Page 6 in the September print edition of The Tower mischaracterized an upcoming event due to a miscommunication. The event is called Kean Sports Business Summit and is sponsored by the Sports Business Club and the President’s Advisory Council, which is separate from the academic minors and extracurricular clubs in sports communication.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: T YRA WATTS NEWS EDITOR: ADAORA NNAKWE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT/ FEATURES EDITOR: JUSTIN McDANIEL FEATURES: ISABELLE GUTHRIE SPORTS: KERVIN COLEMAN ONLINE EDITOR/ SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: JOSEPHINE CARRILLO STAFF WRITERS
JOHN DEFREITAS RIDIMERB DIAZ-RAMIREZ BRITTANY FUENTES-SAENZ JAIDON HARRIS-MORALES LAYAH LOPES NEFERTITI NZAMEYO MATTHEW SIERRA COLIN WARD PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO: COLTEN GOTTLOB 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.
THE TOWER 7
OPINION Can Parking Get Any Worse? October, 2023
By Ridimerb Diaz-Ramirez
Alia Kirby, a sophomore majoring in Criminal Justice, dorms at Kean University and is upset about how far she has to walk to get to her dorm from the parking lot where she’s allowed to park.
Parking is free and open to the public at Kean University, but this might be more a curse than a blessing. As the freshman class increases every year, so does the demand for parking, and it seems like Kean doesn’t have enough. Students are complaining about the amount of time it takes them to find parking and that sometimes they even miss class due to this inconvenience. Shekinah Mclntyre, a sophomore majoring in Communication, said, “It’s really a hit or miss when it comes to parking.” Mclntyre said she has to arrive at least an hour early to be able to find parking and get to class on time. “Depending on what time of the Photo by Kean’s website day a student arrives on campus will Students are complaining about the amount of time it Kean parking map takes them to find parking and that sometimes they determine how fast they can find even miss class due to this inconvenience. parking,” Mclntyre said. Mclntyre feels like the biggest “It takes me a 15-minute walk to get to my car from cause for this issue is that there are too many students and not enough parking, while the faculty and staff my dorm,” Kirby said. Kirby also complained about parking spaces that have so much more parking at their disposal. Even students who live on campus seem to have are available for electric vehicles that could be used for parking since she feels there aren’t many students or parking issues.
faculty with electric cars. The number of spaces available for faculty was also an issue brought up by Kirby. She said “they don’t need” the many different parking lots and parking spaces available for them. Mclntyre thinks that a solution to this problem could be to change the time frame of when faculty/staff parking becomes available to students to an earlier time instead of 5 p.m. Mclntyre and Kirby both said another solution is to convert many faculty spaces to student spaces. They believe this solution will alleviate parking issues and also help reduce the number of tickets being handed out. A parking violation for parking in a staff parking space is $50, which students seem to accumulate since Photo by Kean’s website many tend to give up and occupy the parking spaces when in a desperate moment to get to class. Students are so fed up with the parking situation that McIntyre and Kirby said they would pay for it if the university had a pay lot. They said while building a parking garage may be expensive to build, over time the paid parking would pay for itself and maybe even profit afterward. n
“It’s really a hit or miss when it comes to parking.”
On-Campus Drug and Liquor Violations on the Rise continued from page 5
The university publishes an Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report yearly, which is required by law under the Jeanne Clery Act to report campus crime data for the awareness and safety of students. There were four motor vehicle thefts reported on the Union campus, compared to one in 2021. The report shows three cases of arson were reported in 2022, compared to zero in the calendar year 2021. Under sexual offenses, one rape case was reported on the Union campus last year and one was reported in a residence hall. These cases decreased to one compared to two rape reports on campus and residence hall in 2021. A hate crime is defined as any of the above criminal offenses and/or any other crime involving bodily injury reported to local police or to a campus security authority that manifests evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of bias. The categories of bias under the Clery Act are race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin and disability. Under hate crime, five bias incidents were reported. One simple assault indicated a race bias, two intimidation indicated race bias, one intimidation and religion indicated bias, and vandalism indicated race bias. Kean Ocean campus reported one stalking case in
“I even see students smoking outside of the dorms.” Photo by Adaora Nnakwe
Kean’s 2023 Factbook
2022. No reports on Wenzhou-Kean campus were reported in the last three years. For fire alarm stats in Residence Hall, there were no reported fires during spring 2022 through fall 2022. There were a total of 24 fire alarms set off for cooking.
The reports showed one alarm in Bartlett Hall, three in Burch Hall, ten in Cougar Hall, two in Freshman Residence Hall, and eight in Upper Class Residence Hall. Fire alarms were reported for steam from showers in a total of 23 cases. Six in Cougar Hall, ten in Freshman Residence Hall, and seven in Upper Class Residence Hall. Cause of alarms for smoking for Residence Hall resulted in 13 reports. Two in Bartlett Hall, one in Burch Hall, one in Cougar Hall, four in Freshman Residence Hall, and five in Upper Class Residence Hall. Accidental causes of alarms resulted in 13 reports. One in Bartlett, five in Burch Hall, three in Dougall Hall, one in Freshman Residence Hall, one in Rogers Hall, one in Sozio Hall, and one in Upper Class Residence Hall. Hair care products and blow dryer causes of alarms resulted in 32 reports. Eighteen in Cougar Hall, six in Freshman Residence Hall, and eight in Upper Class Residence Hall. In case of an emergency, call 911 for immediate assistance. For other concerns, call Kean University Department of Public Safety and Police at (908)-737-4800 (Campus extension: 74800). n
8 THE TOWER October, 2023
An Overview of The President’s Task Force on Advising
continued from cover
example, I took ASL that was not a language compatible major and senior and this year’s class President for the and is now an Academic Specialist at the Educational with the global business language requirement, and SGA, explained her duties on the task force and how she Opportunity Foundation. Engels also contributed and my advisor did not tell me that,” Bauer stated. “I’ve was part of an app recently introduced to help students focused on the clicks it took to get to advising from had other issues where I was not told the scheduling of and advisors with the process. Keanwise. major capstones and had to join the class late because my “I was on the technical side of the Task Force; I was Engels found that there are so many clicks for students advisor did not inform me.” part of the Navigate App Technology Task Force. The to get from one place to another, making it inconvenient. Another student, Christopher Nudo, a business Navigate Tech Teams consist of students, faculty, and They are trying to get Navigate, so it’s a one-stop shop to management major and senior at Kean, believes that staff. We commenced since June every week and spoke make it easier. advising at Kean is helpful for quick questions about together in making decisions and configurations with Engels was already researching when Kean contacted registration, graduation, etc. the platform,” Tan stated. her to help, and Tan was asked if she was interested Nudo has found his questions being bounced around The Navigate App was introduced this fall for the in helping. Most importantly, Kean wanted an from department to department if they undergraduate’s viewpoint. were more advanced. Nudo also explains An interesting statement from his experience with advisement and the Dr. Mensah Peterson, Associate Vice issues he’s had. President for Student Success and “The one issue I did have with advisement Retention, is that resources are limited for during my time at Kean was a registration advisors and to hire even more. issue that was not clearly communicated “When you are thinking about how you between the business department and the are going to implement this plan with online registration website,” Nudo said. limited resources, we know that we don’t “My advisor was used as the middleman, have an infinite amount of resources to relaying information back and forth. In the hire 30 or 40 advisors, right now, we don’t, end, everything turned out well, and it was one of my recommendations is going to a positive experience.” help you get there,” Peterson stated. From these complaints, President It’s unfortunate because these Lamont O. Repollet Ed.D. and members of complaints haven’t been recent, and the Task Force knew that they had to do they should have had resources in the something to fix and improve this problem. very beginning or some sort of training The co-chair, Dr. Joseph Youngblood, the program for these advisors before rather Senior Vice President of Transformational than coming up with ideas now. Learning and External Affairs, stated in the Peterson states his recommendation in beginning a technology tool they could use that case is group advising. to improve the advisement process. “So how do you do that when you Photo by Isabelle Guthrie Photo by Kean University’s Website Full Presentation as Well as a Recording Provided “Midway through this process, one of the Director of the Center for Veteran Student Success, may have resource constraints? Think Below content areas started to understand that Vito E. Zajda, and Assistant Dean, David Farrokh about your high-flying students who maybe there is a learning technology tool are your first-year students who have all that we could benefit from now,” Youngblood stated. “We College of Business and Public Management majors and of those indicators that tell you they’re are going to be found ourselves forced to make a qualitative decision students in the CPPM supporting courses, for example, fine,” Peterson states. “Group advising may be a case around the benefits of implementing that tool, which is Psychology majors taking Criminal Justice courses and management tool you use to help your human resource Navigate.” so forth. go farther.” Kean had initially thought that they wouldn’t be at Tan also introduced another app with Navigate, Faculty members attending the presentation were the phase where they were adopting a new advising Navigate Leverage, and explained how both systems attentive to all of the recommendations provided. They technology tool, that maybe that would happen two worked to aid the students. were welcome to participate in a Q and A offered at the years after the fact. “The Navigate App is a student success management end of the presentation for any concerns. “We saw the impact it could have on our students. system designed to support student success by It is still an ongoing process. This report itself took Ultimately, phase 1 of the piloting of Navigate is already helping manage the network of coordinated care and about 2 years to put together. The overall report with underway,” Youngblood stated. connecting students to support services across the recommendations is available on Kean University’s The President’s Task Force made it clear that they Kean community,” Tan stated. “Navigate Leverage is website, along with a QR code where students can leave wanted this to be a student-centered environment appointment scheduling and reporting, appointments feedback. that they had students to aid in their research on two and messaging campaigns along with academic alerts.” Many recommendations were provided, and students different aspects. The second student of the Task Force is Megan Engels, a are heavily encouraged to speak out and say what they One of the students, Glynnis Tan, a global business 2023 graduate who majored in honors history education feel to see if this can be implemented. n
“We found ourselves forced to make a qualitative decision around the benefits of implementing that tool, which is Navigate.”
L I B E R T Y
HA L L
HA U N T I N G S
continued from page 3
which leaves the question still standing. Are Liberty Halls being roamed by the multiple owners' presences? There seems to be only one way to answer this question.
Experience the tour for yourself and decide if you believe it or not. The expedition is free to all Kean students. The museum also holds special events like the candle-lit tour on Oct. 28, where spectators are invited to an evening
house tour. There are different Halloween-themed events that are open to the public. Take a visit and find out if you believe in ghosts. n
October, 2023
THE TOWER 9
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime continued from page 2
said Hiller. “As well as all of the amazing humans working backstage. There are so many people who you don’t see on stage, who have contributed so much to telling Christopher’s story.” Everyone involved was successful in bringing the world to life. The combined use of projections, lights and sound, for example, was effective in conveying the feeling of
“It is important to me that people walk out of the theater having seen Christopher and not Eitan playing Christopher.” Photo by Holly Logue
overstimulation, something many with ASD experience. “A director, with designers in scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, projections, works collaboratively to create a production that tells the story as they see it,” said Logue. “We discussed how to present the story after researching the themes, reading the original novel as well as the play, and we arrived at an approach that shows the world as Christopher might see it.” n
Photo by Kean Theatre Conservatory
The Curious Incident of the dog in the Night-time
Playbill for the production
Let The “Mind Game”s Begin! continued from page 2
Marte said she was in the audience last year but that it’s more fun on the stage. She called it “another level of relaxation. I definitely would do it again! The feeling reminded me a lot
of when I used to meditate but this time I left myself open for suggestions. “ To further engage the audience, Ramsay told students to download the app “menti”
where they were able to choose some of the tasks that the participants on stage had to do. It led to some fun choices such as participants turning into a wrestler or a famous opera
singer who came to perform for all the students. “I liked how the hypnotist kept sharing the message of kindness and positivity,” said Lilliana Carredo, who majors
in Communication/media. “He didn’t want the hypnotized people to feel humiliated, but he still managed to make it fun for the audience watching.”
n
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
continued from page 5
Pond shared that her mother was first diagnosed with breast cancer stage 1 back in 2011, when she was in middle school, and she did not inform relatives or friends about it. In 2020, while the Ponds were searching for their dream house, Lisa Pond was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, known as stage four; meaning that there is a probability the cancer has spread to another part of the body. “It took her eight years to find her dream house, and she never got a chance to live in it,” said Pond. Pond mentioned having to get tested for the disease, she received a gene-testing kit and had to mail it back to her doctor. Patricia Aponte, the new Director of Health Services at Kean University, Union, encourages students to follow Kean’s Wellness Center, where they have posted educational material regarding Breast Cancer. “This year we collaborated with Student Government Association (SGA) and provided them with educational material for their pink out event,” said Aponte. It is known that a significant amount of organizations, worldwide, orchestrate fundraising events to support breast cancer research and find a cure. “Certain major organizations are big on their events and fundraisers but my question is, do they care about the lives behind the pink ribbon?” said Pond, “or do they just do it to look empathetic and make profit out of these events?” Lisa Pond passed away on Sept. 26, 2020; when her only daughter, Riley, had just started her senior year at
“Certain major organizations are big on their events and fundraisers but my question is, do they care about the lives behind the pink ribbon?” said Pond, “or do they just do it to look empathetic and make profit out of these events?”
Photo by Riley Pond
Lisa Pond and Riley Pond in 2020
Photo by Riley Pond
Lisa Pond in GQ Magazine
Kean University and moved to her first apartment ever; right when they were transitioning from the motherdaughter relationship to being friends. “She was supportive, she encouraged me to get my master’s degree at Kean before her passing” added Pond, “if she ever heard you had it rough at home, she would be the first to offer her house and love to you.” Pond said that talking about it is always a little rough,
Photo by Riley Pond
Lisa Pond at a fashion runway in the 80’s, NYC
but talking about her mom, who she was, and all the things she accomplished, keeps her memory alive. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not only about wearing pink clothes and a pink ribbon, it is about honoring those who lost their battle against the disease, supporting those with their current battle against breast cancer, and the importance of being screened for the disease, at any age. n
SPORTS
10 THE TOWER October, 2023
Kean Men’s Basketball Preview 2023-24 By Kervin Coleman The Kean Men’s basketball team has a redemption arc. Last season ended controversially for the Cougars, with an ill-fated jump shot by former small forward Letrell West as he simultaneously stepped out of bounds in the opening round of the NJAC Tournament. “We don’t want to go out like that this year and are using that as fuel for this year.” Junior guard Ethan Stith stated. This shot would have given the Cougars a one-point lead with 4.4 seconds left in the game, but instead, it wound up being the TCNJ Lions possession for the win. The Cougars use last season's ending as motivation to prevail this upcoming season. “Losing that game against TCNJ is something that still bothers us,” Stith said. “We felt like we should’ve made it farther than what we did last year and we don’t want to let that happen again.” The Cougars are led by head coach David Turco. In 2022-23, Turco guided the Cougars to their best record since 2010-11 with an 18-8 overall record. Turco will be returning for his fourth season, looking to qualify for the NJAC Tournament for the fourth time straight.
“We felt like we should’ve made it further than what we did last year and we don’t want to let that happen again.” Ethan Stith
Photo by Kean Athletics
Ethan Stith
basketball team and the athletic department.” Barker earned the accolades of All-MET First Team, All-ECAC First Team, NABC District 4 Second Team, D3Hoops Region IV Second Team, All-NJAC First Team, MBWA Divisions II/III Player of the Week, NJAC Player of the Week, D3 Hoops Team of the Week, LaFrance Hospitality Tournament Team MVP. Barker was a key contributor to the Cougar's success last season. His season ended abruptly due to an ankle strain and he was forced to watch from the side as his team struggled through the final stretch of the season. The Cougars started the season 13-0 but ended off the rest of the season 5-7. “It was tough at first not having any control on the outcome of the season, but I felt I handled it well by trying to coach guys from the sideline,” Barker said. “This gave me a better perspective on what I needed to do for the next season in terms of communication.” Barker’s game is inside and out and doesn’t leave many holes statistically. By the end of last season, Barker had a hand in every statistical category in the NJAC leaderboards. He wound up ranking 4th in points per game, led the league as the rebounding champion as well as field goal percentage, 25th in assists per game, 15th in blocks, and 13th in steals. Some improvements Barker planned on making this off-season were increasing my athleticism, and also expanding my jump shot. “My biggest expectation for the team this season is to compete and win in the NJAC championship,” Barker said. “I just want to have fun and enjoy my last year of college basketball, while also picking up some accolades and other awards.” Some expectations the team has this year is to keep continuing on the track and pacing they were on last season. Players stated that their ultimate goal is an NJAC title and it's been an upward track the past two seasons to help reach that goal. “Some individual goals I have for myself is really step it up on the defensive end this
Photo by Kean Athletics
Kean Men’s Basketball Head Coach David Turco
The Cougars have a bolstering amount of returners this upcoming season. Primed with experience are players such as fifth-year players such as JD Daniels, Mario Gunn, and Griffin Barker. “All of the returners from last year's team know what the expectations are this season and in terms of motivation used how the season ended to push themselves over the summer to become better players.” Barker said. Barker is one of the more critically acclaimed players in the country. Last season he accounted for 18.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. Barker spent the entirety of last season racking up double-doubles on the court and adjusting to a new coast off the court in his first year at Kean University. “My first season at Kean was great, I had a great time meeting new people and getting involved in the athletic community,” Barker said. “I had a great experience with the
Photo by Kean Athletics
Griffin Barker
year,” Stith said. “I would like to be known as a defensive stopper.” Stith is a junior guard, looking to fill in the roles of Jailen Jamison who they lost due to graduation. Stith played in 18 games, making one start, and averaged 2.2 points, 0.8 assists and 0.4 rebounds per game. He’ll be looking to fill in the leadership role due to his experience running the second unit last season off the bench. “I expect to step up as a vocal leader this year,” Stith said. “After having two years under my belt and going through a bunch of different experiences on the team, I can give guidance to the underclassmen and anyone new to the program.” The Cougars open up the season on Nov. 8th versus the Penn State Harrisburg Nittany Lions but their home opener isn’t until Nov. 21st versus William Paterson University which also serves as the NJAC opener. n
October, 2023
THE TOWER 11
Kean University Fosters a New Golf Program Coming Next Fall
By John DeFreitas
Kean University is home to beautiful stadiums and arenas like Alumni Stadium, Jim Hynes Stadium, and Harwood Arena. Now, about three miles away starting in the fall of 2024, incoming golfers will call Galloping Hill Golf Course home. Kean President, Lamont Repollet, spoke of the past success within Kean Athletics and what would be part of the future in his opening day address. “There’s more sports greatness to come as Kean Athletics continue to expand…” said President Repollet during his opening day address. “In the fall of 2024, we will add men’s and women’s golf.” Joseph Yeck was tabbed to be the head coach of men’s and women’s golf and voiced his excitement for the new program. “I think that’s a really cool thing here at Kean, to be
that challenge.” Yeck spoke about the competitive goals he wants to strive for in the team and expressed his passion for the sport in doing so. “I want us to eventually win a conference championship and play in an NCAA tournament,” Yeck said. Yeck has first-hand experience as a Division III student-athlete from York College in Pennsylvania as both a golfer and basketball player. The student-athlete experience within Division III is unique and coach Yeck explains what that means to him. “Academics is always the number one priority…” said Yeck. “So I want our kids to have that true Division III experience where they can play competitive golf, be a part of a team.” Yeck talked about being a leader for the team and trying to help prepare incoming student-athletes for their future careers.
for an easier opportunity to recruit and have people buy in for that team.” The support for Coach Yeck is clear from across the board. The excitement about the team is palpable and even with the better part of a year before the season begins, there is much work to be done to form the team and create a strong culture. “I think the buzz with the athletic administration, the President, it seems like a place where they really are excited about having golf,” said Yeck. “So it’s nice to have that support from the get-go and it’s really up to me now to mold it into what I’m looking to do.” The sentiment of this is further echoed by Athletic Director Kelly Williams, who recognizes Yeck’s passion for the game and cares about making sure the new head coach has what he needs to build a successful golf program.
“Students who thought their competitive career might be over now have a place at Kean.” Photo by Colten Gottlob
A golf ball, club, and Kean University attire rest at the center of Kean Alumni Stadium's cougar logo.
Photo by Kean.edu
Kean President Lamont Repollet
able to start a new program and build that foundation from scratch,” said Coach Yeck. “And hopefully bring in student-athletes that have that desire and want to be part of something new.” Yeck spoke about his search for student-athletes and the contact he has already made with future potential Kean golfers. “The response has been really good right now so far,” said Yeck. “Right now it's just doing Zoom calls, phone calls, text messaging, and then hopefully getting some more kids to visit campus.” Coach Yeck formed the women’s golf program at NJCU previously and was an assistant coach at Drew University also helping to establish their golf program. “That’s the exciting and challenging part,” said Yeck. “Because there is a little bit of unknown coming to a new school where the program is new. There hasn’t been that type of experience and foundation that’s already been established.” Yeck referenced his time building other Division III golf programs and how he felt about the results. “I’ve felt pretty good about what we’ve done in those years,” said Yeck, so I feel like it’s an easy transition trying to build it from ground zero, so I’m excited about
Coach Yeck also brought up the view of golf being part of networking and business. As much as this is an opportunity in athletics, Yeck also recognizes that golf can potentially support students’ career development. “A lot of meetings happen on the golf course when you’re in the working world,” said Yeck. “So I think if you can be a college athlete and be a part of a golf team… it’s only gonna serve you well, before and after you graduate.” Coach Yeck talks about some main points that make the new program specifically at Kean attractive. “I think the selling point is being close to New York City, having strong facilities, and having the opportunity to potentially play right away as a freshman…” said Yeck. “You’re gonna have opportunities to compete for playing time for sure.” Coach Yeck had a focus on the core of the roster being from New Jersey schools but he would still be open to a good recruitment opportunity. Just over the last two years, Yeck has recruited a player from Florida and from Zimbabwe. “I’m excited for a new challenge, a new opportunity and I’m hoping we can be real competitive here in the near future…” said Yeck. “If you can build a culture the right way and bring in the right type of people it makes
Photo by Kean Athletics
Head Coach Joseph Yeck
Photo by Kean Athletics
Athletic Director Kelly Williams
In the pursuit of a new head coach, Williams mentions how Yeck’s former school NJCU had nothing but good things to say about him. This also being another Division III school fits the bill for Kean Athletics. “He [Yeck] understands the Division III student experience,” said Williams. Williams added to this by speaking on how Division III athletes compete because they love their sport and noted the same balance of the student-athlete lifestyle that Yeck also spoke about. At every turn, Williams and Yeck seem on the same page even regarding their personal feelings on what the program means to them. Williams gave a little sneak peek into the new team by pulling out the new Kean golf polos athletes will be sporting next season. “There’s no turning back now,” said Williams. Having golf come to Kean is a great opportunity for athletes around the area especially. Since golf is not especially common among Division III sports this creates more opportunities for competitive golf athletes beyond the high school level. “Students who thought their competitive [golf] career might be over now have a place at Kean,” said Williams. n
SPORTS
12 THE TOWER October, 2023
Kean Introduces New Women’s Lacrosse Coach By Matthew Sierra As of Oct. 2nd, Sarah Lawshe is the new women’s lacrosse coach for Kean University. “It’s a great honor to be named the next head women’s lacrosse coach at Kean,” Lawshe said. Lawshe will be taking over former head coach B.J. Johnson. After six seasons with the Cougars, Johnson has led the women’s lacrosse team to NJAC playoffs in all of her six seasons. Johnson has been
the team prepare for life outside of college athletics. Her goal is for her athletes to be comfortable coming to her about anything, and she wants to be able to support them in all aspects of life, not just lacrosse. This unique approach to coaching has shown great success for Coach Lawshe. In her seven-plus years of coaching at the collegiate level, she has the player and coach connection down to a science. “The team knows that I myself am an extremely hard worker and
“Athletic coaching is so much more than just the on-field X’s and O’s,” Lawshe said. “I thrive when I am able to make true connections with my athletes off of the field.” elected as Assistant Director of Recreation and External Affairs, and Lawshe will take over the Cougars for this upcoming 2024 season. “I have the unique experience of being able to learn from her, " Lawshe said. “BJ, along with many other coaches and admin, have made this smooth for me.” Lawshe played for four years at Shippensburg University as a women’s lacrosse team defender. Thanks to her leadership and knowledge of the game, she became captain during her senior year. Prior to coming to Union, Lawshe earned her stripes as an assistant coach for conference rival Montclair State University from 2021 to 2023 and was head coach at Wilkes University from 2017 to 2021. Despite coaching rivals and playing for opposing schools, Lawshe seemed to fit right at home here at Kean. Coach Lawshe believes that
am dedicated to everything I do, yet I am still about to find enjoyment in my career,” Lawshe said. “I will lead them by example and create the environment where we are working hard and staying focused yet are able to breathe and share a laugh in between the grind.” With a new season starting in March 2024, Coach Lawshe will lead the Cougars, including All-NJAC First team member Kylie Giordano, returning senior Lauren Pluta, and plenty of freshmen talent into the new season. Although Coach Lawshe wants to keep a fun but hardworking environment on the field, she wants to have the same impact off the field. “In games, we play for the entire 60 minutes with the same hunger and desire for success. In practice, we are going above and beyond
Photo by Kean University Athletics
New Women’s Lacrosse Coach Sarah Lawshe
Photo by Kean University Athletics
Kylie Giordano
being a head coach is more than drawing up plays and coming up with strategies. “Athletic coaching is so much more than just the on-field X’s and O’s,” Lawshe said. “I thrive when I am able to make true connections with my athletes off of the field.” Lawshe believes in developing the full athlete and wants to help
Photo by Kean University Athletics
Lauren Pluta
in all drills. On campus, we are helping our fellow students; we are volunteering a helping hand; we are participating in events; we are going outside of our comfort zone and meeting new people,” Lawshe said. “Like I mentioned, there is so much more to collegiate athletics than just the sport itself. We are setting these athletes up for a successful life once they leave Kean.” n