OCTOBER 2024 ISSUE- THE TOWER INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER

1 THE TOWER October, 2024

Awarded NJ's 2020 #1 college newspaper

visit us at kutower.com Nelson Mandela's Grandson

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@KeanTower

Flo-rida Rocks Homecoming

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The Devils at Kean

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Oct. 30 | 2024 WWW.KUTOWER.COM

TH E I N DEPEN D EN T VOI C E OF KEAN UNIVE RSIT Y

A Celebration of Queer History Month at HRI’s Wigstock Drag Brunch

By Veronica Vila This month the Human Rights Institute hosted a Drag Brunch celebrating Queer History Month and its latest exhibition, Wigstock, which explores themes of identity, race, art, and activism.

The event took place at the HRI’s Gallery on Oct. 19, surrounded by artist Pierre Dalpé’s photographs, where creative expression and the deeper intersection between art, identity, and human rights are celebrated.

“All exhibitions in the HRI Gallery need to have an element of human rights,” said Sarah Coykendall, HRI managing assistant director.

“Each piece brings awareness to human rights – whether by spotlighting joy or injustice,” she said.

Photo by Veronica Vila

From left to right, HRI Program Coordinator Mindy Goldstein, Urethra Vas D’Ferens, Kay Gorgeous, and Black Cherry Loveé at Kean’s Wigstock

“Every time I get into drag, I want to quit.

But once I’m on stage, I realize how much I love it. Even the struggles – eight layers of polyester and spandex, and corsets digging into my ribs that leave burning marks after I take them off – can’t stop me.”

– Urethra Vas D’Ferens continued on page 6

Cosplay masquerade to be Kean Anime Society’s biggest event of the year

By Sarah Rosales

Kean University’s Anime Society hosted its third annual Cosplay Masquerade on the 24th of Oct., and Cringe is dead! To dress up as your favorite fictional it was bigger than all the masquerades that have character is not only a joyous experience, but a valuable preceded it. one as well.

The Cosplay Masquerade is exactly what it sounds like. “Cosplay” is a combination of the words “costume” and “play”, and this masquerade entailed participants getting together dressed as a fictional character of their choosing and showing off their costume to others. Some costumes could be as extravagant as layers of fabric stitched by hand and wigs that have been worked on for months, or as modest as something pulled from your closet.

In past years, the masquerade event had been a simple affair where around a dozen students would participate in a costume contest and it wouldn’t go beyond that.

Photo by Kean Anime Society The banner advertising the event on Cougarlink “This has been our biggest venture yet,” said

Taylor Fleming, the Vice President of the Anime Society.

Participants in the main costume contest were eligible to win multiple prizes in various categories. Alongside that, the first 50 people to arrive received candy bags, and two raffle baskets were available to be won. One for those who showed up in costume, and another for anybody interested in financially supporting the organization by buying their merchandise such as pins, keychains, bracelets, or stickers.

This year’s masquerade also featured collaborations with Kean Film Association and Kean TV, who documented the event.

“People can sign up to either walk on stage and show off their costume or perform a song, a comedy skit, or say a poem in front of everybody else,” said Angeryca Concepcion, the President of the organization.

The Anime Society expected at least 40 students to join them that night. Many of them might not be such experienced cosplayers like Fleming, who had been continued on page 7

2 THE TOWER October, 2024

Humanities Searches for New Ideas to Cope with AI in the Classroom

By Juliana Hays

How educators navigate the use of GenAI is crucial in keeping humans the focus of the humanities.

Dr. Lisa Sisler is taking a unique approach to the use of artificial intelligence in her Advanced Composition course.

The English professor and coordinator of college composition at Kean University gives an assignment that tells students to use AI. For one essay in her Advanced Composition course, students are told to plug their essay idea into ChatGPT. Then, they are assigned to take that AI generated text and make it their own.

“By having students ‘revise’ the ChatGPT essay, they learn how important their own voice is in their writing – that when a robot is writing for them, it takes them completely out of both the process and the product,” Sisler said.

While humanities professors grapple with the use of AI in the classroom, Dr. Sisler is among the many who are thinking deeply

about how to implement AI into their curriculum.

To many, the rise of generative AI threatens the human touch that makes writing so special. As a result, Kean’s Department of English Studies is especially wary about implementing GenAI into their courses. How educators navigate the use of GenAI is crucial in keeping humans the focus of the humanities.

“We have to be aware, we have to be careful, and we have to be intentional,” Dr. Chris Friend, Kean assistant professor of English in New Media, said about integrating GenAI into English curriculums.

Many educators are fearful of using GenAI. A common fear is that their students will not grow as writers and thinkers. As a

Dr. Lisa Sisler

continued on page 7

Ndaba Mandela’s Return to Co-teach in Spring 2025 South Africa Travelearn

By Nefertiti Nzameyo Ndaba Mandela’s appearance as guest speaker at Kean University’s 16th Annual Human Rights Conference last December spread an honorable chatter of anticipation amongst the Kean Community. That same night, a seed was planted to bring Kean students to Mandela's home country- South Africa.

Jessica Barzilay, Assistant Vice President of Global Initiatives, oversees the Center for International Studies, the Human Rights Institute, and the Holocaust Resource Center. She vividly recalls the moment that spurred months of planning, research,

As the program coordinator and first-time traveler to the program destination, talking about the trip affected her arms with goosebumps.

“I’m too excited I have to contain myself. I have to contain myself,” said Barzilay.

Mandela’s and Barzilay’s co-partnership is infused with a motive to inspire the youth to recognize the capabilities within themselves that make great leaders conducive of magnet-like change in diverse human rights topics. The program features visits to Robben Island (known for being the site of Mandela’s imprisonment), Soweto, the safari, and the Cradle of Humankind.

Barlizay emphasizes the objective of raising thought-provoking questions that help bridge the gap between familiar and unfamiliar with the legacy of Mandela. A memorable life’s work that surpasses blood ties and geography that she got to experience firsthand.

“When I got to meet Ndaba Mandela I’m like, ‘I remember going the first time your grandfather was in the US and I remember standing in line to go see him speak but I can’t believe I’m standing here talking to you and giving you a hug. It's unbelievable.”

More exciting than her involvement and work behind the scenes with her robust team of coworkers and Mandela, is the future where the experience will cease existing in the constraints of their minds.

“There’s going to be tears, there’s going to be probably people feeling very emotional of course, but there’s going to be the beauty and the joy and the what do we do with this,” said Brazilay.

The program in South Africa will be an addition to the list of human right’s Travelearns, 7-10 day study abroad trips led by faculty members, however, it will be the first trip to an African nation since she’s been at Kean.

“I’m not the expert of South Africa in any way but I am about how do you learn those lessons and come together and figure out what you’re going to do in your career,” said

“There’s going to be tears, there’s going to be probably people feeling very emotional of course, but there’s going to be the beauty and the joy and the what do we do with this,”

Photo by Jessica Barzilay

(From left to right) Sarah Coykendall , Ndaba Mandela, and Jessica Barzilay

Photo by Kean University

The application is live on the Kean Study Abroad Portal and due by November 3rd

and networking to offer Kean students the opportunity to study abroad in South Africa this upcoming spring break.

continued on page 7

October, 2024

THE TOWER 3

Flo-Rida puts on a show for homecoming concert

By Ross Rodney The student body of Kean University was in store for a fun night on Oct. 3 with the Miami-based artist FloRida real name Tramar Dillard slated to perform at the Wilkins Theater for the annual homecoming concert.

Students were ready as many showed up early to stand in line outside of the venue.

The stage was set for the Grammy-nominated artist, with students gathered in their seats and full of energy the show was under way. As the show started students were excited and quickly left their seats to stand in front of the stage. The crowd chants his name, and Flo-Rida comes out with flowers ready to hand out to the crowd.

As he took the stage Flo-Rida was accompanied by some special guests, Oya Baby, INTL Nephew, and Varie Fresh3. With the mic in his hand and flowers for the crowd in the other, he started with one of his hit songs “In the Ayer” to get the crowd going.

As he transitions to the next couple of songs Flo-Rida brings two different groups of students to join him on stage for the performance. The rest of the night consisted of many more of his hit songs and crowd-interacting chants.

Kean’s student government association’s president

“This was my first real pop concert so the experience was basically everything…

Near deafening but fun” Photo by Ross Rodney

Flo-Rida

Makenzie Kuntz spoke on the process of selecting FloRida to be the performer for the concert this year.

“The Office of Student Government works closely with an entertainment agency who assists us in navigating the best choice, in terms of availability, cost, and genre.

We have specific voting processes and procedures in place, which ultimately lead us to our final decisions” said

Kuntz.

The performance left students with roaring reviews around campus, it left students with a positive experience and memories they can cherish for a lifetime.

“I found the Flo-Rida concert to be so much fun…

Many students who I have spoken to expressed that they enjoyed the concert very much. Some explained continued on page 8

Kean Alumni Turned Master Cosplayer Within a Year

By Taylor Fleming In a world where imagination knows no bounds and creativity takes on tangible form, fictional characters leap out of the screen and onto the stage of reality.

Within this realm lies Allison, known as Goose Fangs, a Kean alumni and masterclass cosplayer whose artistry surpasses recreation.

With meticulous attention to detail and dedication to the craft, she breathes life into characters.

Cosplay is a performance art in which performers, known as cosplayers, portray characters from various media, celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and community.

Allison is a New Jersey-based cosplayer known for paying close attention to detail and fully

making her costumes, including the shoes.

While she started cosplay at 22, she only stepped into the competitive cosplay arena in 2022 during her senior year as a Kean student. She secured her inaugural firstplace award in her first competition appearance at Derpycon in New Brunswick.

“Don't expect perfection on the first try. It's a journey. Not everything is going to be perfect on the first try, and that’s okay,” said Allison in a soft-spoken tone when asked to advise those who aspire to be like her. She spoke as if she wished someone had told her that when she started her cosplay journey.

From that moment on she embraced the spotlight and wanted to continue showcasing

“In the end, we're all just nerds playing dress up.”

Photo by Taylor Fleming

Allison dressed in Thieves Guild Armor from Skyrim

Photo by Katelyn Kimball

Allison as Lydia from Skyrim

her skills and learn new ways to improve her craft. Since then she has amassed three prestigious “best-in-show” awards from multiple conventions such as Castle Point Anime Convention and Derpycon, a testament to what raised her to master-class status within a year. Receiving a “Best in Show” award is the cosplay equivalent of receiving an Oscar in the film industry.

Inspiration takes on many forms for Allison. Whether it be video games such as “Skyrim” or comforting shows like “Adventure Time,” Allison honors these source materials by spending hours upon hours to make sure the details are both accurate and high quality. Each stitch and every brushstroke is infused with her reverence for the designs, resulting in cosplays that pay homage to the source material but also resonate with authenticity and artistic integrity.

“I have found that I just love to learn new hobbies because I have found that I just love learning

new skills and making things and it's cool that I can be able to be recognized for that,” said Allison. Her animated gestures underscored her excitement as she elaborated on her projects, expressing her passion for gaining new skills and learning.

She continues to inspire those who are enthusiastic enough to take on the journey of competitive cosplay for themselves. Since graduating in the Fall of 2022, she currently works as an art teacher at Randolf High School where she can not only raise the funds she needs to pursue her passions but can also pass on the knowledge she gained when she started cosplay.

“In the end, we’re all just nerds playing dress up,” Goose said with a playful smile, that reflected her appreciation for the craft and the passion and creativity it takes. n

4 THE TOWER October, 2024

DACA Activist: Sara

Mora

the Urban Policy Research Institute at

By Blanca Mora Kean focusing on improving access to Sara Mora was born in Costa Rica, she resources for low-income communities. immigrated to the U.S. illegally with her For Mora, this upcoming presidential parents when she was 3 years old. She election is critical for all U.S citizens and grew up in New Jersey and at the age of residents; “We need people to get up 16, she joined the Deferred and vote” she said. “It is Action for Childhood important to understand Arrivals DACA program. the power of local cities, DACA offers a two-year what elected officials do in renewable legal status to local cities like the Mayor undocumented immigrants and Board of education”. who entered the U.S. as Mora was invited to children in 2012. Recipients join a call on Nov. 13, with receive a social security different businesses that number and are eligible are looking to develop to get a driver's license, or social entrepreneurship job and start on a path to and need support, she is potential citizenship. excited to be a part of this Mora is a student at project and hopes she can Kean University, studying influence them to allow International Politics, students to be a part of it and preparing herself to as well. enter Immigration Law As an undocumented Photo by Sara Mora School. She is a speaker immigrant living in the on immigrant rights, an Empowering Women U.S., many aspects of her Celebrating Hispanic Heritage activist, and an advisor for Latino Political Activist life are out of her control. dating companies, Tinder She cannot vote, apply for and Hinge. student financial aid, or She received the travel outside the country.

Upstanding Student Activist award from She is afraid one day be forced to leave the Kean University; she is also working with place she calls home.

“Information is Power.”

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.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: JOSEPHINE CARRILLO ONLINE EDITOR: DOMINICK IONNI FEATURES EDITOR: NEFERTITI NZAMEYO SPORTS EDITOR: CAROLINE PEASE SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: VERONICA VILA

continued on page 8

President Repollet gets new five-year contract

By Jaidon Harris-Morales

highest-paid employee at Kean with Chief Financial Officer Andrew Brannen The Kean Board of Trustees renewed the listed as the second highest earner, with a contract of President Lamont Repollet, salary of $336,000 in 2023, according to Ed.D. for another five years, which includes openpayrolls.com. a 19 percent salary increase.

In 2023, Richard Helldobler, Ph.D, Repollet’s accomplishments, which president of William Paterson University in include three consecutive Wayne, made $417,000 and years of record enrollment Teik Lim, Ph.D, president and graduation rates, led of New Jersey Institute of the board to renew his Technology in Newark, was contract, extending it to paid $610,000, according to 2029 and increasing his openpayrolls.com. Both are salary to $675,000 a year, NJ state universities with from his previous $568,000 similar enrollment size. a year. When his contract Initiatives supported or renewal was announced, implemented by President Repollet in his past four Repollet pledged to donate years at Kean have fostered $1 million to the Kean Photo by Kean University inclusion and success for Foundation scholarship President Lamont O. Repollet, students and have allowed fund.

Ed.D. Repollet remains the continued on page 8

STAFF WRITERS

JORDAN BEAUDOIN CAM’RON JOHNSON LAYAH LOPES COURTNEY-JOY BREEDEN JAIDON HARRIS-MORALES SARAH ROSALES ROSS RODNEY BLANCA MORA 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.

Brighton Asylum

October, 2024

Seven Scary Movies to Spook-Up Your Night

By Cam’Ron Johnson

By Courtney-Joy Breeden

In October we look forward to many events, from leaves changing colors, to apple picking, and pumpkin patches with friends, to the middle of football season and wearing cozy sweaters and sweatpants. There are more festivities that went unlisted, but they rank second when compared with Halloween. Halloween is the staple of October, bringing to us costume-wearing, late-night parties, trick-or-treating, and pumpkin carving. Halloween marks a fun time in the year but it’s also the scariest.

This year I decided to take a trip to Brighton Asylum, a haunted house in Passaic, NJ. The haunted house has a rating of 4.5 stars and is ranked number one in NJ. When you arrive it will be late in the hours of operation.

The parking lot is located behind a warehouse, so from the moment I parked I felt the spooky energy. Despite it being a busy night the entrance line moved quickly and the staff remained kind and peaceful.

When the air is crisp and the leaves are hues of brown, orange, and yellow, fall sets in, and one of the season's most prominent holidays is Halloween.

Halloween sets the tone for the season, encouraging enthusiasts and Fall Fanatics to buy into the spooky and horrorful nature of the holiday.

To set the mood and get everyone into the Halloween spirit, movies have stood the test of time. With classics like Halloween and Hereditary at the forefront of many movie buffs' recommendation lists, here are seven more scary movies to spook up your night.

“Oh, you came by yourself?”

“What’s your favorite scary movie?”

A classic slasher and pop culture horror, Scream follows a teenage girl, Sidney Prescott during the year after her mother's death where she and her friends are haunted by a masked killer who harasses them with phone calls and forces them to play a horror movie trivia game before their death.

Although a horror, its witty and comedic nature absolves watchers of nightmares, the movie never settles to keep you off the edge of your seat.

The Houses October Built (2014)

Photo by Horror, by patosincharco is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0

A mask in the dark

into the world of haunted houses and the secret horrors that lie beneath them.

Photo by Brighton Asylum website

“You came to get scared, trust me you will.”

continued on page 9

“The spook of goblins and ghouls may only last a day but the chill of horror lasts forever.”

Scream (1996)

“My name is Zach … I rented an RV. I want to find the most extreme haunted house in the world.”

Not the most well-known among the general public, The Houses October Built still stands as among the most frightening Halloween movies of the decade.

The 2014 found footage format of the 2011 unedited documentary style of the film follows a group of friends on a road trip to find the scariest and most unknown haunted houses in the United States but as the movie

Once inside the event, I was intrigued by my surroundings as I headed toward the haunted house station. The mist set the scene greatly. It was all around, you could almost taste it. The music was eerie with an upbeat tone that kept me in the flow as I waited. There were boutique stores, places to print pictures, and spots to pose with Halloween items and take some creative pictures yourself. While in line, the colorful lights were distracting but the presence of the scare actors quickly grabbed my attention. The uniqueness of their costumes and voice acting made me feel as if I were in the haunted house already. As I approached the entrance of the haunted house, rules and regulations were stated “ Keep all phones in pockets…actors are not allowed to touch you… please enter into the right,” said a staff member. I assumed it wouldn’t be scary since physical contact was prohibited but I was wrong.

I was at the front of the line, once inside the haunted

THE TOWER 5

Psycho (1960)

Photo by Monstrous Marquee - Psycho - DeMille - New York City, New York - 1960 - 2

An old picture from a showing of Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock

progresses it is the haunt they were so willfully searching for eventually finds them.

The movie starts with a quote from writer Walter Jon Williams, “I'm not afraid of werewolves or vampires or haunted hotels, I'm afraid of what real human beings to do other real human beings.” And quickly releases you

“It’s not as if she were a maniac, raving thing. She just goes a little mad sometimes. We all go a little mad sometimes. Haven’t you?”

No less than a classic but more like a blueprint, Psycho tells the story of a woman on the run, Marion Crane who seeks shelter at the notable Bates Motel, managed by a man named Norman who takes care of his mentally unwell mother.

As the film continues, Norman finds himself in a situation where protecting his mother comes at the cost of the personhood of others, and in an otherworldly twist, it seems this notion extends to him as well.

Don’t let the black-and-white film dissuade you from enjoying a pivotal moment in film history.

Don’t Breathe (2016) “Now you’re gonna see what I see.”

Intense and anxiety-inducing, Don’t Breathe keeps continued on page 9

6 THE TOWER October, 2024

A Celebration of Queer History Month at HRI’s Wigstock Drag Brunch continued from cover

The set of queens selected were Kean alumni Kay P. Johnson. “How many times do we hear her name on stage had an impact on people’s lives.”

Gorgeous, Black Cherry Loveé, and Urethra Vas D’Ferens. during Black History Month? It is up to us to speak her Black Cherry then admits their love for camaraderie, Goldstein said Kay is familiar with the Wigstock festival and name.” Black Cherry calls out. “She should be next to the collaborating, and spending time with each other. “Even in was excited to perform in a room full of that culture.”

Martin Luther Kings and the Malcolm Xs because she is moments like these – coming in and out of drag, rushing “We aim to foster future activists and advocates by revolutionary and a pioneer in our culture.” each other, we appreciate.” “We call it a keke!” Urethra equipping them with the tools they need to become Despite the glitz and glamour of a drag performance, the chimes in. impactful change-makers,” Goldstein said. queens emphasize that drag is far from easy. Kay Gorgeous “Drag is more than performance – it’s family. RuPaul The Wigstock exhibition by Dalpé is a modular showcase confesses the financial and emotional toll it can take. says we choose our family, and these two are mine.” Black that evolves with each venue, encouraging audiences to “Drag became my income, but it’s exhausting – two hours Cherry concludes. reflect on why certain images are chosen. to get ready, plus traveling to venues where I sometimes This sense of unity is vital, especially in an industry “We want people to see that the fight for human rights feel unsafe. I wondered, ‘What do I have to show for this?’ where financial challenges are common. is ongoing and dynamic,” Coykendall said. “Through I studied to be a teacher, but instead, I’m cross-dressing for “People assume drag queens are all on RuPaul’s Drag exhibitions like these and events like our annual Human a living,” she said.

Race levels, but that’s not the reality. Many of us work for Rights Conference, we demonstrate how human rights This sentiment is echoed by Urethra, who describes the minimum wage, and any money we make goes back into education can shape the future.” physical and emotional intensity of performing. “Every our costumes and makeup,” Kay explains. “Even applying This year’s collaboration with the Kean Galleries –focused time I get into drag, I want to quit. But once I’m on stage, to Drag Race, queens have to take a packet loan of $40k on identity expression through art – aligned perfectly with I realize how much I love it. Even the in order to afford fabric, cosmetics, and the department’s mission. struggles – eight layers of polyester and other goods for the show.”

“Artistic expression is one of the rights highlighted in spandex, and corsets digging into my Confessed Uretha: “That’s honestly the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” Goldstein ribs that leave burning marks after I what has held me back from applying. I notes. “This partnership is a natural fit for us.” take them off – can’t stop me.” don't want to take that loan.” Although At the heart of the Wigstock exhibition, the Drag Brunch Kay then recounted a moment when RuPaul’s Drag Race has put drag queens showed a lineup of celebrated New Jersey drag performers an audience member approached her and trans lives in the mainstream, it has led by host and Kean alumnus Kay Gorgeous performed after a performance that grounds her also prevented queens from starting routines that drove the spectators to a full emotional wheel. back to her art anytime she feels like their careers as the average audience Dancing, workouts, humor, and moments to honor the lives quitting. member is expecting a TV-produced that fought for queer rights were all incorporated into all drag “This person told me, ‘I came out queen. “The standard has become presentations and audience Q&A. to my parents as trans, and it didn’t impossible,” Urethra reflects.

Kay’s enthusiasm for returning to campus in drag – go well. I thought of doing something In spite of all the challenges, the living her dream – reflects a full-circle moment in her life. dumb earlier, but your show gave me queens bounce back to their humble “I’ve been looking forward to this gig for a whole month. It’s the strength to keep going.’ Moments beginnings in community theater and Photo by Veronica Vila surreal to be back here, where I studied like that remind me Black Cherry Loveé during her how those experiences have forged fine arts, now as a drag queen. It’s even that every time you Follow Me performance, paying them into steel for drag demands. better that they’re paying me this time put on a wig, you’re homage to passed queer lives “You just go with it.” Black Cherry instead of the other way around!” she a warrior, and you’re suggests, “Sometimes audience jokes. making a difference in somebody’s life.” members leave mid-performance, but you just gotta keep The tight-knit cast also includes Through their performances and in it going.” performers Black Cherry Loveé and conversations while coming out of drag, At the end of the day, it’s a matter of breaking barriers Urethra Vas D’Ferens, each bringing the queens emphasized the importance and giving individuals permission to be who they are their unique voice and style to the event. of community between drag queens and without fear or apology.

Together, they highlight the power of with their audiences. For Urethra and Considering their favorite songs to perform, Urethra drag as an art form and its profound Black Cherry, their deep run bond goes draws it back to 1983’s I Am What I Am from the play La impact on self-expression, resilience, back to when they were 18 years old. and community.

“We actually met at a local community Cage Aux Folles. “I grew up hiding all my life until at 26 “For me, drag is a love letter to the theater production of Cinderella,” I moved to New York and found out who I was,” Urethra Photo by Veronica Vila recounts while holding back tears, “Up until this day, I am Black women in my life – my mother, Kay Gorgeous speaking to the Urethra explains. grandmother, and aunts,” Black Cherry Drag Brunch audience “She’s technically my drag mother, at odd ends with my parents, and it’s difficult. But that opens up. “It’s about honoring them even though I was the one who song? I am what I am? Yeah, I sure am.”

Overwhelmed by the great reception of their event and and creating space for others to be unapologetically introduced her to drag,” Black Cherry laughs, “Yes, this one diligent attention from the HRI, Kay Gorgeous sent out a themselves.” made me watch the RuPaul’s, yes,” Urethra jokes.

"It’s rare to see Black drag queens in entertainment. On Their sisterhood extends to the larger drag community, huge thanks to Kean University.

“You don’t always get treated like this at gigs – AC, food, shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, white queens are often elevated Urethra and Balck Cherry met Kay at Camp Out Poconos more than Black queens. For me, it’s important to create – a safe space for queer individuals to collaborate and drinks, and a dressing room? It’s a luxury!” Kay laughs. space to educate and uplift the Black queer community.” network. In New Jersey, Kay describes the drag community “We’d love to come back!”

The queens’ stories, alongside Dalpé’s transformative Black Cherry adds. "I founded Rebel Stages [based in as a close-knit network. “If you cross one of us, you’ll have art, invited audiences to reflect, connect, and act. Kay used Delaware Water Gap, PA] to highlight marginalized stories an army of queens on your case,” she quips. where BIPOC trans and nonbinary people can play roles that “I used to host a weekly drag show that was cut short the opportunity to promote her annual paint and sip event reflect their identities freely and unapologetically.” on exploitative practices,” Kay informs, “then they had a coming up in November, and the queens asked the audience During her mix Follow Me performance, Black Cherry bunch of queens going there, dm’ing them, commenting, to follow them on Instagram for more details about dedicated a moment to the queer lives that fought for and requesting drag show to be back. It was an awakening performances at @kaygorgeousqueen, @blackcherrylovee, modern queer rights, especially in the memory of Marsha for me to realize that we had a community and what we did and @urethravdee. n

October, 2024

Humanities Searches for New Ideas to Cope with AI in the Classroom continued from page 2

THE TOWER 7

Cosplay masquerade to be Kean Anime Society’s biggest event of the year continued from cover

result, they turn to software programs such as Turnitin to detect AI writing in students' work.

As of March, Turnitin says it has reviewed over 200 million papers.

“Over 22 million (approximately 11 percent of over 200 million) have at least 20 percent AI writing present. Over 6 million (approximately three percent of over 200 million) have at least 80 percent AI writing present,” Turnitin. com states on the subject.

By using Turnitin, educators can feel that they are encouraging students to use their own words rather than AIgenerated words.

Others say Turnitin contributes to the further dehumanization of communication and education because it creates a wall between the author and the audience. Instead of writing for fellow humans, students are writing for a software company. Just like GenAI, Dr. Lisa Sisler goes over student work in the classroom Turnitin uses student submissions to further expand its own database.

When students feel confident in the material and the Which, in turn, helps make the company more money. work they’re producing, they’re less likely to unfairly use “I hope most of all that those people who use these GenAI, she said. Creating environments that encourage technologies just think about why they're using them,” said students to ask questions and try new things also can deter Dr. Abriana Jette, professor of English and coordinator of them from unfairly using GenAI. The Common Read at Kean. “What is motivating them to “We need to be better at allowing that failure and turn to something else? And why is that something else not frustration into our classrooms, making space for it and a book or an article or something that's really trustworthy allowing students to experiment with voice, with structure and made by humans.” to develop their writing beyond just putting words on the Unfair use of GenAI is just another form of cheating and page,” Sisler said. plagiarism, which has been around forever. Commonly, Navigating GenAI is rather tricky, especially in the students resort to cheating and plagiarism because they are humanities. Since GenAI is a rather new tool that only not confident in their work and are afraid of failing, Jette continues to grow, educators are still learning what works explained. for their classroom.

“Students want to impress, and they feel that the “Generative AI is not the devil. Generative AI is not our computer knows more than them,” she said. “That's a enemy. Generative AI is one tool among many that we can fault of the educational system for not giving them the wield to help us as long as we maintain control,” said Friend. confidence to recognize that they themselves have the “The minute we let a generative AI take over for us, we've intelligence within them.” lost.” n

cosplaying for years and who had entered competitions in conventions before, but that didn’t matter. Everybody was invited, and the more people, the better.

Angel Mendoza, the Director of Public Relations of the club, personally had little experience in cosplaying.

“But let’s say you wanna cosplay as a character who has a certain aura or aesthetic to them,” Mendoza explained when asked about people who don’t know where to start with cosplaying. “Get your clothes in that similar aesthetic.”

Others like Fleming encouraged people to create their own cosplays from scratch, as it taught many valuable life skills with a satisfying end result and was often a cheaper alternative than buying the cosplay itself.

“My dear friend and old roommate taught me everything I know. From the basics of sewing to patterning, to even really specific skills like bookbinding,” remarked Fleming. “I’ve always just enjoyed making things, so knowing that I can be a character that I like and still add my personal touches to it and people can enjoy that? Sign me up!”

“This has been our biggest venture yet.”

The Anime Society is a space for like-minded individuals to nerd out and be themselves, but it’s also a space where people can let loose their creativity and have fun. Future events sees a collaboration with Art Over All, Kean’s art club, in their Fanart Frenzy event, and a Paint Your Devil Fruit Workshop with Daniela Villacorta, the organization’s Social Media Manager.

“This year we’re pulling out all the stops,” said Fleming.

“We want people to have a lot of fun… I want to give people an outlet so they can show off what they make, show off what they’re passionate about, and perform…

I’m excited to see what people come up with.” n

Ndaba Mandela’s Return to Co-teach in Spring 2025 South Africa Travelearn continued from page 2

Photo by Kean University

Ndaba Mandela speaking at Kean’s 16th Annual Human Rights Conference

Barzilay. “In your life, how are you going to use those lessons?”

The conference celebrated the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by highlighting Nelson Mandela’s legacy that echoed the conference theme of freedom, justice, and equality for all. Ndaba's presence and storytelling served as an intimate insider into the man whose fluid role as a grandfather, father, and teacher taught him about being a leader and standing up for his beliefs. Today, he strives to expose the youth to the lessons he learned in earlier years and inform them of the history behind the theme. n

8 THE TOWER October, 2024

DACA Activist: Sara Mora continued from page 4

Photo by Sara Mora

Speech in Wisconsin Leaders and Young People of the community

Her situation is what inspired her to become a speaker and activist, she uses her voice to fight for those who share similar stories to hers; she wants to make a change in this country and allow multiple communities she speaks for to have more resources and opportunities available for them.

Mora has fiercely stood up for what she believes throughout her journey as an activist, hoping to one day, achieve her goal to become an Immigration Lawyer and help those in need. n

Photo by Sara Mora

Team Summit 2024

President Repollet gets new five-year contract continued from page 4

for an influx of grants in the name of diversity, the university said.

In an era when college enrollment and retention rates are down, Kean’s main campus recorded a total 11,243 undergraduate students, according to US News & World Report, a number that does not include Kean’s other campuses in New Jersey or Wenzhou campus in China. Kean Wenzhou reportedly has over 5,000 students.

Repollet’s term has also seen an increase in international student enrollment, with international students making up six percent of the student body at the Union campus. Kean currently sits at number six of the most diverse campuses in New Jersey, according to Niche.com.

Repollet has prioritized community engagement and partnerships with local organizations. He has established

The impact of Repollet’s presidency is evident in Kean’s increasing visibility on both state, national, and international

“The Board renewed Repollet’s contract, extending it to 2029 and increasing his salary” programs that connect students with internships and job opportunities, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world experience. These collaborations are designed to not only enrich the student experience but also strengthen the university’s ties to the surrounding community.

levels, according to the university. His strategic vision includes transforming Kean into a future R2 research institution, styling the university as an urban research university for New Jersey.

To attain R2 status, Repollet has placed an emphasis on the STEM fields. In April of this year the university was awarded

an $800,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, intended to promote diversity in STEM education and careers according to the university.

Another $1.37 million grant aimed toward diversity was awarded to Kean in May of this year. The grant, awarded by the National Institutes of Health, is aimed toward underrepresented groups in biomedical sciences, according to a statement issued by Kean.

Kean also launched a broad marketing campaign aimed at promoting the university’s unique offerings, particularly in the STEM field, to attract a diverse range of applicants. n

Flo-Rida puts on a show for homecoming concert continued from page 3

Photo by Ross Rodney

Flo-Rida performing one of his hit songs

that they didn't know what to expect at first… Several students had the exciting opportunity to participate in the show by dancing with Flo-Rida on the stage, a

Photo by Ross Rodney

Oya baby and Varie Fresh3

moment I am sure they'll never forget” said Kuntz.

First-time pop concert attendee, Sarah Rosales, a junior majoring in

Photo by Ross Rodney

Flo-Rida’s special jacket with his logo

Communication-Journalism spoke on her experience at the concert with her friends.

“This was my first real pop concert so the experience was basically everything…

Near deafening but fun!... definitely memorable even if I walked out of the theater with my ears ringing,” said Rosales. n

October, 2024

THE TOWER 9

Brighton Asylum continued from page 5

Photo by Cam’ron Johnson

“The scare actors went above and beyond.

It became difficult to tell if this was fake”

house all noise from the outside quickly vanished. It really felt as if I was in a horror movie and I was awaiting my oncoming scare. Hearing the screams of previous groups, it’s as if they were silenced right after a loud outburst.

Knowing myself I normally try to keep a very calm face, but in this situation, I was worried and looking over my shoulder at every turn and corner. I even began sweating a bit. The haunted house had many themes. First were movement stages, and it was as if I were trapped in a rocking ship, a burning church where I felt the heat and even an insect home.

Spiders hung from the wall while sounds of bugs crawling, and bright green and black eggs attached to the walls shook as if they were hatching. My entomophobia didn’t want me to be near the insect habitat but the eggs were the lights used

to walk through to exit the insect house. The scare actors were even better than the themes themselves. There were so many interactive doors and windows. The scare actors would pop up from each and every corner, I almost felt my ghost leave my body.

In one room the staff Photo by Cam’ron Johnson member asked “Are you “Brighton asylum sign looks ominous.” here by yourself? ” “Yes,” I said. hammers to bang on the walls For those Seconds later a scary actor appeared that showed fear early on there was no and asked “Oh, you came by yourself?” doubt they would return to scare again.

The voice was chilling. She backpedaled The night was a thrill ride of laughter and back into the room waiting for me to screams from myself and other attendees enter. To fill the night air with screams confirming that Brighton Asylum is the the scare actors used chainsaws and place to be for Halloween. n

Seven Scary Movies to Spook-Up Your Night

continued from page 5

you on your toes and secretly coerces watchers into holding their breath along with characters. As three characters, Rocky, a young woman, her boyfriend Money, and their friend Alex decide to rob a blind man in hopes of finding money to create a better life for themselves. They fail to consider judging the book past its cover.

Trapped in the throes of the night, Rocky concludes that escaping is more important than the initial goal.

This movie is excellent with its twists and turns and clever with its settings and buildup to the final scene.

Smile (2022) “It’s smiling at me … whenever I see it I just get this god-awful feeling like something really terrible is gonna happen.”

A more recent movie, Smile, similar to Psycho, plays on the psychological nature of life and shows the audience

eyes closed, you won’t be able to unglue them from the screen.

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

“Hill House, not sane, stands against its hills holding darkness within. It has stood for a hundred years and might stand a hundred more. Within, walls continue upright, bricks meet neatly, floors are firm and doors are sensibly shut. Silence lay steadily against the wood and stone of Hill House and those who walk there walk together.”

Although a show, The Haunting of Hill House, broadly based on the novel of the same name by Shirley Jackson in 1959, is worth the binge. The show observes a family of Misery (1990) seven, more specifically the five siblings, the “I’m your number one fan. There’s nothing children of an architect and house flipper who to worry about. You’re going to be just fine. I’ll move into a large house in Massachusetts in the summer of 1992. take good care of you. I’m your number one fan.”

The show intertwines the happenings of Another classic horror movie based on their childhood and the present events of the book Misery by Stephen King. This their adulthood communicating how their movie tells the story of famous, bestselling life in the haunted mansion influenced their novelist Paul Sheldon who is traveling relationships and mental wellness while back home after finishing his latest book foreshadowing a disheartening finale.

Photo by haunted-house-7504018_1920 at his Colorado getaway home. When a The Haunting of Hill House is an unsettling Dark haunted scenery with a big lurking moon snowstorm strikes and Sheldon gets into and evocative story that deserves recognition an accident, he’s rescued by former nurse the eerie and shocking events following a disturbing for its contribution to the horror genre.

Annie Wilkes who brings him to her cabin to recover. incident involving a patient witnessed by psychiatrist, The spook of goblins and ghouls may only last a day Sheldon’s recovery at the cabin home takes a unique Dr. Rose Cotter, while also hinting at the doctor’s but the chill of horror lasts forever. As famous director turn when he learns the contents of the character Annie traumatic past. Deemed a psychological thriller, the Alfred Hitchcock once said, “There is no terror in the Wilkes, his number one fan. movie also embraces the supernatural as Dr. Cotter is bang, only in the anticipation of it.”

This film adaptation of the book by Stephen King is convinced she is being haunted by an unknown entity Enjoy these seven scary recommendations and let great in its casting and pacing and keeps watchers alert who gathers victims with none other than a smile. them lead you to even more because the more you watch at every turn.

Even though this may be a movie best seen with your the more you anticipate the scare. n

SPORTS

10 THE TOWER October, 2024

Kean Introduces First Academic Course with the New Jersey Devils

By Jordan Beaudoin

environment and is taught by professors from three different colleges inside Kean University.

Dr. Shweta Singh who teaches marketing,

Kean University is going to the Devils – the New Jersey Devils.

This semester, the communication department launched a new course that partners with the New Jersey Devils hockey team to give students a taste of working in sports public relations Photo by Edward Occhipinti/Kean Office of University Relations and marketing.

“Devils Classroom, Students meeting with the Devils Executives at the This class mirrors start of the semester.” the structure introduced in the New York Jets course that has run every Professor Denise Anderson who teaches spring semester for the last few years. The graphic design, and Professor Schwab course is the third in President Lamont who teaches public relations teach this Repollet’s initiative to forge educational class. They all have a simple background in partnerships with businesses. Kean has run communications.

The class is exciting – and selective. courses with the New York Jets and the Red Admission is only open to communication, Bulls to give students hands-on experience in marketing, and graphic design majors who the communications job.

The new Devils course provides experiential must apply for acceptance.

The admission process is challenging. learning to our students in an interdisciplinary

The New Jersey Devils executive team asks potential students to provide input on upcoming projects and explain why they would be good candidates for the course. t The three professors review the applications and interview only those who they consider candidates before the final selection.

At the start of the course, the NJ Devils Executive team comes into the classroom to present the students with a marketing challenge.

Throughout the semester, students work in interdisciplinary teams and develop solutions and ideas under the guidance of the three professors who each have different subject matter expertise.

At the end of the semester, each team will present their final pitches at the Prudential

"It's only been a few weeks of the 15, but it's been a unique experience. A class like none other I've ever had.”

continued on page 11

Kean Sports Business Club Seeks New Opportunities Under New Leadership

By Caroline Pease

The Kean Sports Business Club is preparing for another exciting season of meetings and events as the fall semester progresses. The new president of Kean Sports Business, Nadia Shah, has a focus on expanding opportunities for students. This year, Shah aims to enhance the club's reach and impact, creating more engaging experiences for those interested in the sports industry.

Shah took leadership of the club at the conclusion of last semester from club founder and president Sebastian Salazar, who created the club in 2022. Since its founding, the club’s intention has been to provide as many sportsrelated activities and opportunities as possible. These objectives enticed and motivated Shah to become more involved.

Shah is determined to make each event “bigger and better” than the year before, with plans for more guest speakers at its Sports Summit, additional sports outings, and maximizing internship opportunities for members.

Club vice president and director of public relations, Shahara Rahim, features a weekly series called 'Work in Sports Wednesday' on the club’s Instagram page,

“We just want to provide the best for students, especially since the sports industry can be very competitive.” where students can explore various internship postings, keeping them engaged and informed about potential career opportunities in the sports industry. For instance, their first series post featured open internships for MetLife Stadium, the National and Women’s National Basketball Association, and Ultrafooty, with direct links for application.

Shah attended Kean Sports Business Club events last year, like meetings, a guest speaker series, and namely the club’s inaugural Sports Summit, which increased her interest in the possibilities of the club. Seeing the club’s ability to bring like-minded sports enthusiasts together on campus, social media presence, and talking to Salazar, she knew that it was a club she wanted to lead. She highlighted the objectives of the club as providing students with an edge into the competitive

industry of sports.

“Our big thing is networking and opportunities.

We just want to provide the best for students, especially since the Photo by Kean Sports Business Club sports industry Nadia Shah, President of the Kean Sports can be very Business Club competitive. Our main goal is that students know about these opportunities so that they can take them and apply to them and get them,” says Shah.

Shah and the rest of the executive board look to provide continued on page 11

11 THE TOWER October, 2024

Kean Introduces First Academic Course with the New Jersey Devils continued from page 10

Center to the NJ Devils executives, administrators, Everyone has their expertise. made sure to ask many questions," Langer said. faculty, and deans from Kean University.

"My group is Joe, Myself, Briditte, Hamza, and Raquel,” Each one of the boys learned something new from this Two Kean Ocean students who commute to Kean’s said Fiorello, “The professor's goal was to get one of each experience. main campus for this course shared their experiences so major in one group, so we all have our expertise. Joe is "So far, I have learned more about public speaking and far with the course. the graphic designer, I am the Communications major, gained more confidence in speaking. I learned that the Joshua Langer, a senior studying Communications and Briditte and Hamza are the Marketing majors, and Raquel sports industry has a lot of money, and ad revenue is Public Relations, is also a Devils fan who has followed the is the Management major." crucial to profitability," Fiorello said. team for well over 13 years.

The Devil's class is very similar to the Jet's class.

"It's only been a few weeks of the 15, but it's been However, they are also very different from one a unique experience. A class like none other I've ever another. had," Langer said.

"Similar in the fact that both courses provide "I enjoy the Devil's class very much. Besides from experiential learning to our students in an the drive!" said Salvatore Fiorello, a senior majoring interdisciplinary environment where students get in Communications. to work for a real-life client and produce something They both took the class to prepare for their futures that can be applied and used by the client,” Singh said. and better understand what would come.

"It was a no-brainer for me. If I see a class with the “Dissimilar in that the problem statement is different word Devils, I take it." Langer said. for each class.

Fiorello had a slightly different reason, "I chose this The client-ask and the client are different for both class because I wanted the experience. I did not want Photo by Edward Occhipinti/Kean Office of University Relations courses, and they represent different kinds of sports. to miss this class and regret not taking it. I would love Students in the Devils course So, the thinking/brainstorming has to be adapted to work in the sports industry one day, and I thought according to the client and the client's marketing The load is more extensive than most courses. All groups this would be a great step." challenge.”

"The work students do each week creates building blocks are expected to meet outside class more than once a week It's an excellent experience for the students to have. to honing their final ideas. Rather than lecturing, each of to talk and work on their projects. They have so far learned Despite being a more complex course with more work the professors contributes to each class with their subject a lot from both the guidance of the professors and doing matter expertise in honing student ideas and developing their research. They also had the executives come in at the than other courses, it's something students can get into beginning of the semester to give them some knowledge and enjoy. This course will most likely return next year. their relevance," Dr. Singh said.

The students are also placed into groups for this course. about the team and let them know more about what is However, the Jets class will be open for registration for the spring semester. If you are a communications major, Currently, there are four to six groups in the class. Each currently happening with the company and the team.

"Absolutely. The executives came in the second week marketing major, or graphic design major, this is a class group comprises one communications major, one graphic designer, a marketing major, and a management major. and gave a nearly 3-hour presentation. It was great, and I that you want to get in on and take. n

Kean Sports Business Club Seeks New Opportunities Under New Leadership

continued from page 10

a multitude of networking opportunities livestream of the panels. experience, especially like internships.” within the sports industry for almost all to students, namely its Sports Summit.

Shah says, “[the Sports Summit] is able The summit is student-organized, majors.

The Sports Summit is a student-led to give students an opportunity to get with club member volunteer committees “All students are welcome to come event and a space where students are that one-on-one networking experience handling marketing, finance, event no matter what their major is. If they’re able to directly connect with sports and also being able to talk to these people coordination, and outreach. It is interested in sports, we want them there,” industry executives. The says Shah executive board, with Along with the Sports assistance from club Summit and monthly advisor Professor Paul meetings, the club plans Casey, creates a proposal to host a club trip to a New for potential companies.

Jersey Devils Game at the The event consists of Prudential Center. Team panel discussions and executives will also be tables from premier present, providing another companies and sports networking opportunity. teams like Disney, the The game is on December New Jersey Devils, the 10.

New York Jets, the New “[The intention of the York Red Bulls, and the Photo by Kean Sports Business Club Photo by Kean Sports Business Club club is] to give students and The Executive Board at a New Jersey Devils game National Basketball Panelists from last year’s Sports Summit experts from the sports Association.

Last year’s summit was a success, with who are working in sports companies. tentatively scheduled for the end of industry a chance to explore trends, over 200 hundred students attending Because I feel like it’s super important, November. Shah encourages all students give insights, and foster networking and another 300 hundred tuning into a especially in college, to get that to come to the summit, as there are facets opportunities,” says Shah. n