The Tower - The Independent Voice Of Kean University - November 2022 Issue

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The JETS: Experience Is Back On Campus

By Andrey Nalbantov

have to present their solution at MetLife Stadium for the Jets' management.

Kean University announced that The The solution involves a mixture of JETS: Experience course will return for a marketing, business management, design, second spring semester in a row. and communication tools. Students will Students who have completed 75 be able to use their individual skills in credits by the end of Fall 2022 and are one of those areas in order to successfully majoring in either contribute to the final communication, product. m a r k e t i n g , Suzanne Schwab, graphic design, or communications management, are professor, said, “Each eligible to apply for team has a task and the course. each student must The course use their experience offered as part from the classroom, of the university internships and any lectures from the partnership with JETS class to help the NFL team will solve the problem.” offer students the Schwab is one of opportunity to have the three professors an almost work-like that teaches the experience in the course.

While form of a class.

Schwab focuses on The Jets will task the communication the students with a aspects of the course; problem and require Dr. Shweta Singh, them to solve it. For marketing program this upcoming course, coordinator, covers students will have to the marketing and figure out how the management aspects Jets can build their Photo by Kean University Website fanbase in the United Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, of the course, and professor Denise Ed.D., on the field at MetLife Stadium Kingdom.

Anderson, is Students will be divided into teams, simulating and responsible for the designs and brandings.

The course has an interdisciplinary stimulating a competitive environment.

At the end of the semester, each team will continued on page 11

“The synergy between the 3 professors was incredible and it allowed us to guide the students to complete success”

The Importance of Social Media

By Tyra Watts The usage of social media has increased within the last ten years or so. It has created a surge of influencers and content creators across various platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and many others.

While social media can help connect people based on niche interests, it can also help people get jobs and connect with businesses and companies in hopes of a prosperous career.

The importance of social media is shown here at Kean University’s School of Communication, Media, and Journalism, where they have a social media minor program and a social media course, COMM 3533.

When minoring in social media, you have to take 18 credits. You are required to take COMM 3533, and you can pick two courses to take between these three options: COMM 2503 mass media, COMM 2920 introduction to journalism, and COMM 3660 public relations.

You also can select three courses to take out of the following: COMM 2403 production foundation, COMM 3917 sports writing, COMM 3920 specialty writing for the web, COMM 3675 media advertising, COMM 3915 feature writing, COMM 4620 public relations writing, COMM 3003 media journalism, COMM 3503 media criticism, and COMM 3910 advanced journalism.

Gina Gili, a communications lecturer that teaches social media at the Kean

“There is a beauty and a tragedy of this existence that we have with social media,” Nicoletti stated.

Photo by Tyra Watts

Kean’s Content Creation Network’s Instagram Page, @kean_ccn

continued on page 14

2 THE TOWER

November, 2022

Celebrating National Gratitude Month at Kean

By Julia Strugala Each November, the United States observes National Gratitude Month as a time to reflect on what we are grateful for.

Gratitude is much more than having good manners; how often do we say thank you without actually taking a moment to feel thankful?

As young children, everyone is taught to give thanks with a gift or a small gesture.

It is a social norm to extend gratitude to those that help us, but it is just as important to recognize the miniscule, everyday things.

According to Harvard Health, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

Kean Ocean is celebrating National Gratitude Month with weekly self-care

“Now that I know it is National Gratitude Month, I will probably restart my gratitude journal as that’s something I’ve been meaning to do,” Photo by Kean Ocean Connection

worksheets. Each worksheet contains self-care tasks to complete and reflect on.

At the end of each week, students are to fold up their papers and place them in a basket on the Kean Ocean campus life table.

National Gratitude Month event flyer

Students that participate are entered in a chance to win a Kean Ocean prize. The person with the most completed self-care practices and most thoughtful reflections will be awarded weekly.

Kean Ocean’s Wellness Network is hosting self-care events throughout the month of November, from energy mind mapping to meditation.

As for the Kean Union campus, one out of ten students were aware that November is National Gratitude Month.

Most were not planning to celebrate in any way besides Thanksgiving.

Jessica Czapalski, a sophomore at Kean with a major in psychology said, “now that I know it is National Gratitude Month, I will probably restart my gratitude journal as that’s something I’ve been meaning to do.”

A gratitude journal is a great way to see a transformative change in your mental well-being. Studies from National Public Radio have found that giving thanks and counting blessings can help people sleep better, lower stress and improve interpersonal relationships.

Keeping a gratitude journal has also continued on page 10

Kean students prepare for Thanksgiving Post-Pandemic

By Adaora Nnakwe The holiday season is here. It’s about that time to wear flannels and uggs again. The clock’s are set back, the leaves have fallen, and pumpkin spice lattes are back on the menu. This year on Thursday Nov. 24, Thanksgiving will bring families together once again to join around the table for a grand holiday feast.

Whether the main course involves turkey, chicken, ham with gravy or even non-traditional dishes, there’s a lot to be grateful for leading up to the final months

how he’s looking forward to the holiday break and celebrating Thanksgiving this year.

“I’m looking forward to being around family and friends and all the different varieties of food from different cultures,” Pierrevil said. “Thanksgiving will be less stressful with all the vaccines. People are more aware and careful.”

With people more aware of the health precautions such as wearing a mask while indoors, social distancing, and washing their hands, this year is expected to make

“I am thankful for my family and friends who support me and are there for me,” Pierrevil said.

Photo by Adaora Nnakwe

Hynes Hall

of the year. Students and staff should all take this break to relax and reflect on the importance of Thanksgiving.

Ricardo Pierrevil, a sophomore majoring in physical education, expressed

the holidays feel like life is adjusting to the new normal.

Daniel Osorio, a junior communications media and film major, says that covid isn’t the biggest concern.

“I definitely believe that during Thanksgiving this year, covid is going to be less of a factor. People will be able to have bigger thanksgiving celebrations while still feeling safe,” Osorio said.

“That’s what I’m looking forward to this year, being able to slow down and have a long relaxing weekend with family and good food.” continued on page 13

November, 2022

Kean Student Captures Airplane Emergency Landing at Newark International Airport

By Anthony Reyna

flight when he noticed the plane was letting off an orange glow in the sky.

A United Airlines flight departing from “My initial reaction was that it was an Newark International Airport en route to engine failure, which is major,” Mbacke said.

Sao Paulo, Brazil was forced “I instantly pull out my to make an emergency phone and still in shock, I landing shortly after start recording.” takeoff once sparks began Footage of the plane to shoot out from the back was immediately posted to of the plane.

Mbacke’s instagram story Murtalla Mbacke, Kean in hopes to get the word out about the ongoing University Student and incident.

According Aviation Photographer to Mbacke, he has was able to witness the connections with multiple event live and capture pilots who fly in and out footage of it. of Newark International “I finished my shift Airport regularly. at work and planned on Fortunately, air traffic doing some night aviation control was already photography.

I love working on fixing the issue aviation, it’s a pretty cool by the time Mbacke was field. I naturally took up Photo by Murtalla Mbacke able to speak to somebody. photography as a result,” The path that Flight UA149 had to take before returning to Newark The 8 hour flight which Mbacke said.

International takes place daily from “Due to the nature of Newark to Sao Paulo, had 256 aviation photography, I constantly check passengers onboard.

The pilots were forced a flight tracking app called Flightradar24. to circle over the Atlantic Ocean near the

“My initial reaction was that it was an Engine Failure, which is major. I instantly pull out my phone and still in shock, I start recording.”

Photo by Murtalla Mbacke

Sparks shooting out of Flight UA149

I saw on the app that UA149, which is the flight headed to São Paulo, Brazil, was on the runway preparing to take off.”

Mbacke was setting up in his usual location to capture some images of the

Photo by Murtalla Mbacke

Flight UA149 upon returning to Newark International Airport

New Jersey border for about an hour and a half to burn enough fuel to be under the required landing weight before they finally returned to the ground around 1 a.m. continued on page 16

THE TOWER 3

I Chose Kean, and I’m Glad I Did!

By Davaughnia Wilson High School is supposed to be momentous. When we walk across the stage at the end of our high school careers, we are promised a brighter future and a successful journey by our administrators.

For me, it was no different.

I had an idea of what I wanted to do with my life and the journey I wanted to take to accomplish my goals. If you would have told me on graduation night that I would be where I am today, I probably would have laughed and said “I wish.”

Well, my wish came true.

January 18, 2019 was the day I was introduced to endless possibilities. That was the day I received my acceptance letter to Kean University.

Growing up in Kingston, Jamaica and raised by my grandmother, I have faced many challenges and have overcome many obstacles on my path to success.

Living in the inner-city, life was hard but I was constantly reminded that education is the key to success, and that was my way out. I have to be hungry for success and fight for my seat at the table.

I isolated myself from the toxic and violent community that I lived in by simply staying inside my home and not socializing and interacting with certain members of my community.

While in school, I introduced myself to a group of people that were nurturing, had a positive attitude and were just as hungry for success as I was. That however was short-lived as my path to success meant that I had to leave them behind.

After graduating high school and moving on to Sixth Form, a two year A-level program, I knew that it was time to prepare for a life abroad. My mother and older brother lived in the United States and it was only a matter of time before I migrated also.

Preparing for my new life meant that I had to work twice as hard and gain the strength and courage to face the unknown. I was determined to get accepted to a four-year undergraduate degree program and I was dedicated to academic success by taking SAT night classes after school.

Finding a university in New Jersey that I wanted to commit to was probably the hardest task throughout the entire

Photo by Ian Alfano

Davaughnia Wilson

process. I was either defeated by the high costs of tuition, its distance from my soon-to-be hometown, or my safety as a person of color.

Life has a funny way of showing us what was meant to be. For me, it was an Instagram post.

While casually scrolling through my instagram feed, I saw a post made by a graduate from my alma mater. In the picture, taken in a bathroom mirror, she was wearing a blue T-shirt that read “KEAN.” What is Kean? I thought. So I googled it.

Kean University. Founded in 1855, Kean is a public, diverse, innovative and world-class institution that offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, over 70 options for graduate students and six doctoral programs in multiple disciplines.

Kean offers a four year undergraduate degree in communication with a concentration in journalism. The pieces were starting to come together.

Within a few months, I settled in my new hometown and attended a summer information session and tour at Kean.

After my first visit, I knew that I belonged at Kean. I submitted my application with pride and confidence and it was one of the best decisions that I have made in my adult life.

I chose Kean, not because of how close it was to my new hometown. I chose Kean because it felt like home. I knew continued on page 12

4 THE TOWER

November, 2022

New Closing Time for Campus Eateries Leave Students Upset

By Keyon Gardner The Dining halls located in the Miron Student Center and the Nancy Thompson Library are closing approximately 3 to 4 hours earlier this semester leaving students with very few options after a long day.

Eating throughout the day is very essential for students as it helps them gain the energy they need to function properly inside the classroom and on their assignments.

Smashburger, Auntie Anne’s, Jersey Mike’s, Bamboo- Asian Fusion, Chef’s Corner, Knead Pizza, Piccola Italia, and

Sono all of which are located in the Miron Student Center closes at 4 p.m. Cougars Den now closes at 7 p.m. compared to its former 11p.m. closing time.

Starbucks and the commuter cafe are all

Between juggling classes and work, the students of Kean University find it convenient to stop at one of the campus eateries to grab a meal. The adjusted operating hours of the eateries not only

The early closing time affects more than the way I eat, it affects the way I move throughout my day,” said Fenner. closing early now too. Not to mention, the Starbucks on the third floor in the Center for Academic Success has not reopened since students returned to campus post pandemic.

forces Kean students to find somewhere else to eat, but it also doesn't give students enough time to buy food if their classes exceed the closing time of the restaurants on campus.

Jordan Fenner, a junior and Information Technology major said, “The early closing time affects more than the way I eat, it affects the way I move throughout my day.”

Fenner shares his concern that he won't be able to find a meal once he gets out of his 4 p.m. class. His only options would then be to eat at the residents dining hall, grab a meal from Cougars Den, eat off campus or just stay hungry for the remainder of the day.

Eddie Bradley, a senior majoring in accounting is furious that the school decided to inconvenience them into continued on page 16

The Ukraine War Through the Lens of a Kean University Professor atrocities of the war. She met with men, women, and children living in Lviv, one of the largest cities in the western region A few years ago, On February 10, 2017, and the sixth largest in Ukraine.

Kean University received the National Though connecting with them was Symphony Orchestra of not always an essay task, Ukraine at Wilkins Theater. she soon learned that in An approximately two the circumstances like the hour event listening to current ones, there are two Rachmaninoff’s, Sibelius’, kinds of people: the ones and Stravinsky’s classic who don’t want to share compositions. anything at all and the ones In the same year, Kean who can’t wait to find the University Professor right medium to tell the Jacqueline Silberbush visited world their stories. her grandparents’ homeland, “Some people don’t want a small town in Europe’s to share anything. They western region named are really going through a Buchach. traumatic experience. They “At the time, it was Poland, don’t want to be pictured in but the borders changed, that way; they don’t want to so now the town exists be remembered in that way,” in Ukraine,” Silberbush Silberbush said. Then there first explained via email. are the people “who want to “My grandparents were share and were interesting Jewish and left right before into sharing their story. the Holocaust, and I was Photo by Jacqueline Silberbush Photo by Jacqueline Silberbush People who want to get that interested to see what Retrieved from @j_silber Retrieved from @j_silber remained of Jewish life in information out.” that region if any.”

With such a mindset, the For Silberbush, the trip was a success. made her grandparents leave in the first turning into shambles. I felt like maybe if artist began visiting places and shooting She made great friends and memories, place. Nevertheless, this time she was I went, I could help in some small way.” along the way. Her images immortalized

By June 2022, Silberbush was helping the new normal for Ukrainians, beyond its and it was not a surprise that she returned not there just as a granddaughter but as a in the only way she knew, with her collapsing buildings and walls destroyed to the United States hoping to visit once storyteller, artist, and photographer.

“While I was there, I made a few Leica camera documenting the stories by gunshots. again. Now, five years after the bands’ continued on page 11 performance, most of what we hear on really good friends and stayed with of Ukraine’s civilians –victims of the

By Lenny K. Mata Cuevas

campus about Ukraine is news about the War and its consequences.

The same news motivated Silberbush to return to her roots, ironically what

many wonderful people,” Silberbush remembered. “When the war started, I felt drawn to go back. It was hard to watch from afar a country that I knew and loved

“When the War started, I felt drawn to go back. It was hard to watch from afar a country that I knew and loved turning into shambles.

I felt like maybe if I went, I could help in some small way.”

November, 2022

Costa Rica Spring Internship Travelearn

By Brittany Fuentes The Give Back Abroad Internship is an internship and travelearn introduced

by Kean University for students where students can earn two credits while they travel to Costa Rica. The Center for International Studies offers information regarding this internship as well as various other opportunities abroad.

their time there and patrolling the beach for animals on kayak.

Due to the fact that students can receive two credits for this travelearn, the cost is included in the tuition as a class, in hopes to make it accessible for as many students as possible.

All students are highly encouraged to seek out more information regarding

Photo by Kean Center for International Studies

Costa Rica Internship Flyer

“Students who study abroad are shown to grow in both hard and soft skills, such as learning intercultural communication, adaptability, and gaining new perspectives.”

Bursa said.

Photo by Kean Center for International Studies

Study Abroad Flyer

This internship is set to occur during spring break 2023, from March 4 until March 11. This is an opportunity for students to focus on learning about sustainability and social consciousness while exploring a different country.

By participating in this internship students will spend some of their time collecting scientific data for whales and dolphins. They will also be visiting a nongovernmental organization animal rescue center to learn more about wildlife and animals.

Students will also be able to visit many other agricultural places during the time that they are there, such as a coffee plantation. Students will be participating in teaching while teaching English during

international studies and the options that are available to them.

Brittany Bursa, the international studies advisor said, “Students who are interested in studying abroad are encouraged to sign up for an advising appointment with their study abroad advisor, no matter if a student is a freshman or senior there can be study abroad opportunities available for them.”

A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required to be eligible for this internship and a minimum of 15 students will be accepted for the internship, with a maximum of 30 being accepted.

The internship will be led by Jessica Barzilay, the Director for the Center for International Studies. She is an enthusiast continued on page 13

THE TOWER 5

The Wave of Emotions Seniors Feel as Their Last Semester Approaches

By Elaine Amico

Maggie Lambusta, senior communication major at Kean, has been very involved during her time here. She has held numerous positions on the Ocean campus, including her current role as Student Assistant for Student Affairs.

Lambusta feels that her involvement in on-campus activities has made her

Students across all Kean campuses are now eligible to register for spring semester classes which start on Tuesday, Jan. 17. While registration for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors is nothing out of the ordinary, seniors across campus feel differently about this particular registration.

For seniors, the upcoming spring semester is their last semester at Kean.

While many are already counting down the days till graduation in May, some students are being hit by a wave of emotions.

“As I hit that register now button, I sighed and felt so relieved, but then so nostalgic. Did I really just register for my last semester?”

Francheska Kubacki, senior communication major said. “I don’t think I’m ready to not come here anymore.

Photo by Kean Ocean Campus Life Instagram I am a little sad, but Wellness Warriors mindfulness day on the Kean Ocean Campus definitely proud of myself and my journey here at Kean. It’s bittersweet. ” time go faster at Kean. Registering for Kubacki’s nostalgia for her time at Kean her last semester wasn’t easy, as she feels is not uncommon, in fact, many students school has provided her with numerous are feeling the exact same way. opportunities, long-lasting memories, “Time flew too fast. It feels so much and forever friendships. more surreal registering for my last “Registering for my last semester at semester,” Kevin Woodworth, senior Kean was a reality check. The fact that I communication major said. “It feels like will no longer be in school is a hard pill last year I was just getting my associate's to swallow and made me realize I should degree and transferring over to Kean, but cherish these last moments as a student, that’s actually coming up on two full years although it may be difficult,” Lambusta now.”

Statistically, students have strong said. “I’m going to miss all of my favorite emotional ties with where they go to faculty and peers that made going to school. When it’s time to move on, school exciting and fulfilling!”

Students have been able to register students have a difficult time leaving with ease, and have had no major issues behind the life they have lived for the past four years. According to The National getting the classes they need for the Society of Leadership and Success, spring. However, if you or someone you students closer to graduating college face know have a hold on your account, you increases in anxiety, feelings of loneliness, need to contact your advisor to get it and depression. lifted. n

“As I hit that register now button, I sighed and felt so relieved, but then so nostalgic. Did I really just register for my last semester?”

6 THE TOWER

November, 2022

Kean Community remembers Hurricane Sandy on it’s 10th anniversary

By Steven-Ross Bugayong On October 22, 2012, Hurricane Sandy became one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the United States affecting 24 states, including the entire eastern seaboard.

Thousands of Americans were left with no power or running water and were asked to evacuate their homes. The effects of the hurricane caused an estimated 65 billion dollars in damages.

nothing, hoping the power and water would work again."

The shore was massively affected by Superstorm Sandy, and to this day, the shore has not fully recovered. Houses were destroyed, items were lost, and local landmarks became unrecognizable.

"It's crazy seeing what happened to seaside heights," Lignant continues. “So many of the places people visited over the summer,

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: DAVAUGHNIA WILSON

‘My family grew up near the shore and so did I. I hope one day that families and people out of state can come back to the jersey shore and see it as it once was, not as it used to be"

NEWS EDITOR: JULIA STRUGALA FEATURES EDITOR: ELAINE AMICO SPORTS EDITOR: RUBEN NIEVES ONLINE EDITOR: ANDREY NALBANTOV

Photo by Eric Haftel

Photos from the storm

Ten years later, reminders of the damage caused by Sandy still affect us today. On the storm's tenth anniversary, the Kean community reflects on the superstorm Sandy tragedy.

Robyn Epstein, a junior majoring in communications, recalled her experience as scary.

"After Hurricane Irene, I didn't know what to expect," Epstein said. "I heard terrible things were going to happen, and they did.

However, I was fortunate to live in an area where the storm didn't hit me as much as other people in the state."

Superstorm Sandy officially hit the state of New Jersey On Oct. 29. The storm ranged from high winds, heavy rains, and high tides, which caused most of the damage.

Justin Lignant, Kean alum and Toms River resident, remembers being out of power for several days.

"It was a scary time," Lignant said. "The rain just never stopped. There was flooding everywhere, and we couldn't leave the house.

I remember just staying indoors doing

Photo by Eric Haftel

Photos from Sandy 10 years later

boardwalk rides people were used to seeing, were suddenly gone. The shore doesn't feel the same. Even though some repairs happened, the effects of Hurricane Sandy still have a lasting impact on our state."

The truth of the matter is that New Jersey still remembers the effects of Superstorm Sandy. The state still see’s constant reminders of what happened before and after the storm. From abandoned houses that still have structural damage to real estate leases still struggling to sell homes near the waterfront. Superstorm Sandy still causes fear in the eyes of the state of New Jersey.

Justin DoSantos, a senior psychology major and Ocean County resident, who has a restore the shore sticker on the back of his car, still holds on to the hope that one day the shore can recover.

"I know many people whose houses were damaged during Sandy, including mine," DoSantos said. "Lucky for me, it was only flooding and losing power for a few days. But continued on page 16

STAFF WRITERS CAMRYN AURIEMMA

STEVEN-ROSS BUGAYONG

HECTOR MORALES

WAYNE DAWES

LENNY MATA CUEVAS

JUSTIN MCDANIEL

KERVIN COLEMAN

JALEN GAYNOR

EDIZ MONROY

ISAIAH JOSEPH

ANTHONY REYNA

LOGAN GERMANO

KEYON GARDNER

JOSEPHINE CARRILLO

VICTORIA CIFELLI

ADAORA NNAKWE

BRITTANY FUENTES JA'BRIA LASTER TYRA WATTS 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.

November, 2022

THE TOWER 7

Staff and Students De-stress at Kean Ocean Community Yoga

By Logan Germano On Tuesday afternoons throughout the fall semester, Kean Ocean academic specialist Taryn Schlosser welcomes students and faculty to join her inside Room 108 of the Hovnanian Health Sciences Building at Ocean County College to put their schoolwork aside and unwind.

“People come here as a safe space to escape from the stressors of everyday life,” Schlosser said.

Schlosser is the instructor of Community Yoga sessions at Kean Ocean.

She began teaching yoga at the campus last semester when the Yoga Teacher Training Certificate Program first came to campus. The program is a 10 credit program that allows students to obtain

“I love how she is building a culture of health and wellness at the Kean Ocean campus.”

Photo by Logan Germano

Kean Ocean Community Yoga

Photo by @keanyoga Instagram

Taryn Schlosser (center) and Kean Ocean Community Yoga class

their 200 hour registered yoga teacher certification in two semesters.

Schlosser is grateful for this program, as she learned about the history of yoga, meditation, breathwork, physical posture, and gaining the experience of being a yoga teacher.

“I became interested in yoga 10 years ago and I fell in love with it when I did the certificate program,” Schlosser said. “This program is well worth it and adds to the experience at Kean Ocean.”

At these sessions, Schlosser enjoys communicating with people on how they’re feeling about themselves and connects with them to help relieve stress.

“Yoga helps me recenter myself and escape from a clustered mind of everything happening in my life at once,” continued on page 12

Kean Celebrates National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

By Jalen Gaynor

major steps in that process was bringing in Dawn Dunkerley, Virtual Chief Information Security Officer at OCIS. Dunkerley has helped create a formal cybersecurity policy and plan

The Office of Computer & Information Services (OCIS), and the Center for Cybersecurity at Kean hosted a webinar on Oct. 25 in honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

President George W. Bush and congress first declared October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month in 2004.

The month was established to help individuals protect Kean OCIS logo themselves and their private data which includes online. integrating Kean’s webinar multi-factor was not only about Photo by Rafaela Teixeira authentication raising awareness Kean Center for Cybersecurity and the for cybersecurity implementation of but also informing those in attendance about the tools and Bitsight Monitoring solution and Carbon Black Endpoint Detection and Response. resources available at the university.

Dunkerley spoke highly of Bitsight Kean has been making several changes recently in an effort to fortify the monitoring, explaining that she uses the university’s cybersecurity. One of the tool pretty heavily in her current position

to help assess the potential risks the university may face.

“Everything from understanding what's on the dark web to are we patching our systems appropriately keeping them

implementation Dunkerley went over is Carbon Black Endpoint Detection and Response. This is an important tool because it provides protection in the event bad things happen and the systems are affected negatively.

“A piece of software that sits on the individual systems that allows us to when something gets through shut it down,” Dunkerley said. “Having the next generation capabilities like Photo by Kean Twitter Carbon Black is absolutely essential.” up to date, do we have The university is any file sharing from showing through these additions places that shouldn’t that they are be taking place,” Photo by Kean Website committed to Dunkerley said. “It National Center of Academic Excellence protecting the assigns a credit score students, faculty, based on the risk that the university is currently at based on and staff's private information. This the implementation of many of these webinar is important because of how frequently phishing emails are sent out to factors.”

Another important new students and staff asking them to input

“Everything from understanding what's on the dark web to are we patching our systems appropriately keeping them up to date”

continued on page 12

8 THE TOWER

November, 2022

Human Rights Institute: Aftermath

By Victoria Cifelli

life turning events; including birthday parties, farewell parties, and school outings. The paintball company had made everyone equal on their field.

An image of an Afghanistan school, located in Herat,

The Human Rights Institute Gallery at Kean University is showcasing Aftermath, an exhibit curated by Sara Terry and Teun van der Heijden, to show life after war and the sustainability and human rights issues that accompany it.

The Aftermath Project features images of people in time of loss, resilience, need, and turmoil. The exhibit is scheduled for Oct.10 through to Dec. 7.

Lynette Zimmerman, executive director of galleries at Kean said, “The story does not end.

Nothing is shown after the cameras leave, stuff still moves; conflict is everywhere. Humanity transforms, and life goes on.”

One photo at the beginning of the gallery shows nine women who were raped during the Liberation War by members of the West Pakistani army. They were given an honorific term, ‘birangona’, which roughly means ‘war heroine’.

Photo by Victoria Cifelli This term later became a shameful term as the This is a photo of nine women who were raped in women would be turned away by their family Bangladesh in the gallery. members when they learned that they had been raped.

Another photo in the gallery shows a woman dressed in holding nearly 13,000 girls who want an education was paintball gear, ready for a game in the shooting field. This also on display. The girls were in an underground room and in tents to get an education, despite there being scorpions field was shared by women, men, and children alike.

Paintball games have been used for many occasions and hiding around.

“These girls want an education, they value learning.

These people would do anything to learn,” Zimmerman said.

One photo in this gallery shows protests caused by the 10 rounds of presidential elections in Iran. After Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was declared President of Iran, people used the city of Tehran and other Iranian cities to protest the declaration. There was much suppression from security forces in the country when these protests took place.

“The gallery made me feel like I was being caught up in pieces of history that may have passed me by in my daily life. The gallery as a whole is a very calm environment,” John Defreitas, a junior communication studies major said. “I think it really gives a perspective on what has been going on around the world that we often do not see living in the U.S. One of the main things that stood out to me was anguish and oppression.”

The Human Rights Institute Gallery’s website shares lots of insight behind the photos in the gallery. Behind sustainable development goals, which include gender equality, poverty, peace, and quality education, there are massive effects shown within sustainability with the aftermath of war and living in a warzone.

“I think it really gives a perspective on what has been going on around t he world that we often do not see.”

continued on page 13

Women’s Speak Up Event

By Ja’Bria Laster The Women’s Speak Up Event has been held annually since 2018. It is also an organization which is a diversion of Abbysoul Productions, a platform and management service that helps artists, businesses, poets, and all creatives that are in the New Jersey and New York area.

The goal of Women’s Speak Up is to find the right people to connect to whether that is professionally or personally. Also to encourage women to be positive while they search for their purpose or make spiritual connections with others.

Women Speak Up has been able to provide many internships for the past two years, especially this year to give back to college students to be a part of this organization.

Yanel Rivera, creative director, helps orchestrate this event for resource exposure and campaigns that are provided for any one who needs to get connected to the right companies and programs.

Rivera has worked in the communication

“We are grateful that for the past 5 or 6 years we have been expanding, but this year was different because we have provided a free admission for any college student here at Kean University,” Rivera said.

Photo by Professional Photographer

Table at the event with empowerment stickers

business for eight years and has had the pleasure in creating programs to help women to know what other resources are available around the listed states.

The thought of this organization came about when Rivera was 19-years-old, and she was diagnosed with cancer. She had a

full time scholarship to Rutgers University but because of her health she did not have the chance to attend college.

“I met someone through the ability of going to Chemotherapy and she was the only girl my age and the only person who was on the same path as I was. She inspired this event to come to life,” Rivera said.

At this event there were artists, poets, guest speakers, and over 13 small businesses that are owned by women showcasing their products and services on Oct. 9.

A donation close to $500 was made to a woman based cause. This year a donation was made to the Maige Woman’s Foundation and Research which benefits

Photo by Professional Photographer

Yanel Rivera

continued on page 16

November, 2022

THE TOWER 9

Jumpstarts Coloring Book Event for Involvement Week

By Justin McDaniel

Cineussaid a senior student said.

Amanda Alvarado, Interior Design major said, “The event was fun, it was nice to see that we are reaching out to kids that need the extra resources that we can provide. Not only are we helping them material-wise, but

essential. I personally love working with kids, I'm a camp counselor during the summer and enjoy doing things like Throughout Involvement week Kean has had great this.” events planned to find new ways to get Kean students While the event only lasted an hour, students still had not only involved but other ways for students to help out. enough time to get a good portion of the books done Over at the Technology Lounge before it came time for the event located in the Miron Student Center, to settle down. Helping those in Jumpstart for Kean hosted their need has been one of the keys of Create a Coloring book event for involvement week this year and Involvement week. Hosted by Ben Jumpstart has been doing its part Antoine, a member of the Jumpstart with events such as these. team, students were asked to help “Because I commute, I haven't create coloring books that would go been involved as much as I want out to children to use and draw in to be. But seeing all the different themselves. opportunities Kean has to offer, Students came throughout the I definitely want to make time early hour event and helped work on to participate.” Alvarado said.“I some of the coloring books. When think it's a great way to be a part having time before or after classes. of a community. This experience Most students that came out spoke honestly made me want to look into about how almost even therapeutic it joining Jumpstart.” felt to get that break from class.

With the University and Photo by Justin McDaniel Photo by Justin McDaniel “I'm mad I couldn't stay for long The Coloring book students Jumpstart coming up with new Miron Student Center Technology Lounge, where Create because I had a class coming up but were given a Coloring book was held evidence throughout the weeks It was nice to get a break from your expect Kean students to continue to regular day and to just take a moment to chill out,” Moise this promotes community, support, and growth which is be involved even past Involvement week. n

Jumpstart for Kean hosted their Create a Coloring Book event

Kanye is at it Again and This Time he is Doubling Down

By Isaiah Joseph Kanye is at it again, this time he isn't holding back.

Rapper, designer, and multi-grammy winner Kanye West known as Ye has been caught with his pants down once again, and this time he is doubling down.

Without a doubt, the public isn't surprised about Ye's behavior in the last couple of months. From going on a tangent about his recent divorce and his ex-wife dating actor Pete Davidson, to him wearing a “White Lives Matter” shirt for his YZY season 19 fashion show.

But this is where the rapper is seen truly expressing himself to the public.

Last month Ye was seen ranting on Twitter about his Gap and Adidas partnership until he decided to sprinkle a few anti-Semitic comments about the Jewish community.

He announced stereotypes regarding Jewish authority and dominance, including in the entertainment industry, media, politics, and business as well as regarding Jewish greed and the impulse that Jewish people manipulate and demoralize others for monetary gain.

Ye’s conceptions about Jews are profoundly repugnant and immortalize these harmful stereotypes.

Quintin Dilworth, a senior biology major, is a fan of Ye but lately he has been against his behavior.

“I don’t think he’s wrong with the statement, can it be

considered dismissive to the BLM movement?

Of course,” Dilworth said.

Not too long before the Twitter controversy, Ye persists to intensify anti-semitic views and conspiracy. During a discussion on Revolt TV’s “Drink Champs” series that was posted and then removed a few days after.

On the podcast, he mentioned how Back Lives Matter was nothing more than a scam and that the death of George Floyd was due to a fentanyl overdose.

“His goal is to put attention on himself. To be honest, Kanye lately during his rants and episodes has come off as narcissistic and plain arrogant,” Dilworth said. “Hopefully he can understand the position he is putting himself in, I know he is for our people and the culture but it seems like he has been against it.”

Adonys Conde, a junior psychology major, is a member of the Jewish community and thinks Ye is finally going insane.

Photo by Patrick Kovarik “I wouldn't say I am a religious Jew but more Ye’s Anti-Semitic tweet culturally, my family is Jewish, have you seen George Floyd which resulted in the family wanting to sue Hispanic Jews before? I'm just kidding,” Conde said. “But the rapper, for disrespecting and degrading his name in yeah Kanye is defiantly off the s****” death.

The Black community was outraged about not only “I feel like everyone isn't taking it seriously, people are the White Lives Matter apparel but also the comment on

Without a doubt, we aren’t surprised about Ye's behavior in the last couple of months

continued on page 12

10 THE TOWER

November, 2022

“Day of the Dead” Celebration at Kean University

By Josephine Carrillo The Student Government Association of the class of 2023, 2024, and 2025 held the Day of the Dead Celebration in the Miron Student Center on Nov. 1.

Day of the dead (Dia de los Muertos) is far from being the same as Halloween, an American holiday, where it is believed that evil spirits will come back to life to harm the living.

Halloween is celebrated worldwide with people wearing costumes to scare ghosts away, decorating their houses with spooky ornaments, carving pumpkins, and going trick-or-treating.

Day of the Dead is a ritual to remember loved ones that are no longer on earth and are on their journey to find eternal peace.

Day of the Dead is also known as “All Saint’s Day” or “El Dia de Todos los Santos” and is celebrated all over Latin America.

“Day of the Dead is a great way to remember family members that are no longer with us,” Nicole Gomez, a junior at Kean University said. “I never got the chance to meet my maternal grandfather, but every time my family would get together to celebrate All Saints’ Day, I

would hear stories of what a good father and husband he was, and it felt like I personally knew him.”

This celebration gathers families

a cultural exposure for Kean students, to familiarize and learn more about the different cultures and traditions.”

According to History.com, the dead

Earth.

On Nov. 1, the ghosts of children reunite with their families at midnight and celebrate their traditions together.

On Nov. 2, the ghosts of adults will reunite with their families and be able to collect the offerings their loved ones brought for them to ease their journey.

Even though the celebration of the Photo by Josephine Carrillo Day of the Dead is Skulls decorated by Kean students at “Day of the being lost in certain Dead” celebration on Nov. 1st countries over time, it is still one of the biggest celebrations Photo by Josephine Carrillo “Day of the Dead” Celebration at Kean University in Mexico.

Students that attended the event were provided with a little ceramic white skull and different color paintings, so they could decorate their skulls however they like.

Photo by Josephine Carrillo Photo by Josephine Carrillo As you looked Alexander Salazar, Senator of Class of 2023 and Day of the dead (Dia de los Muertos) skull around the room, you Angie Ramirez, Senator of Class of 2025 could see students laughing, sharing together to celebrate and keep the have to go through nine challenging their stories about their loved ones that memories alive of loved ones that sadly phases before getting to the gates of their passed away, and enjoying the time departed from their side. The stories forever home to finally rest. together while decorating their skulls. told about them will forever live through Their families reunite and put together Events like the Day of the Dead generations, keeping the memory of altars with their pictures, food, and celebration are important to the Kean them alive. whatever tools they might need in order University community. They bring “I’m Peruvian, I grew up in a Hispanic to motivate their souls to keep going until together different cultures and unites household,” Alexander Salazar, Senator they reach their destination. them, spreads awareness, and emphasizes of the Class of 2023 said. “Back at my It starts on Oct. 31, when it is believed the importance of learning about old school, we used to celebrate the that the gates of Heaven open their doors different cultures and traditions around Day of the Dead. I believe this event is and let the ghosts of the dead return to the world. n

“I never got the chance to meet my maternal grandfather, but every time my family would get together to celebrate All Saints Day, I would hear stories of what a good father and husband he was, and it felt like I personally knew him”

Celebrating National Gratitude Month at Kean

continued from page 2

been found to decrease materialism and bolster generosity among adolescents.

The benefits of gratitude are endless and can positively impact physical, mental, and emotional health.

Kaisey Stoddart, a senior at Kean with a major in biology, plans to spread gratitude this month, ‘through words with loved ones, giving random just-because gifts, and paying it forward.”

Paying it forward is one way to cause a domino effect of kindness throughout a community. If someone does something kind to help you, take that energy and put it towards someone else that may need it. That person may feel inspired and continue on with their day by helping others as well.

Paying it forward can also apply to paying for the person behind you in

drive-through lines. It is a simple gesture that can make a stranger’s day, and they might even continue the chain.

Gratitude is as simple as recognizing the little things that made the day brighter. Taking the time to spread kindness will make all the difference. n

Photo by Kean Ocean Wellness Network

Self-care & Mindfulness events being held at Kean Ocean throughout November and December

November, 2022

The JETS: Experience Is Back On Campus

THE TOWER 11

continued from cover

learning environment because it is taught by three professors. The involvement of four disciplines let students experience a dynamic learning setting, in what was an entirely different and new course experience when it was offered last Spring semester.

“The Jets: Experience course was the first experiential-based course of its kind to be offered at Kean University,” Singh said. “Where students worked with a real-life client, The New York Jets, in an interdisciplinary environment.”

According to Schwab, the teamwork that the three overseeing professors had throughout the semester was a key point in the success of the course and the students who took it.

“The synergy between the 3 professors was incredible and it allowed us to guide the students to complete success,” Schwab said. “We offered the energy and the encouragement that the students needed to get to the finish line.”

Each semester the problem that the students face is different. Last spring semester students were given the task to expand the youth market fanbase. Some

Photo by Kean University Foundation Website

Students presenting their project in front of the Jets representatives

of the ideas that students had in order to satisfy the need for youth exposure were a digital mascot and a video game studio at the MetLife stadium.

The task for the upcoming Spring 23 course will be to expand the team’s exposure in the UK. In order to work

on this task students will have to acknowledge which regions they should promote the marketing platform, and what potential sponsors to attract.

For Saint Mikel White, a senior majoring in Supply Chain and Information Management here at Kean,

the course was an experience that helped them with their career goals and gave them an opportunity to understand what are some of the problem-solving skills real-world corporations require. It was also a fun and spontaneous experience with room for creativity.

“The class helped to bring clarity,” Mikel White said. “It was a glimpse into the inner workings of a company that is often not exposed to the public,” White said.

So why should students, especially those who want to go into sports, apply for the course? According to Schwab, this course offers the experience and opportunity to present in front of a professional team.

“Kean University has provided such a wonderful opportunity for these students,” Schwab said. “It's unreal!”

The now-changed deadline to apply for the course is Nov. 8 in order to let more students register. Prior to that, it was Nov.1. Students who have applied and been chosen will be then interviewed in order to be completely accepted for the course. n

The Ukraine War Through the Lens of a Kean University Professor continued from page 4

The stories of moms and their children at shelter centers, nurses and volunteers in hospitals, children in recovery camps, soldiers saying goodbye to their families, and funerals, so many of them, she explained.

Photo by Jacqueline Silberbush “When I first went to the Retrieved from @j_silber cemetery, I was really overcome with emotion just because of how fresh everything was,” she recalls.

“There were just more graves and more graves, and I had never seen anything like that before, where you see five people dying every day and mounts of dirt just waiting for people to be buried.”

Though her visual essay was taking shape and she knew it was her responsibility as a photographer to make those images public, she couldn’t help herself from battling emotional burden and moral conflict. The closeness with the subjects and their stories made her question the rightness of her doing.

“It was weird at times to have a camera out and photograph people whose lives have

been destroyed,” she said. “Having to photograph them like that can be uncomfortable but also just really very sad.”

As an individual, the professor also dealt with fear, she had to worry for her safety, as well. She explained that when she first arrived, she Photo by Lenny Mata downloaded an Humans Right Gallery app that would alert her if something was happening. However, after the app failed to work effectively, she turned off the notifications until she could find someone to help her translate the warnings correctly.

One day while traveling by train from Kyiv to another city, the same app started ringing in other passengers’ phones. She was surprised when her phone started making noise as well, thinking she was sure her app was off.

“That was really unnerving because I had turned off the alerts, I had turned off my alarms,” She said. “I realized that this was a much more serious alert. Based on tracking of my phone, they could figure out that I was in the region or there was some serious

12 THE TOWER

November, 2022

Staff and Students De-stress at Kean Ocean Community Yoga continued from page 7

Schlosser said.

Some students attend class as a leisure activity rather than a stress reliever.

Tonya Coccio, a public administration major, says that these yoga sessions are a way to get credit for another class without any pressure.

“I use this class as an opportunity to get participation points for my Transfer Transitions class,” Coccio said. “I feel relaxed whenever I leave each session.”

Dr. Jessica Adams, the Dean of Kean Ocean, actively participates and finds time to attend sessions whenever she can. She is proud of how far Schlosser has come as a yoga instructor.

“I come here to support Taryn on her journey as a yoga instructor,” Adams said.

Photo by Logan Germano

Tree pose

“I love how she is building a culture of health and wellness at the Kean Ocean campus.”

At the main campus in Union, the yoga sessions are no different. Tara Bogota has been a yoga instructor since 2013 and received her yoga certificate

Photo by @keanyoga Instagram

Kean Ocean Community Yoga information

at the Institute of Progressive Therapies in San Diego, CA. Her favorite parts of instructing the classes are teaching

mindfulness and watching students put their bodies at ease. She recommends for students of any major to consider taking Yoga 1, a one-credit free elective course to anyone who is interested in practicing yoga.

“I think this course will benefit students because it is designed for self care and helping students de-stress,” Bogota said.

Community yoga is a service that Kean University provides for students to live a healthier lifestyle. The challenges that come from a work overload, the ongoing stress that is happening in the personal lives of students, and an opportunity to get involved are all what make the Kean community choose this activity. n

I Chose Kean, and I’m Glad I Did! continued from page 3

that I was making the right choice by applying to this illustrious university and I have succeeded beyond my own expectations.

Fall 2019, was the beginning of a new chapter in my life and I made a promise to myself that I would stay strong, focused and succeed. Kean has provided me with exceptional learning opportunities and a quality education.

I have always been goal-oriented and Kean has helped me to accomplish goals that I thought were hard to fulfill.

I have gained leadership skills that I will carry with me

Photo by Davaughnia Wilson

Admissions Letter

throughout my professional career and I have developed my journalistic writing.

I was inducted into multiple honor societies including Lambda Pi Eta, and I have been awarded internships in social media marketing, in public relations at a PR firm and in journalism at a major newspaper publication.

My time at Kean is coming to an end as I will be graduating in Spring 2023. One Instagram post changed my life for the better and the endless opportunities that followed my acceptance to Kean has allowed me to grow into an amazing leader and student. n

Kean Celebrates National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Kanye is at it Again and This Time he is Doubling Down

continued from page 7

continued from page 9

personal information.

The information given at this event informs individuals about the steps they can take to recognize these dangerous messages and the ways they can combat these attempts to violate them.

Kean was designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency earlier this year. The university was given this honor due to its academic programs and practices to address the shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals in the workforce, a rising national crisis.

Back when the acknowledgment was announced, Stan Mierzwa, Managing Assistant Director and Lecturer at the

Center for Cybersecurity, voiced his excitement about what it means for Kean.

“Kean University is contributing toward successfully training and educating the future workforce for positions in the highdemand cybersecurity field,” Mierzwa said. “This validation will help the university further its efforts to develop and expand its cybersecurity programs, aiming to provide greater opportunities for our students and graduates in this growing field.”

Between their designation by the National Security Agency and this webinar, Kean has shown that they are committed to cybersecurity awareness and want people to feel confident in their safety on and off campus. n

saying it's wrong and they're against it but it's almost like they say it because as a social construct we've decided it's wrong to say such things,” Conde said. “What he said about George Floyd was highly disrespectful but it seems like this is an act and he just wants to stay within the public eye as much as possible” As a result of all the controversy, Ye lost his partnerships with Adidas and Gap which made his net worth plummet from 1 billion to 400 million. According to Forbes, Ye is no longer a billionaire..

n

Photo by Twitter/Candance Owens

Ye and Candance Owens wearing “white lives matter” Tees

November, 2022

THE TOWER 13

Kean students prepare for Thanksgiving Post-Pandemic

continued from page 2

In the last two years, the pandemic put a hold on travel and family gatherings due to travel restrictions and COVID-19 guidelines.

According to the CDC, all travelers are recommended to be fully vaccinated before traveling domestic and internationally.

Students must Cougar Walk take health precautions during the holiday season to avoid the transmission of infectious viruses and diseases.

Photo by Adaora Nnakwe

Photo by Adaora Nnakwe

Kean Campus

However, students will be looking forward to the Thanksgiving break to enjoy making memories with

family and friends. Pierrevil says that he’s prepared to celebrate the break and didn’t have extended family members that missed out last year.

The important thing to remember about Thanksgiving is to be grateful and thankful for what we have and the people in our lives that matter the

most.

“I am thankful for my family and friends who support me and are there for me,” Pierrevil said. n

Costa Rica Spring Internship Travelearn continued from page 5

when it comes to traveling who wishes to push as many students as possible to take opportunities like these and makes sure these opportunities are always available.

“Students who study abroad are shown to grow in both hard and soft skills, such as learning intercultural communication, adaptability, and gaining new

perspectives.” Bursa said.

Spending time away and experiencing new things in different countries can help broaden the knowledge that students can learn as they attend college. It is also a way for students to be exposed to different cultures and the environment of things other than the ones they are

normally in.

“Some students express that their time abroad was their favorite portion of their studies. When students study abroad, the world becomes their classroom,” Bursa said.

n

Human Rights Institute: Aftermath continued from page 8

“I work directly with the director of the galleries here at Kean. We try to focus on topic, medium, and timing of exhibits,” Zimmerman said, “This exhibition is showing moments when people realized the devastation and damage of the war.”

In a photo shown in the gallery, a woman is looking at a photo of a victim killed by the Guatemalan Army. The people of Guatemala honor people who were lost at a former military base in Comalapa.

“It was a photo of a businessman holding the bazooka which to me represents more of how the rich can be enticed by war or destruction while it is the poor that really pay for it,” Defreitas said. n

Photo by Victoria Cifelli

These were riots occurring in Iran, featured in the gallery.

Photo by Victoria Cifelli

This is a photo in the gallery that features many women trying to get an education in Afghanistan.

Photo by Victoria Cifelli

This photo in the gallery shows a woman looking at a family member who passed away in the war.

14 THE TOWER

November, 2022

The Importance of Social Media continued from cover

Ocean campus, explained that she teaches the class by bringing in local business owners who do not have a social media presence.

“I teach the students how to organically put together a social media campaign,” Gili said. “We do different inventories of big companies and look at what they have and what they do, and because of that, my students can find jobs.”

Gili also mentioned how she and the class work with Hootsuite, a social media management platform, and their education team. She explained how every student that takes the social media course can get a Hootsuite certificate and it can be used on things such as a resume.

Gili also adds that she and the students create their social media campaigns and pitches, they run campaigns, make up fake campaigns and create those, and see where they do well and what they need to work on.

As for social media becoming a career, Gili stated that everyone nowadays wants to be an influencer and that no matter what field you are in, everyone wants to be a Kardashian. She explains that there’s good and bad with it, and expressed how on the good side, they’re good at making a lot of money, but the bad is that you don’t want to put your eggs in one basket.

Despite this, Gili says that social media platforms can help you, depending on the algorithm, become famous. She goes on to explain that we can have something go viral unintentionally and cites TikTok as an example of this.

Gili compares TikTok to making the average person go viral for being authentically themselves to much bigger apps such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where you would have to be someone of importance.

For example, Gili said that you would need to have a verification check and the algorithm to work in your favor to be seen.

“Social media has caused us to put an imaginary value behind things,” Gili stated. “Because someone who is verified is more important than us, so what they think matters, they belong to the top of the chain, not us.”

Despite this, Gili loves the idea that anyone can become viral as long as the content is there, but you can have something great but not have enough people see it, hence why things are pushed out more than others.

In terms of how serious social media is

becoming now that it is being offered as a

more on social media.

minor and a course at Kean, Gili says that

“It’s a real thing, it’s in our faces, and

Kean and other universities are focusing

it’s not going away,” Gili stated. “The best

Photo by Kean University

CAS Building

Photo by Kean’s Content Creation Network’s Instagram Page

Kean’s Content Creation Network’s Promotional Flyer

thing that you can do is learn as much as you can about it, in the time that you have.

The school 100% understands this, and the school has people that work on their social media.”

With the flaws that social media has, like cyberbullying, Gili explains that it is important to take into consideration that anyone can be on social media platforms.

She believes that the type of content that we are watching is the question.

“As soon as we watch one, they start putting it on your algorithm more often,” Gili stated. “But because these big companies are owned by the same people, and because your cellphone is listening to everything you’re saying, and your internet history is linked to all these marketers that want to market your products, it’s hard.

I would like for there to be more control over the content that our kids are seeing.”

Gili also adds that there are options within these social media platforms where you can report someone, whether anonymously or not, and that the community guidelines that these social media platforms are setting are not policing users.

Meanwhile, Anthony Nicoletti, a professor who also teaches the social media course at Kean’s Union campus, takes a much different approach when teaching the class. Nicoletti stated that it’s not about teaching, it’s about learning from each other.

“Social media for me is new and changing every day, and there are things that arise and come up, and we can discuss them and see if there are solutions or if there are problems,” Nicoletti began. “It’s not a traditional class at all because it’s not like accounting or bio.”

He then further explains how the class discusses the companies that are involved, as well as the brands and the issues at hand, and that there is always something new every day. Nicoletti also adds that he wants to learn from his students and vice versa.

In terms of what he wants students to leave with after taking the social media course, Nicoletti hopes that students are prepared and that they’ve done projects or assignments equivalent to things that they would do if they become social media practitioners.

He also cautions students that while social media is fun to mess around with, everything they post is permanent, and continued on page 15

November, 2022

The Importance of Social Media continued from page 14

even if you delete it people could have screenshotted it and will always remember your posts.

Nicoletti even starts off his class with the question of whether or not social media is bad to hear what they think, because there is no answer. While Nicoletti highlighted some of the good with social media, there are also some of the bad with social media, and he cites cyberbullying being one of them.

“There is a beauty and a tragedy of this existence that we have with social media,” Nicoletti said.

Nicoletti agrees with how serious social media has become now that Kean offers it as a minor and course, and explains how there are so many jobs and opportunities, and ways to connect. He also wants his students to get jobs and realize that if they’re good at tweeting and understanding a brand and what they want, that’s not only a job but a career.

If a student wanted to use and apply social media in their career path, Nicoletti suggested that if students can put forward the identity that they want to and interact and engage the way they want to in the communities that they want to, that’s how you connect with people.

He further goes on to say that if you have the right skill set for it, no matter what your major is, you can get involved and make a job out of it.

On the topic of social media being a career path, Nicoletti stated that although there are too many influencers nowadays, social media is still a career path and an opportunity. He notes that his students mention the Wendy’s Twitter page as an example and how fun their tweets are, but he also adds that it’s a person behind those tweets and that if it’s something that you want to do, then go chase it.

While influencing and content creation may not be the ideal career for most people, the members of Kean University’s Content Creation Network (CCN) freely express themselves to grow their businesses and brand, and social media plays a big role in the organization.

The organization’s president, Oluwasegun “Segun” Ologundudu, believes that social media is the direction that the world is heading towards, citing businesses and independent entrepreneurs and creators using social media as their main platform.

He also tells a story about how he had a conversation with his advisor about social

media.

“I remember I was talking with my advisor and he was like, ‘With me and my old age, I still stick to newspapers and magazines,” Ologundudu said. “But he’s talking about how now, with the young kids and young adults, social media is at the direction where news and businesses are being conducted.”

As someone who runs the CCN, Ologundudu knows that being an

Photo by Kean University

School of Communication, Media, and Journalism logo

influencer is one of the most popular careers that people want to tend to, but it’s also one of the most difficult ones due to oversaturation, which is one of the reasons why he started the Content Creation Network.

“The reason why I started the club is because of people that want to get into social media,” Ologundudu said.

“It’s difficult to navigate it by yourself, and when you’re doing it alone, it’s very difficult to spread your brand, spread your message, whether it's music, whether it’s your business, whether it’s a clothing line, it’s hard to do it by yourself.”

He also adds that the purpose of the club is for Kean students to get together and make content so that they won’t get burnt out and have like-minded people join together.

Ologundudu incorporates social media into the CCN by promoting the members' content on the Instagram page, @kean_ ccn. For example, if someone were to make a TikTok video, Ologundudu would ask that person if he could post it on the CCN Instagram page and if they say yes, he would then post it on the page.

He also provides another example, this time an individual trying to promote their business.

“If someone has a business that they’re trying to promote, I’ll see the content that

they make or the video that they made. I remember one of my friends, his name is Stephan, he makes rugs, and then a new member, he makes custom hats, so whenever they make content, I repost it on the page so that everyone can be represented,” Ologundudu explained.

As for his own experiences growing up with social media, Ologundudu says that he has learned a lot through social media.

He explains how when he was ten, he would watch WoodysGamerTag, a content creator on YouTube that plays Call of Duty and gives life advice. Ologundudu would take his life advice and apply it to his life.

Ologundudu also used YouTube Academy, where he learned how to produce music and record. He watched YouTube videos on how to edit, as well as videos for entertainment value. He then pointed out how the trends always change, and how people who were popular back then fall off and a new generation comes in.

Ologundudu cites KingBach, a content creator who got his career start on Vine, a video-creating app that was founded by Twitter, as an example, and explained how there’s a new generation that’s taking his place.

For the Content Creation Network, Ologundudu’s goal is that once the members graduate, they will still be able to post and build their businesses. He always tells the small business owners in the club that if they continue to work, this could be their main career once they graduate. The same goes for the content creators in the club as well.

Ologundudu also adds that if members still focus on school, they can focus on school, and if they want to continue their passions, they can continue their passions if they want to.

Outside of the Content Creation Network and Kean, Ologundudu makes music content in his spare time.

Although he hasn’t been making much content lately, Ologundudu plans to start vlogging again, something that he used to do back in high school.

“One of my ideas is to just go into different restaurants and review the food, go to a food festival and review the foods, I think that’ll be fun,” Ologundudu said.

“Currently I plan on getting back into music again and spreading that content.” n

THE TOWER 15

The Ukraine War Through the Lens of a Kean University Professor continued from page 4

matter that was beyond some application you have in your phone.”

It was unsettling whenever the sirens went off to alert the citizens they should seek shelter to protect themselves, but on the train, there was nowhere to go and nothing else to do but to wait, Silberbush explained.

“You tense up when the alarm goes off because you don’t know what will happen.

You don’t know where it’s going to hit,” she said.

Fortunately, nothing ever happened.

At least not near her. Until this day, she couldn’t tell for sure what made the sirens turn on that day on the train.

In the same way, Silberbush photographed moments of fear; she had the chance to photograph moments of joy. Shooting in recovery camps for children, at weddings, ballet, and even a salsa dance class.

The images collected during those brief moments of happiness project another face of Ukraine’s ways of life. It also helped her to understand how they confront the situation as a united country.

“The unity of the country is something we don’t have here right now,” she said. “[Overthere], everyone is on the same side right now. Watching that happen and people bent together was just a unique experience.”

Her pictures resulted in a photographic essay titled “Through the Lens,” recently presented at the Human Rights Institute as part of the Galleries at Kean series. She talked about her expectations towards the project and what she would like people to consider it.

“I want people to connect with the photos in a way that isn't just out of pity but more as a community,”Silberbush said. “This could happen anywhere, and it could happen to any of us. We are far removed from it, but I want people to feel common humanity.” n

16 THE TOWER

November, 2022

Women’s Speak Up Event

New Closing Time for Campus Eateries Leave Students Upset

continued from page 8

continued from page 4

the changes in a “We are grateful woman’s body. that for the past 5 It is important or 6 years we have for women to been expanding, know what but this year was happens to their different because bodies and what we have provided health risks could a free admission be living amongst for any college them so that they Photo by Professional Photographer could receive the Live DJ student here at right treatments Kean University,” to continue to be Rivera said. healthy.

This is now a global The mission statement of organization which is open Women’s Speak Up is that to anyone. Every year there they want to give women has been a growing audience, and men the space to feel especially through LinkedIn creative, feel at ease, but also learn new things when which provides resources of moving forward in life. jobs and careers everyday.

Many times the “As a Kean University internships that are Alumni, I am always provided by the Women’s grateful for the connections Speak Up and partner that I’ve made from school, Photo by Professional Photographer organizations are created so that people could get the Yanel Rivera looking at photos which is another reason why I am where I am today,” experience on what it is like to run these companies on the backend.

Rivera said. n

Kean Community remembers Hurricane Sandy on it’s 10th anniversary continued from page 6

I know some people who weren't as lucky as my family and me at the time."

The effects of Hurricane Sandy are a tragedy, from homes being destroyed to lives lost. Nothing can ever fix the pain and suffering caused by the storm. Ten years later, people reflect on the past while looking forward to the future. n

Photo by Eric Haftel

Trees ripped from the ground

Kean Student Captures Airplane Emergency Landing at Newark International Airport continued from page 3

Despite following many aircraft accidents online in the past, this was the first that Mbacke had seen unfold live.

"Never I would've imagined that I would witness one in real life... I was pretty shocked." he told ABC News 7 Eyewitness News.

Following the incident which took place on Sept. 22, The Federal Aviation Administration has begun an investigation and released the following statement,

"United Airlines Flight 149, a Boeing 777-200, landed safely at Newark Liberty International Airport shortly before 1 a.m. local time today after the crew reported an emergency. The flight departed Newark and was headed to Sao Paulo, Brazil before it returned. The FAA will investigate."

The FAA has yet to provide an update on the situation or what could have caused the malfunction to occur. n

looking for other alternatives. dining hall because the quality of the food “I think it is completely unacceptable is not the same when compared to the upthat the eateries on campus are closing brand eateries on campus. a bit early because now you’re expecting Ayana Gilbert, a junior majoring in students to buy food when a lot of criminal justice at Kean is very upset that students aren’t working … as a Kean her options are now very limited and student, where am I supposed to spend voiced her distaste for meals prepared by money that I do not have,” Bradley said.

Gourmet Dining..

The hours in the resident dining halls “I have to eat earlier than what I usually were extended at the beginning of the eat because they close way too early and semester to allow students who finish you're only limited to just eating the nasty classes late, or for athletes who finish diner food in the cafe,” Gilbert said . practice late T o m to have a meal.

Mcclane, This forces a Junior a handful of transfer students to majoring in either eat off graph design, campus or shared his pay a little o p i n i o n extra money and feels as to eat in the though the dining hall early closing Photo by Keyon Gardner where they of the campus Jersey Mikes at Kean University are spending eateries anywhere wouldn’t make from $12 to that much of $15. a difference A f t e r than it closing speaking with a at a later time. couple of Kean “For the students, it was food services made clear that they have the students a r o u n d of Kean are campus, I feel outraged and like closing Photo by Keyon Gardner upset that Smashburger at Kean University around 4 or 5 the campus is a reasonable eateries are time given closing early. that these Some students aren’t the were not even main catering aware and ser vices were shocked on campus about the early even though closing times. they are Vanessa, a e ve r y b o d y ' s senior majoring favorite Photo by Keyon Gardner in global Auntie Annes at Kean University places to go business, is to because worried that of the better her long days on Kean will be a struggle quality of food,” Mcclane said. “I feel since the eateries are closing early. like it shouldn't have that much effect “I have long days here, and with the on students unless they have a mid-day early closing of restaurants on campus, class.” it will affect my eating schedule because The early closing of the campus eateries anywhere else would be too much of a has impacted half of the Kean students distance,” said and while some feel as though there is no Kean students have argued that they major difference made, this will only force do not like eating food in the cafeteria or more students to not eat campus food. n

SPORTS

November, 2022

THE TOWER 17

Kean Swimmers Win NJAC Awards as Winning Streak Continues

By Hector Morales For the first time since February 4, 1986, the Kean Women’s Swimming Team defeated the defending New Jersey Athletics Conference Champion and preseason favorite Rowan University Profs with a final score of 148-114.

“I’m really happy that we have gone so far and looking forward to seeing what comes next,” fifth year head coach Chris Swenson said.

Sophomore swimmer Teagan Powell touched first in both the 100 yard and 200yard breaststroke events. Her time of 1:07.57 in the 100 yard is the fastest in the NJAC and second-fastest in the Met Conference so far this season.

Her time of 2:30.65 in the 200 is also the fastest in the NJAC and third in the Met. This strong performance earned Powell her first NJAC Player of the Week award of the season and her second overall for her career.

“It’s really awesome, but I couldn’t have done it without my team and the support from all of them,” Powell said.

Kean is one the youngest swimming teams in the NJAC this season. Including the NJAC Rookie of the Week three recipient, Abby Burns is a freshman majoring in interior design. Burns is the second Cougar to earn

“Obviously I was very proud. We have swimmers who earned NJAC honors, and they deserved it the way they swam against Rowan,”

Photo by Kean Athletics

Teagan Powell & Abby Burns Winning NJAC Awards

NJAC Rookie of the Week, after freshman swimmer Ashley Konz who won the award in week 1.

“It’s really exciting,” Burns said. “I wasn’t expecting it so it was a shock, but I’m happy about it.”

Burns touched first in both the 100-yard butterfly (59.58) and 200 yard freestyle (1:59.96), both of which ranked as the fastest times in the NJAC this season and second-fastest in the Met Conference.

Swenson was pleased with Powell and Burns earning their awards and he is looking

Photo by Kean Athletics

Chris Swenson

forward to the talent they will have to offer.

“Obviously I was very proud,” Swenson said. “We have swimmers who earned NJAC honors, and they deserved it the way they swam against Rowan.”

Even though Kean is one of the youngest continued on page 20

Kean Men's Basketball Team Prepare for New Season

By Wayne Dawes Assistant Coach Jerry Henderson has been a part of the coaching staff for the men’s basketball team for three seasons.

To prepare for a new season, Henderson and the other coaches start during the off season as recruiting plays a big part in bringing players in and fixing any weaknesses the team suffered from the

Photo by keanathletics.com

West tabbed All-NJAC second team selection

previous season.

“We address our weaknesses and find a solution of how to make it a strength,“ Henderson said.” Talent wins with good coaching.”

With the men’s team making the NJAC tournament last year during the 2021-2022 season, the expectations for the 2022-2023 season have gone higher.

“Our goal was by the 2022-2023 season we capture Photo by keanathletics.com the NJAC title and Second Year Head Coach David Turco has begun the turnaround of the Kean University men's basketball program as the Cougars notched double digit wins play in nationals,” (14-10) for the first time since 2013-14 and qualified for the NJAC Tournament Henderson said. with a full season schedule since the 2013-14 season.

Not only does the

team have expectations to win the NJAC title and play in nationals, returning players such as Letrell West, a forward who was 2nd team all-conference and guard Jalen Jamison give the Cougars confidence in having another great season.

Joining them will be Griffin Baker, center from Seattle Washington, Tyheem Burno, a point guard coming in from Union County College, Corey Thelisme, a small forward is a transfer student from Bloomfield College and DJ Alicia, a 6’2 guard from Georgian Court University.

The basketball team has improved over the past few years, doubled their wins, and made the NJAC tournament last season and to capitalize on that accomplishment the coaches went out and got players who continued on page 20

18 THE TOWER

November, 2022

The Great leadership of Coach Lafronz and the Great Team Chemistry Among the Field Hockey Team

By Wayne Dawes

for the team to the younger players. A critical step to accomplish team chemistry and success.

“Without this, it would be very difficult to sustain any type of success, ”Lafronz said.

Team chemistry established by the women’s field hockey team has been effective as the team won 14 games and

Not only is Mann on pace to break school records but going overseas with Lafronz to work on her game shows how dedicated and committed she is to the sport.

Ja’Carra Jackson, a senior who is majoring in Biomedical Engineering and a forward for the women’s field hockey team, said being a member of the team

important aspects of why I love Kean so much! There are many reasons why this Leslie Lafronz, head coach for the program is one of the best in Division III women’s field hockey team, has been field hockey,” Mann said. “From freshman passionate about her experiences with year to right now, I have met and gotten her players for the past 14 years, watching to play with teammates who I would not them work hard, portray team spirit and trade for the world.” evolve on and off the field.

Mann recently reached 100 career Lafronz expressed that it is much points this season on senior day and her d e e p e r response than just s h o w s coaching that she field hockey, is focused it is about on getting building the win for lifelong the team bonds with instead of the players personal and staff. accolades “I really but at the e n j o y end of the watching day is proud the team of reaching work hard that goal.

Photo by keanathletics.com Photo by keanathletics.com Photo by keanathletics.com and seeing “It took ECAC Announces 2022 DIII Field Hockey Mann Tallies 100th Career Point as #11 Field Hockey Dispatches Stockton on Two Collect Major Awards as Field Hockey Earns them excel Championship Field my dad Senior Day Five All-NJAC Selections on and off and Coach the field,” Lafronz said. “It is amazing only lost four. They are nationally ranked has been challenging balancing both field Lafronz after the game to make me realize to see our student-athletes mature and made the NJAC tournament before hockey and academics, but it has also that I hit 100 points. It definitely was a and develop as players, teammates and falling to The College of New Jersey on been a great experience. great moment to reach that 100th point,” November 2, 4-3.

Going into the NJAC tournament Mann said. “If you asked me my freshman human beings.”

When it comes to leadership and the women’s field hockey team had a year if I thought I would be reaching 100 The women’s field hockey team is leaving a legacy, Peyton Mann is a senior successful season and for Jackson team points during my college career, I would exceptionally talented and maintaining their national rank this year, it proves majoring in Elementary Education K-6 dynamics and improvements will help the probably say I don't know if I could do it. that coach Lafronz’ impact on the players with a TSD (Teacher of Students with team get far during the season and the But, what's most important is that the and the hard work they put in is being Disabilities), Lafronz is exceptionally tournament. team contributed to each of those 100 proud of the player and person Mann “Being able to reflect and improve as we points.” noticed and awarded.

“We have some very talented individuals has become. Mann has been a four-year move forward in the season. Also creating When a decision had to be made of with some exceptional individual stick starter known as a quiet leader and a a better team dynamic that allows us to where Mann was going to go to school lean on each other and have fun,” Jackson and play field hockey, her cousin Chelsea skills and some excellent goalkeeping,” great teammate on and off the field.

“Peyton received the NJAC Offensive said. who also played field hockey at Kean had Lafronz said. “This year, I believe that our Lafronz has her players improve on a strong relationship with coach Lafronz team is very balanced and that is why I Player of the Year in our conference which is an impressive accolade as the NJAC is weaknesses and try different things that and Mann really liked coach Lafronz ever think that we have excelled.”

Leading and training new players is a one of the strongest conferences in the can make the team successful for future since they met for the first time in 2014.

“Coach Lafronz has taught me so much games. task awarded to veteran players in most country, ”Lafronz said.

Winning NJAC offensive player of the Jackson said they work on areas that over the past couple of years of knowing sports. The most experienced players, usually seniors or fifth year players are year is considered a great achievement needed improvement in previous games her. I met her when my cousin, Chelsea, typically the ones who guide freshmen but over the last two seasons Mann has and experiment different techniques that played here back in 2014. I always loved and new players teaching them the ins stepped up as a player, scoring many goals may be useful and successful in future coming to watch my cousin play here, and I really liked Coach when I met her and outs of the sport and how they should to help the cougars win important games. games.

“Peyton traveled overseas with me Mann has made her mark throughout for the first time,” Mann said. “I got to conduct themselves.

Lafronz agrees stating that it is crucial the past two years on international field the past four years and has been a huge play in the spring tournament, here, at for veterans to set the tone for the team hockey tours which really elevated her contributor to the field hockey team's Kean with some players who were going to be coming here, as well as came to the by displaying exceptional leadership game, '' Lafronz said. She currently has success. “ My time with the field hockey team summer camp that upcoming summer.” qualities. Veteran players set a positive 23 goals and 8 assists which puts her on Coach Lafronz teaches her players example and communicate expectations track for the Kean goal scoring record.” has been the best and one of the most

“I really enjoy watching the team work hard and seeing them excel on and off the field.

It is amazing to see our student-athletes mature and develop as players, teammates, and human beings”

continued on page 20

November, 2022

THE TOWER 19

Kean Women’s Basketball 2022-23 Season Preview

By Kervin Coleman

think that’s very important to win in the NJAC,” Natalie Mileski, senior guard and

percentage.

Brittany Graff who’s Olivero’s backcourt The Kean Cougars mate, played and started Women’s Basketball in 25 games and averaged team season is 12.1 points, 3.5 assists and approaching, and 3.0 rebounds per game. they’re set to tipShe had a 33.8% field off Nov.9, 7 p.m. vs goal percentage, a 23.6% Stevens Institute of three-point percentage Technology. It will and a 54.5% free-throw be their first nonpercentage.

She looks to NJAC test of the repeat and elevate after year as well as their home opener; first making the all-NJAC of three straight second team last season. games at home.

Fifth year senior and Photo by Kervin Coleman The Cougars Scrimmage vs Eastern, 11/4/2022 Biology Health Profession will begin their major Kayla Anderson season with Head played and started in 25 Coach Mandy games and averaged 7.0 King entering her points, 6.9 rebounds and eleventh season of 1.9 assists per game. She that honor. King posted a 41.1% field goal leads the charge with percentage and a 79.0% a bolstering 126-117 free-throw percentage. record and coming Shannon McCoy made off of four straight All-MET First Team, NJAC tournament Photo by Kervin Coleman WBCA All-American appearances.

Morgan Dietz, Marlee Sumsion, Natalie Mileski pictured King led the Honorable Mention, together at Kean Women’s Basketball Media Day Cougars to a All-ECAC First Team, dynamite season in and finishing on the offensive end, D3Hoops All-Region IV First Team, 2021–2022. Kean that was our downfall,” Sumsion Jostens Trophy Finalist, NJAC Player of had a 17-8 record said.. “We’ve been getting in 1,000 the Year, All-NJAC First Team, CoSIDA and a 16-2 record makes outside of practice a week, All-District, NJAC Player of the Week in NJAC, in route to each because it’s crucial to our (12/6). claiming the NJAC development.”

McCoy completed and started in all 25 Regular Season An outstanding goal for Sumsion contests and averaged 16.6 points, 7.4 Photo by Kervin Coleman Championship and is to maintain a healthy student rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. She the top seed in the Kean Women’s Basketball NJAC Championship Banner athlete balance and have a high managed a 31.9% field goal percentage, NJAC Tournament. team GPA and to get recognized as a 24.6% three-point percentage and an Fifth year senior and Art Education forward said. “When the lights shined on regionally ranked for it. major Shannon McCoy was selected as all of us, we got scared and stopped in the The Kean University women's basketball 85.4% free-throw percentage.

As of current standing going into her NJAC Player of the Year, and King received moment.” team was named to the Division III her first Coach of the Year nomination.

The Cougars are going to go as far as special mention portion of the Women's final season, she stands as the Cougars Along with winning player of the year, their veterans will take them. This team Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) 3rd all-time leading scorer with 1,449 McCoy was also chosen to the All-NJAC has four new freshmen and eight seniors, Academic Top 25 team honor rolls. points scored and trailing Melissa Beyruti first team for the fourth consecutive year, as well as 14 players returning overall.

The Cougars ended the 2021-22 school with 1,974 points who played from 2005and Sophomore and Accounting major One of the four freshmen is Jordyn year with an average 3.418 GPA. 10 and Marajiah Bacon with 1,587 who Brittany Graff made the second team.

Keating, a transfer student athlete from Outside of the classroom and back played 2015-18 respectively.

Following his selection to the D3hoops Division II East Stroudsburg University. onto the court, the Cougars are filled with “Our expectations are to learn from the and ECAC All-Region teams, McCoy also To take the next step the Cougars talented players from top to bottom. The mistakes we made last year. Everybody earned a spot on the WBCA All-America must continue their strides and build off players to look out for goes as follows wants to win an NJAC championship squad. Additionally, the group received a of what they accomplished last season.

Fifth year senior and Criminal Justice special mention in the WBCA Academic They ranked 6th in the NJAC in average major Sarah Olivero who played and and it’s an attainable goal for us” Senior Top 25 publication. With all the success, points per game with 61.2 PPG and started in 24 games and averaged 8.0 Morgan Dietz stated confidently. “We’re came sorrow as the Cougars fell to The fourth defensively with 58.6 PPG allowed points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists chaotic, a controlled type of chaotic, College of New Jersey in the first round of respectively. per game. She posted a 30.0% field where everybody does their own thing, the NJAC tournament.

Marlee Sumsion, a Junior forward gave goal percentage, a 27.8% three-point and we love each other. Everybody brings “Our chemistry is really strong, and I a breakdown of her outlook on the team's percentage and a 55.1% free-throw something special to the table.” n

“Our expectations are to learn from the mistakes we made last year. Everybody wants to win an NJAC championship and it’s an attainable goal for us”

improvement.

“We’ve all been working on our shots

20 THE TOWER

November, 2022

Kean Men's Basketball Team Prepare for New Season

Kean Swimmers Win NJAC Awards as Winning Streak Continues continued from page 17

continued from page 17

they feel like can take Kean to the next time,” West said. “The team is full of great level which is the NJAC title. energy, and I believe once we completely Building a culture is extremely understand how to play with each other important if you want to have long term we will be unstoppable.” success and for the men’s teams all of the With transfer players such as Baker, coaches want to set a standard of winning Burno and Thelisme coming to the team and belief within the program. along with West and Jamison returning “All the coaches on the team come from last season, the team has the from winning programs talent and leadership and we have the same to go for in the NJAC vision”, NJAC title or tournament and win bust”, Henderson said. more ball games during During the season, it the regular season. is important that both “ All of our new players the coaches and players are great additions and are on the same page have had such a big so they can go out and impact on our team. I’m win ball games, whether very excited to see what that is going over film, we look like when all of putting up shots or them get comfortable going over the scouting with the system players report. and our play style,” West “The players are said. usually tuned into their music while For the p re p a r i n g basketball for a game.” t e a m Henderson personal said. stats are We s t , the last a senior thing on for the everyone’s basketball mind, as a team was team they asked if just want to there were go out and any new compete goals as a to their team since Photo by keanathletics.com best ability they made Jamison notches season-high as Men’s Basketball sweeps Season Series and build the NJAC with Rutgers-Camden chemistr y tournament last season. with each other on and off the court. “ The goals this year are to play together “ The energy off the court is great and as one cohesive unit,” West said.” Staying the energy on the court is even better. positive and focused on our future goals The driving force is our will to win and to win the NJAC tournament and play in that’s the only thing we care about out the national tournament.” on that floor.” the stats, the individual When it comes to personal goals, accomplishments are not important, we West is all about the team building their want to go out and win a championship chemistry so they can potentially become and that’s the energy and effort we give an unstoppable team as he believes they every day.” West said. have the weapons and firepower to take Winning a Championship is the over games and exceed expectations. expectation the players and coaches have “I’m looking forward to the heights this for this year's team. Everyone is excited team can reach as we are so strong and to get the season started and build a have so many weapons that can go off culture that has huge potential to exceed and explode for a big game at any given expectations. n

“Our goal was by the 2022-2023 season we capture the NJAC title and play in nationals”

teams in the division, their team chemistry is what Swenson believes will help them succeed moving forward..

“This is by far the closest team we have

she had made new friends with, and she is excited of what she and her team is going to accomplish for the rest of her swimming career.

Photo by Larry Levanti

Teagan Powell

had,” Swenson said. “It allows us to have better training.”

The coach added that the team has more freshmen than returnees and "they did a really good job of blending in."

Powell will push herself to her limits as she will enjoy her Kean career with the team she loves swimming for.

“It’s fantastic,” Powell said. “I don’t think I have ever been closer to a team before.”

Burns was amazed by the teammates

“I just can't wait to see what everyone does,” Burns said. “I feel like we are all working hard right now and we’re going to improve a lot in the next couple of months.”

The Cougars now have a 4-0 overall record and a 2-0 conference record as of Oct. 30. Swenson and his team will prepare themselves for week 4 as they get ready to face another conference rival, Montclair State University RedHawks on Nov. 12. n

The Great leadership of Coach Lafronz and the Great Team Chemistry Among the Field Hockey Team continued from page 18

valuable lessons on and off the field, and for Mann these are lessons she can carry for the rest of her life on and off the field.

“One of the things is how much your mindset plays a factor in everything that you do. She instilled that what you believe in yourself is what impacts your success or failure,” Mann said. “I can say that, when I came to play in college, I had more confidence in myself than before because I had that positive mindset that I can be successful.”

Mann not only loves the field hockey team but also has been intrigued by the student life at Kean university and her time as a student.

“I have really enjoyed my time at Kean as a student! I have learned a lot from

many of the classes that I have been in, and I've met some great professors, as well! There are so many opportunities to help with succeeding as a student both in and out of the classroom,” Mann said.

“Kean has provided many ways to ensure you are doing well in the classroom and make sure this is your home away from home.”

Coach Lafronz has built long lasting relationships with all of her players; she teaches them valuable lessons that will help them on and off the field.

Jackson and Mann are huge contributors to the field hockey team's success and both players have set their legacy in the sport. n