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DEC | 2018 WWW.KUTOWER.COM
TH E I N DEPEN D EN T VOI C E O F KE AN U N IV E R S IT Y
How to be prepared for an Active Attacker/Shooter
Photo by Wynter Aiken
Director Mark Farsi and Officer Kanishkit
Photo by Wynter Aiken
Presentation
“You are our eyes and ears. If you see something, say something,” said Farsi. “If you have just a slight concern with your fellow student or faculty member, say something. Report it. Even a slight feeling or worry could change everything.” By Wynter Aiken Kean University’s police director Mark Farsi and Union Police Department’s Officer Sayge Kanishkit gave a
presentation on how students and faculty should be prepared in case of an active shooter attack on Nov. 19 in the Little Theater of the Miron Student Center. Although an active shooter incident
is an extremely rare occurrence, Kean University’s security department recognizes this potential danger to the campus community and has developed a response plan jointly with Union Police Department. Farsi began the presentation by stating how active attackers can be unpredictable. One never knows what the outcome is going to be. “In most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no apparent pattern or method to how they choose their victims,” said Farsi. “Active shooter situations evolve quickly and there is no way to anticipate their course.” Typically, the immediate deployment of police is needed to stop the shooting and mitigate harm. Active shooter situations can be over within 12 to 15 minutes. Following these steps: running, not activating the fire-alarms, hiding, making a makeshift barrier if in a room, calling 911, and even attacking the attacker head on can not only save your own life but others as well. For this reason, it is important that you are prepared to take the actions necessary to protect yourself. “When there are no other options, attempt to attack the attacker. Here at Kean, we as the police have a 90 second rule. In those 90 seconds, we want to reach the situation with as little injury as
possible,” said Farsi. “Realistically, every scenario is different and historically the attacker will hesitate or stop if attacked,” Farsi continued. “Use anything in your surroundings: a backpack, chair, anything that could take the person down just in time for us to reach the situation.” One never knows what is truly going on with someone, they could be having a hard time at home or within themselves that may cause them to take their frustrations out on others. Freshman Jessica Gonzalez asked Officer Kanishkit about how to determine if a student is potentially dangerous. Officer Kanishkit explained how it is important to notice the signs of someone who may bring potential harm to themselves or others based upon their behavior/motive-bullying, stress level, home-life, and/or them being labeled an outcast---just some of the problems an active shooter/attacker faces when or before deciding to go about this deadly action. “One day this person could just be looking up firearms on the internet or having a discussion with a friend on how to buy a gun, it doesn’t mean they will take action but if it’s a continuous pattern then you should report it immediately,”said Kanishkit.
The History In The Music
By Tasha Dowbachuk
Thuli Dumakude, the internationally known, powerful voice behind Rafiki from the Broadway musical, The Lion King, presented a dynamic soul-stirring history of her native South Africa in a performance of music and dance inside
Kean University’s Little Theatre. By the beat of a drum, her lyricism in song unraveled the true history of South Africa while sharing her knowledge of the strong African people in times of fear and war. Dumakude’s memories of apartheid – a system of racial segregation which oppressed the black majority in South Africa -- live within her music and was told through her own knowledge of Winnie Mandela’s journey to fight for equality. Winnie Mandela was the wife of the South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, Nelson Mandela, who sparked the movement that ultimately broke the country’s institutionalized system of discrimination. Winnie Mandela was “a superwoman” who led the liberation movement while
keeping Nelson Mandela’s name alive during his 27-year prison sentence. “They may have been separated but they continued to fight the struggle,” Thuli Dumakude told the audience in tribute of Nelson and Winnie Mandela. The program was sponsored by The Office of Africana Studies and commemorated Nelson Mandela, who would have been 100 this year. Events commemorating the late freedom fighter have been held around the world Each song revealed the strength that Dumakude has carried with her through her journey that led her to the Broadway stage. Though known mainly for her role of Rafiki, Dumakude came to America as an exile who was always committed to the issues that related to South Africa. “You’re surrounded by these super rich people,” Dumakude said of her career, “and I’ve trained myself to not be starstruck and to remind myself that we are equals. Broadway, for me, was the road of travel.” In spite of the fear of the unknown, she used her platform to raise awareness of
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apartheid and the oppression of the South African people through her concerts and stage performances.
Photo by Tasha Dowbachuk
Thuli Dumakude’s performance at the 2018 Annual Celebration of African Studies In Little Theatre.
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Photo by Tasha Dowbachuk
Dumakude and member of the audience dancing to South African music.
Kean’s online classes include training, support and challenges By Kathy deRenzy Kean University offers online courses where students are supported academically 24/7 but the road isn’t always easy. Online courses have no set time to meet or required check ins. Online courses are eight weeks long but before students start, they must take an orientation and pass a quiz which unlocks the course for the student. The orientation is important because it explains everything a student needs to know such as rules, behaviors and late penalties. For example if a student is one day late, they get marked down 10 percent; two days late, 20 percent; three days late, 30 percent; four days late, 40 percent. After 5 days, the work is not accepted and the student get a zero. During their training, faculty experiences what it’s like to be an online student. They have to show proficiency with Blackboard which is a course management system that allows students to have a virtual learning environment. Not only do students have trained professors, but they have support 24/7, 365 days a week. Students can always
call for help and hear “Kean University” on the end of the line. There is also a tutoring center available for every course and a Think Smart Writing Center. Both are available 24/7. If students are struggling in a course, they can reach out to the professor. Professors can also reach out to students as well. The Starfish Retention Solution, a platform, which according to its website, “ is devoted to the research and practice of engaging students in their progress, removing obstacles to their success, and assessing the effectiveness of an institution’s efforts to help students succeed,” works with Blackboard and the student. If the student has not logged into Blackboard for a while, this program will send a message asking the student to get involved. Despite all of this help, there are some that believe online courses harm the student. “Academically challenged students need a classroom with a teacher’s support,” writes Susan Dynarski, a professor at the University of Michigan in her New York Times article from January 2018, “Online Courses are Harming Students Who Need the Most Help.”. Many of students come from low incomes and are first
Photo by Angel Canton
“Many make the mistake of assuming that an online class will be easier than one taken in a traditional classroom,” said Snyder. in their families to attend college. “Students with weak preparation don’t fare well in online college classes,” writes Dynarski. Researchers looked at identical online and face to face courses offered at DeVry University, a large for profit continued on page 2
2 THE TOWER
December, 2018
PRSSA holds free headshot event
Photo by Kelly Contreras
Another Kean student in one of his two outfits for the PRSSA headshot event.
By Kelly Contreras For the first time, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) held a free headshot event for all Kean students and faculty. Multiple students attended and were able to get two photos, one smiling and one not. PRSSA student president, Kimberly Cubero, was leading the event by guiding members and students on how the process will take place. Students were to sign their names and emails in order to receive the link to view and save their headshots. Edess Damis, from Kean TV, made an appearance to cover the event where Cubero represented the PRSSA. Cubero said the main purpose for the
Photo by Kelly Contreras
One of the Kean students taking their first headshot with Joseph Cedeno.
event is to provide students with the opportunity to have their headshot taken, to use in a professional setting or even a profile page like LinkedIn. Later, Cubero noted that the idea of the PRSSA headshot event was originally suggested by a Kean graduate last year but the semester was too busy to go on with the idea. They decided to make sure they proceeded with the event this semester. “We do want to make this a PRSSA event that we do regularly,” Cubero said. The photographer Joseph Cedeno, a colleague of Cubero, is a self-taught photographer who has been taking pictures for about three years. Owen Igori, business management major, was one of the first to have his
Photo by Kelly Contreras
A “serious” shot of Richard Zeller taken by photographer Joseph Cedeno.
headshot taken. “I had to look good. [I] got a haircut, put on my suit and tie, ... and I’m also here representing Men of Excellence. Overall, it was a great experience.” Igori said. The event was going smoothly, but there was a misunderstanding along with another professor who had a class to teach in the same room as the event was held. Cubero stated that the PRSSA had checked with the communication department about a room, but the professor stated that the room had been officially changed towards the beginning of the semester. The event was then quickly moved from CAS 453 to CAS 412 where a few additional students were able to proceed
“I had to look good. [I] got a haircut, put on my suit and tie … ” with their headshots. One of the last students was Richard Zeller, communications major, who mentioned that this was his first time having his headshot taken. “It was an enjoyable process, I liked it, ... I went in there, took a picture real quick. [there] was a lot of people in there watching but I don’t mind the audience” said Zeller.
Early winter storm hits Kean University hard ByJenevieve Cruz An early winter storm hit Kean University on Nov. 15 around 2 p.m. The forecast called for snow but it’s safe to say that no one truly expected what was to come. The University sent an email out to all students around 3 p.m. letting everyone
Photo by Jenevieve Cruz
Parking lot snowed in
know that all classes would be canceled after 4 p.m. However, the snow was starting to stick and come down heavy around 1:30 p.m. Many classes were let out early as well as later classes being cancelled before the mass email was sent out to students. “I did not get an email until 3 p.m.,” said Nicole Acosta, junior majoring in fitness. “It took me 4 hours to drive home in the
snow storm when it usually takes me 30 minutes to get from my house to Kean.” There was a thick layer of snow on the ground by the early afternoon and the traffic was backed up for miles. “Thankfully I dorm here, I would not have wanted to drive in that snow storm,” said Javis Sissco, junior majoring in communication with a concentration in media/film.
Photo by Jenevieve Cruz
Commuter Nicole Acosta cleaning her car off, before heading home
Photo by Jenevieve Cruz
Classes Cancelled, Kean Students walking to their cars
“It took me 4 hours to drive home in the snow storm when it usually takes me 30 minutes to get from my house to Kean,” said Acosta.
The snow fell for hours and there was traffic all over the state of New Jersey. Some schools even had a delayed opening on Friday due to the storm. “I had a flight booked out of Newark for that Friday at 8 a.m. that was canceled due to the storm,” said Sissco. “I was going to visit my family in Georgia for [the] Thanksgiving holiday but I had to wait until the following morning to catch a flight.” Winter seems to have hit New Jersey early this year. That being said, stay warm and make sure to check weather updates on your cell phone and any updates on Kean University’s main website for cancellations and/or delays. There is no telling what the weather will bring from day to day so it is best to keep an eye out for the week ahead. There is no need to stress as students can easily reach out to their professors through e-mail and/or phone. The early winter storm may have shocked a few but that will not stop the production of the semester. “My first class got out at 12:30 p.m. and I stuck around for my next class that starts at 4:30 p.m.,” said Acosta. “I finally got the text at 3 p.m. and started my way to the crowded parking lot. I just wish I knew a bit sooner. I had to clean off my car with my hands, it was so cold.”
Kean’s online classes include training, How to be prepared for an Active Attacker/Shooter with Kean Police support and challenges continued from cover
college. The same textbooks, assignments and lectures were used. According to the study, “The students who enroll online do substantially worse,” wrote Dynarski. Tom Snyder, President of Ivy Tech Community College offers a different perspective. He said that the future of education will be with online learning. Students won’t have to worry about “finding a place to park on campus” and can “learn at their own pace.” “Many make the mistake of assuming that an online class will be easier than one taken in a traditional classroom,” said Snyder. Many times online students are given more reading and find it’s more work to take an online class. Jack Sargent, Executive Director of the School of Communication, Media and Journalism at Kean, agreed that online courses can be more difficult. For example, Speech Communication 1402, requires a lot of work. Students must find an audience of seven and a public place in which to give the speech. They then record the speech and the audience’s reaction to the the speech.
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“People think it’s easy but you have to be motivated,” said Sargent. According to U.S. News and World Report, “Pursuing an online degree requires more personal responsibility from students as they learn material and complete assignments.” Ben Adams, a sophomore at Kean University, has taken online courses and likes the flexibility of online learning and how he can tailor courses to meet his needs. “It’s easy to fall behind on things that aren’t graded like reading but it’s necessary. Students may find it difficult to stay on top of what is required of them,” said Adams. There are several keys to being a successful online student. It involves time management, being organized, finding solutions to problems and being motivated. Students attending the campus can also take online courses. “Regular Kean students can sign up for online courses five days before the class starts,” said Joseph Flemming, a One Stop worker at Kean University. “You need a computer with a camera and microphone.”
“Active shooters have a profile that we as officers tend to look for, certain behavior that is key to knowing the signs,” continued Kanishkit. As students and faculty, it is important to remember that even if there is a change in another’s behavior, it could be harmless but could also potentially signify danger. Students and faculty can make a difference simply by imagining various scenarios playing out in the places you take classes, study or work. Where are the exits? Do the doors lock? What would make a good barricade? What would make a good weapon? Should I tell someone? Did I notice any signs? Ask yourself, “What if...?” This kind of thinking is helpful in preparing for all kinds of emergencies, wherever you are. “You are our eyes and ears. If you see something, say something,” said Farsi. “If you have just a slight concern with your fellow student or faculty member, say something. Report it. Even a slight feeling or worry could change everything.” For more information about what
steps and procedures to follow if there is an attacker/shooter on campus, please visit https://www.kean.edu/offices/ university-police or the department of HomeLand Security website.
Photo by Wynter Aiken
How to be prepared step by step list
December, 2018
THE TOWER 3
Lesniak Institute teams up with specialty writing course Photo by Lena Zhu
Front page of the Lesniak Institute website
By Lena Zhu The newly formed Lesniak Institute for American Leadership, a non-profit group that advocates for social causes, is working with a speciality writing class at Kean to help provide content for its website. The goal of the Lesniak Institute, founded by former state Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Elizabeth), is to help develop the next generation of American leaders and partner with “grassroots leaders from across the country, to advocate for social justice,” according to The Lesniak Institute.com. A state senator for 40 years, Lesniak gave up his seat in 2017 when he ran in the Democratic primary. Gov. Phil Murphy won the primary and went on to win the general election against the Republican candidate. However, Lesniak said he
wanted to continue advocating for causes that were important to him as a senator. His causes include animal welfare, criminal justice, help for addiction, curbing gun violence, and environmental protection. Professor Kolbenschlag, who teaches the Speciality Writing course at Kean, has been administering the projects and sending them to the institute based in New Jersey. Paige Bollman, a former student of Kolbenschlag who now works for the Lesniak Institute, contacted the professor to help the class gain real-world experience while also helping the Institute. This is a good opportunity for both parties, said Kolbenschlag, who emphasizes the importance of experiences in the real world in his courses. “The way I teach my class is that I really like to get my students as much real-world
and professional experience as possible,” Kolbenschlag said. “Any kind of project where they can work with an organization, a nonprofit, or a company and see how things really work is really beneficial for when they graduate because they get a feel for it.” Students who are a part of the specialty writing class will be paired up in groups to help develop certain pages of the Lesniak Institute website. Each team will be choosing one of the causes on the site to develop content and suggestions for what the page should look like. The designs and suggestions will then be sent to the Lesniak Institute for the company’s input on what content goes on their website. Jordan Gruppuso, a Senior majoring in Communication, said the idea of partnering with the Institute is a good way to get real-life experience. “I think it’s definitely cool, but gathering
the information that makes it a little confusing, but it’s a cool topic,” Gruppuso said. “I like the idea of being able to create the part of the website for them.” Valerie Romaniak, a Senior Public Relations major, praised the Institute for going the extra mile. “I like how they are willing to meet with us and see what we’re creating,” Romaniak said. “I also like how they’re giving back to the students for doing this [project].” Samantha Henry, a Senior majoring in Public Relations, said for her, it’s the best of both worlds. “Outside of school, I’m really passionate about volunteering and involving myself with advocacy groups and non-profit organizations,” Henry said. “So to be able to do that for a grade and incorporate two things I really like has been great.” Lesniak will also be teaching a History and Social Movements course Spring 2019.
“Photos from the Street” puts an artistic spin on the everyday individual By Monica Sudfield “Photos from the Street,” an exhibit by artist Danny Arenas, has been on display in the Nancy Dryfoos Gallery in the Kean University library since Oct. 3 and will run until Jan. 22. Arena’s exhibit includes a variety of photographs taken in Midtown Manhattan up and down 5th Ave. ranging between 42nd and 59th St. They capture moments of everyday individuals living their lives, which Arenas hopes to transform into something more interesting and more beautiful. “The photos you see were made by utilizing one hour lunch breaks Monday through Friday,” said Arenas. “It’s about working each day in something that provides joy and motivates you to move around in the world, something that awakens you.” All of the photographs are captured in black and white, displayed with a thick white border and thin black frame. Arenas had difficulty pinpointing one photograph from the exhibit as his favorite because different pictures resonate better with particular moods. “I will say that the photo of the young woman wearing a Hijab eating ice cream is a moment I have not seen prior,” said Arenas. Computer science major, Nick Margolin, said the photograph of the dog was his favorite. “I love dogs and this photograph shows how innocent they are,” said the senior. “He or she is being carried around the city with their owner on a simple day, which could mean the world to that dog.” His brother, Scott Margolin, who accompanied his brother to the exhibit, also favors the dog photograph because of the life it captures. “This photo really personifies life,” said Margolin. “I see it as the bag representing his inner circle of life where he feels safe and staying in his safe place while exploring a bigger picture, like Manhattan.” Arenas has displayed work in other venues in both Miami and New York, but this is the first time “Photos from the
Street” has been exhibited. He enjoys observing people in his free time, in which he hopes to capture images that reveal true human connections and emotions. “Art is a drive to create, observe and engage with life in a way which provides a kind of clarity or peace,” said Arenas. “For me, it’s a necessity to engage in an activity that is about the experience of living or being alive.”
His photographs should leave viewers with the denotation of simple moment in time, but with a connotation of something more, much like how Scott viewed the photograph of the dog. Arenas’ art career began when he started finding himself feeling a specific way when listening to certain types of music. “I began listening to music that introduced and reinforced certain
feelings, energy, perspectives and ideas,” said Arenas. “Later, in my mid twenties, I followed a gravitation to painting. A few years later I was enthralled with the idea of making pictures about and within the world around me.” Arenas studied psychology in college and earned a masters degree in social work. He is currently the director of a homeless shelter in Manhattan.
“Art is a drive to create, observe and engage with life in a way which provides a kind of clarity or peace,” said Arenas. “For me, it’s a necessity to engage in an activity that is about the experience of living or being alive.”
Photo by Monica Sudfield
Three photographs from Arenas exhibit in the Nancy Dryfoos Gallery.
Photo by Monica Sudfield Photo by Monica Sudfield
The photograph on the left is Arenas favorite in the series.
Arenas photograph of a small dog in a purse was the favorite photograph of brothers Nick and Scott Margolin.
4 THE TOWER
December, 2018
Kean Student Swaps Places with Dean By Valencia Stevenson The College of Liberal Arts had its second annual Dean for a Day as one lucky student was able to experience a day in the shoes of Dr. Jonathan Mercantini, Kean’s Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Inspired students were able to apply for the position through Cougar Link back in late September as long as they had a class and other scheduled activities on Thursday. Students also had to submit an essay about what they would do as a dean for a day and why Mercantini should spend a day experiencing their schedule. Catherine Lenahan, a transfer and commuter student majoring in Psychology, was the student chosen for the event. She is a senior, graduating in May and will be applying to the Occupational Therapy program this fall. On Thursday, Nov. 1 she swapped places with Dean Mercantini while he attended her classes as a student. “I applied for Dean for the Day because I wanted to make a difference for all commuter students at Kean. I wanted to share my ideas in order Catherine Lenahan to make life here at Kean a little bit easier for Kean commuter students on a daily basis,” said Lenahan. Lenahan found out that she was chosen
I met with very inspiring people such as Mariann Moran and Dr. Christine Thorpe,” said Lenahan. “After this visit, I then met with a group of commuter students including Scott Snowden and Carli Hench, to discuss issues regarding commuter students and how we can make Kean University more inviting for commuter students,” The discussions involved topics such as adding water bottle filling stations around campus, more microwaves and charging stations for students. After lunch, Lenahan met with Vice President and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jeffrey Toney and Joy Moskovitz about the commuter focus group. With this, Lenahan gained more of an understanding of what they do and how they are influential in students’ lives. “I then attended the CLA Leadership meeting as the Dean and ran the first part of the meeting while giving them my ideas and recapping how the commuter focus group and lunch went. During this time, Deborah Photo by Arlenis Roberts Skitbitsky, Assistant Dean, attended my Community Mental Health class ran by Dr. Norma Bowe,” said Lenahan. “At the end of the day, Dean Mercantini and I attended my Psychology
“I applied for Dean for the Day because I wanted to make a difference for all commuter students at Kean. I wanted to share my ideas in order to make life here at Kean a little bit easier for Kean commuter students on a daily basis,” said Lenahan. to be dean when she went on an interview with the Mercantini in October. She said she felt very comfortable talking to Dean Mercantini and Assistant Dean Deborah Skibitsky. They were very helpful in making the day a success for her. Lenahan planned for dean for a day by brainstorming ideas and writing them down so she had something to look over for the day. Additionally, she emailed other commuter students to attend a lunch/focus group to discuss the topic of commuter students at Kean. “Being dean requires a busy schedule. In the morning the Dean and I visited the OT clinic which was a great experience.
of Perception class with Professor Andrew LeBlanc,” Lenahan said that she had not faced any problems during Dean for a Day and really enjoyed the experience. Lenahan expressed how fortunate she was for the opportunity as it will help her achieve her goal for making Kean better for commuter students. “As Dean for the Day, I was able to meet a lot of faculty that took the time to listen to my ideas for commuter students. I accomplished my goal of speaking on behalf of commuter students and hearing from other students on their ideas.”
Take Note of Note Taking By Tyshiana Johnson Are tests a nightmare for you? Do you have trouble remembering key things taught during class when it is time to put your knowledge to the test? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you might want to find a way to turn these questions into a “no.” Becoming a better note taker and understanding how to find the key points in a lecture can Photo by creative commons help improve your academic A person taking notes career, according to the Office of Student Success and Retention which is giving workshops about note taking. Several times a week, events are held during college hour in the Center for Academic Success building at the heart of Kean University’s campus to help students improve various “I don’t think that I am a bad note taker. learning skills. At a recent Honestly, it all depends on the professor studying/note taking workshop on Oct. or presenter,” Ellman said. 25, though, only two students attended. Workshops like the note-taking one “I needed to go to an event for my class can be found on Kean university’s Cougar and I thought this one would help me Link. This website provided by the most,” said Courtney Ellman, senior and university allows students to have access communication w/ public relations option to involvement opportunities and later major. document it. Cougar Link is available to all Ellman recognized that this workshop students and contains other workshops to would be helpful for her and it seems as though the only reason she found it is aid students in their academics. because of her class assignment. The presenter of this workshop Dena
Understanding how to find the key points in a lecture can help improve your academic career
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The case of the missing Tower newspapers Some 2,000 copies of The Tower, Kean University’s independent campus newspaper, mysteriously disappeared from the Center for Academic Success in October, and then reappeared after staff was told it was a misunderstanding. Here’s what happened: For the past seven years, the paper has been printed by NJ Advance Media, which besides publishing the state’s largest newspaper, The Star-Ledger, also prints several other NJ college newspapers. Every month, the student-run newspaper, which is part of the academic program in journalism, is delivered to the fourth floor of CAS at around 7 a.m. Tied bundles of the entire press run are left outside of The Tower’s small newsroom until students arrive to distribute. It’s a routine that has been repeated for seven years. But on Oct. 25, Editor-in-Chief Joshua Rosario texted Prof Pat Winters Lauro to say several students were telling him that The Tower was never delivered. Lauro is the faculty adviser of The Tower with co-adviser Prof. Lois DeSocio. Lauro contacted the printers, who advised her that the delivery was on time as usual. Rosario asked around in the building, and checked with maintenance, all to no avail. Online editor Rafaela Teixeira began uploading the front page to The Tower’s website, www.kutower.com. Meanwhile, the printer emailed proof they made the delivery, clearly showing the latest October issue. Lauro responded that she did believe them, but that between the 7:15 drop-off and 9 a.m., someone had taken them. The printers asked did Kean have cameras in
the hallway to check. Rosario, whose father was a former police sergeant, told him to report it to the police. The press run is valued at about $2,000, and it is also a federal crime to destroy newspapers – a law put in place to prevent censorship. Then the printer contacted Lauro and said they would print The Tower again, free of charge. “We think students should have their newspapers,” the printer said in an email. So the next morning, Rosario got up at 5:30 a.m. and drove to Kean’s campus to personally accept the new press run of The Tower, all 2,000 copies. Rosario also went downstairs to talk to the head of maintenance at CAS about the papers. That’s when he was told that maintenance thought the bundles were meant for trash, and all the bundles were taken to recycling. A worker got the recycling bin and returned the papers. Now The Tower had 4,000 copies of the October issue. Many were distributed, but if anyone wants to do a class on the importance of local news, The Tower has the papers for you!
Sorority and Fraternity Come Together to Host Suicide Prevention Open-mic Night. By Emily Robles On November 20 2018, the sorority Sigma Beta Chi and co-ed fraternity Lambda Delta Chi hosted an open-mic night at the Cougar’s Den dedicated to suicide prevention for people to share their thoughts and stories about the topic. This is the second time they hosted this event and was first held last year after it was started by a founding sister of Lambda Delta Chi based on an experience of losing a loved one from suicide. “We wanted to continue to shed light on this issue,” said Vice President of Lambda Delta Chi, Roshorn Shivers Jr. “We wanted to provide an outlet for people to share things and support others with no judgement.” This event encouraged people to get on stage and share stories or thoughts that they have about suicide. “At the end of the day we are family,” said Vice President of Programming in Lambda Delta Chi, Stephanie Mera. “Even if we are in different sororities and fraternities we’re all in this together.” Student Anthony Collymore spoke at the open-mic and told his own personal story
about suicide at the event. Collymore saw the advertisement for the event on Cougar Link and knew he had to come and talk. “I tried taking my life back in highschool,” said Collymore. “I felt like I didn’t have a place in this world.” After coming out as gay to his friends during high school, Collymore had a big loss in friends and felt really alone. After his suicide attempt, Collymore went into therapy. “I think therapy is for everyone. Also the hotline really works too,” said Collymore. “Try to reach out to your friends, but also remember to reach out to yourself.” Collymore now spends his free time going to different high schools and counseling students about mental health. “I think it’s important we talk about things like this,” said Secretary of Sigma Beta Chi, Allison Carella. “Since this is a topic not many people want to talk about I’m glad we have this event.” Mental health is a topic people tend to ignore and not want to talk about. Having events like this on college campuses can really help students want to open up and talk about these issues.
“We wanted to provide an outlet for people to share things and support others with no judgement.”
The History In The Music continued from cover
“I remember I used to write to my mom and say, I am so sorry to put you through this but there’s no other way around it if we don’t fight,” Dumakude expressed. “If we don’t fight, we are never ever going to see the day we have our freedom. The only way we have is, to fight. I am fighting with words on stage.” In the midst of her time in the “The Lion King,” Dumakude had the idea of creating a charity, by inviting South African women who are HIV positive that do beadwork to raise money at the request of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in New York. “It is benefitting the women of South Africa, who now have jobs and are still doing the charity,” Dumakude said.
The specialized merchandise became a hit and has continued for a total of 20 years. The jewellery is now used to support South African AIDS organizations. In Thuli’s eyes, the people of South Africa kept the fight going until the moment of the presidential inauguration of Nelson Mandela, who brought a sense of hope. Today, she said, the arts are flourishing among young people of color. “What I see from South Africa today, is young people that are looking to belong in that world of the arts. I think we have more now than ever before and they’re not afraid to travel and explore,” Thuli Dumakude stated. “It’s a beautiful thing to sit back and watch.”
December, 2018
THE TOWER 5
Global Harvest highlights School of Public Architecture sees diverse cultures at Kean growth and prestige By Petruce Jean-Charles
By Zoe Strozewski
would travel to Rome for each section and teach a studio class using a different location in the city. Grega, who has already The School of Public Architecture is a completed his trip to Rome, believes he component of the larger Michael Graves gained much from the opportunity to College, centralized in the Green Lane learn his craft in a different culture and academic building. According to learn.org, one of the most historically prestigious upon the program’s initial onset, Kean architectural cities in the world. became one of only two public universities “Michael Graves wanted us to travel in New Jersey to offer an undergraduate to Rome when he architecture was helping make degree. When the curriculum. the graduate After being there, architecture I can see why,” program opens, it Grega said. “The will also be one of city is beautiful, only two at public nothing like the universities in the cities of New York, state. Philadelphia, or “Up until 1974, Boston. It’s an when the New entirely different Jersey Institute of world.” Technology (NJIT) Kean’s Master began their school of Architecture of architecture, program was given the only school a candidacy status Photo by Courtesy of the @keandesignarchitecture Instagram page of architecture Junior architecture students travel to Rome every by the National in the state of semester to study abroad. Architecture New Jersey was Accrediting Board (NAAB) in 2017. The at Princeton University,” architecture program is predicted to be officially professor Craig Konyk said. “So to serve accredited in 2021. a state with the size and diversity of the “In the state of New Jersey, in order to population that is New Jersey, it has been become professionally licensed by the state rewarding to develop a smaller public of New Jersey to practice architecture, alternative for New Jersey students to one must first obtain a first professional choose from.” degree,” Konyk Konyk teaches said. “Our program classes such as will achieve first-year design this without studio, theory, and our Master of representation. Architecture An institution program, which in the Kean’s we are in the faculty since the process of gaining foundation of accreditation for.” the architecture Going into program, he has effect in fall 2019, been integral in the program will establishing and consist of 43 required courses, including upholding the school’s mission. a travel option, and 12 free electives. “The School of Public Architecture was According to Konyk, the new program founded on the premise that students will place emphasis on providing realshould have the skills to serve the public world challenges and experiences to the good; to be fluent in both hand and digital students. skills,” Konyk said. “Students will be required to show According to the 2017 University proficiency in a range of technical and Profile compiled by the Office of design skills,” Konyk said. “They will Institutional Research, Kean launched its learn how to design a fully functioning undergraduate architecture degree in fall building in the comprehensive design 2015 and has experienced considerable studio, and undertake to challenge their growth since then from a premiere class own imaginations of just 22 students for the future of to 93 in 2017. architecture when “We have with they propose a each year added 36 major thesis in or so students and their final year of we have remained the program.” a program that is As a current in demand with senior in his our prospective p r o g r a m , students,” Konyk Grega plans on said. “We know continuing his each and every one education at Kean Photo by Zoe Strozewski of our students after graduation The School of Public Architecture is centralized in the and they feel very Green Lane Academic Building. as part of the much a part of a first group of students to take advantage positive and constructive environment.” of the offerings of the new graduate John Grega, a senior architecture major, program, especially the additional travel believes that the modest size of the major opportunity. has allowed it to develop a tight-knit “I do plan on getting my master’s here culture. because being an inaugural graduate “We all take about four major classes student would be really special and I think a semester and take the same classes, so finishing with the school that gave me the we really know chance is only fair,” each other and Grega said. “Also, see one another already knowing at least four to that there is a five days a week,” travel option for a Grega said. “From semester in China what I know, we has solidified the are the only major decision.” to have our own As for the personal space to upcoming years work where we can of the program keep materials or in general, Konyk projects knowing hopes to continue no one is going building the Photo by Courtesy of the @keandesignarchitecture Instagram page to touch or move Wenzhou Kean has its own architecture program, talents of his them.” parallel to the Union Kean’s program. students and their One of the rarest learning environment. factors of the School of Public Architecture “Personally, I hope to never lose the is its “Spring in Rome” component, which spirit and collective positive idea for the requires all juniors to spend their spring future that our students have,” Konyk semester studying abroad in Rome. said. “They will really be responsible for The semester is divided into four minimaking the next world that people will semesters in which a different professor live in and I am optimistic for them.”
“We know each and every one of our students and they feel very much a part of a positive and constructive environment.”
“This year, since I worked as a secretary assistant for the Asian Studies department, I’ve been involved since the beginning On Nov. 12, the second annual “Global [of] planning to have a memorable ‘Global Harvest” took place in Kean University’s Harvest’ for the year 2018,” Ninal said. Miron Student Center, Room 228 where all As a student and worker within the students were welcome. Asian Studies department, Ninal was also The event was hosted by Asian Studies a part of “International Education Week”. in collaboration with the Center of “International Education Week” was a series Interdisciplinary Studies, the Indian Cultural of events that started on Nov. 12 along with Club, the International Student Association, the “Global Harvest” event and lasted until Wenzhou-Kean University students and Nov. 15. other organizations at Kean. “This event is important to Kean Upon entering the event, there were University because it’s during ‘International different tables attributed to each of the Education Week’ which is celebrated all over organizations. Information and food was the world,” said Ninal. “With a good portion offered by each group at the event which of Kean being diverse, it unites the campus included: Nigerian “Puff Puffs”, South by connecting cultural groups together to African “Droewors”, and South African have a Thanksgiving lunch.” “Melktert” in addition to other treats. In America and Students and other parts of the guests asked world, the purpose of questions about this event was to put each organization more focus on the and culture while exchange of cultures. enjoying the food. “Our purpose for At the “Global the event is the Harvest” event, overall main idea director of Asian that we are all Studies, Xurong thankful to be here Kong, spoke of in this community Photo by Petruce Jean-Charles the event’s impact Asian Studies at their table we call home,” Ninal on student’s said. understanding of Ninal described culture. “Global Harvest” “Asian studies as an experience to started to organize learn and appreciate this event along different cultures, with other groups on especially at Kean. campus to celebrate “In the past, I was the harvest season,” introduced to snacks Kong said. “We from African and started in 2016 but Jewish culture, two the event in 2017 cultures of which I’m made a big splash, not really exposed mainly because to,” said Ninal. of the diligent Photo by Petruce Jean-Charles She said the event promotion.” Africana Studies and their culture allows students to Each program gain knowledge and involved in this event meet people from has seen an increase different programs, of interest in their and perhaps even programs, and more branch out to major awareness of the or minor in one of diverse cultures on the programs. campus according to In a political Dr. Kong. climate where “For each cuisine, culture and diversity we had $50, which is under attack, it was shared by Asian was important for studies, Global a university campus like Kean to initiate studies, and Office of International Studies,” awareness of cultures within the community, Dr. Kong said. “We [also] invited other Ninal noted. cultural groups to display their cuisines and “Being aware of other cultures and the explain their tradition of celebrating fall.” differences within our society can help people Joanna Kristine Ninal, secretary assistant improve their approach, relationships, and for Asian Studies had participated in this overall attitude to others,” Ninal said. “It’s a event back in 2016 and was a part of the good thing that everyone is different. People organization process this year. need to see that.”
“It’s a good thing that everyone is different. People need to see that,” said Ninal.
Take Note of Note Taking continued from page 4
Emawad, academic coach and a graduate student said she understands what it is like to be a presenter and a note taker. “I find that engaging, giving examples, having Q&A, knowing the audience, and feedback helps students most when I am presenting,” said Emawad. Teaching methods vary from so understanding the type of learner you are can help you make the best of whatever teaching style your professor has. There are several methods to notetaking; each caters to particular learning styles. To know which method would help you best you must know what type of learner you are. Emawad began the workshop with a quiz that helped to assess learner types: Visual, Tactile, and Auditory. “When choosing how I will present something I consider the activity, the type of learner, and access to the audience,” said Emawad. Emawad also taught five methods to take notes: Cornell, Spidergram, Charting, Mapping, and Sentence method. Visual learners need to take in information so the Spidergram and Mapping method would be best for this style of learner. A Spidergram has the main idea in the center of a paper with sub points reaching outward in an organized manner.
Tactile learners need a hands-on experience so things like labs and roleplaying would help best for this style of learner. Hands-on learners need to actually do the job. Lastly, auditory learners need to hear what is going on so it’s important for the student to engage with the presenter and to be attentive. Auditory learners would do very well if they make songs or little sayings to remember things. Another important factor that can help all learners is to rewrite and review their notes within 24 hours of the presentation to ensure the information sticks. Each of the five methods has its own benefits that help a particular individual learn the best possible way to retain that information. Cornell is said to be the best notetaking style because it has elements that appeal to each type of learner by getting the information out, reviewing it, and highlighting key things within it, according to Emawad. Students if you are having trouble taking notes for your classes take a moment to can find out what type of learner you are at http://www.educationplanner.org/ students/self-assessments/learning-stylesquiz.shtml and try out the note-taking methods to see which works for you best.
6 THE TOWER
December, 2018
Clarification
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
A headline and first paragraph of a story in November’s print issues of The Tower asserted that “Kean USA gives control of Wenzhou Kean to Chinese government” did not state until the second paragraph that the Kean Federation of Teachers made the charge. The report on www.kutower.com was changed to add “union charges.” The article was about China faculty at Wenzhou Kean who are currently paid by Kean and represented by the KFT will soon be employed directly by the Chinese, paid in Chinese currency and as a result will no longer be members of the KFT. The KFT characterized that as “giving control” of Wenzhou campus of Kean to China. Kean contends the action is only an administrative issue and that Kean USA continues to control academics at Wenzhou Kean.
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.
Kean Men’s basketball introduces a new coach with a new mentality
EDITOR IN CHIEF: JOSHUA ROSARIO NEWS EDITOR: LENA ZHU
“My expectations for the season are that we work hard and are intentional about improving on a daily basis.”
FEATURES EDITOR: KIARA MAYS SPORTS EDITOR: CRAIG EPSTEIN ONLINE EDITOR: RAFAELA TEIXEIRA ONLINE EDITOR:
Photo by Kean Athletics Website
Photo by Kean Athletics Website
Head Coach Adam Hutchinson
Assistant Coach Matt McDuffie
By Maria Montes
SPORTS
The Kean University Men’s basketball team has started off their season at 1-4 with a new head coach in Adam Hutchinson. Although he is new to the Kean family, he is a veteran in college basketball as Hutchinson coached at Amherst College for one season as well as Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia for 14 seasons. Hutchinson was named Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Coach of the Year and Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) College Division Coach of the Year during his career at Washington & Lee University. Along with coaching those two college basketball teams, he coached at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and at Stevens Institute of Technology. Despite the rocky start, Hutchinson believes that with hard work comes great success. “My expectations for the season are that
“There’s always the Yankees or Giants fan who will say something,” said Carias.
PETRUCE JEAN-CHARLES SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER:
we work hard and are intentional about improving on a daily basis,” Hutchinson said. Assistant Coach Matt McDuffie shares the same type of sentiments as well and is looking towards his team’s youth to help the team improve in the years to come. “This season we have nine freshmen on our roster and we plan on investing in our youth while they are being guided and led by the voices of their senior captains and our returning leading scorer [sophomore Adrian Baucum].” McDuffie agrees that with a great group of athletes and a coach like Hutchinson, there is a lot to look forward to this season and the ones following. McDuffie also believes that Hutchinson’s most impactful contribution to the team is his defensive philosophy. Moving forward throughout the season and the seasons to come with outstanding contributions from their coaching staff and their players, the Cougars are expected to improve and will be a team to watch as the seasons continue.
Kean students cheering for Red Sox and Patriots?
MONICA SUDFIELD
WRITERS WYNTER AIKEN KELLY CONTRERAS NICOLE DIEFENBACHER JENEVIEVE CAMPO TASHA DOWBACHUK ESTEFANI HERNANDEZ SALIMAH MCCULLOUGH
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.
With a new head coach, the Kean Women’s swimming team seeks to build something great
By Steven Merrill
By Craig Epstein
It was his yearly summer trips to visit family that got sophomore Harold Carias hooked on the Boston Red Sox. “Every summer since I was six years old, I would always visit my Godparents in Boston,” said Carias. “They always used to take me to Fenway (Park). Whenever I would go to Boston, I would see the Red Sox, and I never had a connection with the Yankees.” Carias’ uncle, Freddy Perez, introduced him to Boston’s NFL team, the New England Patriots, during Super Bowl XLII in 2008. The Patriots were undefeated going into that game, making Carias’ choice easy. “I was like, I’m gonna go with the team that hasn’t lost,’” said Carias. “I can admit I’m a bandwagon fan.” Carias gives credit to Perez, who got him into American sports. “Thanks to my uncle, little by little I got into football along with hockey,” said Carias. For hockey and basketball, Carias said he went with the teams that played their games near his Elizabeth home. The Devils play at Prudential Center in Newark, roughly ten minutes from his house. The Nets played there until 2012, and now they play in Brooklyn. His godmother still sends him clothes from all Boston sports teams, but Carias only wears the Red Sox and Patriots apparel though. He was already a Devils fan by the time the Bruins gear started coming in, he said. Carias admits he does get some slack for wearing Red Sox and Patriots clothes, but it is all in good fun. “There’s always the Yankees or Giants fan who will say something,” said Carias. “When I worked at a warehouse during the summer they would say, ‘What’s going on with the Red Sox? They lost last night!’ I would respond that the season is 162 games long.” Carias takes it lightly because he enjoyed exchanging banter with his co-workers. Carias said he can’t wait to go visit the crew at the warehouse because he hasn’t seen them since the Red Sox won the World Series back in October. Although he doesn’t pay as close attention to his favorite local teams, Carias makes sure to keep up with them often. However, he easily prefers his Boston teams first. “If I had to pick a favorite team it would be the Patriots,” said Carias.
Now in their second season since returning as a program in 2017, the Kean University Women’s swimming team is looking to build a foundation that can help them in the years to come. While not having a team since the 2002-03 season is something that Kean is going to have to overcome, they are making a concerted effort to restore the program. The first move that Kean made in order
continued on page 8
DANIEL PAPA VALENCIA STEVENSON GARDNER ZOE STROZEWSKI DANIELLE JUNIO EMILY ROBLES DAVID JANES
Photo by Larry Levanti
2018 Kean Women’s swimming team.
to usher in its new era for the program was handing the reins of head coach over from Barbara Perkins to Christopher Swenson. With stops at Princeton, Notre Dame, Saint Peter’s University, Rowan, and Scotch-PlainsFanwood High School, Swenson came to Kean looking forward to the opportunity to shape the women’s swimming program. “I was honored to be named the head women’s coach at Kean University; it has always been a goal of mine to be a Division III head coach and to build a program from the ground up,” Swenson said. “This university had exactly what I was looking for and I am excited to build a team that will be successful
well into the future.” As a 2005 graduate of Rowan, Swenson was a part of the school’s swimming team where he qualified for the NCAA tournament twice, was named a team MVP, team Rookie Photo by Larry Levanti of the Year, and was the Head Coach recipient of the Walter Christopher Swenson. J. Holt Leadership Award. From there, he took his experience as a swimmer and became a graduate assistant coach for Rowan from 2006-08. Swenson served as the acting head coach and an assistant coach at Saint Peter’s University from 2012-14. While there, the Peacocks not only set 64 school records, but they also had the second highest finish at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championships. He also coached three MAAC Swimmers of the Year as well. As the Director of Operations for the Men’s Swimming and Diving program at the University of Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish not only had the ninth ranked recruiting
Photo by Larry Levanti
Head Coach Christopher Swenson looks to build the program up.
continued on page 7
December, 2018
THE TOWER 7
Give a gift to the environment by not harming it this holiday season By Danielle Junio
The holiday season is known to be the “most wonderful time of the year.” It is the time of year when everyone decorates their houses, has their family and friends over to enjoy big feasts with their traditional dishes, exchange gifts, and state how thankful they are for everything they have. However, what seems to be overseen almost every holiday season is how much the season can harm our environment due to the tremendous carbon-footprint it leaves behind. Prayie Carbone, a current Kean University transfer student mentioned how he never had even heard of a carbon-footprint. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a carbon-footprint is “the total amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted into the atmosphere each year by a person, family, building, organization, or company.” Carbon-footprints are vital to the environment since an abundant amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gasses such as methane (CH4) can damage the Earth’s atmosphere and they are known to be one of the leading factors to climate change since they absorb heat. The company, Inside Energy, held an interview with avid carbon-footprint researcher, Berners-Lee, and he explained that a traditional Thanksgiving Day feast itself does not leave a huge carbon footprint behind. Berners-Lee said this is because turkeys are a lot more efficient compared to red meats. Other common Thanksgiving side dishes such as corn, pumpkins, yams,
potatoes, and cranberries also do not leave behind a big carbon footprint as they are seasonal, long-lasting produce items which do not require transportation by planes. Statistics from the Environmental Working Group also prove that turkeys only produce 6.9kg of CO2 emissions while red meats such as beef produce a whopping total of 27.0kg of CO2 emissions which is important to keep in mind while planning your next holiday feast. While the food we prepare during the holidays does not drastically increase our carbon footprint directly, the amount of waste we produce on Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season, including on Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, and New Year’s, increases our carbon footprint significantly. On average, the United States wastes up to 730 football stadiums worth of food a year according to the U.S. Department
produces less methane, can be used as a natural fertilizer, helps land restoration, remediate soils contaminated by hazardous waste, and can capture and destroy 99.6 percent of industrial volatile organic chemicals. “Discarded food is the next frontier in recycling. America wastes too much USABLE and GOOD food,” said William Heyniger, earth and environmental science professor at Kean University. “In just 5 days, Kean’s aerobic composting system safely transforms leftover food into a nutritious, safe, soil fertilizer, ‘compost’.” “Designed to process 1,000 pounds a day of food and mixed with locally-sourced wood shavings (up to 300 pounds a day), what was once considered ‘waste products’ is now a resource,” continued Heyniger. “It is a natural, highly efficient process with the compost being used locally to restore
Photo by Creative Commons
we could think about saving old newspapers to use as wrapping paper or even just place a ribbon or bow on the gift itself. It is also important to give a gift receipt with your gift should the recipient want to exchange it if he/she does not like it so they do not have to throw it away. We could also buy decorations that could be reusable for multiple seasons or use all-natural decorations that could be biodegradable (like pinecones off of trees) and use LED lights. One last reason why the holiday season leaves such a big carbon-footprint is a result from all the traveling people do during this time of year. The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions stated that an “average vehicle creates roughly 6 to 9 tons of CO2 each year” and that doesn’t include public transportation such as planes (which are noted to be the least fuel-efficient source of transportation), busses, or trains. So before heading over to a friend or relative’s house this holiday season, consider carpooling, taking an Uber-pool, or think about taking a train or bus since they tend to be a little eco-friendlier.
“Discarded food is the next frontier in recycling. America wastes too much USABLE and GOOD food,” said William Heyniger, earth and environmental science professor at Kean University. “In just 5 days, Kean’s aerobic composting system safely transforms leftover food into a nutritious, safe, soil fertilizer, ‘compost’.” of Agriculture. That being stated, it is important that during this holiday season we all become more aware of how much food we purchase and be sure that we consume our leftovers, so we can minimize the amount of food waste we produce. If anything, we could also compost our left-over food instead of throwing it out if it is not used in a timely fashion. Composting food is more efficient than just throwing food away because according to the EPA, composted food
With a new head coach, the Kean Women’s swimming team seeks to build something great continued from page 6
malnourished soils. If used to grow more food, it closes the loop of reduce, reuse and recycle in the perfect way nature intended.” Statistics from the Solid Waste Authority have also mentioned that during an average holiday season alone, the United States produced up to 7 million pounds of waste which included the materials used to wrap gifts such as wrapping paper, decorations, gifts that were thrown away, and so on. In order to decrease the amount of product waste we produce during this holiday season,
Women’s Volleyball team wraps up the season
Photo by Larry Levanti
Photo by Zoe Strozewski
Darlene Holmes (junior) represents the lone upperclassman on the team.
The Cougars holding up their conference trophy.
class while he was there, but three honorable mention All-Americans and a fifth-place finish in the Atlantic Coast Conference too. Swenson spent one season as an assistant coach with the Boys and Girls Varsity Swimming program at Scotch PlainsFanwood High School where he coached the boy’s team to a Sectional Championship and the girl’s team to a Union County Championship in 2016. As an assistant at Princeton University for the past two seasons, Swenson helped the Tigers to the 2018 Ivy League Team Runner-Up and had a total of five selections to the All-Ivy second team during his time there. Going winless in their initial season, the Kean Women’s swimming team recorded their first victory since the 200203 season on Nov. 10 with a 98-61 decision over St. Joseph’s College of Brooklyn. The win not only helped lift Kean’s spirits, but it gave their new head coach something that he can remember as well. “It was an incredible feeling as it was also my first career victory,” Swenson expressed. “That said, I was happiest for our women because we have only been training together for three weeks and they bought in to my message from day one.” The fact that his team was able to take what was taught to them and apply it to both their
By Estefani Hernandez
practices and meetings is something that Swenson is proud of. He feels that their hard work and dedication in practice is what led to the victory. “This victory was the result of those efforts they bring every day in practice,” Swenson said. “I always tell them to ‘train the way you want to compete’ and they give me their very best every single day.” While Swenson is focusing on the 2018-19 season, he is also looking forward to what lies ahead of him in the years to come. “I am very excited for the future of this program,” Swenson said. “We are really hitting recruiting hard for 2019, 2020, and 2021 looking for the athletes that will continue to help our program ascend to the top of the NJAC.” As much as the win over St. Joseph’s College of Brooklyn lifted a huge weight off of the swimming team’s shoulders, Swenson sees it as a building block that will help the program get to where he wants it to go. “For now, we’ll take this win as something to build on and keep working at getting better every day,” Swenson said. “I’m very proud of what we’ve done so far but this is just the beginning of something great.”
“It has always been a goal of mine to be a Division III head coach and to build a program from the ground up.”
The women’s volleyball team wrapped up another great season by capturing their second straight New Jersey Athletic Conference championship, marking just the second time in program history that the Cougars have won back-to-back championships. Jesse Larkin (junior) and Zoe Strozewski (sophomore) were both named American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American Honorable Mention selections. Larkin and Strozewski become the second and third All-Americans in program history. The two Cougars joined Sara Ridgway as the only All-Americans in program history. Ridgway was also named an All-American honorable mention in 2017. “Last season we lost a few key players but the team has worked hard throughout this season, these last two years have been the best and really inspired everyone to keep working hard and improving,” stated Strozewski. Don Perkins has been the head coach of the women’s volleyball program since 2009, becoming the first head coach in the Kean Athletic Department history to win a conference championship and make the NCAA tournament with two different programs. Perkins also becomes just the second coach in program history to win back-to-back titles and record 200 wins. “Coach likes to make sure we’re well
prepared,” states Strozewski. “He would watch films of the other teams figure out their strengths and weaknesses so we know what to expect.” The team had a great season with an overall record of 19-16. The women’s volleyball team fell to Wesleyan University (Conn.) three sets to one in their NCAA Tournament First Round matchup at Johnson & Wales University. Kean did not go down quietly though as the Cougars hit .200 and captured the third set, 25-23. Larkin and Strozewski totaled eight kills in the set victory. With their minds set on the NCAA tournament next season, the team hopes to go even farther than they have in the past. “We hope to get the NJAC championship once again, we had a few rough patches this season but we were able to rally ourselves up and make it to the end,” states Strozewski.
“These last two years have been the best and really inspired everyone to keep working hard and improving,”
Photo by Zoe Strozewski
Kean celebrates their second back-to-back conference championship in program history.
8 THE TOWER
December, 2018
Kean University Hosts Hunger Event By Dan Papa Kean University recently hosted the event, “Hunger and Conflict: 60 Minutes Goes to Darfur” in the North Avenue Academic Building auditorium. Founder of the “Enough Project” John Prendergast and “60 Minutes” producer Nicole Young were on stage to discuss and answer questions. The main topic of discussion was the problem of hunger in Sudan. One of the questions Young was asked was what she tries to leave behind for those in need. “What I try and leave behind mostly is the promise that I’m going to do right by them,” Young said. “By making sure that the story is the most honorable one that I can tell on their behalf.” Visiting a malnutrition center specifically for children one day, she described that every single bed was taken and that it was overwhelming to see so many children in such dire situations. She went on to discuss a malnourished child she had met at the center named Josephine. A child she described as, “literally not having the energy to hold her body up.” “When I go out there, I need to leave them some sort of hope and some sort of assurance that I have now taken on the responsibility to tell the story of her daughter in the most respectful way,” Young said.
When the floor was later opened up for questions, one student asked what the psychological consequences of experiencing long term hunger are. “If the brain is not getting enough nutrition, it is impacted for a lifetime, the PTSD lasts a lifetime,” Prendergast said. Photo by InfoBrunhildmedia He also described Children in such dire situations Treasury Department things besides hunger that impact children’s lives in the displaced country. Money being a huge factor, Prendergast brought up family trauma, parents leaving their families in an attempt to earn money, and the United Nations not having enough money to truly support these countries in need. “Unless those neighbors are called on what they are doing and exposed, then often they gain more from instability and lack of peace Photo by Tim Freccia Photo by AgnosticPreachersKid than they do from resolving John Prendergast pictured with George Clooney Nicole Young pictured center the war,” Prendergast said. their international collaborators by collecting and can freeze or seize your assets and can “Wherever they are making money off this that evidence and turning it in. Governments block the transaction. We are accumulating stuff, they are all using the U.S. dollar which and banks are starting to take action.” the evidence on particular war criminals and the treasury department has jurisdiction over
“What I try and leave behind mostly is the promise that I’m going to do right by them. By making sure that the story is the most honorable one that I can tell on their behalf.”
Combating Depression Over The Holiday Season One in ten adults in the United States struggle with depression. By Professor Tara Bogota and Dr. Josh Palgi Holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but for some people they are anything but. Feelings of depression, anxiety and negative mood affect many people this time of the year. The holidays are a stressful time for many different reasons and if you are prone to any of those conditions it can certainly intensify. Some 322 million people worldwide live with depression, occurring more often in women than men. One in ten adults in the United States struggle with depression, which manifests physically by causing disturbed sleep, reduced energy, appetite changes, body aches, forgetfulness and increased pain perception. Although the term chemical imbalance is a popular way to explain what causes depression, it really doesn’t go far enough to capture the complexity of depression. There are many possible causes, which can include, brain chemistry that results in faulty mood regulation, medical issues, stressful life events, genetics and medications. The consensus is that a variety of these forces interplay to trigger depression. During the holiday season, social isolation is one of the biggest predictors of depression. Lack of a social circle or opportunities for socialization tend to make an individual withdraw. This often produces feelings of loneliness and symptoms of depression worsen. Others grieve during the holidays becoming more keenly aware of the loss of a loved one during the holiday season. Constant reminders of others’ happy seasons can
additionally serve as a painful reminder of the happiness and love that’s lacking in our own lives. For these reasons, the holiday season can be a particularly difficult time of year for those dealing with family conflict, loss, break ups, divorce, loneliness and mental health issues. Antidepressant medications are a common way to treat depression however, pills aren’t the only solution. Research shows that exercise is also an effective treatment. “For some people it works as well as antidepressants, although exercise alone isn’t enough for someone with severe depression,” says Dr. Michael Craig Miller, assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Exercise not only increases blood flow to the Photo by Hendrike brain, it releases endorphins, the body’s very own natural antidepressant. It also releases other neurotransmitters, like serotonin, which lift mood. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a chemical that promotes brain health and memory, is also reduced in depression, and exercise has been found to elevate levels of this neurotransmitter. Taking time for self-care is crucial during times when you feel overwhelmed, depressed or anxious. With so much happening during Depressed person the holidays, you might not have a moment alone. However, it’s important to make time for yourself so you can take a breather and clear your mind. Even spending as little as 15 minutes alone might make a world of
difference. Doing activities, you enjoy can help you maintain your sanity as you juggle family obligations, social events, and holiday shopping. You can try going on a walk or jog, listening to relaxing music, or getting a massage to take your mind off your to-do list but here are some other suggestions that may help you to get moving. If while feeling depressed, the most you can do is take a short walk, start there. The next day, try to do a little more and build on that. For some people with depression, the first step is joining a class or exercise group. Whatever exercise you do, the important thing is that you do it every day and stick with it. KEEP IT SIMPLE! Check out a group class or enlist a family member or good friend to be your exercise partner. Being accountable to a teacher or friend is what keeps some people with depression going. If you don’t like a type of exercise, chances are you’re not going to do it, whether or not you’re depressed. But if you enjoy what you’re doing -- whether it is yoga, bicycling, or walking -you’ll be more likely to stick with it over time. The days you feel least like exercising are the most important days to get out and do it. Those are the days when you will feel best after doing it. It’s more likely that you’ll exercise if it’s easy and convenient. Walking and running don’t require much equipment and are easy to Photo by Baker131313 do from nearly anywhere. The same goes for a gym or exercise class – if it’s easy to get to and the timing is convenient, it’s more likely that you’ll go. Professor Bogota & Dr. Palgi teach in the School of Health & Human Performance.
TIPS TO AVOID DEPRESSION DURING THE HOLIDAYS Besides the benefit of exercise to help with depression around the holidays check out these suggestions: Adopt the Mantra “I AM ENOUGH, I HAVE ENOUGH” Feelings of scarcity and lack give way to extreme perfectionism which contributes to living in a state of stressful despair. Remember, you have everything you need right here and right now. Gotta Be Grateful! Wake up and express gratitude every day. The little things matter the most and can get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. Forgive Others The holidays, more than any other time of year, send us swirling into a state of nostalgia filled with happy and not so happy memories. When you come across an old grudge, use it as an opportunity to heal your past and move on with peace. Forgive Yourself Shouldering guilt or regret over a past you cannot change weighs you, and everyone else, down. Free yourself by looking towards a future where you make better choices and you can once and for all wipe the slate clean. Unplug from Social Media Social media provides tools to help us stay in contact with loved ones near and far, however, the daily updates and constant chatter can take up enormous amounts of valuable time and lead us to unhealthy comparisons of the “wonderful” lives of others. Go on a social media detox a few times a week and notice how much time you regain and at ease with yourself you feel! Don’t look for relief in alcohol or drugs Although it can be tempting to “take the edge off” at holiday events, alcohol and drugs can make depression and anxiety worse and may trigger panic attacks. Choose to say NO Try not to overschedule yourself during the holiday season. You don’t have to feel obligated to accept every invitation and you may want to eliminate some traditions that cause you more stress than joy. Wherever you are at, honor and accept yourself and your feelings. These practical tips may minimize your stress and anxiety, and help you cope. However, don’t be afraid to speak with a doctor or mental health professional if you’re having a difficult time.
Kean students cheering for Red Sox and Patriots? continued from page 6
Photo by Keith Allison
Boston Red Sox players including Mitch Moreland, Craig Kimbrel, William Cuevas and Sandy Leon congratulate each other after a win at Camden Yards in Baltimore in 2018
Bobby Suydam may live in Edison but his fandom happens to spread across the United States, extending over two time zones. The 22-year-old student has a deep passion for sports and has been watching since his early childhood days. The only quirk is he has a favorite sports team in six different cities. When Suydam was eight, his favorite NFL team became the Green Bay Packers simply out of spite because his uncle was a fan of their division rival, the Minnesota Vikings. Suydam is one of 361,169 part owners for the Packers because he has stock invested in them, as the franchise is publicly owned,
according to the team’s official website. Suydam’s other influences for some of other favorite sports teams come from his older brother and father. “My brother was a Yankees fan and I always watched them with him,” said Suydam. “My father was an Orioles fan and he wanted me to be anything but a Yankees fan.” Suydam’s other favorite teams are the Boston Celtics (NBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), Oklahoma Sooners (NCAAF), and Butler Bulldogs (NCAAB). Suydam quickly turned into a Celtics fan while he was attending their game in New
Jersey against the Nets in 2004. “I came in with a Nets jersey, but they were getting blown out,” said Suydam. “So my dad took me to get another jersey, and somehow they were selling Celtics jerseys at the team store, and I got one.” Suydam is still waiting to see Oklahoma and Butler win a college national championship. He also wouldn’t mind seeing his four favorite professional sports teams win again. “Anytime your team wins a title, it’s a glorious thing,” said Suydam.