Julia’s Corner: Getting Along with a Roommate

a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major […]

Julia’s Corner: The Benefits of Working On Campus

a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major […]

#PROFspective: Feeling Like a Member of the Student Body Through the Online Learning Experience

Exterior image of Rowan Welcome Center as seen from Rowan Boulevard

Meet Liberal Studies major Krystal Mannering from Atlantic County, NJ. Krystal, a first-generation college student, works full-time while running a business, providing for her household and taking care of a toddler. Read her perspective on how Rowan has made her feel “accepted and welcomed” as an online student.  Being an online student for most of my educational […]

Julia’s Corner: Advice for Freshmen Moving Away From Home for the First Time

a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major […]

Passing the Torch: Second-generation Rowan Grad Offers Advice

Front of Bunce Hall in the backrground and Don's cap in the foreground

“Take advantage of everything that’s available to you here,” says Don Stahlberger, a recent Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate from Pittgrove, NJ (Salem County). His mom, Lisa, graduated from the College of Education when Rowan was then Glassboro State College.  “We have access to a lot of equipment and resources that a lot of people […]

Passing the Torch: Master’s Graduate, Teacher Offers Advice

Megan Pfizenmayer stands outside of Bunce Hall in her cap and gown

Meghan Pfizenmayer, who recently earned her master’s degree in Special Education, advises future graduate students to learn “time management, between working and school online, not waiting until the night before to get things done. “I would do a lot of school work after my own school day was over. I might be there until 8 […]

Passing the Torch: Biological Sciences Grad Reflects, Offers Wise Words of Advice

Kira and her best friend Sean stand outside of Bunce Hall

“Forge your own path. What does my mother always say? Be unapologetically authentic,” says Kira Malik, from Manalapan, NJ (Monmouth County), who recently graduated with a Biological Sciences degree and will soon continue her education in nursing.  Kira, who says she did not have a “traditional college route,” has loved healthcare since she was 3 […]

Passing the Torch: Psychology Major, Academic Coach Shares Her Parting Tips for Success

Chelsey Fitton stands in her cap and gown outside of Bunce Hall

“Take advantage of every opportunity in the Psychology department. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed, too,” says Chelsey Fitton from Woodstown, NJ (Salem County), who recently earned her Psychology degree.  “I found the faculty and staff to be super helpful within the (Psychology) department. And it’s a family. The professors don’t really […]

Passing the Torch: Psychology Major, Prospective Grad Student Shares Tips For Success

Sarah Transue holds her decorated cap in front of Bunce Hall

“Get involved in clubs and really make it worthwhile being a Prof,” says Sarah Transue, a recent graduate with a degree in Psychology and minor in neuroscience who commuted to campus from Mickleton, NJ (Gloucester County).  Her advice for fellow commuters? “Get here super early before classes.” Sarah, who transferred to Rowan, counts Perception as […]

How I Made Friends at Rowan

Today’s story is from Devon Graf, a recent Communications Studies graduate from Camden County, NJ. Devon joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Enchanted Celebrations was cut short prematurely due to COVID-19 affecting business. Some incoming college students may wonder: How am I going to make friends? It’s […]

Sophomore Reflects: Tips from Computer Science Major Frank Ziegler

Photo of Frank Ziegler wearing a hooded sweatshirt sitting in a graffiti-covered room

Meet Frank Ziegler, sophomore computer science major, who commutes from Gibbsboro, NJ (Camden County). Frank reflects on his years at Rowan and shares what he has learned. When I first started school at Rowan, I didn’t understand how the online system (i.e. Blackboard, Self-Service, Starfish) worked. It took me some time to figure out the […]

Julia’s Corner: It is Okay to Not Know Your Major

a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major […]

3 Ways I Make College More Affordable

Christian walks down Rowan Boulevard with two other students

Today we feature junior Communication Studies major and Journalism minor Christian A. Browne, who commutes to Rowan from Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County) and is originally from Philadelphia. Christian transferred to Rowan from Camden County College. Let’s be honest, college is a huge financial decision. With food, textbooks and parking, there are a bunch of expenses […]

Julia’s Corner: How Athletic Involvement Helped Me

a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major […]

How the Volunteer Club Impacts My Rowan Experience

Student volunteer pets a gray tabby cat at an animal shelter

Today’s story is from Devon Graf, a recent communications studies graduate self-distancing from her house in Camden County, NJ. Devon joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Enchanted Celebrations was cut short prematurely due to COVID-19 affecting business. Volunteering at Rowan University has been such a wonderful and […]

4 Pieces of Advice For Incoming Students From Sophomore Jaterrin Wharton

The Rowan welcome gate.

Today we speak to Jaterrin Wharton, a sophomore Health Promotion and Wellness Management major who commutes to Rowan from Camden, NJ. She transferred from Rowan College of South Jersey with an associate degree in in Applied Science in Health Sciences. Here is her advice for incoming Rowan students. 1. Make wise choices – stay focused on […]

First Year Voices: Shahir Mollah Talks Cars & Mechanical Engineering

Shahir poses with his motorbike.

Today’s (FRESH)man Voices features Shahir Mollah, a mechanical engineering from Galloway, NJ (Atlantic County) who lived in Mullica Hall until COVID-19 shut down the campus.  What inspired you to choose your major? I’ve always been a big car guy. Junior year of high school I wanted to build a car, which inspired my decision to […]

Junior Communication Studies Major: How I’m Gaining Lifelong Skills at Rowan

Christian walks with a group of students down Rowan Boulevard

Today we feature junior Communication Studies major and Journalism minor Christian A. Browne, who commutes to Rowan from Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County) and is originally from Philadelphia. Christian transferred to Rowan from Camden County College. Going to Rowan has been one of the best experiences of my life. Through the university newspaper The Whit, Rowan […]

First Year Voices: Casey Hofacker Reflects On Her Year

Today we feature freshman (soon-to-be sophomore) Casey Hofacker, a psychology major from Lindenwold, NJ (Camden County), who lived in Holly Pointe Commons until COVID-19 shut down the campus.  What did you most enjoy your freshman year at Rowan? What I enjoyed most about my freshman year was meeting my awesome friends and exploring my major. How […]

You Vape Bro? Big Tobacco is Still Targeting You!

Mariana Cardenas poses inside the Chamberlain Student Center.

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Meet Mariana Cardenas, senior Psychology major from Dumont, NJ (Bergen County). She shares: “People know the harmful effects of cigarettes [but] do not realize that […]

First Year Voices: Hannah Catherine Kittrell Reflects

Hannah and friend sit outside on-campus.

Today’s (FRESH)man Voices features Hannah Catherine Kittrell, a theatre arts major from Williamsburg, VA, who lived in Holly Pointe Commons until COVID-19 shut down the campus.  What did you most enjoy your freshman year at Rowan? My first semester was challenging, and I often doubted my talent and strength, but this semester I can already see some growth in […]

5 Benefits of Going to College Close to Home

A welcome home mat to signify the importance of staying close to home

There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home! While many people like Dorothy want to venture off to a place far away, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. There are a lot of benefits of staying close to home for college. I’ve learned this myself […]

Coping with Grief as a College Student

Allison Niemiec poses for a photo on the Bunce Green.

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Meet Allison Niemiec, a first year graduate student in the Higher Education Administrative Track program, from Cedar Grove, NJ (Essex County). She shares, “I wanted to write […]

Growing up in Glassboro: Why I Chose Rowan

Today’s story is from Maria Mancini, a senior public relations major self-distancing from her house in Glassboro, NJ (Gloucester County). Maria joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Nexus Properties was cut short prematurely due to COVID-19 affecting business.  For many of you, Glassboro, NJ is […]

Volunteer for Your Well-being

Roxy Urso poses for a photo outside of the Student Center.

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Meet Roxy Urso, junior Biology major from Barnegat, NJ (Ocean County). Roxy felt inspired by her love of volunteering to write this article. She shares: […]

Grit & Greatness

Jess Hassell poses outside of Bunce.

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Meet Jessica Hassell, a second-year Higher Education Administration graduate student from Owings Mills, Md. Jess wrote this article to help the Rowan community. She […]

Why It’s Okay To Be Emotionally Vulnerable

a male student sitting outside on a sunny day.

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Meet Marco Imperiale, freshman psychology major, from Toms River, NJ (Ocean County). He hopes his article, “Encourages the Rowan community to know it’s […]

As We Evolve, So Does Our Music

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.Meet Allegra Giannini, junior English major, from South Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County.) Allegra wrote this article to connect the Rowan community. She shares, “I wrote […]

Pandemic Profs: How to Take Better Photos as a College Student

Nicole stands in front of a magnolia tree with a camera.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Nicole Cier, a senior isolating in her house in Middlesex County, NJ. Nicole is a writing arts […]

Alumni Success: Staff Engineer for Hershey Company’s Reese Plant Christopher Dromgoole

Christopher Dromgoole, a chemical engineering alumnus, graduated with his B.S. in 2000 and M.S. in 2003. He is from Gloucester Township, NJ (Camden County). During his time at Rowan, he was an Undergraduate Lab Assistant and Graduate Assistant. He is a Staff Engineer at The Hershey Company’s Reese Plant.  What would you share with a […]

#PROFspective: DJ and Resident Assistant JT Kurtz

JT poses in front of Chestnut Hall.

Name: JT KurtzYear: JuniorMajor: Computer ScienceHometown: Egg Harbor Township, NJ (Atlantic County)On campus resident or commuter: I am a resident assistant in Chestnut Hall First-generation college student? Yes Academic or social clubs you are a part of: I am a part of Rowan University Philippine American Coalition (RUPAC), I do research for the psychology department […]

Me Time

Autumn smiles in the lobby of Savitz Hall.

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Meet Autumn Gittinger, senior communication studies major, from Gibbstown, NJ (Gloucester County). She wrote this article in hopes to encourage a student to […]

#PROFspective: Women’s Ice Hockey Vice President Emily Render

Emily stands in front of the women's ice hockey trophy.

Name: Emily RenderYear: JuniorMajor: Radio/Television/Film within the Ric Edeleman College of Communication and Creative Arts Hometown and county: Nutley, Essex County On campus resident or commuter: I live in 114 Victoria, on campus. Academic or social clubs:  Women’s Ice Hockey Club Team Why did you choose Rowan? I met one of the Women’s Ice Hockey coaches […]

Why It’s Important to Say No

Autumn smiles at the camera for a portrait taken in the student center.

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Meet Autumn Vilches-Cruz, junior psychology major from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County.) She shares, “I think this article will help the Rowan community […]

Learn How This Transfer Student Graduated Debt Free

The top of Bunce Hall on a sunny day.

Meet Natalia Panfilova, a 2017 graduate from the Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts. Natalia earned her bachelor’s in Public Relations without paying a single dollar for her degree. According to Marketplace, roughly 70% of American students end up taking out loans to go to college. It was estimated that the average student […]

Body Positivity: A Beginner’s Guide

Rowan Healthy Campus Initiatives contributor My’yonna Boyd on Rowan Boulevard

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Meet My’yonna Boyd, freshmen Biology major from Camden, NJ. My’yonna hopes, “Students will become aware you can make positive changes in your life […]

Iridian Shares 3 Ways She’s Gotten Involved as a Transfer

After completing two years at Atlantic Cape Community College, I decided to transfer over to Rowan University to get my bachelor’s in Journalism. Transferring over to a new school can be both exciting and intimidating. You’ll get to create new memories, meet new people and experience new opportunities. At community college I was involved in […]

Faculty PROFile: World Language Department’s Kipp Matalucci

Kipp Matalucci, German adjunct instructor at Rowan, stands outside on campus.

Meet Kipp Matalucci, German adjunct instructor within the College of Humanities & Social Sciences.  What is your area of expertise? I think the biggest strength I bring to the classroom is a knowledge of culture and civilization, particularly of Germany and Austria. I’ve acquired this not only through formal study but also through a lifetime of […]

The Five Aspects, Not Stages, of Grief

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.Meet Allegra Giannini, junior English major, who wrote this article about grief because it is a common, yet misunderstood, process. Grieving is something […]

Period Shame

Communication Studies major Autumn Bowman sitting on campus

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Meet Autumn Bowman, senior Communication Studies major, who wrote this article to start a health discussion. She shares: “There are a lot […]

Well-being

Biology major Roxy Urso sitting on a campus bench

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Meet Roxy Urso, senior Biology major, who wrote this article with the inspiration of the Rowan Thrive campaign that has been around campus this […]

The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep

Autumn Vilches-Cruz, junior Psychology major, sitting on a bench outside on Rowan's campus

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Meet Autumn Vilches-Cruz, junior Psychology major, who finds receiving an adequate amount of sleep is super important for college students. She explains […]

Quit Vaping

Mariana Cardenas, a senior Psychology major at Rowan, pictured in the Chamberlain Student Center

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Meet Mariana Cardenas, senior Psychology major, who wrote this article because of what she’s observed around her. She explains, “I have seen my […]

Eat More, It’s Good for You

Grace Van Cleef posing on a bench on Rowan University's campus.

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Meet Grace Van Cleef, senior Psychology and Communication Studies double major, who wrote this article because she recently started consistently meal prepping. […]

Toxic Friend Groups

Jessica Hassell, a Higher Education Administration track graduate student and author of story, sits in woods on Rowan University's campus

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Meet Jessica Hassell, a second-year Higher Education Administration track graduate student who wrote this article to start a discussion about toxic friendships. […]

The Importance Of Recognizing Disordered Eating Behaviors

Rowan psychology major Caleb Jones stands in front of a footbridge on campus

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Meet Caleb Jones, junior Psychology major, who wrote this article to bring awareness to an issue not often talked about. He shares, […]

The Mental Health Benefits of Cosplay

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Meet Allison Niemiec, a first year graduate student in the Higher Education Administrative Track program, who wrote this article because cosplay has been […]

Computer Science and Math Graduate Student Shares Advice

A computer science and mathematics major is sitting with his laptop doing some work.

Today, we feature advice from Elija Amponsah from Trenton, NJ (Mercer County.) Elija is a transfer student from TCNJ, currently pursuing his master’s degree in computer science and mathematics at Rowan within the College of Science & Mathematics. Today he shares his story and some advice for students wanting to major or current students in […]

From MBA to Big 4 Accounting Firm EY, Shivani Launches Career

Meet Shivani Shah, a recent Master of Business Administration (MBA) Rowan graduate from South Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County) who will hold an Assurance Staff position at EY (Ernst & Young) this September. Shivani worked hard over the past four years at Rowan, earning her B.S. in Accounting and, immediately after, achieving her MBA. Learn how […]

Rowan: Not My First Choice, But My Best Choice

Male student holding DSLR camera with trees in the background

Graduating senior Alexander Belli, a double major in public relations and advertising – and recently granted with the highest honor for this year’s advertising students, the medallion – shares his story on how Rowan University was not his first choice, but ultimately was the best choice for him. Alexander commuted to Rowan from Voorhees, NJ […]

Passing the Torch: Political Science Major from Honduras Shares Tips for Success

Edwin, in his cap and gown, stands next to his four family members outside Savitz Hall

“The best way to connect with internships is through email and on-campus job fairs,” says political science graduate Edwin Benavides from Trenton, NJ (Mercer County), who is originally from Honduras. He suggests that incoming students, “take advantage of all assistance programs provided by the University.” The advice he’d give to high school students is to, […]

Passing the Torch: Public Relations and Advertising Grad Gives Advice

Alex, wearing his graduation cap and gown, standing on the Bunce Green.

‘”Faculty are very helpful with connecting you to internships and job opportunities.” says Alexander Belli, a dual major public relations and advertising graduate, who was a commuter from Voorhees, NJ (Camden County).  “The best advice I could give for new students on time management would be to look at your schedule every night and to […]

From Exploratory Studies to Entrepreneurial Star

Jo Carter sits next to a Business Hall sign at Rowan University, wearing a pink button down blouse and holding a notebook

Jo Carter, a recently graduated senior from Lindenwold, NJ (Camden County), has always been full of ideas, but when she first transferred from Albright College, she wasn’t quite sure how to bring them to life. “I came to Rowan as an Exploratory Studies major, (within the College of Humanities & Social Sciences) unsure of what […]

Passing the Torch: Music Industry, First-Generation Student Gives Advice

Three Rowan graduates standing together outside Robinson Hall

“The best way to connect with internships and job opportunities was through the Rowan Music Group and speaking to your professors,” says first-generation college student Emilio Del Hierro, an international student from Ecuador and a recent music industry graduate from the College of Performing Arts. Emilio rented an off-campus apartment and commuted to Rowan.  To […]

Passing the Torch: Radio/TV/Film Grad Gives Advice

Radio/Tv/Film graduate poses in his black cap and gown.

The best way to make friends is by joining “clubs in your major,” says Taylor Forte, a Radio/TV/Film graduate from Brick Township, NJ (Ocean County), who rents off campus and commutes to Rowan. Taylor celebrated his graduation a the College of Communication & Creative Arts ceremony.  To make the most out of the college experience […]

Passing the Torch: Engineering Major Shares His Tips

To connect with internships and job opportunities, “attend the Career Fair on campus” through the Office of Career Advancement, says Philadelphia resident and first-generation college graduate Cornelius Middleton, who earned a master’s degree in engineering management through the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering. Cornelius served as a graduate coordinator in Mimosa Hall while earning […]

Passing the Torch: Political Science Grad Gives Advice

Brianna and her four family members standing in a group

“Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things!” says Brianna Donahue, a political science and first-generation college graduate from Mullica Hill, NJ (Gloucester County). “If I could go back and give myself any advice it would be to not pick a school for anyone but myself. I was too busy focusing on fitting […]

Passing the Torch: International Student Gives Advice

Ahmad Kindawi stands with his family at Rowan University graduation

“Participating in social activities is the best way to make friends,” says Ahmad Kindawi, a first-generation college student (now graduate!) from Syria, who rents a house off-campus, within walking distance of campus. Ahmad graduated with a master’s degree in history from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences.  Like what you see? Come visit us! […]

Passing the Torch: Grad Says “Just Do It”

Allyson stands in her cap and gown on the Bunce Green

“The best way to make friends is to ask for help and reach out to others,” says public relations graduate Allyson McDonough of Spring Lake Heights, NJ (Monmouth County.) As a first-generation college student and commuter who rents off campus, she shares her best advice to, “Go straight to Rowan and put yourself out there. […]

Passing the Torch: Transfer Student Grad Gives Advice

Eduarda in her graduation gown sitting on a pink wooden chair

Eduarda Moura, a law and justice graduate from Delran, NJ (Burlington County), shares how she made the most out of her college students as a first-generation transfer student. “Definitely don’t waste time. Time flies — my four years hit me before I could realize it. Now, off to grad school!”  Like what you see? Come […]