Bonnie Williams, a senior international studies major from Downe Township, NJ (Cumberland County) shares her personal experience with us about the study abroad program she is participating in. As a first-generation, transfer student, Bonnie is proud that she is about to be the first Williams (of her direct family) to receive her bachelor’s degree, and […]
first generation
From Salem Community College to Rowan University: Meet Transfer Prof Charmaine Harris
Charmaine Harris is a first generation college transfer student from Salem, New Jersey, having previously attended Salem Community College. At Rowan University, Charmaine has plans on commuting from home to study Sociology, as it works to explore the diversity of every culture and broadens the mindset of each individual in the field. At Salem Community […]
Humans of Rowan: Finding Her Place in Wrestling, Volunteerism & Student Leadership
With a sneak peek originally on @HumansofRowan on Instagram, today we learn more about Psychology major Sapjah Zapotitla of Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County). Sapjah is involved on campus as the president of the Sociology and Anthropology Club and a member of intramural wrestling on campus. What’s your Rowan experience been like as the first […]
#PROFspective: How Senior Jasmine Hull is Working Toward a Better Future in Healthcare
Today we feature senior Public Health and Wellness major Jasmine Hull (she/her) from Mercer County, NJ. Jasmine is living on-campus after transferring to Rowan from Stockton and is a first-generation college student. Here, she gives us some insights into her major and favorite experiences at Rowan. Why did you choose Rowan? Larger sum of transfer […]
#PROFspective: Student Leader Fadi Khan Says “This is Only the Beginning”
Today we feature student leader Fadi Khan (he/him) of Pleasantville, NJ (Atlantic County). Fadi is a senior Biological Sciences major and lives on campus in Holly Pointe Commons, where he is also a Community Assistant. A first-generation college student, Fadi shares with us his perspectives on life, his major, and getting the most out of […]
3 Rowan University Students Share What the EOF Program Has Done for Them
EOF is the gift that keeps on giving to its students here at Rowan, so here’s EOF students giving back to the program they love so dearly
Paving Her Own Path: Breanna Kiger’s Experience as a First-Generation Student
Today, we introduce you to first-year student Breanna Kiger, who hails from Cape May County, NJ and majors in Elementary Education. Breanna is not only the first of her family to attend college, she is a first-generation high school graduate as well. She shares her first impressions of the campus community in her first year […]
Beyond The Classroom: Senior Supply Chain and Logistics Major Alivia DiNorscio’s Internship with Cape Resorts
Today we feature senior Alivia DiNorscio (she/her) from Bridgewater, NJ (Somerset County). Alivia is an on-campus resident and first-generation college student majoring in Supply Chain and Logistics, having transferred to Rowan University from Raritan Valley Community College. She discusses the major with us here along with the internship she recently completed with Cape Resorts in […]
Breaking Barriers: How Perseverance and Family Found Kayla College Success
Meet Kayla Molinaro, a junior Law and Justice major with minors in and Sociology and Psychology from Rockaway, NJ (Morris County). Kayla is a member of the first class of Rowan’s National Honor Society for First Generation College Students, and her sister now joins her studying at Rowan. Kayla shares what it’s like to be […]
Beyond the Classroom: Rowan Graduate Stephanie Ciecierski Pursues M.A. in Writing and Internship with The Rug Truck
Stephanie Ciecierski (she/her) is a first-generation Rowan University 2016 graduate who majored in English and Subject-Matter Education. She was a transfer student from RCBC in 2013, and then commuted to Rowan from Medford, NJ (Burlington County). Now, after five years of being a high school special education teacher, Ciecierski is pursuing the second year of […]
Hispanic Heritage Month #PROFspective: Advertising and Public Relations Dual Major Angie Murillo
Today, as part of our Hispanic Heritage Month #PROFspective series, we feature senior Angie Murillo. Angie is a dual major in Advertising and Public Relations and is from Phillipsburg, NJ (Warren County). She is also a transfer student from Raritan Valley Community College and a first-generation college student. What is your student experience here at […]
Hispanic Heritage Month #PROFspective: Senior Biological Sciences Major Esteban Nieto on a “New Community” at Rowan
Today, as part of our Hispanic Heritage Month #PROFspective series, we feature senior Esteban Nieto (he/him), a Biological Sciences major and Neuroscience minor from Morris County. Esteban tells us about his major, being a first-generation college student, and gives advice to future students considering the major. Why did you decide to attend Rowan University? I wanted […]
Hispanic Heritage Month #PROFspective: Senior Accounting Major Jacob Rodriguez on Inclusion and Serving His Community
Today, as part of our Hispanic Heritage Month #PROFspective series, we feature senior Jacob Rodriguez from Hammonton, NJ. Jacob is a first-generation college student majoring in Accounting and a transfer student from Rowan College of South Jersey in Gloucester County. What is your student experience here at Rowan? Do you feel included? Supported? How so? […]
Hispanic Heritage Month #PROFspective: Sports Communication Major Spencer Reyes on Inclusion at Rowan and “Never Losing” His Heritage
Today, as part of our Hispanic Heritage Month #PROFspective series, we feature senior Spencer Reyes. Spencer is majoring in Sports Communication and Media with a concentration in Radio/TV/Film and minoring in Communication Studies. He is from Old Bridge, NJ (Middlesex County) a first generation college student, and a transfer student from Middlesex College. What is […]
Hispanic Heritage Month #PROFspective: Law and Justice Major Cisley Calva on Taking Pride in Her Path and Culture
Today, as part of our Hispanic Heritage Month #PROFspective series, we feature senior Cisley Calva from Newark, NJ (Essex County). Cisley is a first generation college student majoring in Law and Justice and minoring in Psychology, and is the President of ULA (United Latinos Association). What is your student experience here at Rowan? Do you […]
50 Profs Share 50 Reasons They Love Rowan
Today, 50 Profs share with us 50 reasons they love Rowan. All of our Profs are unique, and why they love Rowan showcases the many opportunities to thrive on campus. Profs Love Their Majors 1. “I fell in love with my major because of how versatile and pertinent the information I learn is to the […]
Passing the Torch: How Tiana Howard Made the Most of Her Time at Rowan
Looking back at these past four years, first-generation college student Tiana Howard from Trenton, NJ (Mercer County) is grateful for her time at Rowan. “I want to say that Rowan has shaped not only my four years since I’ve been here, but the rest of my life. I think it was a great experience as a […]
A Look Inside the Translational Biomedical Sciences Major with Abigail Muccilli
Today we speak with Translational Biomedical Sciences major (TBS) junior Abigail Muccilli. She discusses her major, research within the field, internship and job opportunities, career outcomes and her personal goals as a student within the Translational Biomedical Sciences major. What is Translational Biomedical Sciences (TBS)? It is essentially a lot like a biology degree, but […]
#PROFspective: Senior Health and Physical Education Major, Cheerleader Gianna Moyer
Today we feature Gianna Moyer, a senior Health and Physical Education major. Gianna is from Glendora, NJ (Camden County) and a first generation college student. She discusses her major and goes into detail about her involvement in cheerleading and other extracurriculars around campus. What inspired you to choose your major? I am a Health and Physical Education major. […]
Black #PROFspective: A Conversation with Cristofer Conner, A Public Health and Wellness Major
In this edition of Rowan Blog, we look into the #PROFspective of Public Health and Wellness major Cristofer Conner of Burlington County. In this dialogue, we learn more of Cristofer’s time on campus as well as some of his own thoughts to his decision making on selecting Rowan University, his future career and his own […]
First Year Voices: Radio/Television/Film Major Sincere Silvera
Today we talk to first-year student and on-campus resident Sincere Silvera. Sincere is a Radio/Television/Film (RTF) major from East Orange, NJ (Essex County). Sincere is a first-generation and EOF student. What do you like about living on campus? Well, I live in a single room. It’s pretty good, you know, I can just do whatever […]
A Day in the Life of Communication Studies Major, Admissions Ambassador Coordinator Tiana Howard
Today we speak to Tiana Howard, a senior Communication Studies major with concentrations in Rhetorical Criticism and Honors. A first-generation college student from Trenton, NJ (Mercer County), Tiana is president of her sorority, Mu Sigma Upsilon, and a member of Rowan’s EOF program. Tiana works as an Ambassador Coordinator for Rowan Admissions, and she also […]
First Year Voices: Fall Edition
Today we feature first year Rowan students Destinee Hines, Jake Brandenburg, Abbie Ealer and Sam Skripko — each with a unique sense of style, sharing their experiences and ambitions for the school year. “My year’s been good, had a couple ups and downs, but it’s getting better. I went to pop-up shops and I hope […]
First Year Voices: Engineering Majors Brayden Bruseo and Kristian DelSignore
Today, we meet two first-year students from the College of Engineering. Civil and Environmental Engineering major Brayden Bruseo calls Rockaway, NJ (Morris County) his hometown. Electrical and Computer Engineering major Kristian DelSignore, a first-generation college student, is from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County). “I’m looking forward to meeting new people, getting used to college life […]
Rowan Global Student, SJICR Grad Coordinator Alondra Martinez on Bringing More Students of Color into Higher Education Spaces
Alondra Martinez’s coursework and on-campus position both align with her passion to see more students like her, from underrepresented backgrounds, “achieve anything they want.” Alondra, a Rowan Global student in the M.A. in Higher Education program, works as a graduate coordinator with the Social Justice, Inclusion, and Conflict Resolution (SJICR) office. Alondra is a first […]
Alumni Success: Byron Bustos Tells It All!
Today we feature Byron Bustos, a 1999 graduate of Rowan’s Political Science program. Originally from North Jersey, Byron details his journey to Rowan, how he joined his fraternity and how it led him down a path he didn’t know he’d be taking. When did you graduate from Rowan and what clubs, organizations or activities were […]
First Year Voices: Exercise Science Majors Kim King and Tyler DelSignore
Today, we feature two Exercise Science majors within the School of Nursing and Health Professions. Kim King calls Shamong, NJ (Burlington County) her hometown. Tyler DelSignore, a first-generation college student, is from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County). “I went with some friends to Welcome Week … and trivia. I’m looking forward to labs, getting into […]
In Case You Missed It: Favorite Classes At Rowan
Rowan Blog recently wrapped up a series called “My Favorite Class” featuring first-person commentaries from Rowan students. Here, we share highlights from a few of those stories. My Favorite Class: Earth, People and The Environment Ross Billig is a senior Geography major with a Planning minor from Marlton, NJ (Burlington County). Tell us a little […]
Out-of-State Students’ Returning to Rowan Bucket List
Many out-of-state students are coming to campus for the first time since COVID, while some were able to come to campus last year. Here are some things that out-of-state students are looking forward to when campus opens up a bit more this semester. Magdelyn Kelly is a senior Musical Theatre and Theatre Education major from […]
Senior Reflects: RTF Major Riel Dioquino on Finding True Friends
Today we speak with Riel Marc Dioquino (he/him) who recently graduated with a degree in Radio/Television/Film (RTF) and a concentration in Production. Riel hails from Burlington Township and is a first-generation college student. He also participated in Cinema Workshop and earned recognition for this short documentary, Beyond His Closet, in the Edelman College of Communications & […]
How College Classes are Different than High School Classes
Rowan Blog contributor Bianca Gray is a senior English major with a concentration in Shakespeare Studies who transferred to Rowan from a private college. She shares her advice on what first-year students can expect when taking college classes. The transition from high school to college can be nerve-racking in more ways than one. Traditional first […]
Senior Reflects: Recent Writing Arts Graduate Kassidy Tirelli Heads to Law School
Today we speak to Kassidy Tirelli, a recent Writing Arts graduate with concentrations in Creative Writing and Publishing and Writing for the Public. Kassidy is a first-generation student from Pittsgrove, NJ (Salem County). Could you share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? My favorite experience […]
Why Psychology Major Leah Boyle Chose to Study Close to Home
Today we speak with Leah Boyle, who recently graduated with a degree in Psychology. Leah comes from Haddonfield, NJ in Camden County and is a first-generation college student. She had been an on-campus resident all four years and worked as an RA (Resident Assistant) for the LGBTQIA+ Learning Community in Holly Pointe for the last […]
My Favorite Class: Fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Khrissy Seay is a recent graduate and first-generation college student. While at Rowan, she was a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) major with minors in Geography and Planning. She is from Mays Landing (Atlantic County) and transferred from Atlantic Cape Community College. What was the name of your favorite class at Rowan? This is not an easy question. […]
Meet Transfer Profs: Computer Science Major Gregory Zacharko
Today we speak with and welcome to Rowan first-generation college student and new transfer, Gregory Zacharko from Cinnaminson, NJ (Burlington County). Gregory is transferring from Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) with an associate degree in Computer Science. While at Rowan University, he will be continuing as a Computer Science major with the ambition of […]
#PROFspective: JT Kurtz, Inspiring ARD & Genuine Friend
Today we speak with JT Kurtz, a recent Computer Science graduate from Egg Harbor Township (Atlantic County). JT is a first-generation college student and worked as an Assistant Resident Director (ARD) on campus, most recently at 223 Nexus. How did you like living on campus? I loved it! I was a Resident Assistant (RA) in […]
Meet #Rowan2025: Aspiring Business Major Brooke Woodworth
Meet incoming first-year Brooke Woodworth, a first generation college student and aspiring Business Management major from Freehold, NJ (Monmouth County). Brooke tells us more about what she’s looking forward to at Rowan. Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward in college? One thing I am looking forward to in […]
My Favorite Class: Integrated Marketing Communication
Today we feature Caitlyn Dickinson, a recent Public Relations and Advertising graduate from Toms River, NJ (Ocean County). Caitlyn is a first-generation college student and transfer student. What was the name of your favorite class at Rowan? Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) What department was the class in? Advertising Who taught the class when you took it? Professor […]
My Favorite Class: Foundations of Music Education
Today we feature first-generation college senior Luis Ozoria. Luis’s favorite class was Foundations of Music Education in the Music department taught by Dr. Adrian Barnes. Luis recently graduated with a bachelor’s of music in Jazz Studies and is from Galloway, NJ (Atlantic County). Tell us a little about what the class is… The class gives […]
#PROFPRIDE: Filmmaker Riel Dioquino on “Beyond His Closet”
Today we speak with Riel Marc Dioquino (he/him), who recently graduated with a degree in Radio/Television/Film (RTF) and a concentration in Production. Riel hails from Burlington Township and is a first-generation college student. He also participated in Cinema Workshop and earned recognition for this short documentary, Beyond His Closet, in the Edelman College of Communications & […]
Beyond the Classroom: Idea Challenge Winner, Steminist Squad Founder Talia Tomarchio
Today we speak to Talia Tomarchio, a recent graduate with a degree in computer science, a minor in neuroscience and an honors concentration. Talia is a transfer student from Rowan College at Burlington County and a first-generation college student. Talia founded the Steminist Squad, an online community for women in STEM industries. Her business won first […]
Meet #Rowan2025: Biological Sciences Major Lauren Kliniewski
Meet incoming first year student Lauren Kliniewski! Lauren is a first-generation college student and aspiring Biological Sciences major from Sewell, NJ (Gloucester County). She tells us more about what she’s looking forward to at Rowan! Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward in college? Furthering my education and […]
My Favorite Class: Instrumental Conducting 2
Abby Bernhardt is a first generation college student and recent graduate with a degree in Instrumental Music Education from Egg Harbor City (Atlantic County). Her favorite class was Instrumental Conducting 2 in the Music department taught by Dr. Joe Higgins. Tell us a little about what the class is. This class is a continuation […]
Meet Transfer Profs: Taylor Loiacono
Today we feature incoming transfer and first-generation college student Taylor Loiacono from Camden County College. Taylor will be commuting from Cherry Hill, NJ and studying Marketing. Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward at Rowan University? Being back in a classroom! What is one hobby, activity, sport or […]
Meet Transfer Profs: Biology Major Stephanie Berdugo-Hernandez
Today we feature incoming transfer and first-generation college student Stephanie Berdugo-Hernandez from Rowan College at Burlington County. Stephanie will be commuting from Eastampton, NJ (Burlington County) and studying Biological Sciences. Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward at Rowan University? I am looking forward to continuing my education […]
Meet #Rowan2025: Exploratory Studies Major Maria Celeste Lopez Vasquez
Today we feature incoming first year and first-generation college student Maria Celeste Lopez Vasquez. Maria will major in Exploratory Studies and commute from Camden, NJ (Camden County). Maria attended Camden Academy Charter High School. Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward in college? In college, I’m looking forward […]
Senior Reflects: Anderson Chumpitaz on Mentorship and His Rowan Legacy
Today we feature first-generation college student Anderson Chumpitaz, who will graduate this summer. Anderson majors in Health Promotion and Wellness Management and is from Newark, NJ (Essex County). He gives advice and tells us about his involvement on campus. Do you have any advice for people who are moving to campus for the first time […]
4 Out-Of-State First Year Students Share Why They Chose Rowan
Today we speak with four out-of-state first year students about why they chose a university further from home and their experiences here at Rowan. Abby Riley, a first-generation student and Exercise Science major from Elkton, Maryland, shares the value of attending an out-of-state university. Abby says, “I considered and chose an out-of-state university because I […]
Meet #Rowan2025: Felix Arthur from Ghana
Today we feature incoming international and first-generation college student Felix Arthur from Accra, Ghana. He will be studying International Studies on campus and will be part of the Honors College. Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward in college? I look forward to engaging with the beautiful Rowan […]
Meet #Rowan2025: Writing Arts Major, Author Vaniece Washington
Today we feature incoming first year and first-generation college student Vaniece Washington from Woodlynne, NJ (Camden County). Vaniece will be studying Writing Arts and commuting from home. Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward in college? Meeting people with my same interests. What is one hobby, activity, sport […]
