The Tower | The Independent Voice Of Kean University - March 2022 Issue

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TH E I N DEPEN D EN T VOI C E OF K E AN U N IV E R S IT Y

Successful Kean Alum Works for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

By Harmony Sanchez

“I used my difference as a teachable moment.”

A Kean alumnae who has reached the pinnacle of success in the corporate world returned to campus in February to discuss her lifelong work for fairness and equity in the workplace, currently as managing director and head of global diversity at BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with a $9.5 trillion portfolio.

Michelle Gadsden-Williams was the third and final speaker in the new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Photo by Harmony Sanchez (DEI) Facilitator Certification Michelle Gadsden-Williams during her lecture Program, which was created by Dr. realize their ambition, but also to realize the Christopher Lynch, to give students business objectives for that organization,” a start as diversity practitioners.

“It’s certainly my privilege to be back at she said.

Gadsden-Williams also touched on Kean University where I graduated many years ago, but it's also a place that allowed microaggressions during her lecture. me to better understand who I was as an She described her time working in Basel, individual and also predetermined what I Switzerland from 2006-2016, where many would become years later,” said Gadsden- made assumptions about who she was — Williams, who earned a bachelor’s degree either mistaking her for a junior employee in Communication from Kean and later was or the hired help based on her race.

The experience only motivated Gadsdenawarded an honorary doctorate.

In her lecture, Gadsden-Williams said Williams to immerse herself more into the company leaders should have the courage to culture.

“I used my difference as a teachable act, the conviction to lead, and the courage to change. She said her work is about moment.” Said Gasden-Williams. “I took helping organizations achieve their goals German lessons every Friday in my office for one year, and I was able to present and whale inclujding DEI. “By creating workplaces and cultures communicate with my colleagues and my and environments that are fair, equitable boss in Swiss-German, and they appreciated and conducive for every single individual to that.”

continued on page 8

Kean Class of 2024 Welcomes Halfway to Graduation Celebration

By Julia Strugala

said Harmon-Francis. “Once they earn their college degree, a world of Incoming juniors will be career possibilities is waiting commemorated for their for them. ” accomplishments this Class of 2024 President month with a new Jeremiah Monteiro said “Halfway to Graduation it is especially important Celebration” – an event to recognize the hard that coincidentally has work and dedication special significance for of his class because those who graduated most unfortunately did high school in 2020 and not receive that rite of missed a traditional Photo by Morgan Douglas passage graduating from graduation ceremony The Official Halfway to Graduation high school. logo created by Kean student Morgan due to Covid 19.

“I’ve personally Douglas Barbara L Harheard many stories mon-Francis, of fellow students Vice President of not having a the Division of prom or even a Student Success and graduation,” he Retention which is said. “Valedictorians sponsoring the event, and athletes said the goal is to never getting the recognize persistence opportunity to leave of sophomores and their final mark. going forward, it will Close friends not be a signature Kean being able to say University event. goodbye for the very “It takes a lot of last time.” time and energy He said he is to get through the honored that The first two years of Class of 2024 will be college. Our goal is the first to enjoy the to let them know new celebration on that we see them two separate dates, and we want them to Tuesday, March 29 continue to persist,”

“Every student’s journey to graduation is different. Although graduation is the ultimate goal, we want to remind students that they should celebrate their small and big victories along the way,”

continued on page 10

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March, 2022

The Fight Against a Generational Norm

By Cindy Lazo

According to Dr. Frank Argote-Freyer, an associate professor who teaches courses on It was one of those quiet boring days in Caribbean and Latin American history at 2003 when the normal sounds of children Kean, explained that the term ‘machismo’ shouting and laughing on our block was is a notion that was born out of patriarchy, replaced with the light taps of rain hitting and a notion that men are the protectors the windows of our first floor apartment. in society.

The dramatic “Latin America music of my has historically mother’s daytime been a patriarchal telenovelas played society,” Argotein the background Freyer explained. as an over “Women have had exaggerated fight marginalized roles scene between the in terms of power in protagonist and the society, and men antagonist ensued were seen as the as my brother and person that gained I watched on, with employment, that nothing else to do. brought home Remembering that money.” our uncles, who at He also said Latin the time lived with American culture us, had purchased maintains sexual a Playstation double standards 2 console, my where men can have brother suggested multiple partners Photo by Daquelia Manera asking them if we but women are could play and we "Macho extra" by Daquella Manera is licensed under CC expected to be BY 2.0 headed over to monogamous, their room. We which also ties immediately saw into the concept that they were of the man as the engrossed in their breadwinner. video game, but The origins they looked up of machismo and asked my in Latin culture brother to join. is linked to the As I watched the period of Spanish three of them colonization in having fun, I asked present-day Latin when it was my America and the turn. “No Cindy, Caribbean and is this is for boys and men to play only,’ my seemingly handed down from generation uncle said. “You cannot use it, better yet to generation. you should not even be here so go back to “I think it has to do with the culture, and the living room.” how we have [a] broad history with that For a four-year old girl this was traumatic culture--especially women,” Rosa Paulino, and scary to hear. I did not understand Acting Director for the university’s why my question triggered such a remark Spanish Speaking Program SUPERA, said. and I recall going into hysterics when “And although we claim, ‘we do not want I repeated it to my parents. Little did machismo’, sometimes we raise our kids to I know that this was my introduction be machistas.” to machismo, a Latin form of toxic Paulino also believes that traditions and masculinity, and unfortunately the first of being surrounded by family has a role in many assumptions or expectations that I modern-day machismo. would experience from family members as continued on page 10 I grew up.

“Currently, I see a lot of young Latinos [more involved]. And I feel like we’re doing a really good job changing the society”

Student Confessions on Kean Missed Connections

By Harmony Sanchez

the Instagram page in search of a missed connection that may be about them, or If you could make an anonymous someone else they know. confession about anyone at Kean, what “The submissions are sent to a google would you say? form in my bio. I don’t collect any The new Kean Missed Connections information other than the Instagram account is message itself, so even I, bridging that gap for many, the owner of the page, don't by allowing users to fill out know who sends what,” the a google form and share creator said. “It’s completely their anonymous thoughts, anonymous, unless they feelings, confessions or decide to write their names connections with everyone in the submission or in the else. comment section.”

Created at the start of While some users utilize the Spring 2022 semester, the google submission form @KeanMissedConnections to ask a simple question on Instagram now has over about the university or talk 800 followers and receives about an experience they over 100 likes with each new had on campus, many end daily post. up shouting someone out “This page is for the people they noticed at Kean . who missed their chance “I don’t follow their page. to reach out to someone, it The main reason I found gives them a second chance out about it was because a to connect with that person, student talked about me whether it be a compliment, on it and of course I didn’t admitting your crush, take it to heart,” Martinez or just making a said. “I just thought new friend,”the that they were shy; anonymous they were at least creator of the page getting the thought explained.

“The out of their system, page is meant but the anonymous to stimulate individual said very community.” nice things about The creator saw me.” an opportunity Martinez is to create a missed one of many who connections page have been publicly for Kean when mentioned on they noticed other the page, but the universities had creator ensures similar confessional anyone who is accounts online. uncomfor table “I think it’s a fun can always request Photo by Harmony Sanchez way for students the post be taken to anonymously Recent post on Kean Missed Connections down. interact with each “I want to make other and be honest while keeping their sure that positivity is spread and that identity safe,” Kean Senior Nallely Martinez anyone is able to enjoy this page and feel said. safe! I am very approachable and flexible “I do find it entertaining, other so whatever problems anyone has they can perspectives on Kean’s student life are always come to me,” said the creator. always interesting to indulge in,” Kean According to the creator, they now Senior Dariana Rodriguez said “I browse receive an average of 300-400 confessions when I see the page come up on my timeline. per week, or 50-100 per day from the google If the messages are sweet I’ll like the post.” continued on page 7 Currently, many students at Kean browse

“This page is for the people who missed their chance to reach out to someone, it gives them a second chance to connect with that person,”

March, 2022

CNN’s Abby Phillip Discusses the World of Journalism with Kean Students

By Elaine Amico As Kean closes out Black History Month, they welcome worldrenowned journalist Abby Phillip to speak with students and faculty on the world of journalism, and how the profession is slowly becoming more diverse.

Kean President Dr. Lamont Repollet, Ed.D. started the lecture by giving the audience a glimpse on the history of the Distinguished Lecture Series.

Photo by Kean Social Media “When my predecessor Abby Phillip and Darlene Repollet President Dawood Farahi the word objectivity,” Phillip said. started this Distinguished Lecture Series, Phillip further explained that theory his goal was to bring prominent national by discussing how we all are influenced thought leaders and changemakers to by who we are, our personalities, where Kean so that our students, faculty, and we come from, where we grew up, what staff, as well as the broader community, languages we speak, etc. It shapes how we could learn from top minds in the see the world we live in, how we prioritize country,” President Repollet said. “We have certainly delivered on that promise.” information, and how we approach Darlene Repollet was ecstatic to our observations, which is even more welcome Phillip and moderated the Q&A. common for journalists. It allows us all

“We are all influenced by who we are, our personalities, where we come from, where we grew up, what languages we speak etc.”

Darlene Repollet agreed that there was no better way to close out black history month, than by welcoming one of the most important voices on diversity and equity.

Phillip dove into many heavy questions and addressed a common question among Americans today. “Which news networks are unbiased and fully objective?”

According to a recent poll from the Knight Foundation, “nearly half of all Americans think the media is very biased.” Phillip responded to this concern of Americans.

“Whenever I am asked this question, I actually want to turn it around. I really think we may need to consider retiring

to bring different things to the table than our peers or colleagues.

The belief that we as individuals all have unique features to bring to the table, was a common theme of the night.

Phillip said that as a black woman, she sees things differently than her colleagues.

“Recently, one of my white male colleagues tweeted about how there was a policy that put money aside for doulas.

You could tell by the tweet that he didn't know what a doula was, but felt money was being wasted on it,” Philip said. continued on page 11

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News Editor Wins Award Tower News Editor Davaughnia Wilson, a Communication/Journalism major, has been awarded a paid summer internship by the New Jersey Press Foundation in a statewide competition among college students.

About 10 internships are awarded each year to work at one of New Jersey’s media outlets for a salary of $500 a week. Wilson, a junior, will intern for eight weeks at The Record, the flagship newspaper of northjersey.com.

Davaughnia Wilson

New Jersey Mask Mandates Lifted In Public Schools

By Victoria Cifelli

during Spring Break, the university has made the decision to wait until April 1 to implement this change.

Many students who have family members who are immunocompromised will likely choose to wear a mask, such as Robyn Epstein, a Communication major at Kean.

Dr. Lamont Repollet announced to the Kean community in an email on March 4 that the University will lift the mask mandate on April 1, and make it optional.

This comes on the heels of Governor Phil Murphy's announcement on Feb. 7 that on March 7, masks will no longer be required in public schools and daycare centers due to the decline of COVID-19 cases in New Jersey.

Although public schools and universities have been enforcing mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic, Murphy stated that each school district can make its own decision for Photo by Kean University students and staff regarding Faculty wearing masks in the COVID-19 testing lab on campus masks.

“Our University has reached a milestone in this pandemic. In the “I would still wear a mask personally past two consecutive weeks, none of our just because I do live in a household residential students tested positive for with underlying health conditions. I am COVID-19, and cases have continued not super worried about me but worried to plummet across our campus, our for my family but thankfully we are all state and the country,” Repollet said in vaccinated,” Epstein said. the email to the Kean community. “As a Kean student Ateka Kanji spoke about result, and in accordance with Federal the bright sides of having the mask health guidelines, effective Friday, April mandates lifted on campus.

1, Kean will become mask optional in “We would finally be able to see the most circumstances,” Repollet said. people we are talking to and we would Repollet said in his email that masks be able to hear people better. The downs can still be worn if individuals still feel would be that we can be around people more comfortable wearing them. Adding continued on page 11 that because students will be traveling

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March, 2022

Kean’s University Open Year Event: Kean’s Got Talent

By Rosney Herrera

When interviewed, several students (Joan Anderson, Antony James, Grace Gilbert, Delvin Junior, Michael Peter, and Susan Andrew). Most of them had positive remarks about the talent show, and some even quoted it as "the event of the year" . Those who were going to participate for

third winner. The talent show which is expected to take place yearly for students to demonstrate their abilities and talents.

Talent is the most common way students learn who they are and become a significant part of their lives. To satisfy the

There is nothing more inspiring than seeing young people discover and pursue their unique abilities and interests to enhance their own lives and the lives of others around them.

"Pathways" is the name given to Kean university talent development, which stresses students to gain access to the opportunity, identify and cultivate the talents they possess, and develop those talents to the fullest extent possible, all to achieve their maximum potential.

It is for this reason that the Student Government Association, Commuter’s Resource Center, and the Graduate Student Government created Kean’s Got Talent.

All students who believe that they have something to show the world are invited to this one-day event. Students who wish to participate can scan the QR code on the flyers to sign up.

Photo by Kean University gallery , by The advocacy Project licensed under CC Photo by By “set up”by Justin Morris, is licensed under CC BY 2.0 On February 25, at 7PM students Photo by By “ Kean talents” by Elizabeth Schoenknecth is licensed under BY 2.0 CC BY 2.0 “set up Kean u” 08/14/2014, Union, NJ showcase their talent at the event hosted “Hri gallery Kean U” 1/30/2013, Union, NJ “Kean got talents” 10/25/2010, Union, NJ in Cougar's Den. The event was expected to host over 12 performances that comprised more than the first time encouraged themselves with words like "every requirement of the talent market, innovativeness has been undertaken from teaching programs students practice.

30 students. Students participated in various activities, artist started as an amateur at some point."

Universities are great places for developing and nurturing These significant reforms have established a succession of including singing, dancing, telling jokes and performing young talent.Education is vital to ensure a child's prosperity course adjustments. comic skits.

The instructors also adjust instructional approaches. They The show judges included Jonathan Mercantini, the dean and high living conditions. Nevertheless, allowing children of arts, Adelaide university festival organizer, and Michael to find their strengths and encouraging them demonstrates make the most of teaching materials and develop students' practice ability and invention ability, thus raising knowledge James, the drama coach. Audience reaction, Talent, and that we have their best interests in mind.

The prizes include an apple watch for the first runners- level and fostering students’ positively. At the same time, overall performance were considered while evaluating the acts. up, a JBL speaker for the second, and an Alexa echo for the university success assessment has been improved to

“Everyone has skill what's unusual is the bravery to pursue it to the dark depths where everything leads.”

continued on page 7

First-Gen College Graduate Inspiring and Helping Other First-Gens

By Davaughnia Wilson From being homeless to becoming a college graduate, an attorney, a retired municipal judge, and now assistant vice president for Student Retention and Educational Innovation at Kean University, Marvin Adames has experienced it all.

“I'm in this position now, I'm gonna kind of oversee it and I find that there's a particular beauty in having somebody oversee it that's lived it,” Adames said.

Adames, of Puerto Rican descent, explained that he faced many challenges growing up, including language barriers and racial discrimination. He was raised in a single-parent migrant household in an impoverished area in Newark, N.J. where crime and incarceration were the norms.

Financial insecurity, food insecurity, and housing insecurity are some of the

challenges these families face in addition to obtaining a high-quality college education.

“We had very humble beginnings. A couple of times, you know, unfortunately, we were evicted. We were homeless, kind of staying with friends and family until we had some stability,” Adames said.

Adames said that he was constantly told that anything is possible through education.

All he had to do was stay focused on that, and if he did well in school, he would be able to lift himself and his family out of poverty.

The thought of attending college seemed so far-fetched because he knew his mother couldn’t afford it and when he reached out to his father, he said he couldn't assist him.

As a high school sophomore, he decided that he would join the military and go on the G.I. Bill to pay for college. It wasn't until he learned that he could acquire an academic scholarship by being ranked number one or

Photo by Ian Alfano

Marvin Adames

number two in his graduating class, that his focus shifted.

“Once I learned about the possibility of going to college via an academic scholarship and all I had to do was be number one or number two in my high school class, that meant I had to really really focus. At that particular time, my life completely changed,” Adames said.

He was eager to learn and eager to succeed. He constantly reminded himself that to be the best, to be number one, he had to stay focused and work hard. He graduated high school as a salutatorian and received academic scholarships from multiple universities. He decided to attend The College of New Jersey.

“I had a very supportive environment that caused me to succeed. I was able to get out of school in four years, I got into law school and I went to law school right after college which was really amazing for someone in my situation,” Adames said.

Adames explained that being a firstgen was more difficult in law school. In undergrad, he had the support of his advisors and peer mentors to see him through. While attending Rutgers Law continued on page 9

March, 2022

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Let Your Voice Be Heard with Kean’s Climate Survey

By Andrey Nalbantov The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Kean officially gave access to the first-ever Campus Climate Survey on Wednesday, March 2 that is available through Friday, April 8.

The goal of the survey is to gather as much understanding as possible from the experiences of students, faculty, and staff in order to create a better and more inclusive campus environment for everyone here at Kean.

The results of this survey will be used to assess areas that are working well, and the ones that need improvement. In that way, new policies for inclusion and new clubs for students to join will be formed on campus.

All of the improvements will create a better future campus experience.

The survey, estimated to be completed within 20-30 minutes, is set to include both quantitative and qualitative questions for students, faculty, and staff to share in greater detail their experiences. The very robust data set gathered from people’s experiences will help better assess the situation around campus, and pinpoint areas where work needs to be done.

In an email sent out to everyone at Kean, President Dr. Lamont O. Repollet shared his voice on the survey and the opportunities it will create for all of us.

“We seek to create an environment characterized by fairness, equal access, mutual respect, and civil interaction where all members of the community are heard,” wrote Repollet in the email.

The survey, run by Rankin & Associates Consulting, is co-chaired by Executive Director of the DEI Office, Tamika Quick,

“I believe in utilizing students’ voices and experiences to create opportunities here at Kean,”

Photo by Kathryn Birchfield

Kean Climate Survey Webpage QR Code Photo by Kean University

Email President Repollet About The Survey

and Director of the M.A. in Writing Studies, Dr. Mia Zamora.

Quick believes that the survey will give the DEI office and the university insight into people’s experiences, thus creating the opportunity to assess areas of improvement in a strategic way. She finds it very important for students to know that they are a part of Kean’s community and that they can use their voices to cultivate change.

“I believe in utilizing students' voices and

experiences to create opportunities here at Kean,” Quick said.

And while one of the goals of the survey is to have as many student and faculty members as possible working together, she also has a personal goal that she wants to see become reality.

“My goal is for the survey to reach as many people as possible,” Quick said.

Her goal can certainly become a reality thanks to the tabling efforts spread all around campus. The tabling efforts not only serve as hubs to promote and encourage others to take the Kean Climate Survey but also provide opportunities for other

students who are interested in helping during the camping. According to Quick, students who want to help out should promote the survey, rather than pressuring others into taking it.

Zamora sees the upcoming Fall 2022 results as a new method of forming new policies, clubs, and organizations here on campus. She hopes that at least half of the campus community would participate in the survey.

“We should take it because this is a community that will shape the future,” Zamora said.

Brandon Machado, a Freshman at Kean, majoring in Writing Studies M.A. agrees with Quick and Zamora about the importance of the Kean Climate Survey.

Machado also is an ambassador for the Kean Climate Survey Program.

He expects that the survey will be not only beneficial in further enhancing the climate at Kean but will also let everyone know their voices for the time ahead.

“Students should complete the survey not only to let their voices be heard but also to ensure a climate more beneficial to their experiences,” Machado said. “As well for incoming students to follow.”

Kathryn Birchfield is a first-year graduate student also majoring in the English Writing Studies Program. She is part of the ambassadors' team for the Kean Climate Survey. Birchfield believes that students should let their voices be heard if they want Kean’s campus to create accurate and equitable policies. This is where the importance of the survey and its results will come into play. continued on page11

University Senate Discusses Enrollment and Retention

By Tyra Watts Student retention and enrollment data were some of the topics discussed at the Kean University Full Senate Meeting held via Zoom on March 1, 2022.

Michael Salvatore, Senior Vice President of Administration, addressed the Senate about enrollment.

According to current

Photo by Kean University

Craig Donovan, Ph.D.

enrollment data, 12,020 students are enrolled in the Spring 2022 semester, a decrease from the 12,053 that was shown last week.

In the last five years, student growth has decreased, with the COVID-19 pandemic playing a part.

There has also been a shift in ethnicity. In the last four years, Kean students have identified

as white. This year, however, Hispanic/ Latino are the leading ethnic background.

Salvatore said the enrollment data will be available to the public in the summer.

“This is not something hidden for administrators to play with,” Salvatore said. “This is something we want to give to our full campus community.”

The chairperson of the Student Retention and Admissions Committee discussed why some Kean students leave.

Dr. Martha Salama, Chairperson of the committee, showed a PowerPoint that highlighted two important reasons why students were leaving Kean: they need

better help with advisement and more assistance communication-wise.

“Students are changing their majors before and after they are declaring. They are switching majors, seeking advisement, and they may not get the advisement that they need, so they might be losing credits and going somewhere else for a better bargain,” Dr. Salama explained.

She pointed out that freshmen are getting the most help when it comes to advisement (one-on-one help), whereas sophomores, juniors, and seniors are only getting their advisement from their continued on page 8

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March, 2022

Content Creation Network: Kean’s Newest Club for Students Looking to Share Their Talent While the club is still in its first steps in being a known and recognized student The Content Creation Network (CCN), group they have shown the right attitude about reaching is an aspiring their goal. organization The CCN has hoping to be a already started to recognized group gain new members on campus, and are showing helping inspire why they have the students at Kean potential to be the by participating in next big program Photo by Justin McDaniel skits, vlogs, music at Kean. With each videos, make- Kean University Game Room member bringing ups, gaming, and debates. They’re hoping to make content something new and creative to the table for other students with the potential for the CCN ideas that need a push and is endless. to see what ideas can be “From seeing the made when they put their singers, rappers, minds together. comedians, and artists [at The club is filled with the talent show] everyone people of all backgrounds seemed not only creative and talents and the idea in their craft but also is that together they can personable, and seeing help anyone else in the that made me want to group reach their full make a group that could potential. bring us together,” So far they’ve started Ologundudu said. making their own videos CCN is filled with introducing themselves talented individuals who and hope to release it and are passionate about more in the upcoming sharing their talents and future. collaborating through The organization was founded by social media content, whether it’s Marketing major, through art, comedy, Oluwassegun “Segun” gaming, music.

Ologundudu, during the But most importantly Spring 2022 semester everyone in the in an effort to bring group has their own these activities and aspirations and not opportunities to Kean only hope to get this for others to join in. club known but also Ologundudu was hope that this club inspired to form CCN helps them get closer to to connect with other their goal. students on campus “I am excited to meet after attending Keans new people and create Got Talent and getting meaningful content!” to know some of the said Glynnis Tan, a Photo by Justin McDaniel other students who Content Creation Network Flyer Global business major attended the event. who hopes joining “After seeing the the team can help her talent show, and seeing how talented pursue her passions. many of my classmates are, I decided it Every Thursday and Friday with days would be great to make a platform for changing up due to availability, the team them to work together and share their continued on page 9 talents/creativity,” Ologundudu said.

By Justin McDaniel

Department of Communication Kean University Center for Academic Success 1000 Morris Avenue Union, NJ 07083 Telephone: (908) 737-0470; Fax: (908) 737-0465 Email: thetower@kean.edu; www.kutower.com

The Tower is an independent, laboratory newspaper of Kean University’s journalism option in the communication major program. It is published monthly through the regular academic year and supported by advertising and the Department of Communication. The Tower is not responsible for claims made by its advertisers. The Tower is a public forum and is free from censorship and advance approval of content by the university administration. The Tower staff is responsible for its content.

EDITOR IN CHIEF: CHELSEY JAIPERSAUD FEATURES EDITOR: CINDY LAZO NEWS EDITOR: DAVAUGHNIA WILSON

“I decided it would be great to make a platform for them to work together and share their talents/ creativity”

SPORTS EDITOR: RUBEN NIEVES ONLINE EDITOR: JULIA STRUGALA ONLINE EDITOR: ANDREY NALBANTOV SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: MALLORY HELMES

STAFF WRITERS HARMONY SANCHEZ

JA’BRIA LASTER

HECTOR MORALES

FRANCHESKA KUBACKI

ISAIAH JOSEPH

STEVEN-ROSS BUGAYONG

ROSNEY HERRERA

ELAINE AMICO

TYRA WATTS

JUSTIN MCDANIEL

VICTORIA CIFELLI

KEYON GARDNER

JALEN GAYNOR

WAYNE DAWES

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.

Bringing Harlem to Kean

By Keyon Gardner Art has many multipurpose uses and it just so happens that it is another tool for public and social issues to be addressed to the people to give them more of a meaningful understanding.

The Office of Residential Student Services hosted an exhilarating event Life is educational on the last Sunday of February called Jazz and Paint Night at Keans New Upper Multi-Purpose Room to commemorate Black History Month.

With the theme of the event being Jazz and Paint night, the Office of Student Residential services wanted to host the event to bring recognition to some of Harlem’s most famous paintings and wanted Kean students to get a chance at experiencing what it's like to be a painter in a calm environment with smooth jazz music playing in the background.

“Our overall goal was having our students express themselves and have more social engagement towards one another,” Deshawn Kellman, one of Sozio's Hall's Office of Residential Student

“Bring honor and reverence to Harlem’s history.”

Photo by keyon

The vase and the fruit

Services members said.

Harlem's history The janitor who paints is best known for its start-up of the Harlem Artist Guild, an organization intended to promote and spread young African American artist works. Their goal was to spread as much understanding to the public of the many problems that the African American community faces.

“I believe that this program was an efficient and effective way to steer residents in a positive direction so that they can find new ways to express themselves,” Kellman said.

The event included staff members

Photo by Palmer Hayden

of Sozio hall and students with diverse backgrounds in

their degrees.

Another one of the hosts from the Office of Residential Student Services, OluwaToni Awoleye's master goal for the event was to “Bring honor and reverence to Harlem’s history.”

Six esthetic and illustrious paintings were shown and demonstrated to the students who attended the event to gather inspiration from.

“The Janitor Who Paints” by Palmer Hayden illustrates a man who is presumed to be a janitor painting another

Student Confessions on Kean Missed Connections continued from page 2

form linked on their Instagram page bio. that the anonymous open platform is not concerns viewers may have about a post.

“I am actually very shocked by how fast being abused” the creator explained.

“I enjoyed it because students tend to be this page has grown! I knew it very silly and quirky, however I would grow at some point and can see how things can get out of literally prayed for it to go viral in line and some students may say the school,” said the creator. very hurtful things,” Martinez In just under a month, the page said. managed to grow significantly “I think that it makes us realize more than initially expected. The how much people really are creator mentioned that they are paying attention and that can not sure if they would continue Kean Missed Connections into be good or bad for some people. the future, or if they would turn it As long as it’s not spreading over to a more capable person to wrongful messages or being continue running. mean to the students mentioned “If it stays this popular I think it’s fine,” Rodriguez said. throughout all my college years, Photo by Harmony Sanchez Currently, the Kean Missed I'm not sure whether I would Kean Missed Connections IG Page Connections page still remains shut it down or hand it over to a active and anyone looking can capable, and responsible student.

The creator of Kean Missed Connections still submit an anonymous confession by Running a page like this is a lot of work making sure that everyone is respected and has their direct messages open for any using the link in their bio. n

March, 2022

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painting of a mother with her baby boy.

It demonstrates the adversity many black artists during the Harlem Renaissance went through to get their work out there.

It is said that Palmer described his painting as “a sort of protest painting” of his own economic and social standing.

Joseph Delaney’s Photo by keyon “Penn Station at War Time” exemplified a unique perspective of New York’s Penn Station during and after the Harlem Renaissance. Delaney, who was an African American artist at the time of the Harlem Renaissance had a knack for capturing images in his mind and painting them to be more exaggerated than what they appeared to be. He spent much of his art career in the New York scene where the city and the people in it became a source of inspiration. ​“The real community is out there in the street where everyone is equal,” said Delaney as this was his meaning for the entire painting.

In the event, students had enough time to paint their own ideas and interact with each other while having a good time. n

Kean’s University Open Year Event: Kean’s Got Talent continued from page 4

raise students' learning interest, drive motivation, and boost learning efficiency afterward.

By creating a talent show, the university encourages students ' interests to allow them to have the ability to push themselves and carve their pathways. This year's talent show showcased a wide range of performing groups on campus. It was possible to predict what would happen on the Shriver stage, but each performance was unique and exciting. A common thread running across the versions will be genuine love for the art they were performing and the culture it was inspired by. n

8 THE TOWER

March, 2022

University Senate Discusses Enrollment and Retention continued from page 5

professors, and that there is a lack of focus.

Dr. Salama said that the future is technology, and wants Kean University to have more technology on its campus.

She provided an example of how Rutgers University has a Mac computer in every room, whereas at Kean, although the computer lab at Miron Student Center has been revamped, it only has one printer that barely works. This led to her asking questions in terms of where the money is being spent.

“We are creating more fear for these students by not preparing them for the workplace,” Dr. Salama stated.

She ended her presentation with solutions, such as looking for technological advancements and watching what other schools are doing, donating library books to make space for study rooms, better improvement of the Office of Computer and Information Services (OCIS) department, and online doctoral programs.

Towards the end of the meeting, Dr. Donovan provided time for panelists and audience members to ask and answer questions and leave comments.

Both panelists and audience members had questions regarding student

anonymous audience member asked Dr. Salama about the need among

Photo by Kean University

Student advisement

Photo by Kean University Twitter

Miron Student Center Computer Lab/Tech Lounge

“Students are changing their majors before and after they are declaring. They are switching majors, seeking advisement, and they may not get the advisement that they need, so they might be losing credits and going somewhere else for a better bargain,” distancing, advisement, and assistance with student loans.

On the topic of advertisement and assistance with student loans, an

the students for advisement support versus identification of opportunities to monetize their learning to pay off their student loans.

“Personally, that sounds like two different things,” Dr. Salama began.

“Advisement is one thing. They need advisement, they need help, and when they’re being offered help and taking the time to receive the advisement from their professors, that’s how they’ll know what’s around campus and that we’re here.”

Dr. Donovan chimed in to clarify what the student was asking. Who is advising students about picking a major that will, in the end, pay off their student loan debt? He then offered his perspective on the topic of financial opportunities of different majors.

“I can speak for my one daughter who went to college and ran into this kind of ‘Here’s what I want to do, but it pays almost no money and I’m not sure if I can pay off my student debt if I do this thing’,” Dr. Donovan explained. “I graduated with $7,000 of student debt after five years at the University of California as a transfer.

It’s a different world out there today.”

The next full Senate meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, on Zoom. n

Successful Kean Alum Works for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion continued from Cover

According to Gadsden-Williams, if we’re not doing research or attempting to practice cultural competency before visiting a new place, we can’t be successful in making a true effort to be progressive in DEI. Dr. Lynch proposed the facilitator program as part of President Lamont Repollet’s mission to incorporate DEI into Kean‘s culture.

Photo by Harmony Sanchez “We’re living in a time where From left to right: CMJ Executive Director Jeremiah Sullivan, politically, socially, interpersonally, Dr. Christopher Lynch, Professor Sondra Burke, Speaker people seem nervous about talking Michelle Gadsden-Williams, Dr. Jack Sargeant, Professor Sandra Bodin-Lerner & Student Frankie McCormack to people who are different from them, Gadsden-Williams emphasized the use and we’re all different from each other,” of cultural competence when traveling to said Dr. Lynch, who retired in December new places or visiting new countries. She after 26 years as a professor in the School reminisced back on her own travels, and of Communication, Media & Journalism. recalled times when cultural competence “Together we build community, and it could have aided her in more effective should be the goal of every communication student, professor, and staff member, to communication with the locals.

“That’s what cultural competency means, learn how to have a difficult conversation.”

The DEI Facilitator Program allows it’s really just understanding the local norms participants to receive a certification by and adjusting your own behavior to meet attending lectures centered around topics those norms so that you don't disrespect involving DEI. someone unintentionally” Said Gadsden“In the workplace, there are so many Williams.

possible divisions and upheavals. Yet if a communicator can come in and acknowledge people's differences and allow for that expression, yet still keep the conversation going, we have the power to change our own little worlds.” Dr.Lynch said.

Many students from various communication courses at Kean, like the Communication and Listening Class, have been attending the lectures as well. The program concludes with a workshop for students where they will receive their DEI Facilitator Certification from the school of CMJ at Kean.

Frankie McCormack, a senior majoring in Communication Studies, introduced Williams to the audience. McCormick aspires to become a police officer after graduation, and has been attending the DEI Certification Program in hopes of promoting diversity in the law enforcement field.

“I want to be the generation that changes things,” McCormick said. “and not have such a negative name attached to being a cop. At the end of the day, the job is supposed to be

there to help people.”

Shante, a junior who is aHistory-Pre Law Major, attended as a requirement for her Communication & Law class.

“It’s important to be able to communicate with different people. I think that’s one reason why our legal system and Justice system continue to fail us.” She said, “This country wasn’t made to suit everyone.

So I think being able to learn how to communicate with people who have different backgrounds, or who are diverse, will benefit me in helping my clients and defending them to the best of my ability.”

At the end of her Lecture, GadsdenWilliams answered the questions of participants, offering advice on handling microaggressions, navigating the corporate world, and how to educate others who aren’t being diverse.

“One of the things that my father always said is that we are not here on this earth to occupy space. We are here to make a difference and it’s up to each of us to determine what that difference is” said Williams. “And for me, that difference is social justice and DEI.” n

March, 2022

THE TOWER 9

Content Creation Network: Kean’s Newest Club for Students Looking to Share Their Talent continued from page 6

meets in the game room and discusses new ways to not only help each other but to grow together as a team.

With only a few weeks in, the CCN is starting to make major moves on campus. They started to create their own videos and will hopefully be setting up their own events around campus to not only help and develop members of the group, but also to hopefully find more creative minds and others who are willing to join the group.

With the members in the group varying in what they do with some focusing more on music, art, videos, and various different types of content the group has been seen to be very versatile in what they do.

“I’m glad that Kean has a club for content creation, I think it’s good because the school has a place where college artists can network and collaborate and it’s even more enjoyable when you can work with others,”

said Corel Heron, a new CCN member who majors in Accounting.

Through it all, CCN has shown a real commitment to becoming the next big program at Kean and is still taking new members if interested.

To join message 646-625-9935 and tell the content you wish to make for the club. n

First-Gen College Graduate Inspiring and Helping Other First-Gens continued from page 4

“I'm in this position now I'm gonna kind of oversee it and I find that there's a particular beauty in having somebody oversee it that's lived it,” Adames said.

School - Newark, he had to figure it out on his own.

Kean University, one of the most affordable universities in the state of New Jersey, is home to many ambitious firstgen students and some faced a similar upbringing as Adames.

Associate Vice President for University Relations Margaret McCorry said, “6885, or 42%, of the students who graduated from Kean USA in the past five fiscal years, identified themselves as first-generation in college.”

Here at Kean, first-gen students are not alone. When he was given the opportunity to work at Kean assisting first-gen students, and seeing them through college, Adames jumped at the opportunity.

Adames said that his biggest concern is getting the first-gen students at Kean engaged and being a part of a family. He wants the students to accept what his office has to offer and invest in the program just as they are being invested in and provide an innovative and dynamic college experience for students at Kean.

“I particularly have an interest in those students that come from situations like myself. First-year students that have difficulties because those students need to understand that we have resources and we have individuals like myself that know these pains and will talk with them, be here for them, walk with them, you know, along the way to assist them,” Adames said.

The Office of Student Retention and Educational Innovation was created by university President Dr. Lamont O. Repollet Ed.D, who is himself a first-gen. First-

generation students are defined as students whose parents do not hold college degrees.

The office works directly with first-gen students and provides several programs and workshops to assist them. One of their biggest programs is the First Gen Scholars Mentorship Program.

The office partnered with the Kean Foundation to identify alumni that were interested in the First Gen Scholars Mentorship Program and interested in mentoring first-gen students. The students for the program were selected during their freshman year at Kean.

An email was sent out to the student body and those who identified as first-gen students were contacted about the program and those who wished to join the program were admitted.

This mentorship program connects the students to peer mentors and Kean alumni who share similar interests so they can be guided by someone who has walked the path that they are currently on.

They are encouraged to build connections, share stories, experiences and assist them through college. The one-on-one mentorship program provides a lifelong mentorship that students have access to even after they graduate.

Jamaica native Peta-Gaye Scott, a firstgen junior majoring in Criminal Justice said that she had anxiety when she was starting college because she had no one in her family that could tell her the ins and outs of what to do and what not to do while in college.

She applied to Seton Hall University and was accepted but could not attend because of the cost of tuition.

“A t t e n d i n g college is very expensive, so for me, when I was choosing what college I wanted to attend I had to take into consideration how much First-Generation money that would cost for me to go. Because of the financial insecurity that I had, I had to choose one that is affordable and wouldn’t make my parents go broke,” Scott said.

Scott hopes to work in the prison system and eventually go to law school to become a family lawyer.

She explained that she takes pride in the fact that she is the first in her family to attend college, she was gifted the opportunity to attend an affordable university and though she hasn’t faced many challenges being a first-gen student, she is proud that her parents had dreams of a higher education for her and that she gets to make the best out of it and live her dream.

“I can say that someone in my family has a college degree and it is me,” Scott said.

Adames is extremely proud of his achievements and his growth. A young man from the projects became a college graduate and has succeeded in all his endeavors. He is proud that he can provide for his children and his family and that they don’t have to face the struggles that he faced growing up.

Adames recalls living in an apartment in Elizabeth while attending law school.

Photo by Kean University Instagram

He explained that he would stay at the computer lab until it closed at midnight just so he could get his assignments done as he couldn't afford a computer. He would get home at around 2 a.m. every day and had to wake up super early to get back to the computer lab at 8 a.m. to continue working on his assignments.

Often he wouldn’t have food throughout the entire day while at school. There were times when he didn't have the means to get to class because his budget was so limited.

One semester, he had to make the decision that he would not go to school one day out of the week just so he could have enough to get to the end of the semester. That day was every Thursday.

“I wanted to succeed, I was hungry in that other way. I was not only physically hungry but I was hungry to grow and develop and so, as a first-gen student in law school, it was very very difficult,” Adames said. “For me, it's like very painful because I was eager to learn. I wanted it but I couldn't, I couldn't get there. My mother couldn't give me the money, my father didn't give me any money.

I just didn't know where else to turn but I continued, I continued to push, I continued through it all.” n

10 THE TOWER

March, 2022

Kean Class of 2024 Welcomes Halfway to Graduation Celebration continued from Cover

and Tuesday, April 5.

“These past two years were illustrated for us to crumble and fall but instead we rose and became even stronger than ever, ” Monteiro said.

Students who are invited, based on earned credits, can attend whichever date fits their schedule best. The ceremony will be held in the North Avenue Academic Building first floor auditorium at 3:00PM. Kean Online students can attend via Zoom if preferable.

“We don't want to share all of our secrets, but we have a special event planned. Students will arrive on a red carpet, be given Kean memorabilia, and participate in a short ceremony. The ceremony will be followed by a dessert reception,” Harmon-Francis said. “More

importantly, we want students to come as they are. They can dress up or down. It's all about them and we want them to have fun”.

Bridge to Success Scholar Morgan Douglas designed the logo for the first-time event.

Douglas, an Early Childhood Education Major and a social media specialist for multiple Kean University accounts across Twitter, Tik Tok, and Instagram, said she is looking forward to celebrating.

Photo by Jeremiah Monteiro

“As Sophomore Class President, I am so honored and blessed to celebrate this occasion with the Class of 2024!”

Jeremiah Monteiro said, pictured above.

“Education is a significant priority in my life, and I take pride in knowing I have put my best foot forward in being a high-achieving student and am halfway to my degree,” Douglas said.

Viviana Zambrano, one of the co-chairs and also the Associate Director of the Bridge to Success Program, previously known as PASSPORT, said the event also supports the achievements of enrolled students in their journey.

“Every student’s journey to graduation is different,” she said. “Although graduation is the ultimate goal, we want to remind students that they should celebrate their small and big victories along the way,” As shared by Zambrano, the event is going to have “student speakers, spoken word, refreshments, and a small gift for each student participant. In addition we are raffling a few items during the ceremony to our students who attend in person and via zoom”.

All students who are eligible to participate have received an invitation via Kean email. If you are one of those students and have any questions, they can be answered at halfwaythere@kean. edu.. n

The Fight Against a Generational Norm continued from page 2

Cecilia Calvo, the treasurer for the found that lower income men are the men university’s Latin American Student most likely to exhibit machismo.

Another study noted that generational Organization, said that she too had machismo experiences in her native and cultural differences also play a role in men’s perceptions of machismo. country of Dominican Republic.

Machismo does not only affect Latin “It is something I see almost every day in my country. It is really sad, there is a lot of women. The Latin LGBTQ+ community is domestic violence happening and for some also targeted with offensive terms such as reason it is still happening,” Calvo said. m*ric*n, used in daily vocabulary in some “It is happening like almost every day-- circles in reference to males who contrast the societal idea of what it is to be a man. women getting Despite these murdered, p a triarchal women facing values, changes violence.” have begun in Femicide, a some countries gender-based where women hate crime that have gained is the intentional p o s i t i ons killing of women of power-or girls, is an Honduras, on-going issue which had the in many Latin Photo by Luigino Bracci highest femicide c o u n t r i e s , "Movimientos por la diversidad sexual y contra el machismo" by rate between and since the lubrio is licensed under CC BY 2.0 2007 and 2012, beginning of the COVID pandemic violence against females recently elected its first female president, have been aggravated due to lockdowns, a historic moment that has yet to be seen social distancing and other restrictions here in the United States .

“Do not think for a minute that this is that left many women without access to not undergoing change in Latin America support network and essential services.

One study ascribes machismo to feelings too, that somehow the people in the of inferiority, possibly due to negative United States are far more advanced than experiences in early childhood, such as the people in Latin America. That is a a poor relationship with a father. It also stereotype,” Argote-Freyer had told me.

Calvo said that the older generation in Latin countries are the people mostly close-minded about it.

“Currently, I see a lot of young Latinos [more involved],” She said. “And I feel like we’re doing a really good job changing the society” Movements, such as ‘Un Dia Sin Nosotros’ and ‘Ni Una Menos’ seen Photo by Camelia in Mexico, pushes for "File:Memorial femicide protest chile.jpg" by En.el.cielo.con.diamantes... is women’s rights, as well as marked with CC BY 2.0. protection from violence, and some countries have either is very different from what they lived in constitutionally protected the rights of years ago,” She explained. “So I think it the LGBTQ+ community, or included is also a matter of understanding each clauses into their constitutions requiring country, understanding each culture and non-discrimination based on sexual see where they are. But I feel that we are in a much better place than we were and it orientation.

Paulino thinks that Latin American might take a little more time to get there.”

Argote-Freyer is optimistic that society has changed a lot from her mother’s and grandmother’s upbringing, machismo will eventually become a relic but she says there are many things to be and he credits today’s younger generation done and other aspects, such as certain for defying the machismo values passed cultures or political situations, that could down to them.

“You see growing women’s rights make progressive changes a little longer.

“So, if you go to Cuba, the political movements, you see growing LGBTQ+ situation is different than if you go to movements,” He said. “You are seeing a Colombia or the political situation that growth of these movements throughout people from Venezuela are living [in] now Latin America.” n

March, 2022

THE TOWER 11

CNN’s Abby Phillip Discusses the World of Journalism with Kean Students continued from page 3

She explained that as a black woman, who recently gave birth to her daughter with the help of a doula, money being put aside for a doula means something completely different to her than it did to her colleague.

Black women are disproportionately facing the possibility of negative outcomes in childbirth. Birth workers like doulas are part of a strategy to rectify that.

“It's an example to me of coming to the same facts with different Abby Phillip on stage perspectives, and bringing different things to the table,” Philip said.

Phillip was asked about the higher standard she is held to as a black woman, in terms of looking presentable in regards to her appearance. She explained that it is certainly an unethical standard and an unfortunate

“One of the things I found by watching other strong people, is just do it! If you want to put your hair in braids, just do it,” Phillip said. “We're at a point where if that's what you want to do, force them to say something to you.”

When individuals show up how they want to, it makes it easier for everyone else to follow in their footsteps. Phillip exclaimed that we as a society still have a long way to go, but she feels we Photo by Elaine Amico Photo by Elaine Amico are moving in the right direction.

Kean junior Elaine, and Abby Phillip In addition to the lecture given, reality for most black women out there. students on the journalism track had the opportunity to When being on television, you are going to have people have a personal 30-minute lecture with Phillip. Students making criticisms about your appearance. Phillip feels the real question lies within whether your appearance affects were able to ask personal questions and learn about the likelihood of promotion and different opportunities Phillip’s entrance into the world of journalism at such a that may come your way. young age. n

Let Your Voice Be Heard with Kean’s Climate Survey continued from page 5

“The results of this are going toward changing, creating, and keeping policies in place, that’s huge,” Birchfield said.

Birchfield believes that the committee overseeing the survey will do right by campus, and she expects them to follow through with it.

“The committee that put this together is incredible,” Birchfield said. “They care about the campus and everyone who resides within it.”

Anyone who is afraid to share their experience through the survey should know that their answers will remain anonymous.

Zamora explained that experiences people have gone through in their special and unique lives will help others understand them. They should know that their experiences matter.

“You should be able to sit at the table and know that your story is important,”

Zamora said.

To encourage the campus community to complete the survey, a video was released by university relations announcing a raffle. In the video, President Repollet explained that those who fill up the survey will have the opportunity to apply for a raffle. The prizes will be one MacBook Pro Air, Barnes & Nobles $500 gift card, and Kean University merchandise. n

Photo by Kean University SGA Instagram Page

Campus Climate Survey Kickoff

New Jersey Mask Mandates Lifted In Public Schools continued from page 3

for students and staff to keep their masks on, unless they are eating or drinking in common areas. Places such as classrooms and restrooms also post these reminders to help individuals keep themselves and others safe.

In the case of another outbreak, Margaret McCorry Vice President of University Relations, addresses that Kean University is prepared to take all Photo by Kean University steps to maintain safety among Students wearing masks around the campus while doing work students and staff.

“Kean University follows who are sick and we would not even know.

The mask protects us in a way,” Kanji said. guidance from federal and state health There are many reminders on campus officials,” McCorry said. n

“We would finally be able to see the people we are talking to.”

Photo by Kean University

Classroom gathers for a photo while wearing masks

March, 2022

SPORTS

12 THE TOWER

“I’m really looking at how we are connecting student athletes to different resources so they can not only thrive as a student athlete but after sport and what they are going to achieve later on in life”

Kean Athletics Hire Dr. Lorin Tredinnick as Managing Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development

By Ruben Nieves

internship was with the Center for Sport Society and had a program called Mentors in Violence Prevention.”

The program did gender-based violence prevention training with students, student athletes, professional sports, and athletic administrators.

During her time at Rutgers, partnering with Title IX and working with the Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance, Tredinnick was developing a course about Title IX. “The course was going to be a mandatory e-learning course for all incoming students at Rutgers,” Tredinnick said. “It would educate them on what interpersonal violence looked like and where to go for help.”

The course is still currently in development according to Tredinnick and the plan is for the course to go live in the next fall semester.

With the course currently in development, Tredinnick would like to partner with some of the organizations on campus.

“I would love to partner with the organizations on campus to see how we can support the students here and how we can support the education programs here,”

Kean University’s athletic department announced the hiring of Dr. Lorin Tredinnick as their new Managing Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development.

Tredinnick was first interviewed by the athletics’ department in November and had her first visit to the university in December.

“That was when I first had the opportunity to meet everyone in person including Kelly (Williams),” Tredinnick said. “Not only did I meet with Kelly, but I also met with the search committee, I met the women’s swim coach, and I met with the athletics administrator.”

Before being hired at Kean, Tredinnick was working at Rutgers-New Brunswick where she was the Learning and Development Supervisor in the School of Social Work and the Institute for Families.

“I loved working at Rutgers,” Tredinnick said. “I did my undergraduate and masters at Rutgers. When I was an undergrad at Rutgers, I started working with the school’s social work, I started as a research assistant.”

After starting off as a research assistant, Tredinnick was promoted to an administrative assistant and would be promoted once again. She would then pursue her PhD at the University of Connecticut.

“I left my job in 2015 to pursue my PhD at UConn,” Tredinnick said.

“Once I graduated from UConn, I went back to Rutgers. I loved my experience working at Rutgers and have Dr. Lorin Tredinnick new Managing Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development nothing but great things to say Tredinnick said. “It’s definitely something about the school.” that I’m going to be focusing my efforts on.”

Tredinnick also spent some time at Tredinnick wanted to be a part of student Northeastern University, based in Boston athlete development back when she was an Massachusetts, where she had an internship. undergraduate.

“I did an internship which turned into a “When I was an undergraduate, I really consulting position,” Tredinnick said. “My wanted to major in exercise science and I

realized I can’t handle all the science classes, it’s not for me” Tredinnick said. “I was looking at sports management and sports marketing, I knew I wanted to work with student athletes, I just didn't know what that looked like. That’s when I decided to pursue social work and I felt that social workers had such a unique skill set that can support athletics and student athletes.”

Having been working with student athletes for a long time, Tredinnick admires how student athletes are able to manage everything they do.

“They are really balancing a lot on their plate, between their classes, their practices, weight training, all of the competitions and the pressures they have to face,” Tredinnick said. “They are in a unique position where they are balancing that dual role as a student and an athlete, I just really admire them for that. I enjoy it so much; I feel like they bring so many transferable skills when they're ready to go on the job market and I want them to recognize that they are talented and unique.”

Since being a part of Kean Athletics, Tredinnick hopes to bring a different perspective to working with student athletes.

“As a sports social worker, our approach is looking at the person and their environment and trying to take a holistic approach to working with student Photo by Kean Athletics athletes,” Tredinnick said.

“While they may be really busy with academics and practices, I’m really looking at how we are connecting student athletes to different resources so they can not only thrive as a student athlete but after sport and what they are going to achieve later on in life.” n

March, 2022

THE TOWER 13

Kean Baseball’s Fast Start

By Hector Morales Kean University’s Baseball Team is off to a strong start as they won 11 of their first 13 games and have won 10 in a row to start the season. The Cougars are currently grinding it out at Myrtle Beach, and this has been the Cougars best start since 2011.

Head Coach Neil Ioviero has entered his 25th season coaching for the team and was impressed on how the team progressed so far.

“We felt that these guys were prepared,” Ioviero said. “We have great chemistry, we have coachable kids and when you have that kind of structure and that kind of desire to play hard and win, then the wins are kind of expected.”

Senior Third Baseman and Business Marketing major Michael Lapczynski is one of the top hitters on the team.

Lapczynski’s baseball experience at Kean has gotten much better in his senior year as he has driven in 18 RBIs, and he is Michael Lapczynski leading the team with a .479 batting average.

“I feel good, it's been a good start to the year,” Lapcynski said. “But we got to stay even-keel. We can never get too high or never get too low. We are going to stay right in the middle and go game by game.”

The Metuchen native had experience playing baseball at Metuchen High School and the Baseball Warehouse Travel Team. His brother, Connor Lapcynski also played baseball and that’s what made Michael inspired to play the sport.

“He has been a big role model to me, so I really want to follow in his footsteps and continue playing the family sport,” Coach Ioviero is looking to bring the Cougars back Lapcynski said. to the National Championship for the first time Lapcynksi currently has 66 hits, 43 RBIs, and a since 2007, but there is still a long season ahead of .332 batting average in his career. He is still seeking them. his first homerun in his Kean baseball career.

“Obviously it's a good start, but we keep talking “He has been very consistent for us,” Ioviero said. about where we want to finish and how we want to “He’s put in a lot of work in the last couple of years get there.

We are going to take it day by day and get and allowed him to be in a position now where ready for the next one,” Ioviero said. he is more mature. He’s more comfortable and With all the hard work the Cougars had gone understands what the pitchers are trying to do to through during the off season, Lapczynski hopes get him out.” he and his teammates can achieve the positive Even though the Cougars are off to a great start, outcome to end his final season. they suffered numerous injuries and are trying “We are going to grind it out, grinding through the to get the players back to the roster as healthy as season and achieving the optimal goal of winning possible. the National Championship. We want to get that “We are trying to get as many games as we can, we are goal and reach it and hopefully that will happen this trying to get some of our players healthy,” Ioviero said. season,” Lapczynski said. n “We really can’t take much more in the near future.”

Photo by Larry Levanti

“Obviously it's a good start, but we keep talking about where we want to finish and how we want to get there.

We are going to take it day by day and get ready for the next one,”

Photo by Larry Levanti

Neil Ioviero

14 THE TOWER

By Ruben Nieves

March, 2022

Swim Team Ends Season with a Promising Future Ahead academics.

“It takes a lot of compromise with Don Perkins in volleyball and B.J. Johnson in lacrosse, we were able to balance where both the athletes will get a lot out of both their sports,” Swenson said. “Sian and Katie were valuable pieces of our team this year and this year doesn’t happen without them, I’m really appreciative of their willingness to try two sports.”

“That was awesome,” Powell said. “To be able to drop that much time from resting for two weeks is amazing, I was really excited.”

After completing her freshman season, Powell was very happy with her first year here at Kean.

“My first year was awesome,” Powell said. “Chris (Swenson) exceeded all my expectations as a coach and the team is really tight knit and I’m excited to see what

The swim season has officially ended for Kean’s women’s swim team. The team ended their season with 6 wins and finished in 6th place at the Metropolitan Championships with 399 points.

Even though they didn’t get the result they wanted, the team dropped three more school records on the final day of competition.

Head coach Chris Swenson was ecstatic with his team’s performance this season.

“As things started to spike in January, there was a lot of unknowns and uncertainty about the season,” Swenson said. “All things considered, this team did a really great job of coming together at the end of the year and I was really proud of them.”

Despite finishing in 6th place, Swenson was proud of his team being able to come together despite having a smaller roster compared to other schools.

“We finished New records of Teagan Powell in sixth place with only six girls happens next year.” scoring, that is With his team so young and with more about a third of Photo by Kean Athletics freshman students coming in, Swenson an official roster,” Swim Head Coach Chris Swenson Swenson said. “The believes his team will be well prepared for fact that we were in next season.

During the season, freshman swimmer the top third of the conference with only “We’re going to be young next year a third of the girls, I was really proud of Teagan Powell earned multiple NJAC as well, as of right now we have eight their ability to dig in and everybody had Rookie of the Week honors as well as freshmen coming in next year,” Swenson season best times, we did a really great job NJAC Swimmer of the Week in January. said. “Swimming is one of those sports in coming together.”

She also shattered three school records where class rank doesn’t matter as On the roster, there are two multi- in the 50, 100, and 200 breaststrokes. much as other sports but there is still sport athletes; Sian Seeger, who is on the Powell also broke two records during volleyball team and Katie Pileggi who is on the Metropolitan Championships with that inexperience when it comes to the lacrosse team. Swenson has high praise a time of 2:27.97 in the 200 Breast. championships, and I thought they did a really great job of stepping up.” for being able to balance both sports and

Powell at the beginning of the season set the goal for herself at the beginning of the season to break the 100-breaststroke record and was able to break the record for the 200 breaststroke.

“I set the goal to break the 100-breaststroke record,” Powell said. “I didn’t know about the 200-breaststroke record but seeing I was able to smash that

“All things considered, this team did a really great job of coming together at the end of the year and I was really proud of them”

Photo by Keanswimming Instagram

was awesome because I didn’t know about that record.”

With the season over, Powell believes this season was a success.

“I would rate the season ten out of ten, this team worked super hard,” Powell said. “Everyone pushed each other, and everyone was super supportive.”

While in the off-season, Swenson is already thinking about next season.

“Things are looking really good,” Swenson said. “I really expect we're going to be in contention as soon as next year.” n