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Music courses canceled
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NJCPA General Excellence Award
MAR 26 | 2020 WWW.KUTOWER.COM
TH E I N DEPEN D EN T VOI C E O F KE AN U N IV E R S IT Y
The Tower named top college newspaper in New Jersey Ranked Number One for General Excellence
Students petition for grade modifications after switch to online classes By Zoe Strozewski
The Tower, Kean University’s and layout in the newspaper.” independent student news Judging also takes local appeal, organization, has been awarded effectiveness and readability into the top honor for best college account, according to NJCPA newspaper in New Jersey, public rules. or private, by the NJ Collegiate In individual contest categories, Press Association. It is a first for Lena Zhu, The Tower’s Features Photo by Craig Epstein Kean University. editor and a senior majoring in Editor-In-Chief Craig Epstein. Tower reporters and staff also Communication/Journalism, won individual awards in the was awarded second place for categories of newswriting, feature Biography/Personality Profile writing and overall website. judged on the standards of good The NJCPA, whose judges are feature writing, originality and professional journalists, awarded human interest. The Tower the number one prize Zhu was recognized for an Photo by Wynter Aiken for “General Excellence” for the article about Rwandan Genocide 2019-2020 school year. Second Online Editor Wynter Aiken. survivor Kizito Kalima and place went to The Equinox at an article spotlighting Kean Fairleigh Dickinson University student David Janes and his work and third place was awarded to launching a Kean TV soap opera. The Vector at New Jersey Institute First and third place awards went of Technology. to students at The College of New Craig Epstein, a senior majoring Jersey. in Communication/Journalism, is Siobhan Donaldson, a senior Photo by Lena Zhu the editor-in-chief of The Tower Features Editor Lena Zhu. majoring in Communication/ and is named on the award along Journalism, was given third with the staff. place honors in News Writing for “While I am proud to say that two separate articles headlined I am the Editor-In-Chief of The “STEM academic adviser charges Tower’s first-ever, first-place discrimination” and “Five tenureranking for General Excellence in track professors may lose their the New Jersey College Newspaper jobs.” Photo by Siobhan Donaldson Contest, this accomplishment The news category looks at Reporter Siobhan Donaldson. would have never been possible coverage of a college-related if not for the hard work and event, situation or issue that dedication from my entire staff,” Epstein qualifies as hard news and is judged on fairness, said. “Whether it’s the professors, editors, thoroughness, local interest and style. reporters, or designer, we operate as one big First place went to a student at Ramapo family and together we will look for continued College and second place went to a student at success and to be the best news organization Princeton University. that we possibly can be.” The Tower’s website www.kutower.com, was The General Excellence award is based on given third place honors and was evaluated “coverage, writing quality, copyediting, style on its usefulness to the reader, quality and
Kean University students have launched two separate petitions that call for modifying this semester’s grades because the move to online instruction in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic has upended lives and created undue hardships. As of March 21, the petitions have garnered more than 3,000 signatures in a two-day span. One petition titled “Modified Grading Scale at Kean University” had received nearly 2,300 signatures and over 50 comments of support. Photo by Taken from change.org “A modified grading scale will Hayya Ali’s petition for a modified grading scale has received help reduce the stress that many nearly 2300 signatures as of March 21. of us are already experiencing from online classes, piles of assignments, because of this semester’s circumstances sudden travels, internet access, computer could suffer consequences far into the future. access, unstable households and sick family A generous curve, she believes, will prevent members,” said Hayya Ali, a biology student, that from happening. and the petition’s author. “Many students She also expressed apprehension about are facing difficulties in focusing and truly students’ ability to succeed without physically understanding class material and are having being in a classroom. Ali said that her personal trouble transitioning.” experience with online courses so far has been The petitions reflect a larger pattern challenging because she is no longer learning nationwide to alter grading systems, such as in a setting meant for learning. moving to a Pass-Fail option, as schools adjust “I find it very challenging to sit beside my to a new reality after closing campuses in a bed in my pajamas, listening to a lecture while precaution against the COVID-19 pandemic. my siblings fight in the background,” Ali said. In her petition, Ali lists the reasons she “School provides an environment where one believes warrant a grading curve from the can truly learn, and the remote classes have school, such as the high levels of stress many been posing many difficulties. Today I had students are under, Internet connection some Wi-Fi problems, and I ended up missing issues, time zone differences, a lack of a big chunk of the lecture, so I am hoping to reliable income for student-workers as many either get some leniency or a curve because we businesses shut down and a loss of face-toall need it.” face communication with professors. Another petition circulating, titled “WE Because graduate schools, potential jobs NEED A GRADING CURVE!,” has received and internships often consider the GPA of over 1,000 signatures as of March 21. a prospective employee, Ali believes that students who receive poor or lesser grades “Not only is it necessary to place a grading
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Remote education impacts senior experience By Erin McGuinness For graduating seniors at Kean University, remote education in response to the COVID-19 pandemic might have a bigger personal impact. Kean University will be suspending all inperson instruction through the end of the semester. Online instruction began on March 16. Those expecting to graduate in May are embarking on post-graduate job searches and were looking forward to their final college experiences, students said. There is a possibility of event cancellations, such as Kean University’s Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony scheduled for May 21.
discussed the possibility of clinical internships continuing after graduation. Kardan, who had a dent in her income due to full-time student teaching, worries about how this will affect her financially, she said. As someone pursuing a career in education, it is difficult to know what the future holds. A Elementary Education job fair scheduled for the end of March was cancelled, affecting her job search. “I wish I could have given a proper goodbye to my friends, classmates, professors, and even the baristas that work at Starbucks…,” Kardon said. “I just don't feel completely ready to enter the workforce without the guidance of Kean
Photo by Taken from Kean University website
“A team is currently developing a back-up plan for commencement ceremonies, should it be necessary, that will help us celebrate our students’ accomplishments," the university said in an email.
Megan Kardan, a senior studying Elementary Education, has spent the semester as a clinical intern student-teaching. The program requires clinical experience as a graduation requirement. “We all worked so hard for this moment and it is kind of sad that we might not have a ceremony,” Kardan said. “I am glad we are implementing rules to keep everyone healthy but obviously it hurts not having our accomplishments celebrated.” An email sent to the School of Education
faculty members and resources that would've been more easily accessible on campus.” Claudia Tantillo, a senior studying public relations, said she is having a hard time focusing on school amidst panic surrounding COVID-19. “I enjoy coming to campus and seeing all of my classmates, friends, and professors,” Tantillo said. “Going online is cutting our face-to-face communication off and making it difficult to be present in the moment.” continued on page 8
Students react to announcement of remote education
Photo by Kean’s Twitter page
All Kean classes will begin remote education on March 16.
By Craig Epstein The move to remote online education starting Monday due to the Coronavirus pandemic is leaving a number of Kean students with feelings of uncertainty. “I feel like it’s going to be hard for all the different majors,” said Bernadette Kelly, a senior Communication Studies major. “How are music majors going to have online classes? Overall, I think it’ll be easy for some majors and difficult for others.” Junior Arnold Rojas is also unsure of how the move to online classes will work. “There’s much uncertainty about online courses,” Rojas said. “How are exams and labs going to be administered?” Kean University announced via email that beginning on Monday, March 16 all courses would be taught remotely due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus. “The University will continue to monitor the situation and let you know of any updates,” the email said. The news might not have come as a complete surprise as a number of other New Jersey collegiate institutions had already instituted similar protocols. Still, Jodie Battaglia, a senior pursuing a
Photo by Kean’s Twitter page
Kean announced via email on March 19 that all-in person instruction would be suspended through the end of the semester.
Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, said that being taught online not only presents challenges but is going to take away from her learning enjoyment as well. “For studio classes, it’s a joke,” Battaglia said. “The atmosphere of the other students is part of the experience.” Rafaela Teixeira, who graduated in May 2019 and currently works at the university’s Barnes & Noble, suggested students who begin to have a difficult time when it comes to remote education should seek a different course of action in order to learn. “If online isn’t the best option for students they need to consider alternatives,” Teixeira said. “They need to do what they have to do.” Some, however, are just fine with the move and say it will not have a significant impact on their learning experience. “I think it’s a great idea and should be extended until the end of the semester,” said Speech Language Pathology major Rhys Martignetti, who is a junior. As a senior majoring in Communication/ Journalism, Valencia Stevenson is optimistic about remote education. “I think they will be okay,” Stevenson said. “I have no complaints yet.”
“I feel like it’s going to be hard for all the different majors”
2 THE TOWER
March, 2020
Graphic Design Students commit themselves to “Writing Wrongs” for the LGBTQ+ Community By Wynter Aiken To right a wrong is to take a stand and graphic design students Senior Claudia Argueta and Junior Gisell Padilla have done just that by participating in the Writing Wrongs intense three-day weekend program where a total of fifteen students from multiple universities and colleges were given the opportunity to attend the program. It produced the novel Outgrowing, focusing on the injustices and misconceptions that the LGBTQ+ community faces daily in today’s society. Outgrowing has various stories and interviews such as An Identity in Flux, A Community in
“It was a 72-hour workshop where we had to work with different groups to help design the Writing Wrongs book. We worked with writers, photographers, as well as social media managers. We went to an LGBT Reading Center where we got to hear Michelle Dech, head of the Reading Center, talk about her experience in the LGBTQ+ community,” Padilla said. “We also got to hear Danelle Bower, who is an associate professor at Reading Area Community College. The rest of the day consisted of interviews between the volunteer interviewees and the writers.”
“To right a wrong is to take a stand” Support, Navigating Your True Self, and A Girl Who Loves a Girl Like Me. These interviews tell members of the community personal journeys through a divided society and help spread a deeper message that can transform the way
Photo courtesy of Gisell Padilla
Argueta and Padilla both took part in the creative process--Padilla designed the layout of the cover with the illustrator, formatted articles and the glossary and Argueta designed the timeline of interviews and events, formatted,
Photo courtesy of Claudia Argueta
“Gisell Padilla, junior and graphic design: interactive advertising major”
“Claudia Argueta, senior and graphic design: interactive, screen and print major.”
society views the community because one cannot make a change unless the message is shared. The Writing Wrongs program was a great way for graphic design students to “get their feet wet” in terms of working on various artistic projects and this year’s mission was to create the novel Outgrowing - a series of interviews and stories based on members of the LGBTQ+ community. The program was the first time Padilla participated as an activist against social injustice. "With many movements going on recently throughout the years, I was very inspired to take part in this program to be able to help send a message,” Padilla said. “Especially now since the youth are being heard and they are beginning to step up in activism to lead and influence the world.” Before the program began, Professor Joseph Schwartz of the Architecture and Graphic Design department had told both ladies that the program was seeking graphic design students and Schwartz knew they were right for the opportunity. “One of the professors here at Kean University had told us about the opportunity with Writing Wrongs. He had emailed us a flier stating that they were looking for graphic designers,” Padilla said. “Claudia and I had looked into the program and it was something we were both interested in participating in!” To participate in the program, it was a mandatory process of submitting an application and an essay as to why one wanted to be a part of the group and were interested in helping the LGBTQ+ community while also showcasing samples of previous graphic design work. The program also chooses different topics and book titles each year. Before officially starting the program, Argueta and Padilla each had to read stories on the LGBTQ+ community, know their stories and research what they go through daily.
redesigned the table of contents and designed the introduction for the novel. “My creative process starts with writing/ drawing down all my thoughts and ideas. I expand on as many ideas as I can and continue to develop all the ideas. Once I start going into detail about the ideas I start to figure out which ones stand out to be more and work on those more,” Padilla said. “With my experience at Writing Wrongs, I have continued my passion for designing for social good. I have learned to be able to communicate better when working in teams and managing time more wisely. I would say that one piece of advice to give to future designers is to get out there and explore,” Argueta continued. “With experience, you will learn what are your passions, what you like and don't like and along with other things.” The creation of Outgrowing was long and effective, bringing those interviewed, Mark Stanziola, attorney at law, and Christopher Paolini, who did Drag Queen Story Hour with the group, stories to life, giving an insight into the LGBTQ+ community. Because of this program, both ladies have expanded on their graphic design skills during this program and have put it to use in other areas such as social activism. “Apart from participating in Writing Wrongs, I have also been part of the pride parade in NYC. Every opportunity I get I try my best to be apart from these events whether small or big,” Argueta said. “I believe that Writing Wrongs chose to focus on the LGBTQ+ community because after the 2016 election many of the LGBTQ+ were affected by the decisions that were being made and writing wrongs felt that it was appropriate to speak about these stories.” If you wish to know more about Claudia Argueta’s graphic design work and read Outgrowing, visit either claudiaargueta.com or Amazon.
Student Organization Hosts Self-Defense Event for Students By Valerie Sanabria be victims of violence and as the lesson The Student Organization of Kean progressed, more women joined the class but University hosted a self-defense class held no other male students did. at the D’Angola Dance Studio on Feb. 5. Members of the organization were outside the studio scanning students’ event passes and giving them a free personal mini-alarm with keychain. Some students like Elizabeth Chacko, a junior at Kean University, were approached by a member of the organization hosting the event who showed her the flashlight on the mini-alarm as an Photo by Valerie Sanabria incentive. Student Organization members “I was going to the gym,” Chacko said. “The flashlight convinced me.” Chacko also mentioned that there was a robbery recently in her neighborhood which was a reason why she wanted to learn to defend herself against an attacker. The description of the event on CougarLink stated that students were going to learn, Photo by Valerie Sanabria “simple but effective Students practicing techniques techniques.” The class was instructed by Durand Howard, director of Blue Life Karate, located in Maplewood, NJ. Howard is not only a ninth-degree black belt holder but was also inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Honor. The self-defense technique taught by Howard is known as “Kali,” which is a martial art form from the Philippines. “The Filipinos Photo by Valerie Sanabria started practicing Howard demonstrating technique to students with sticks when the Spanish took their swords,” Howard said. “A newspaper or a cell phone can be your weapon.” The techniques taught to the attendees according to Howard were going Jacky Fonseca, a student majoring in Early to stop a person in three seconds. Childhood Education, saw a poster of the One of the first tips Howard gave students event in the Science building and decided to was to listen to your own instincts and run if attend the self-defense class to be prepared in you can. He also mentioned that women are case of any attack. faster and can stop a male attacker even if they “I wanted to come to be prepared in case I are stronger. go home and something happens,” Fonseca Initially, there were only 12 students in the said. “In case someone tries to attack me or class and only two of those students were men. someone tries to kidnap me.” At the beginning of the lesson, Howard only The Student Organization of Kean used men to demonstrate the techniques but University according to Lia DiPiazza who is as time went by he began to include women. one of the coordinators of the organization, According to the National Coalition Against create events to teach students basic life skills. Domestic Violence (NCADV), “1 in 5 women As DiPiazza said, the self-defense event and 1 in 71 men in the United States have was hosted because “attacks go on college been raped in their lifetime.” Women are historically more likely to campuses so it’s good to be prepared.”
“The Filipinos started practicing with sticks when the Spanish took their swords”
Kean conservatory Theatre student presented with Rising Star Award By Craig Epstein Set to graduate in May, Kean University student Rosemarie Manzo is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts as a Theatre Performance major. Serving as the President of the Kean Theatre council since 2019, Manzo has a passion for theatre and performance that has followed her since she was in elementary school. “I love theatre as a collaborative form. I love that there are so many aspects that need to come together to create a successful piece of theatre,” Manzo said. “Theatre is an escape; the actors, designers, technicians, and even audience members come together for a few hours for an escape from reality, to feel something else, and to live their lives through other characters.” Back on Jan. 12, IlluminArt Productions held an event commemorating their tenth anniversary where Manzo was presented with
“I love that there are so many aspects that need to come together to create a successful piece of theatre”
Photo by Rosemarie Manzo
Rosemarie Manzo.
the Rising Star Award. “I was incredibly shocked and grateful to receive the Rising Star Award,” Manzo said. “I have volunteered my time and talent to IlluminArt Productions since my sophomore year of high school and I felt recognized for my talents and hard work. Based out of Staten Island, IlluminArt Productions is an organization that was cofounded by President/CEO, Producer Arlene Sorkin and Producing Artistic Director Emeritus Patty Ceresnie in 2002 and gained non-profit status in 2005. “IlluminArt’s goals are to increase the numbers of schools where we can fill a need for
theatre programming and to write and present more original work on important social issues,” its website states. As an aspiring theatre student, Manzo is thankful for the opportunities that IlluminArt Productions has provided for her. Along with receiving the Rising Star Award, she has also written two original plays and performed in seven Empowering Voices concerts with the organization. “IlluminArt Productions empowers students to utilize theatre as a tool to write and perform plays that spotlight critical social issues, thereby creating a conversation for positive change,” Manzo explained. “When they came continued on page 5
March, 2020
THE TOWER 3
How the registration process will proceed remotely By Paige Fleming As the COVID-19 outbreak progresses in the state of New Jersey, questions about how online registration and advisement will proceed remotely have revolved around the Kean community. Regarding registration for the Fall 2020 semester, students are encouraged to reach out to their academic advisors for a remote advisement session, beginning March 30, according to Director of Media Relations Margaret McCorry. The registration period has been pushed back in light of the Coronavirus outbreak to April 13, 2020, via KeanWISE. Most of the information regarding COVID-19 and Kean’s next steps can be found at the Kean Coronavirus Response FAQ page. McCorry suggests all students with questions regarding the Coronavirus consult this page. “The FAQ is continuously updated with new information,” she said. During this time, the One-Stop Service Center can be contacted at any time through their email regme@kean.edu. Jonathan Mercantini, Acting Dean for the College of Liberal Arts, said this situation is still ongoing, and students will be updated as more information comes in. “We are aware that this is a concern to students and faculty and we will be working carefully to make sure we are meeting the needs of our students” he said. In other business, the University Senate was
in the midst of addressing two major changes at Kean regarding class size for courses and the scheduling of courses. Faculty are concerned that since they have no input in class sizing or course caps, the students’ best interests are not being acknowledged. Prior to the current crisis, Kean moved scheduling ability—traditionally done at the academic program/school level—away from the academic schools and gave it to the Registrar’s office. This means that faculty will not have the power to decide what class size is best suitable for the class and their mode of instruction. “The faculty is underrepresented or unrepresented in a process that needs academic faculty input,” University Senate member Dan Gover said. Another prominent issue is a dispute with the Kean administration about who should define what best meets the needs of students academically: professors who teach the courses or top-level administrators. Gover believes that the administration is focused more on profit than student well-being. “When the class sizes are increased, what are the implications down the road for upper level courses?” Sue Gronewold, a history professor in the senate, said. “Students will not be able to graduate if there are less classes available with increased class caps.” According to the University Senate, the Office of the Registrar is currently in charge of the upcoming changes to the scheduling process. This system excludes the faculty in discussion
Photo by Paige Fleming
Students can access KeanWISE to start registration on April 13, 2020.
The registration period has been pushed back in light of the Coronavirus outbreak. on class sizing and course caps. Dr. Emily Filardo, a member of the executive board of the University Senate, said that discussion of these topics is in the works, but nothing is definitive yet. The faculty senate intends to meet via videoconference.
“In planning for videoconferencing meetings of the Senate during this period, we will look into how we can make those meetings public so that other members of the Kean community can access them live” Filardo said.
Kean suspends all Travelearns trips, cites COVID-19 outbreaks abroad and at home. By Siobhan Donaldson Kean University along with many other universities have suspended their student trips abroad due to concerns about the COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus, outbreaks across the world. On February 29th, students registered for travel abroad programs, also known as Travelearns, received an email from The Center of International Studies that their trips would be suspended. This email foreshadowed the closure of the university on March 10th to prevent spread of the virus. “The Center for International Studies is working with the travel partners for each of our programs to work out the details and determine whether the trips can be rescheduled.” the email said. It also directed those with questions to email or call the center. There were five trips planned abroad for this 2020 spring break involving five departments- Criminal Justice, Holocost Studies, Communication, Global Studies, and the Graduate MBA program. Jessica Goldsmith Barzilay, acting director of the Center for International Studies, was about to embark with the Global Studies department to Costa Rica when the news came.
To address student concerns, the Center of International Studies held meetings with each group of students who were about to embark abroad and answered their questions. They said that the money each student had put down for the trip, over $4,000 dollars that were paid directly by the student, will be refunded. They gave no timeline for when these refunds will be processed. Those refunds will be sent back to students through the financial aid department and will be processed through the same way a student would receive their refund checks, according to Barzilay during a meeting with Travelearn students. That refund will act as a credit in their bill from the University. “Students who were scheduled for Travelearn excursions are being offered other for-credit options, which vary with each Travelearn program,” Margaret McCorry, Director of Media Relations, said in an email in response to inquiries on information in those meetings. “Students can also withdraw from the course without receiving a W on their academic record.” On the money to students, McCorry responded that the university will refund the students directly. “The Center for International Studies is negotiating refunds with our travel
providers, which will be either flight vouchers or cash reimbursements for the students,” she said. “What they do not reimburse will be reimbursed by the university directly to the students.” Travelearn students will have to complete alternative assignments to fulfill their course requirements, and the leader of these courses must submit them to the Provost before students are allowed to see them. Gina Gili, a professor in communications, had been planning the department’s eight day trip to London, Rome and Italy for months. “The change to online classes (especially for this course) has been a lot of work on me, mainly because I need to make sure you have the amount of education you would have received if we went on the trip,” Gili said in an email. The announcement of the suspension of the trips had come on a Saturday evening, giving professors running the trips a short turnaround to create assignments that would last the rest of the semester. Gili said she was really ‘bummed out’ about the trip being cancelled, she had been working on it everyday for the past year and kept students updated as much as possible. Within
minutes of the suspension letter being sent to students, Gili was already contacting those in her Travelearn about the news and telling them to come to their mandatory meeting that week to discuss their next steps. Other Travelearn programs are doing the same thing due to the university shutting down and placing all classes. Online professors will need to conduct online learning for all their classes- not just this specific course. The Center of International Studies sent out a email March 13 to inform students on their progress. It said that the $150 insurance payment students had to give are in process to be refunded back to students by financial aid, and that they are still working with the travel companies to get their money back. “We are still working with your trip provider to receive final updates on any financial credits or refunds you may receive directly from them,” the email said. “Please be patient as they navigate this process, as they are dealing with an unprecedented amount of cancellations due to COVID-19.” Students can also drop out of the course by March 15 without any penalties or receive a withdrawal note on the class from the registrar, the email went on to say.
Kean University move classes online due to COVID-19 By Cindy Lazo Kean University announced that all inperson classes will be suspended until the end of the semester as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to increase within the state and nationwide. The announcement, sent out to students, faculty and staff on Mar. 19, cited the new guidelines from the state and federal government for its decision. “Although COVID-19 is disrupting our lives, our families, and the delivery method of instruction this semester, it will not change the mission of this institution: Kean will continue to deliver a world-class education to our students during this time,” the email said. Faculty will be notifying students with additional instructions for continuing online education, and advisement and registration details will be sent to students to prepare for summer and fall semesters, the email said. The Office of Residential Student Services will contact all residents to set up a schedule for retrieving personal items before March 22. International students have special permission to remain living on-campus, according to the email. The email instructed students who are financially affected by COVID-19 to contact
The Tower named top college newspaper in New Jersey Ranked Number One for General Excellence continued from cover
the Center for and staff on March 10 Leadership and that it was moving all Service for assistance classes online through by phone or email. March 30 in an effort The announcement to reduce potential also said that the health risks as a result university is currently of the outbreak. developing a back-up “This decision is plan for graduation proactive and ensures ceremonies, should it the continuity of our be necessary, and will students’ semester,” be shared with the the email said. Noncommunity. essential employees The announcement were also notified that followed a number they will be working of universities, such from home, according as William Paterson to a later email. University, Rutgers Kean faculty, many University, and Saint who were never Photo by The Office of Facilities and Campus Planning Peter’s University, trained in online Facilities and Campus Planning have already begun deep cleaning of all buildings in that had announced education, then had response to COVID-19 outbreak. a move to online classes to contact their students until the end of the semester. with assignments and instructions by March Originally, Kean notified the students, faculty 16. Kean began running multiple training
courses for online classes in Blackboard, some of them taught by students. Wenzhou-Kean, located about 700 hundred miles from Wuhan, China, where the disease first surfaced in December, had moved fully to online classes earlier this year, also in response to the crisis. The Office of Facilities and Campus Planning announced in an email sent out to all Staff, Faculty and Students that it has begun a deep cleaning of all university buildings, along with a schedule of when each building would be cleaned. Many Kean students, meanwhile, have already begun preparations for a potential outbreak as the number of sanitizing and cleaning products are sold out in stores all over the state. “I have been preparing myself and my family by buying a lot of canned foods, a lot of water bottles, and every other material that is necessary for one’s survival,” Sophomore Mariana Jordão said. “I see everyone buying masks, but masks don’t help with any prevention since the disease can enter anywhere in the body, including the eyes and ears,” Jordão said. “However, we have been very careful with our hands. I even carry a hand sanitizer bottle with me, and my hands have become very dry as a result.”
quantity of content, and ease of navigation and design. Wynter Aiken, a senior majoring in Communication/Journalism, is the online editor named on the award, along with the staff. The Tower is an academic course in journalism in the School of Communication, Media & Journalism taught by co-advisers Pat Winters Lauro, resident journalism faculty, and Lois DeSocio, adjunct professor. Both worked previously as reporters and editors. “Over the last five years, The Tower has
classroom. “The amount of coordination and commitment that is necessary for 20-plus reporters and editors to produce good journalism, to meet deadlines, and to get it all edited, budgeted, and ready for both online and print is daunting,” DeSocio said. “To be recognized as No. 1 by the NJCPA is a muchdeserved accolade for all that hard work. I am over-the-moon and filled to the brim with pride and elation at what The Tower staff has achieved."
Kean University announced that all in-person classes will be suspended until the end of the semester.
been named among the top three college newspapers in the state, but we never cracked the top spot until now,” said Lauro. “I am so proud of our editors and staff. This is validation. We are a small program but we know journalism.” Prof. DeSocio noted that The Tower staff is growing and said that in her five years as co-adviser with Prof. Lauro, enrollment has increased almost three-fold and the class is now so large The Tower no longer holds meetings in the newsroom and now fills a
4 THE TOWER
March, 2020
Holocaust: 75th anniversary of its end By Alexander Valdes Events such as the Holocaust are moments in human history that one should never forget. Recently, the 75th anniversary of the Holocaust coming to an end had passed by, an event no doubt that marked a turning point in history as the end to a mass genocide of innocent people, mass extermination for their beliefs and heritage. Sarah Coykendall from the Holocaust Resource Center recently had an opportunity to talk about the subject
Center to obtain print and video resources on the Holocaust and choose from an array of Holocaust memoirs. “In doing this research, students will make certain that Holocaust survivors, victims and their families are honoured through a collective understanding that the Holocaust was not inevitable and that the ramifications of human action or inaction will be remembered for generations to come in hopes of preventing further acts of targeted hatred,” said Coykendall.
Police Blotter for FEBRUARY By Breanna Palzer The Kean University police blotter contains incidents and crimes that have been reported to the police station. It has been edited and condensed by Kean Tower. For the month of February, there have been 16 medical emergencies, five cases of stolen items, seven motor vehicle incidents, and 29 cases of the found property along with various other items. ■
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Photo by Sarah Coykendall
Photo by Sarah Coykendall
Wired art structure of a Holocaust prisoner.
Plaque commemorating the end of the Holocaust in the HRC.
matter of the Holocaust and its importance within our society and educational systems. “We absolutely encourage students to do research on the Holocaust. As Holocaust survivors age, their ability to share their experiences with others decreases, it is a sad reality that this generation will one day live in a world without Holocaust survivors,” Coykendall said. “When that day arrives, it will not signify an end to Holocaust education, but rather enhance the need to teach others about the Holocaust to ensure the memory of survivors and victims remain in our historical consciousness.” Coykendall went on to openly invite students to visit the Holocaust Resource
Indeed, with knowledge being passed on to newer generations, it seems unlikely that humanity will ever forget. “Prejudice against Jews, also known as antisemitism, has existed in various forms for more than three thousand years and continues today,” said Coykendall. “As antisemitic instances are on the rise not only in New Jersey but in the United States and around the world, there are ways to combat this hatred. The Holocaust Resource Center, in partnership with the Lesniak Institute for American Leadership, held a Stand Up for the Other forum on antisemitism and hate, which addressed ways for people of all backgrounds to come together to fight against this hatred.”
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Feb 2 - The fire alarm was set off in Rogers Hall due to a haze in the laundry room coming from a broken dryer. A female was sexually assaulted in a Freshman Residence Hall dorm. A suspicious person was reported to be seen on the East Campus fields, it later turned out to be a student taking pictures of wildlife. Feb 4 - A male student was retrieved from the Nancy Thompson Library after it broke down, the elevator was out of service for the rest of the day. Feb 6 - There was a CDS complaint in the Vaughn Eames parking lot. No traces of CDS were found, but visitors were advised to not come back onto campus. There was a report of a suspicious person in Vaughn Eames Hall, the actor originally gave false identification to police but eventually gave them correct identification. A homeless man was found in the women’s bathroom in Townsend Hall, the man was escorted off the campus and advised to not return. Feb 7 - An odor of CDS was reported to be coming from Rogers Hall, no CDS or parahinallia was found in the room and the case was handed over to housing. A resident of Bartlett Hall found a glass pipe in the bathroom. Actor repeatedly punched their friend during an argument about their girlfriend. Feb 8 - There were two reports of CDS on campus. The first complaint was in Sozio Hall, the reporting party was nowhere to be found when the police showed up. The second report of CDS was reported on one of the sidewalks on campus, the actors were found smoking Black N’ Milds, there was no CDS and no CDS paraphernalia. A wellness check was done on a student, all reports of the student came back negative. Feb 9 - The fire alarm was activated in Freshman Hall, there was no known reason for activation. Three juveniles tried to play basketball in the small gym, they were escorted off campus by police. Feb 10 - There was a student having a violent outburst in Bartlett Hall, there was no evidence of a student found. Two students were trying to gain access to one of the residence halls with one ID. Feb 11 - Tony Williams of Rahway, New Jersey was arrested for contempt. Smoke alarm was activated in Freshman hall due to a laptop overheating and beginning to smoke. Smoke alarm was activated in Burch Hall due to unattended cooking. Feb 12 - Police aided in investigation with Kean student as suspect, police handed over information about the student. Smoke alarm
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was activated in Cougar Hall, the source of activation was unknown. Feb 13 - Smoke alarm was set off in Cougar Hall, the call turned out to be a false alarm. Feb 14 - Female reported to the police that a male was making uncomfortable comments about her appearance and taking pictures of her without her permission, the male was asked to leave by police. Meelad Pourshariati was arrested in Rogers Hall for defiant trespass. Feb 15 - A student was made uncomfortable after a student from her class kept texting her even though she had asked him to stop. A student and her quest got into a verbal and physical altercation. There was a verbal altercation between a couple over a cellphone. Two reports of CDS on campus. The first report was in Freshman Hall, no evidence was found and the issue was handed over to campus police. The second report was also in Freshman Hall, Smoke detector was covered up and the bathroom door was covered with a towel, nothing was found. Feb 16 - Complaint of alcohol was reported in Freshman Hall dorm, the case was handed over to housing. Alleged death threats were made to a student, nothing was found and no information of the student was given. Feb 18 - Fire alarm was activated in the Science Building, there was no known source of activation. A fire alarm was activated in Freshman Hall due to a hairdryer. Feb 20- Two juveniles were on campus and likely involved in a theft that had been reported earlier in the month, the juveniles were informed that they are no longer allowed on campus under any circumstances. Feb 24 - Female was reported to be screaming at another female in the women’s bathroom, the female could not be located. The smoke alarm was activated twice in one hour in Townsend Hall, the alarm was turned off and the building was put on fire watch. Graffiti was found in both the first and second floor of East Campus’ men’s bathroom. Feb 25 - There was a report of possible marijuana found in a zip lock bag in a vacant office in Whiteman Hall. Feb 26 - A guest was reported using multiple IDs to sign into different residence halls and trying to sign in without proper identification. The couple had a verbal altercation, the male got physical and pulled the female. Threatening notes were slid underneath a students door in Freshman Hall. There was a complaint of a raccoon in a tree on campus. The raccoon was not rabid. Feb 27 - There was an injured raccoon found in Hennings Hall, animal control was called and took the raccoon away. Feb 29 - There was a report of a male student harassing female students, male was checked on and told to leave campus. There was a report of a student making threats, no one was able to describe the student and nothing was found on foot patrol. A male entered a building without following proper check-in, he was later found and the issue was handled by housing.
Cru members host an event of pizza and of religious philosophy. By Alejandro Arcos There are many questions that the average person may come to ponder over their lifetime. Is God real? How could God allow such suffering to exist? What kind of pizza topping should I get for dinner? What happens when people pass away? All of these questions and more were answered and will continue to be answered in the future by Kean’s own Cru chapter, formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ before their name change. On March 4, Cru hosted an event named Pizza and God, where Kean students were invited to engage in an open discussion over the mysteries of religion and the nature of god over food and drink, namely pizza as the name of the event advertises. Hosting the event were members of the organization, President Catherine Gutierrez, Vice President Sarah Fedak, Secretary Maria Russo, and Johanna Garcia, who all did their parts in moving the discussion forward, as well as personally deliver and bake the goods for the event. The studio was met with dozens of student participants, some new, but many already well familiar with Cru, ready to debate over
Photo by Cru
Cru members and participants gather around for a picture after pizza and God.
Kean students were invited to engage in an open discussion over the mysteries of religion and the nature of god over food and drink, namely pizza as the name of the event advertises
the nature of religion and what it means to have faith. To encourage personal discussions, participants were separated into groups of five and told to use their provided notecards to propose any questions they may want to discuss and submit them anonymously for a chance at having them read aloud for mass discussion. Seven compelling and philosophical questions arose, all announced by Catherine Gutierrez as the meeting went by. 1. Does God truly love everybody? 2. Why would God allow natural disasters to occur? 3. What motivates you to continue forward in your life? 4. How could God be real if you cannot see him? 5. What is the difference between spirituality and religion? 6. Does one always believe in God, or is there a turning point where one starts to believe? 7. What happens when people die?
Answers to such questions vary wildly on a person to person basis, shaped by personal philosophical views and life experiences. Some participants believe that natural disasters are God’s way of testing human compassion, while others believe it is divine retribution. Other opinions state that heaven, hell and the material world are all real and plausible, while others believe in alternatives in death such as reincarnation or oblivion. Furthermore, some believe that God does not require a physical, corporeal form to exist as a divine force much like the wind, whilst others believe God is everyone and everything made physical and omnipresent. Opinions in environments such as this are naturally split into a healthy discussion, however, there were two points of common belief held that night: God loves everyone equally and without prejudice and the pizza ordered that night was very good. Cru will continue to organize similar meetings and events on campus for the foreseeable future and meet every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in Room 238 in CAS, accepting all who are interested in their program.
Students petition for grade modifications after switch to online classes continued from cover
curve into our curriculum, IT IS NEEDED!” the petition reads. The petition specifically addresses the drawbacks of moving to a Pass/Fail option because it has no effect on Grade Point Average. “The only students who stand to benefit from a pass/fail grading scale are those students whom already have a 4.0 GPA or those students struggling to maintain a 2.0,” the petition description reads. “What happens to those students who desperately need this semester because of their GPA? Many Kean
University students and graduating seniors need their GPA to pursue higher education.” Over a dozen universities, including Duke University, have switched to pass/ fail grading, according to an article in Inside Higher Education. The trend has even sparked the creation and spread of the hashtag #PassFailNation on Twitter as more students are drawn to the possibility of a semester that provides more leeway with grading standards. Ali hopes the signatures from students will inspire the school administration to make the grading changes. While Kean hasn’t indicated
whether it is considering any grading scale modifications yet, Ali said that she reached out to Vice President of Academic Affairs Suzanne Bousquet, who agreed to bring her concerns up to the deans of Kean’s colleges.
“I am sure we all know the University is not at fault for any of this, but we would just like a more fair chance at getting the grade we deserve,” Ali said.
“I find it very challenging to sit beside my bed in my pajamas, listening to a lecture while my siblings fight in the background.”
March, 2020
Course cancelations in Kean’s Music Conservatory cause alarm
Kean student creates petition to stop plans to increase class sizes By Salimah McCullough
By Paige Fleming
in the music conservatory was pulled from teaching in the music program similar to the Popular courses within the music actions taken against Dr. Lewis Kachur, an art conservatory have been cancelled and class history professor. Both fought and won their caps have increased, leaving both music and arbitration decisions to remain teaching. non-music majors left with few options when Music Conservatory faculty said that the choosing music courses. Kean administration took these course change On Dec. 18, 2019, a few days prior to the actions without the formal process of going winter break, faculty received word that Music through the curriculum committees or the Survey (MSU 1000) would face cancellations University Senate. in the spring semester concurrent. Originally, “The various stakeholders were not able five sections of MSU 1000 were available. to give constructive criticism and point out Two of the sections possible pitfalls with were cancelled and these decisions,” said one section had Halper. its class cap raised Besides the to 38 students music majors, and the remaining students who need two sections had general education their caps raised to requirements in 50 students. The liberal arts are now original class cap for having their music this course was 35 courses cut as well. students. “What typically According to the offsets the cost Music Conservatory of these more faculty, this expensive programs Photo by Paige Fleming decreased the Many music classes take place in Wilkins Theatre. is the service they number of students provide to the originally registered general student for Music Survey population from a potential 175 through general students to 138. education courses, Dr. Matthew such as Music Halper, a professor Survey, Music within the Music Fundamentals, Art Conservatory, said History, Acting for this decision does Non-Majors,” said not make sense from a financial point of view. Halper. “These are things that we can get larger The two cancelled sections of MSU 1000 numbers of students in, and help pay the bills, were going to be taught a senior professor so to speak. This is what helps justifies our in music who is a highly respected, soughtexistence.” out professor within the music conservatory, Typically, the music conservatory serves according to faculty. The professor is in charge over 600 students per academic year in nonof arranging the class syllabus and course music major courses. material, as well as overseeing the adjunct Abigail Fabe, a student in the Music faculty teaching the course. Conservatory, has also experienced trouble The professor has since been reassigned to with scheduling her music courses. unspecified non-teaching duties in the Nancy “A methods class I needed to graduate got Thompson Learning Commons. He is a fullcancelled,” Fabe said. “It’s honestly a whole time, tenured professor of music. mess with how inconsiderate they are to Vice President of University Relations Karen this department altogether if you ask me. I Smith said that some faculty are providing have other friends who are music majors and “additional student support in the Nancy minors or music concentrations who also lost Thompson Learning Commons” in response. music and art history classes.” The uncertainty within the Music When asked, Smith said that “Music 1000 Conservatory has been causing scheduling is being offered this semester. Some sections of the course that had the lowest enrollments issues for music students. Music education were cancelled and all other students were student Samantha Caballero had to postpone offered spots in other sections.” registering for a music course she needed in Despite what the Music Conservatory has order to graduate. recently experienced, the faculty are working “There is usually a second class, but they with the current administration to make cancelled it,” Caballero said. “Not every class is the case that music and the arts provide offered every semester. You have to hope you an essential dimension of a well-rounded get lucky it's offered at a time you can take it.” university education. Additionally, the remaining sections of MSU “We’re hopeful that the incoming 1000 have been relocated to the North Avenue administration will evaluate the importance Academic Building, which lacks necessary of the arts overall at Kean University and help materials used for the course, such as a piano. us refine and revitalize our mission and role Halper said reassigning experienced as part of a comprehensive university,” said tenured professors to “other duties” is not Halper. new at Kean. A former professor of music
Popular courses within the music conservatory have been cancelled.
Kean conservatory Theatre student presented with Rising Star Award
continued from page 2
to my high school, it directors. She has also opened up a new door worked off-Broadway to being able to have as an assistant stage a discussion about manager for the New topics and situations York Classical Theatre. that we as children Most recently, often don't know how Manzo was seen in to express.” the Kean Theatre Manzo has Con s e r vator y ’s Photo by Rosemarie Manzo received numerous production of Sunday other accolades that From left to right: Artistic Director Randy Topper, in the Park with George Rosemarie Manzo, Chair of the Board of Directors Alice have assisted in her Bishop, and President/CEO, Producer Arlene Sorkin. as “Mrs.” She has also journey in the world performed in Seussical, of theatre as well, one Pippin, Parade, of which included and A Midsummer the NY Borough Arts Night’s Dream, all Festival Outstanding produced by the Kean Performing Artist for Conservatory. her role of Paulette in Manzo’s goal is Legally Blonde. to become as wellManzo has also rounded in the world received a full of theatre as possible. scholarship to study Besides performing, and train in the she is also involved summer program at in stage management the Circle in the Square and hopes to Theatre School as well explore many other as a full scholarship to departments in order Photo by Rosemarie Manzo the School of Creative Rosemarie Manzo and Kean Theatre Conservatory to gain knowledge in and Performing Arts student Joseph Gottfried singing a duet during the all aspects of the fields where she was trained Empowering Voices event. as well. in vocal work and “I would love to go on-camera acting. In addition, she received a on a regional or national tour one day,” Manzo quarter scholarship to The Broadway Experience said. “I hope to be as successful as I can be with Intensive where she trained for two weeks the knowledge and training that I profess now with Broadway actors, choreographers, and and the training I have yet to learn.”
THE TOWER 5
In late February, students launched a petition that was sent around campus in hopes of changing the minds of President Dawood Farahi and the Kean Administration regarding the changes in class sizes scheduled to come next semester. Caitlyn Magee, a Kean junior pursuing a degree in Communication/ Public Relations created the petition titled, Take Back Our School, after hearing about what the administration plans to change from a professor. “This professor is pretty honest with us and she has always been honest about stuff in the past that the administration had done or talked about doing,” said Magee. “She said, ‘Listen this is what’s going on, if you don’t like it then you should do something about it.’” Once Magee heard about the pending changes being made to classroom sizes, she knew she had to do something about it and give herself, along with her fellow concerned classmates, a platform to use their voice. “I don’t like that there has been so much in the past with this administration,” Magee said. “They really don’t listen to the students [and] they don’t really show that they care about the students.” Magee explained that she has a very persistent personality and once she sees
said. “When I first transferred, I was so excited because Kean has a lot of students, but it doesn’t feel like it.” According to U.S News Education, Kean University has a 17:1 student-teacher ratio and 40 percent of the classes have fewer than 20 students. Fewer class sizes have many benefits, including fewer tests to mark and more personal attention from teachers, according to U.S. News. “The professors I’ve had so far still remember me. They know my name; they still ask about me and my internship,” Magee said. “The second you raise class sizes, whether, by 20 students or 50 students, they start to become a number.” Many of the professors are not only teaching classes but also working as advisors to multiple students at a time. Students like Magee have already noticed the extent of what professors have to do for their students, including advising seniors and making lesson plans for classes. “Professors, especially in the communication department, already have 10 hats on their head between being an advisor and a professor,” Magee said. “Then to throw so many more kids on their hands, they no longer have time to build connections [with the students].” In an email, Acting Dean Johnathon Mercantini explained that they have been increasing courses across the university for
Photo by Salimah McCullough
The petition started by Caitlyn Magee.
something that needs to be changed, she’ll be the person to speak up and do something about it. “I was kind of hesitant in making it simply because I graduate in one semester so I kind of thought what’s the point [of making this petition] and it might not even do anything,” Magee said. “That’s just how I am. I’m the kind of person that speaks up when no one else will.” As of March 19, the petition has over 100 signatures from students and parents of Kean students that all share the same concern over increasing class sizes that Magee feels. Within those signatures, some even left comments as to why expanding classes would be a bad idea for Kean. Magee recalls seeing comments from students saying that they didn’t know it was multiple departments that were going to be affected by this change. In the past, students have shown interest in speaking out against decisions made by the administration when they feel as if they are being personally affected, whether that be by making a petition or participating in a walkout to save professors. “[The administration] are really unwilling to talk to you, which I think is the most frustrating thing,” Magee said. “They really don’t care about what we have to say, and they don’t want to hear from us.” On Kean’s admissions page, which is used for students that are looking to start or continue their education at Kean, the university advertises reasons that people should choose Kean. Having small classes with an average of 20 students is one of those reasons. “I transferred to Kean as a sophomore. When I was picking a school, I specifically looked for a school that was smaller,” Magee
reasons such as cost savings and enabling Kean to preserve smaller class sizes in others. That would mean, for example, a class like ENG 1030 has a cap that is 10 students lower than English composition courses at Montclair State University and Rowan University. “By increasing class sizes, we enable more students to take classes with our best classroom instructors,” Mercantini said via email. “Capstone courses at Kean will also remain small, typically around 15 students.” Similar to Magee, communication students take multiple classes where they are giving speeches, presentations, and are doing work with advanced equipment (such as video production) that may be affected more by the increasing class size proposition. “With regard to communications courses, in particular, we have worked to keep courses where students are giving speeches and presentations at sizes where that classwork can be done effectively,” Mercantini said. “I am confident our faculty in communications and in all areas will be able to effectively teach courses, whatever the class size.” During the March 3 University Senate meeting, the topic of schedule changes for the Fall 2020 semester was brought up but the process of approving or disapproving the old business has been delayed due to COVID-19 and is in the works to be discussed during the next meeting. “Things have been disrupted due to COVID-19 and the abrupt shift to online learning,” Constance Hassett-Walker, University Senate Chairperson said. “The March 24 full senate meeting will be done virtually and either livestreamed or recorded for viewing after.”
“This professor is pretty honest with us and she has always been honest about stuff in the past that the administration had done or talked about doing”
6 THE TOWER
March, 2020
Art Gallery Reveals Hidden Lives
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
By Lena Zhu
made me feel weird, almost like they didn’t believe me because I was young.” Danielle Mejia has struggled with However, despite the obstacles she faces, she Rheumatoid Arthritis since she was 15 years has learned to persevere. old. Now a sophomore at Kean University, she “I have learned how strong I am,” Mejia said. wants to show others her struggles through the Mejia is currently pursuing Fine Arts with a power of art. concentration in Studio Art and also thinking “To me, art is self-expression and storytelling. about becoming a Psychology minor. ‘Too Young’ is my story,” the 21-year-old said. There are many other students who have In a little corner on the first floor of Vaughnstruggled like Mejia. Haydee Hidalgo, a Eames lies a small glass 53-year-old transfer box museum. This student, shares her many museum showcases passions and expresses a variety of art styles them through art. created by Bachelor of “Art has given me an Arts majors from Feb. 14 outlet of self-expression. to Mar. 16. Where words have failed According to Cougarme, art never has,” link, “the opportunity to Hidalgo, a junior double exhibit their artworks in majoring in Fine Arts a gallery setting creates and Psychology, said. a forum for Kean’s For Hidalgo, it’s about Photo by Lena Zhu emerging artists that “Dear Tommy” quilt piece by Lindsey Knipe the “joy and excitement” allows both the student depicts the story of Knipe’s little autistic brother. art is able to provide for and the public to gain a her when she is lost in greater understanding of creating new pieces and the creative process and the ability to share the the motivations behind moment with everyone it.” she encounters. Mejia’s main motivaHidalgo combined her tion behind her resin art love of art with the love piece was her struggle of her pet poodle, Coco, with Rheumatoid to create, “My Sunshine Arthritis (RA), a chronic Coco.” inflammatory disorder “‘My Sunshine Coco’ affecting mostly those is a living tribute to my between the ages of 30 constant companion and and 60. sunshine, my rescue Toy The disease, most Poodle, Coco,” Hidalgo commonly found in said. “No matter how women, causes inflamI’m feeling on any given mation and pain in joints. day, she always gives me The body attacks its own a reason to smile and has tissue and, in severe brought sunshine into cases, can also begin to my life during times of attack internal organs sadness and joy.” Photo by Lena Zhu according to the CDC and To make her realistic “Infinity Gauntlet” 3-D wire piece by Mark arthritis.org. structure, Hidalgo saved “The medications in Butfiloski. Coco’s hair after a haircut my palm are antibiotics, and used the remaining antidepressants, and hair to finish the piece to Methotrexate (a form create an art form that of Chemotherapy that would be life-like. destroys cells, good and Hidalgo wanted bad) which is also what's to create a threein between my fingers dimensional piece to and in the syringe, just pay a living tribute to in a higher dose,” Mejia her dog to showcase her said. personality and “her Photo by Lena Zhu Although Mejia suffers sweet nature.” The Fine from RA, she does not “Eagle/Owl” by Shammi Ahmed and “My Arts and Psychology Sunshine Coco” by Haydee Hidalgo. like to feel bad for herself. major said she wanted However, she often others to experience wonders what life would [Coco] as she has, even have been like without the constant struggle of when [Coco] was not physically there. Rheumatoid Arthritis. Hidalgo’s end goal is to work in the art Mejia has had to miss school, be diagnosed therapy field and is set to graduate in 2022. with depression, gets sick regularly, and While Hidalgo created a three-dimensional explains to many people [like bosses and art piece stemmed from her love of her pet, managers] about the autoimmune disease Coco, other art students like Mark Butfiloski because RA affects her body internally. found inspiration through media, namely, The “Naming my piece ‘Too Young’ came from Infinity Gauntlet from Marvel. always being told that I was too young to have Butfiloski, a 38-year-old senior Fine Arts Rheumatoid Arthritis. Being told that always major focused on two-dimensional art, used
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: CRAIG EPSTEIN NEWS EDITOR: ZOE STROZEWSKI
“Art has given me an outlet of self-expression.”
FEATURES EDITOR: LENA ZHU SPORTS EDITOR: STEVEN MERRILL ONLINE EDITOR: W YNTER AIKEN COPY EDITOR: ERIN MCGUINNESS SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: SALIMAH MCCULLOUGH
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RUBEN NIEVES
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SIOBHAN DONALDSON
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TASHA DOWBACHUK
EMILY ROBLES
PAIGE FLEMING
ERIC SALAS
LEYAH ISON
VALERIE SANABRIA
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LESHAY JONES
ANASTASIA ZHELEZOVA
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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.
continued on page 8
Professor opens Career Closet where dress to impress will lead to success “Having access to a professional open closet will instill confidence, especially in those students who may have been formerly lacking in that area” Photo by Chelsey Jaipersaud
Full Closet.
By Chelsey Jaipersaud On the fourth floor of the Center for Academic Success, room 443 Career Closet, formerly called Dress for Success is designed to open doors for students and boost their confidence when it's time to go on that important interview. With a bag of men’s clothing in her hand, Kean University professor Allison Edgely, a lecturer in the School of Communication, Media & Journalism, said the Closet offers a greater purpose both for the clothing and students. What started as a casual conversation and the help of students and faculty Dress for Success became more than what was expected. Edgely had mentioned to Professor Sullivan, a lecturer in the same field as Edgely, that she had some nice men’s shirts that she wanted to donate. She asked him if he had any ideas and he mentioned a few places she could contact and jokingly brought up starting a Dress for Success opportunity at Kean. “I decided I would and then he asked around to see if it was a plausible idea, and when we got
the go-ahead, I started to gather donations,” said Edgely. The closet is filled with gently- used clothing and accessories for both men and women. All clothing that is donated is closely looked at for stains and major damage prior to it being put on a rack. Individual pieces are cleaned and pressed, ready for anyone to grab and go. The clothing is covered in plastic and items such as suit jackets are covered with a suit garment bag to avoid any damage. Due to the room being occupied by other people for different occasions, Edgely has taken extra measures to ensure that everything is well kept. There is a range of dress shirts, blouses, slacks, and even accessory pieces slowly being added to this closet. As far as accessories go, the closet has over 20 ties available, belts, socks and stockings. Although there is a much smaller variety, there are some pieces of jewelry, shoes and handbags. “Having access to a professional open closet will instill confidence, especially in those students who may have been formerly lacking in that area,” said Edgely. “The confidence they
gain will help bring them success and create an image closer to one’s true self.” All the items are secured in a room and in order to keep the flow of organization, students who take clothing are asked to leave their ID number. Students can either keep their items or return them if still in good shape, but nothing is asked for in return. The closet is completely for students looking to spruce up their wardrobe at their convenience. Students are encouraged to take what they need. “It’s a great idea because it shows that the university cares about how students will present themselves in the workforce, even when they graduate,” said Amaya Erawoc, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice. Edgley encourages students to use the closet as needed. The closet is there in case of an emergency where students may not have the time to prepare themselves for an interview. Often students may only use the outfit once and instead of spending a lot of money they have an alternative option. “The closet is meant to help step up rather than be seen as a handout,” said Edgely.
Photo by Chelsey Jaipersaud
Dress Shirts.
“Students are at a point in their life where they are exposed to many future potential opportunities and when extra support such as The Career Closet is available, it eases the stress.” In the process of assisting students spruce up their wardrobe, The Career Closet is providing a new layer of sustainability with each clothing item that is donated and salvaged. Even bags in which clothes are donated in, are saved and ready to use. This further reduces the chance of any student who might still not feel as comfortable walking out with clothing for everyone to see. With continuous donations coming in, The Career Closet plans to grow and reach continued on page 8
March, 2020
THE TOWER 7
Coronavirus shuts down Kean Athletics Spread of Coronavirus causes cancellation of sports worldwide and College Sports Nationwide By Eric Salas The worldwide pandemic known as the Coronavirus has massively impacted the lives of thousands around the globe and has made its presence known in the world of college and professional sports. At Kean, it all began on March 4 when Kean University officials notified student-athletes who were scheduled to travel for spring break games that they would be canceling all out-of-state
on behalf of himself and the team. “It was very disappointing knowing how much we worked over the offseason,” Weyand said. “It was just unfortunate that a lot was done to prepare, but nothing can be shown for it.” When the NCAA announced the cancelation of remaining games, it left questions for college athletes’ eligibility due to the uncertainty that the spring season would resume and was a major concern for seniors playing in their final season. On March 13, Basketball analyst Jeff
“It was just unfortunate that a lot was done to prepare, but nothing can be shown for it”
Photo by keanathletics.com
Overhead view of Kean Alumni Baseball Field.
travel to both California and Florida due to newly found cases in those areas, according to NorthJersey. com. On March 10, an announcement was sent out to the Kean community via email from the office of President Dawood Farahi that said due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases nationwide and in New Jersey, Kean will begin Kean University Logo. remote education starting March 16 through March 30. As a result of the announcement, Kean Athletics would cancel the remainder of spring sporting events. Kean sports teams that were affected by this decision were baseball, softball, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, and men’s volleyball. “I was shocked and disappointed,” junior softball player Maria Bonfanti said. “My teams, coaching staff, and trainers all prepared for months and worked hard day in and day out. We were on track to have a great season making it to number 9 in the nation and it was just taken away from us.” Kean softball had a strong start to the 2020 season with a 9-1 record and winning five out of their six games at home. For Kean baseball, they began their 2020 season with a great start as well. The team was 8-2 by winning seven of their nine games at home with one road win. Sophomore pitcher Bruce Weyand also weighed in on the situation
Goodman of the Stadium Basketball Insider reported on Twitter that “NCAA’s Council Coordination Committee has agreed to grant relief for the use of a season of competition for student-athletes who have participated in spring sports. Committee will also discuss issues for winter sports student-athletes.” It was later announced the same day by NCAA Photo by keanathletics.com DIII on Twitter that all spring sport studentathletes who competed this spring season so far will not be charged a season of participation for eligibility purposes. “I am lucky to have another year to play being that I am only a junior,” Bonfanti said. “But I feel for our seniors at Kean who had their last season canceled and weren’t able to properly enjoy and say goodbye in their final year.” Spring student-athletes in their senior season will now have the opportunity to make a return to their sport if they desire to do so in 2021 and younger students will gain back the year that they will miss as well. Although the decision was made to grant athletes relief for the season, it does not necessarily mean they will return. “I believe some seniors will come back for the extra year of eligibility, but I know that some have already told us that they are not coming back,” Weyand said. “Overall I know that most of them are heartbroken by the decision but also very appreciative of the previous years that they were here.”
By Ruben Nieves
in a statement to all of the teams and fans. As of Monday, March 16 there are no cases of As the Coronavirus continues to spread the Coronavirus amongst the NHL. through the United States and the world, Soccer leagues around the world such as sports had to cancel or the MLS, the Premier delay their seasons. The League, La Liga, the UEFA major sports throughout Champions League, and the world have announced others have announced what they are doing to help they have all postponed or avoid the spread of the virus suspended their season. throughout their leagues. MLS Commissioner Don The NBA was the first Garber released a statement to announce they were Photo by USA Today Thursday afternoon suspending the season until MLB announced the delay of Opening Day. regarding the league’s plan possibly mid to late June going forward. after Utah Jazz center Rudy “Our clubs were united Gobert tested positive for the Coronavirus. today in the decision to Commissioner Adam Silver temporarily suspend our is hoping to resume the season based on the advice season in 30 days. Photo by NBA.com and guidance of the CDC, “We made this decision Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan PHAC and other public to safeguard the health and Mitchell tested positive for Coronavirus. health authorities,” he said. well-being of fans, players, everyone connected In the UEFA, it was announced that Arsenal to our game and the general public. The hiatus manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for the will last at least 30 days and we intend to coronavirus. Juventus star Paulo resume the season, if and when it Dybala also tested positive for becomes safe for all concerned,” the virus and was one of the Silver said in a letter sent out first athletes to come in contact Thursday night to fans. with the virus. There have been NBA reporter Adrian no new confirmed cases of the Wojnarowski announced the Coronavirus as of Monday, news Wednesday afternoon that March 16 around any of the Gobert’s teammate in Utah, major soccer leagues. Donovan Mitchell also tested The NCAA announced that positive for the Coronavirus after Photo by NCAA.org the entire team and staff had to NCAA cancels both Men’s they have canceled both the be tested following the news of and Women’s basketball men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. Gobert. Gobert and Mitchell tournaments. Also, all are the only players who had remaining Winter and Spring been tested positive for the NCAA championships have Coronavirus in the NBA as been canceled. They were of Monday, March 16. It was willing to continue the announced that as of Sunday games without any fans in afternoon, Detroit Pistons attendance, however, they Center Christian Wood has came with the conclusion to also tested positive of the just cancel the tournaments virus. Also, a provision was for the safety of all the teams made that could possibly free involved. NBA owners from paying their “Division I Men’s and players while the season is Women’s 2020 basketball suspended. tournaments, as well as all There has been one remaining Winter and Spring confirmed case of the activities have been canceled. Coronavirus in the MLB, an Our ability is to ensure the unnamed minor league player from the New York Yankees events do not continue to organization. The league is taking action for the spread the pandemic,” said NCAA president well-being of not only the players but also the Mark Emmert. fans. The Seattle Mariners have announced they The NCAA also announced that they have won’t play their home games due to the spread suspended recruiting until April 15th because of the virus around the state of Washington. of the Coronavirus. It will prevent coaches from “Nothing is more important to us than the meeting any potential recruiters for the next health and the safety of our players, employees, four weeks. and fans. MLB will continue to undertake the The spread of the Coronavirus has put a pause precautions and best practices recommended by on all sports, not only in the United States but public health events,” said MLB Commissioner worldwide. Within 48 hours, every professional Rob Manfred. sports league has done the necessary actions The NHL has also announced that it has also for the well-being of both athletes and fans. suspended the current season until further “Events of any size should only be continued notice. Their goal is to resume play as soon as if they can be carried out with adherence it is appropriate. to guidelines for protecting vulnerable “We will continue to monitor all the populations, hand hygiene, and social appropriate medical advice, and we will distancing,” the CDC said in a statement encourage our players and other members of the NHL community to take all reasonable providing recommendations to all of the precautions,” said Commissioner Gary Bettman professional leagues in the United States.
“We made this decision to safeguard the health and wellbeing of fans, players, everyone connected to our game and the general public”
Kean alum Pete Lejawa making a run at the NFL
By Steven Merrill
Usually, it isn’t a Division III football player who is putting in work at a training center in order to prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft. Kean Football alum Pete Lejawa is changing the norm. After five seasons at Kean that included an ACL tear and broken fingers, Lejawa is pursuing his dream of playing football at the next level. At TEST Football Academy in Martinsville, Lejawa is working alongside Division I athletes preparing for pro day and the NFL Draft. “I’m focused on getting my body right for the next level,” Lejawa said. “The NFL, CFL, XFL, I’ll go anywhere. Primarily the NFL, that’s the goal.” The 6’4, 300-pound lineman has had a 15-pound turnaround where he lost 11 pounds of fat and gained about 5 points of lean muscle. He eats 3,000 calories a day with meals that consist of 55 grams of protein and burns the same amount of calories working out at TEST every day. He hopes to lose even more weight while packing on muscle. Lejawa noted that he has heard from the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Indianapolis Colts, and Chicago Bears, who have him on their radar and expressed interest. “You want your name out there on the surface,” Lejawa said. “They just wanna see my results because it’s a business. The film doesn’t lie.” Unlike a lot of other prospects, Lejawa is operating without an agent. This means he is handling the off-field business himself and paying for his workouts, meals, and treatments
Photo by Steven Merrill
Pete Lejawa running at TEST Football Academy in Martinsville, N.J.
“The NFL, CFL, XFL, I’ll go anywhere. Primarily the NFL, that’s the goal” Photo by Steven Merrill
Pete Lejawa lays on his back after a difficult workout.
on his own. “Pete has always found a way to persist through adversity,” said Kean Football’s head coach Dan Garrett. “It has been a long road, and there were times where it was really hard to look forward, let alone see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m extremely proud of him and all he has persisted through.” At TEST, Lejawa has a routine of participating in certain drills to help prepare for pro day where NFL scouts will watch him. He runs 40-yard dashes, shuttle runs, does agility work, and lifts
in the afternoon while maintaining a strict and steady diet. “He’s come a long way,” said TEST performance coach Vance Matthews. “He comes into work every day and it’s been very encouraging to see his progress. Hopefully, he locks in and takes all the training that he does and carries it into his pro day. He’s a hard worker and I wish him the best.” Lejawa finished his academic credits at Kean in December and plans to walk at graduation in May. While training takes up a majority of his
daily schedule five days a week, Lejawa works security at a high school in Paramus. “Kean prepared me in different ways,” Lejawa said. “Definitely the one thing is the mental toughness part. These dudes are coming from big-time schools playing on tv and I’m coming from a small Division III school in Union, N.J.” Lejawa knows he has an outside shot at playing football professionally so he has a backup plan ready. Last September during a bye week, Lejawa took a prep class for the Civil Service exam. He said he took the exam in December with ease and is still awaiting those results. “Coach Garrett told me to put my 110% effort into plan A, which I’m doing,” Lejawa said. “But of course you have to have a fallback plan. Life happens so plan B would be to be a police officer, state trooper, or corrections officer.” Garrett could not be more proud of one of his best leaders to ever suit up for Kean Football. Lejawa had 122 total career tackles over 38 games for the Cougars, but that’s not what he will be remembered for. “He had an immediate impact in our program on defense from the day he walked in the door,” Garrett said. “He provided a tremendous amount of quality leadership to our program. He always fought hard to stay positive, when at times it would have been very easy for him not to be. Coaching him was something special that I’ll never forget.” Lejawa reflected on his time at Kean, on and off the field. He also likes the direction where the athletic department is headed.
March, 2020
SPORTS
8 THE TOWER
Kean reacts to the suspension of sports across the world amid Coronavirus crisis By Harold Carias The rapid spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has left fans and athletes of professional and amateur sports leagues in wonder of when one of our sources of entertainment will return. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared the rapidly spreading COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. In response to concerns about COVID-19, Kean Athletics announced that spring sports would not be traveling to Florida and California as the Baseball, Softball, and Lacrosse teams had planned for spring break. “I have a few friends on the Women’s Lacrosse Team and they worked so hard this off season,” said sophomore health and physical education major John Morales. “For this trip to be canceled, a lot of opportunities were taken away from them due to the virus and they didn’t even know they had played their last game. It just sucks.” One feels empathy for all our Kean senior student-athletes who have worked hard during this winter offseason to prepare for the sports they love. “I would be devastated and heartbroken,” said senior psychology major and Women’s soccer player Lexy Monroy. “Even though I already had my last game, you spend so many hours training and then it ends unexpectedly. It’s probably the worst feeling an athlete can feel.” Across the United States, schools of higher learning under the NCAA have decided to forgo inperson classes and instead move to remote learning.
The decisions of the individual institutions to ask their students to stay at home and to not come back until further notice had to also impact the prize possession of the NCAA, March Madness. On March 12, the NCAA announced the cancellation of the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments and all other winter and spring sports.
In a span of 72 hours, all major sports leagues across the United States and the world announced suspensions or postponements of their products. The NBA led the charge in the United States with announcing its suspension, hours after a player from the Utah Jazz tested positive for COVID-19. “I thought it was crazy how they decided to suspend the NBA season,” said junior computational
“Even though I already had my last game, you spend so many hours training and then it ends unexpectedly. It’s probably the worst feeling an athlete can feel.”
“There’s no March Madness! I am really missing it,” said senior Athletic Training major Kenia Flores. “But for Kean, it’s sad because we're missing our home games and as a student trainer, we can’t help the injured athletes due to the quarantine.” There are many issues that COVID-19 has brought upon the lives of Kean students and for the moment we are all coping. While spring break was spent back home, students didn’t expect to have an additional two weeks to transition to online learning. In homes, it is inevitable to turn on the t.v., phone, or tablet and the absence of sports entertainment is glaring for students.
science and engineering major Khanjan Patel. “I understand why they suspended the season and I hope all the employees who work at the arenas are paid because that hourly wage is what they depend on.” Along with Patel, Rodriguez also had the same sentiment about the suspensions across the leagues. “I was surprised that the NBA announced its suspension but it made sense after Rudy Gobert tested positive for the Coronavirus,” said junior communications major Jose Rodriguez. “For baseball, they shut down all of spring training and opening day is now in question for May.”
Men’s Volleyball looks towards a bright future By Dorian Alerte For the first time since its 2011 inaugural season, the perennially great Kean Men’s Volleyball team is struggling to get back to their winning ways. Part of the reason for the Cougars having a 7-10 record is because four seniors have decided to redshirt their senior seasons in order to play together. Among them are Steven Zarzycki, Jake Milnazik,
The program finished 22-7 last season and head coach Charlie Ginex is not overly worried about the team’s rough start. “We’re getting better,” Ginex said. “We have an opportunity to surprise somebody. Our mentality is to get better each and every day and every week and then come playoff time, if we’re fortunate to be in the conference tournament, you know, there’s no pressure.” When this season commences, Milnazik expects the team to pick up on what could be a great season.
full roster.” Coach Ginex echoed this sentiment and isn’t seeing this season as a down one. He has remained positive with his program throughout the struggles. “They’ve been given an opportunity and I think they’re embracing it and taking advantage of it,” he said. “It's been a real positive thing for us. When we do get to next year, all of these kids
“I’m just looking to get back out there with my guys and playing volleyball”
Photo by keanathletics.com
Kean Men’s Volleyball poses for a team picture.
Jay Bynum and Iann Capp. This group includes a 6’ 10” middle blocker, a two time All-American, and two multi-year starters for the squad. Jake Milnazik said that their decision to redshirt was sparked by the situation surrounding Zarzycki and his recovery from cancer, and that they wanted to end on a good note all together. “We all came to Kean for a reason and we’ve been best friends throughout our time here,” Milnazik said. “We just want to end our Kean Volleyball careers on a good note.”
“Our mindset is to get better everyday,” Milnazik said. “Us seniors have been working with the strength and conditioning coach to continue to get better. The team seems to fit very well, and I feel like the chemistry will be there when we come back next season and we can continue to get better as a team.” Despite the struggles, the roster as currently assembled has won their last two matches with their young talent. Even though they are missing some of their key pieces, the younger players are getting opportunities to step up, which sophomore setter Zach Noll feels is important. “This season has shown us how to fight through some adversity that we have not had to face in the past few years,” Noll said. “Because of this season, a lot of younger players are getting a ton of experience that will only benefit us next year when we have a
Art Gallery Reveals Hidden Lives continued from page 6
brother Tommy. [Tommy] the concept of the Infinity coming into my life, his Gauntlet stones to produce getting sick and his autism a deeper meaning in what diagnosis,” Knipe said. “The he believes about the power little guy is 13 now and he of art. has gone through so much...I “Boiled down, the Infinity wanted him to know how saga is about what can be much I love and admire him.” done when an individual Photo by Lena Zhu Knipe chose to make a has complete mastery of the “Too Young” by Danielle Mejia. quilt specifically because she concepts [of the stones],” loves bringing “traditional Butfiloski said. “For example, mastering ones women’s crafts” into fine art. use of their workspace when taking on a “Oftentimes, things like quilting, crocheting, project, focusing one’s mind on completing said project, effective distribution of ones energy or knitting, and embroidery are dismissed as power needed to get the work done, bringing too crafty to be considered fine art because an imaginative concept from one’s imagination they were traditionally done by women in the into our realm of reality, making good use of household,” Knipe said. “I like breaking that time when working to complete the project, traditional standard to do something original and mastering the ability to pour one’s soul into and unexpected in a traditional book arts the work to give depth and meaning.” setting.” To Butfiloski, art seems to create something Art has played a significant role in Knipe’s from nothing and is “the language of the life. Aside from being a Fine Art student, she subconscious, adding to the depth of humanity.” uses art to find her voice in topics she believes He hopes that art will bridge gaps between in. people, concepts and experiences and ultimately “My Bachelor’s thesis show, The Doubting bring them together. Disease, confronts the misinterpretation Lindsey Knipe, a senior Studio Arts major specializing in Printmaking, had a similar idea of OCD in our lives and in the media. It is when she made a quilt to fabricate the story something I deal with myself and without art, I of her little brother, Tommy, who has been never would have been able to have the strength, diagnosed with autism. outlet, and the voice to be as outspoken as I am “I decided to do the quilt about my little on the topic.”
Photo by keanathletics.com
Kean Cougars celebrate together.
having now played a whole year of college volleyball, the experience in our gym is going to be through the roof.” With their season currently on hold due to the Coronavirus, the Cougars will have to wait to see how it will all end. However, they are excited about next season and all players are hungry to return to the court. “I’m just excited to play again,” said Milnazik. “I’m just looking to get back out there with my guys and playing volleyball.”
Professor opens Career Closet where dress to impress will lead to success continued from page 6
Photo by Chelsey Jaipersaud
Accessories.
many students looking for that extra boost of conviction. “I think it will definitely benefit students at Kean,” said Erawoc. Students who would like to shop the closet or make donations should contact Edgely regarding when they can stop by her office for more information.
Remote education impacts senior experience continued from cover
The period of social distancing is impacting her post-graduate job search, as many of the opportunities she is interested in are located in New York City, she said. Travis Kukoly, a senior majoring in psychology, will begin pursuing his master’s degree in forensic psychology at Kean in the fall. “It feels like that the class of 2020’s senior year has been taken away,” Kukoly said. “We all worked very hard during our time here at Kean and we poured our sweat and tears into our classes.” Social distancing has affected his advisement and his desire to apply for a graduate assistant position, he said. In an email to the campus community, representatives of the university addressed concerns surrounding a lack of in-person interaction through the end of the semester, specifically for graduating seniors. “The University recognizes that this disruption is particularly challenging and disappointing for our graduating students,” the email said. “A team is currently developing a back-up plan for commencement ceremonies, should it be necessary, that will help us celebrate our students’ accomplishments. The commencement plan will then be shared with the community.”