The Tower - April 2020

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APR 23 | 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

Kean’s pass/fail grading option for online semester gets mixed reviews

By Zoe Strozewski Kean University’s announcement that students may choose a pass/fail grade for up to two courses this semester because of its move to online classes amid the coronavirus pandemic is getting mixed reactions from students.

A University Relations email on March 26 informed all students, faculty and staff of the new grading option. Kean’s Instagram page posted the announcement on the same day, and the comments section of the post received a range of reactions.

One comment called the decision a “great idea” while another said it made “no sense.”

Additional comments expressed confusion about the process of opting into pass/fail grades, while others critiqued the decision to offer a pass/fail over other options such as a grading curve, which Kean students petitioned for last month on change.org.

Abigail Anne Rafael, a communications major, said she thought the pass/fail decision was a positive move.

“Many students have found themselves in a variety of circumstances that have made finishing the rest of the semester extra difficult,” Rafael said. “I’m sure this option will

apprehension over the possibility of pass/ fail grades during its March 24 meeting.

Some were concerned that students who use the pass/fail system would not be able to get needed GPA boosts, while others called it a one size fits all move that ignored the complexities of each separate student’s situation.

The university relations email announcement explained that students will get their usual letter grades but afterward each student could use the pass/fail option for up to two courses. Students will be given until June 1 after receiving their letter grades to decide if they want to opt into pass-no credit for grades they are unhappy with. The no-credit designation will appear as a U grade, meaning no credit will be given for the course but the grade will not affect a student’s grade point average.

“This initiative, which many institutions across the country are offering in some form, recognizes the extraordinary circumstances and challenges this semester poses for our students,” the email said. “The ‘pass/fail’ grade option may help relieve stress and give students more confidence during this unprecedented time.”

The email said that the pass/fail system would count any letter grades below a C as

Kean to hold “virtual” commencement due to COVID-19

By Salimah McCullough For four years, students asked each other: when are you going to walk? Walk, meaning, the traditional walk across the stage in their decorated cap and long graduation gown to receive your baccalaureate from the dean of your college. But the Class of 2020 is probably the first in Kean University’s history that will

Undergraduate commencement was set to take place at The Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on May 21 while the Graduate commencement was set to take place on May 19 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center also in Newark, NJ. In New Jersey, all gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations, or other social events, otherwise authorized, are prohibited.

“I worked so hard for this degree and it won’t be celebrated in the proper way”

Photo by Kean University

Kean’s Graduation page.

Photo taken from a University Relations email

The university decided to give students the option of pass/fail grading for the spring 2020 semester.

be beneficial for many students.”

Two days before Kean released its decision, members of the University Senate expressed

failing, which would show up as a “U” on transcripts. Neither a pass nor fail mark would cause any change in a student’s GPA.

not be taking those steps this spring.

On March 26, Kean made the decision to hold an online commencement ceremony for the class of 2020, in place of the regular graduation ceremony, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In an email sent to all students, Kean President Dawood Farahi explained that the virtual ceremonies will be taking place because the size of the ceremonies would be much larger than the recommended gathering size standards that are in place right now. Also, the facilities have no plans of reopening in time to prepare for graduation.

“We have come to the difficult but necessary decision to hold a virtual commencement event in late spring for all of our incredible 2020 graduates,” Farahi said in the email. “Our virtual commencement will be different from our annual tradition but is being planned to be equally celebratory and inspiring. We will work to ensure each student who wishes to participate is recognized for their achievements.”

continued on page 6

All Non-essential businesses must close including entertainment centers, performing arts centers, and other concert venues. As of March 16, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommended events with gatherings of 10+ people be canceled. On April 7, during his daily Coronavirus press briefing, Governor Phil Murphy expressed that he was not optimistic about graduation ceremonies in NJ happening in May or June.

“I am not trying to be flippant, but I wouldn’t put any nonrefundable checks down on our celebrations right now,” Murphy said. “It’s hard to say otherwise.”

Farahi also explained that this decision is what’s best to ensure the health and safety of all Kean graduates, families, and friends and that health is the top priority.

“We all must remember that a commencement is a one-day celebration, but earning a degree is what matters most of all for our students, for the rest of their lives,” Farahi said. “ The resilience of our graduating students continued on page 6

Kean students work as EMTs during the Coronavirus crisis

By Erin McGuinness

Mouaaz can still remember the look in that woman’s eyes as she said goodbye to her husband and child before being taken to the hospital, he said. At the end of that day, she was pronounced dead.

As the number of positive COVID-19 cases rise in New Jersey, some Kean University students are on the front lines working to keep their communities safe.

Kean Students Mouaaz Hassan, a sophomore majoring in business, and Samantha Miller, a junior majoring in communications are emergency medical technicians with their “Most of my friends local first aid squads. always ask me if I’m Mouaaz, who scared of getting sick works for Newtown or hurt,” Mouaaz said.

First Aid Squad, has “To be honest, what been working around scares me the most the clock, he said. is bringing the virus As an EMT, Mouaaz home and my parents responds to calls for or brother getting emergency medical sick.” assistance, providing Photo courtesy of Samantha Miller The most difficult medical support Kean student Samantha Miller has been working as an EMT part has been and often taking the during the COVID-19 crisis. watching patients say patient to the nearest goodbye to their families, some for the last hospital. time, he said.

“I live in Sussex county and the first lady The amount of personal protective who died in the county as a result of COVID-19 equipment available to Mouaaz and his was my patient,” Mouaaz said. “I remember everything about that call.” fellow EMTs, including N95 masks that filter

95 percent of airborne particles, has been dwindling. Mouaaz has been using the same mask for over a month, he said.

Miller, an EMT for Springfield First Aid Squad and Atlantic Health Systems, has been

Mouaaz can still remember the look in that woman’s eyes as she said goodbye to her husband and child before being taken to the hospital. having a similar experience. At one of her jobs, she uses the same mask throughout her entire shift since supplies are limited.

Demand is higher for EMT workers in her community of Springfield in Union County as older and at-risk volunteers have left their positions to keep the virus from spreading.

Before COVID-19 began spreading, Miller typically worked six to 12 hours a week at her volunteer position for the Springfield first aid squad. She is now putting in about 18 hours, she said. In addition, as an EMT for Atlantic Health, Miller works two to three days a week.

“It’s hard now because the patients are even scared to go to the hospital and like I totally get it because I'm scared to go, too,” Miller said.

Picking up patients in the ambulance and dropping them at the hospital is a process that used to take about 45 minutes, Miller said.

Now, with the extra precautions being taken to limit the spread of the virus, it can take up to three hours. Miller used to go on one to two calls in a 12 hour shift. Now in an 18 hour shift, she responds to up to eight calls.

“When I'm not working I have my radio on I have a radio at home with me and I keep it on all day,” she said. “There's just times where it's like four calls will come out in like a minute.”

Once, she left in the middle of a class video chat to answer a call when her team was understaffed and overwhelmed.

Miller has been able to balance her coursework with her EMT positions, she said.

For Moaaz, balancing his classwork has been difficult as he often has to leave class to go on a call and provide assistance.

“If I hand in work late or I have to leave in the middle of an online class I get points deducted and my grades go down,” he said.

“When I try to explain to my professors of the current situation and why I have to leave or hand in work late, they do not seem to care.”

The two students, despite their fears, continue working their positions out of a passion for helping others.

2 THE TOWER

April, 2020

By Tasha Dowbachuk

Capturing COVID-19 on camera and even anger. Gili mentions that she has listened to students tell her that they do not want to get out of bed.

During the moments that Kean University started enforcing social distancing, Amanda

Professor Gina Gili in the School of Communication, Media & Journalism, develops a social media documentary titled, Sheltered In Place, which captures the current realities that students are facing under quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students were sent a mass email, urging them to answer in-depth questions on camera from the safety of their homes in order to document how the outbreak is impacting their lives.

Photo Courtesy to Gina Gili Gili’s goal is to A still shot presenting the opening of the documentary. showcase point-of-view perspectives featuring their thoughts upon transitioning to online learning, the pass or fail option, trips in supermarkets, domestic life with family, and the process of moving out of the residence halls at Kean University.

“I’m looking to tell everyone’s story in one video,” said Gina Gili. She Photo Courtesy to Gina Gili continues by stating that A still shot of an empty evacuated dorm room from the residence halls at Kean University. students' lives are being turned upside down.

Lopez, a senior with a major in Public Relations, Gili feels like the documentary could benefit says that vlogging her experience helped Kean University students in seeing how other her unravel her thoughts amongst the early students are dealing with the pandemic and can changes of the crisis which also affected her last serve as a remedy to expose that no one is alone academic year. during these devastating times.

“At some point, I think that people really “I wanted to document real life and how their need to hear the voices of the students who are lives are being directly affected by what is going being affected by this,” Lopez said. She states on.” Gili said. that many people could be able to relate her Many testimonies within the documentary personal testimony and the lack of motivation display a range of unfiltered reactions, such as detailing symptoms of depression or anxiety that is found in seniors through their struggle

in completing the online semester.

Being inside the house every day has been described as frustrating for Lopez, but she states that she is discovering a positive silver lining within quarantining during the crisis.

A still shot of a group live session of the KeanTv cast.

alone.

“I’ve realized what is more important and what genuinely brings me joy in life,” Lopez said.

As the weeks pass by, Gili encourages students to film themselves in moments of vulnerability to provide more insight of how the pandemic is shaping students on a personal level for audiences.

Bradley Chernoff, a sophomore with a major in Communications in Media/Film, describes his submission process as a creative and interesting Photo Courtesy to Gina Gili experience. He believes that the documentary will provide a realistic reflection with how students are coping with the pandemic.

“My experience during this pandemic has made me more grateful,” Chernoff said. He feels as though you do not know what you have until you lose it, such as the luxury of being outside and participating in social activities with peers or even alone.

“I am someone who lives to go to the gym and now that I've been deprived of it for over a month, I’ve become more flexible by becoming adaptable through working out outside,” Chernoff said.

For the future, the possibility of the documentary being submitted for a New Jersey film festival remains as a goal for Gili. She plans on releasing the documentary by the end of the Spring 2020 semester on YouTube for the public to view.

“I wanted to document real life and how their lives are being directly affected by what is going on.”

She describes her quarantine experience as eyeopening.

“I feel that the documentary will bring a sense of unification and will definitely open the eyes of professors and students to the serious difficulties of this new reality,” Lopez said.

She feels as though a lot has been taken away from her senior year, such as the Travel Learn course and the physical aspect of a commencement ceremony. But deep down, she knows that she is not facing these difficulties

The coronavirus’s affect on Kean’s radio station WKNJ 90.3

By Craig Epstein

helpful for those who are going through the process.”

Due to the station playing this continuous loop, radio shows that were previously aired on WKNJ have been impacted along with planned segments and interviews.

“In March, we had a women’s month special

With Kean University being turned into a coronavirus testing site, the programming for the school’s radio station WKNJ 90.3 has become a continuous loop of a public service announcement explaining the steps that those who are being tested must go through.

“Audrey Kelly from the president’s office contacted me to see if the radio station could help broadcast a message to help facilitate the process for the testing at Kean,” Professor Scott McHugh said. “The message was produced by Union County in English and Spanish and then sent to me and then I went into campus on Sunday the afternoon before testing started and Photo by wknj903.com set up the station so that it Halley’s show “The Black Minds” featuring his co-hosts would play on repeat.”

Sincere Washington and Brianna Christie.

Along with going through planned where the steps that are taken at the testing site, the all of our special guests would be women, announcement also explains how those who then we had a big show in April where we suspect they may have the coronavirus should would have collaborated with another show act when quarantining themselves. at Drew University,” Kean student and host of “When people get to Kean for the testing, “The Black Minds” Zachery Halley said. “The they get all the information they need to go coronavirus ruined a lot of opportunity for us through the testing site as easy as possible,” and slowed down our momentum.”

Along with his co-hosts Sincere Washington McHugh said. “I’ve heard that it has been very

and Brianna Christie, Halley’s show discusses topics that they believe to be important talking points in the African American community, including trauma/mental health and what it’s like for black people being gay in the black community. The three also discuss racism in the LGBTQ+ community, black movies, and

best thing for us that we have come up for is to do our show on Instagram live.”

Along with Halley, fellow Kean student and WKNJ radio host Devin Wilson has also had to adapt his show “The Devin Hour” due to the effects of the coronavirus on the radio station.

“The coronavirus has completely stalled my show,” Wilson said. “Due to the campus shutting down, I had to cancel all of my interviews and events.”

Focusing on pop culture as well as topics within the LGBTQ+ and black community, having guests play is an integral role in the production of Wilson’s show.

“Now I record in my home studio that I created in my room,” Wilson said.

“Unfortunately, I have to record the shows by myself but I am working on trying to Photo by wknj903.com still have some guests on.”

“The Devin Hour” featuring Devin Wilson.

While the move to will have debates recording his show at home on the show as well. However, with his cohas not been an ideal scenario, Wilson tries hosts living in different parts of New Jersey to remain positive and see the light in a bad the transition to doing the show remotely has situation. been difficult for the three.

“It is completely different from the recording “We are still trying to find a way to do our in the radio station where we have professional show since all three of us live in different parts equipment but it is very cozy and I like it,” of New Jersey and we have different resources Wilson said. “I upload every Wednesday on so it’s very hard,” Halley said. “Right now the Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.”

“When people get to Kean for the testing, they get all the information they need to go through the testing site as easy as possible”

Premiere Stages announces new playwright competition... with a twist

By Lena Zhu Premiere Stages, the professional theatre company at Kean University, announced a new writing initiative during the COVID-19 crisis.

The writing competition, named “Senior Endeavor Awards” will offer $1,000 to a Kean University senior, rising New Jersey high school senior, and a senior citizen who creates a one-act play related either in a direct or abstract way to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a mass email sent out on April 2 to all incoming students, the Kean senior who wins the award “will also receive a professional reading of the play” as well as a paid internship with Premiere Stages Literary Office.

The high school senior who wins the award will also receive a professional reading of the play as well as “a letter of recommendation that can be used to support fall college applications.”

Lastly, the senior citizen living in a senior Word document and/or PDF submissions residential from June 1 to community Aug. 1, 2020. wins the award The play must will receive a be from 10 to pro fe s s ion al 60 pages and reading of the the winners of play along each category with a fully will be selected sponsored

by Sept. 1.

Premiere Previous Stages Legacy playwright Residency finalists for for the senior Premiere Photo by Premiere Stages c i t i z e n s Stages include Premiere Stages, a professional theatre company based at Kean University, within the Songbird by announces new playwright competition on the topic of COVID-19. winner’s senior Rachel Luann community.

Strayer, Scab Six honorable mention certificates and

by Gino Diiorio, Lyon’s Pride by Bleu Beckford$100 will be awarded in the three categories, Burrell, My Mother the Sun by Massimo according to the Premiere Stages website.

Monfiletto, and Year One by Erik Gernand.

Premiere Stages will be accepting Microsoft Songbird details a story about an up and

coming singer/songwriter who doesn’t want to talk about why she abandoned her career, is now a full-length play with songs produced by the National New Play Network.

“I think the [Senior Endeavor Awards] is a wonderful and creative way of helping our communities cope with the current situation,” Holly Logue, Department Chair for the Communications and Theatre Department at Kean University, said. “Acknowledging that life is a challenge, the competition allows an outlet to express thoughts and share stories in a meaningful way.”

Any and all further questions should be sent to pfsubmit@kean.edu. All submissions should be submitted through the Premiere Stages website at http://www.premierestagesatkean. com/senior-endeavor-awards.

Note: The Senior Endeavor Awards, a writing competition produced by Premiere Stages, and the Play Festival are two separate entities.

April, 2020

Kean University becomes a testing site for COVID-19

By Emily Robles

patients over 65 years old with symptoms, and first responders with symptoms.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues “We approached Kean University because to spread across the world, especially in of its location and set up,” said Sebastian the United States, Kean University is now Delia, the director of communications for the recognized as an official testing site for the County of Union. “The parking lot was the coronavirus in the state of New Jersey. ideal size and access is easy. The infrastructure On March 23, the county of Union opened is perfect.” the testing site in the Vaughn Eames Parking An nj.com article said, “The Union County Lot at the facility is main campus being run by of Kean the county University. The through a site provides partnership drive-through with the t e s t i n g Overlook only for the Medical Center residents of (Atlantic Union County, H e a l t h along with first System) in responders S u m m i t , and health the Trinitas care workers Regional Photo taken from a University Relations email working in Kean’s Vaughn-Eames parking lot was designated as a COVID-19 testing site for M e d i c a l the county Union County.

Center in regardless Elizabeth, and of residence, Robert Wood according to Jo h n s o n the County of University Union website, Hospital (RWJ ucnj.org.

Barnabas “While Kean Health) in University Rahway.” will not have Delia said any direct that around involvement 2 0 0 3 0 0 in operating people visit the testing the site everyday. When patients arrive at the facility, the University is pleased to provide site, they are required to stay in their cars with a location for such a critical health service to the windows up until they receive the swab our surrounding community during these test. challenging times.” said University Relations “All patients are routed to the lot by in an email sent to all students and facility. security, and are queued to a tent where they Testing is done by appointment-only by are swabbed,” Delia said. calling one of two numbers provided on After patients are tested, their results uncj.org where a nurse will assess a caller’s are sent to a laboratory where they will be symptoms over the phone. After making an processed.

Positive results are then sent to appointment no other primary care doctor the CDC for confirmation and the New Jersey prescription is needed according to the Department of Health.

According to covid19. updated guidelines on ucnj.org. Testing is nj.gov, those who have been tested will receive free and patients must meet the guidelines a call indicating their results in 3-5 days from of the CDC in order to be tested. Guidelines the results center. include having compatible symptoms of The testing site is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

COVID-19 or being a person who qualifies for Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. priority testing. Some groups who qualify for on Saturdays. The phone line is available 24/7 priority testing are hospitalized patients with to make an appointment. symptoms, symptomatic healthcare workers,

“We approached Kean University because of its location and set up.”

Cougar Pantry steps up for food insecure students

By Lena Zhu

a population of nine million, according to a 2017 Feeding America research.

Many students are forced to self-quarantine However, in Union County, in a population during the COVID-19 crisis. Although this of almost 550,000, a little over nine percent may be a slight inconvenience to some, there of the population reported some form of food are still a number of struggling students not insecurity. knowing when or where they are going to get During this difficult time, Kean University’s Cougar Pantry is stepping up and helping students in need by providing care packages with essential needs.

“The Cougar Pantry will respond to all students looking for supplemental items through a care package and direct them on how to pick up the package from Kean University Police or will match the student to food pantry resources closer to their home,” Figueroa said.

Photo by Kean University’s Cougar Pantry Students who are The Cougar Pantry opens its doors to Kean students in need. in need of these care packages will have to make an appointment by their next meal. emailing the Cougar Pantry at cougarpantry@ To Kean students who are struggling, Susan kean.edu. Those who sign up for this program R. Figueroa, Managing Assistant Director for will receive instructions on a pickup date, time Community Service and Civic Engagement at and location through email individually so as the Kean University Center for Leadership and to maintain privacy.

Service asserts that they should not be afraid Although the Kean Food Pantry is currently to ask for support within the Kean community. not accepting offers or donations until “Assisting one another is how we get they are permitted greater mobility as per through each day, whether there is a pandemic Governor Murphy’s restrictive order on nonor not,” Figueroa said. essential travel, there are still ways for the Food insecurity is a major issue among college Kean Community to help one another. students. According to a 2017 HopeCenter Figueroa lets students know what they can for College, Community, and Justice survey, do to help their fellow peers in this critical about one-third of undergraduate students time. reported that they were food insecure.

“At all times, but especially with the In New Jersey alone, the percentages of uncertainty brought on by COVID-19, the food insecurity is a little over nine percent in Kean family can provide assistance by being continued on page 6

THE TOWER 3

Kean graduate dives into Shark Tank and swims with success

By Tasha Dowbachuk Kean graduate Eric Cruz, his brother Ryan Cruz, and their friend Kevin Zamora dove into the dangerous waters of business and succeeded on ABC network’s reality television show Shark Tank.

The three pitched their shoe brand “Muvez,” a specialized engineered convertible shoe, and

the show, made up by Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, Daymond John, Robert Herjavec and Mark Cuban place an intensified spotlight on entrepreneurs who make an effort to persuade them to invest in their business propositions for their company.”

The concept behind the shoe was created by Ryan Cruz in 2013 who developed it as a senior thesis project while at the New Jersey Institute

“The tank was unreal, they were vicious”

Photo Courtesy of Eric Cruz

Eric Cruz, co-founder and CEO of Muvez (center), with co-creators Ryan Cruz (left) and Kevin Zamara (right) on the set of ABC’s Shark Tank.

of Technology. The design allows consumers the option to wear the shoe as indoor slippers by disconnecting the suction hold which tightens to the outer sole and creating the appearance of outdoor traditional footwear.

“We had to go through years of research and development in order to ensure the engineering that we were claiming was secure,” Cruz said.

Each Muvez shoe contains an inner slipper with an additional outsole that can be customized through versatile style preferences. Color variations include Stone Grey, Vanta Photo Courtesy of Eric Cruz Black, Rose Red and Maverick MUVEZ collection pack, with mix and match soles featuring Stone Grey and Vanta Blue.

Black slippers.

The team dedicated their won over the sharks through the airing of the efforts in launching Muvez in January 2019. episode on Friday, April 3.

The functionality of the shoe has crossed “The tank was unreal, they were vicious,” Eric celebrity platforms in the NBA industry as Cruz said to his viewers during his livestream well as Fashion Week in New York City this immediately following the airing of the show past March. at 8 p.m.

“What we are bringing into the market has “High profile investors and panelists on never been done before,” Cruz said. continued on page 6

Sammy Medrano and her Journey as a Student and Entrepreneur

By Valerie Sanabria

For Samantha Medrano, it feels like her trip from Ambato, Ecuador to the United States was such a long time ago, but in fact only five years have passed since she emigrated.

Besides studying Business and Management at Kean University, Sammy-as people know her- is an entrepreneur, a youtuber, and a photography lover. It has not been easy for her to balance student life and entrepreneurship because both goals are important to her.

“The life of an entrepreneur and student is very difficult since both aspects are very important and depend on you one-hundredpercent,” Medrano said.

Now, with the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, it just became even more difficult.

Her biggest project, Dakota Garden, a

Photo by Sammy Medrano

Sammy Medrano, sophomore student and entrepreneur.

Photo by Sammy Medrano

Sammy and her sister and business partner Andrea.

business she has been building with her sister Andrea, has been delayed due to Covid-19.

Dakota Garden is an eatery set in a garden-like environment where people are guided into a healthy life with products free of high calories and low in sugar.

The opening of Dakota Garden was planned for the Spring of 2020 in South Plainfield but had to be postponed until the summer as a result of the coronavirus. Many businesses had to close or postpone their opening but for Medrano it’s just an opportunity to work harder and provide a better service to her clients.

“With the situation of this virus we do not continued on page 7

4 THE TOWER

April, 2020

Another Perspective:

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

The Story of Maud Dahme

By Alexander Valdes Not many people can say they have experienced a true life of hardship and strife, though not many people today were alive during the events of the Holocaust, except one individual who wanted to share her story, Maud Dahme.

A Zoom meeting hosted by the Holocaust Resource Center on April 6 gave Dahme the opportunity to talk about her life experiences as a Jewish woman during World War II and the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

During the early years of the Second World War, Dahme had been able to live with her biological mother and father. This Maud Dahme. was during a time where Jewish people were being segregated from the rest of the populace, being banned from working in certain fields or even purchasing foods at certain times at certain markets.

One thing that Dahme recalled was how at the age of five she did not understand the terrible nature behind Jewish people being forced to wear stars on their clothing. Of course, it was used by Nazi officials to identify Jewish citizens. But to Dahme and her sister, they were just colorful stars that she wore on her clothes.

By the summer of 1942, situations were escalating so Dahme’s family was urged by a family friend to send both her and her sister Rita into hiding with the assistance of the Dutch underground resistance.

Both Dahme and her sister were hidden for three years by two separate farming families where they adopted new names and would

have to forego their Jewish identities. Dahme expressed throughout the ordeal that she was constantly living in anxiety and fear by the thought of both her and her sister being discovered and killed by Nazi officials.

Dahme recalled her favorite memory during the war when Canadian soldiers arrived in town after the Germans had surrendered.

Soon thereafter, Dahme and her sister were reunited with their parents who were hiding within an attic of a car dealership in the very town they lived in. However, due to the years they were separated she and her sister did not recognize their parents and were hesitant to go back Photo from NJTV home with them until they eventually did.

Dahme went on to describe the difficulty she faced in trusting anyone throughout the time that she was hiding as well.

“The people that I knew, yes but you had to be very careful because it could be your next-door neighbor who you’ve known for years,” said Dahme. “There was a price on our head too that if you turned in, let’s say, three Jews then it’s ‘okay you’re paid for three’ or they were given food because we had the hunger winter, I guess just turned on other people.”

Dahme made it a priority to give a voice to those that could not speak up about the hatred directed at her and others as well as the fear and isolation that innocent Jewish people had to endure during this time of hatred. She has visited many Holocaust memorial museums throughout her life and continues to speak openly and publicly about her experiences so that others may learn in order to help prevent such a tragedy from ever occurring again.

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 FEATURES EDITOR: LENA ZHU SPORTS EDITOR: STEVEN MERRILL

“You had to be very careful because it could be your next-door neighbor who you’ve known for years”

LGBTQ+: New Approaches to Classroom Safety and Inclusion

By Wynter Aiken

Inside the classroom to some students is a safe haven, an open door full of differing voices, identities and perspectives, especially for students of the LGBTQ+ community.

Members of the Diversity Council and Holocaust Resource Center came together on April 1 to present the LGBTQ+: New Approaches to Classroom Safety and Inclusion program, where educators, students and community members can learn more about how districts of NJ can apply the history of LGBTQ+ into their classrooms.

The program began with LGBTQ+ Advocate Jamie Bruesehoff, MA, who emphasized the importance of implementing inclusion in classroom settings and when student pronouns or identities are not honored in a classroom it can create not only a disharmony between educator and student but can cause damage to communities as a whole.

Bruesehoff, who has a transgender daughter praised educators who are aware and openminded.

“The work we all do can be really hard because the world is not always a happy and welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community.

That Diversity Council information flyer. can be challenging when working with students when we’re trying to hear them and walk with them on their journeys,” Bruesehoff said. “When educators show up to their classrooms, they give hope and energy into what advocates do.”

Increasing awareness around the discussion of gender identity and their use of selfexpression does raise questions about how educators can practice promoting gender and sexuality inclusivity on campuses across the country but with the right attitude, curriculum material and language, anything can be done to make students more comfortable. The

materials used are critical to breaking down gender expectations in the classroom, she said.

“Break down stereotypes so not only the LGBTQ+ students are comfortable but as well as the other students. Including diverse reading material is important as well,” Bruesehoff continued. “For individual students, make sure you as the educator, support them, correct misinformation, and have affirming policies in place for schools.”

According to Garden State Equality, Governor Murphy had signed the LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum legislation into law on Jan. 31, 2019, making NJ the second state in the nation to require Boards of Education to teach and accurately portray all contributions LGBTQ+ people have made throughout history. This includes political, social and economic contributions to society.

This monumental step to providing legal

ONLINE EDITOR: W YNTER AIKEN COPY EDITOR: ERIN MCGUINNESS SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: SALIMAH MCCULLOUGH

REPORTERS DORIAN ALERTE

RUBEN NIEVES

ALEJANDRO ARCOS

BREANNA PALZER

HAROLD CARIAS

DANIEL PAPA

SIOBHAN DONALDSON

KATELYN PIORKOWSKI

TASHA DOWBACHUK

EMILY ROBLES

PAIGE FLEMING

ERIC SALAS

LEYAH ISON

VALERIE SANABRIA

CHELSEY JAIPERSAUD

ALEXANDER VALDES

LESHAY JONES

ANASTASIA ZHELEZOVA

CINDY LAZO

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.

involving the community, according to the 2017 National School Climate Survey.

“From the student perspective, when you have negative experiences in school, you can’t help but have a negative framework to how you approach the school day. You are potentially fearful, and these kinds of things get in the way of you having a positive, learning experience,” Okeson continued. “If

with their teachers on a deeper level.

“Within my classroom, my students are entitled to believe what they want to believe and are free to express their opinions that differ from mine. We've had uncomfortable

“When educators show up to their classrooms, they give hope and energy into what advocates do.” legislation for the LGBTQ+ students is essential to schools and universities across the nation and Educator Kate Photo courtesy of Sarah Coykendall Okeson believes it's important to have a professional foundation within the new programs that the legislation will now provide.

“Because it’s a board action, the path to adopting curriculum, lessons, and supporting materials will look different in the hundreds of schools that NJ has. Ultimately, this is about how we interact with our children in the classroom,” Okeson said.

It’s important to note that only 19.8% of LGBTQ+ students have been taught positive representations of history, people and events of the community in contrast to the 18.4% who’ve been taught negative content

they can’t have a positive school day, then we are failing our students.”

Educators like Allison Connolly, who has taken a strong initiative to implement LGBTQ+ history into her classroom knows as a teacher, it is important to be somebody that your student can look to for support and be able create a safe space for them. “ As educators we have our curriculum and lesson plans that we are assigned to teach but at the end of the day there is also the “hidden curriculum”, known as norms in our classrooms that are constantly reinforced,” Connolly said. “The first place to start is to be conscientious and intentful with what we’re doing in the classroom” Students who can really learn outside the general scope of education, can have an overall positive and comfortable learning experience in the classroom and connect with not only their peers of the LGBTQ+ community, but

Photo courtesy of Sarah Coykendall

Holocaust Resource Center website and information flyer.

conversations, but they went beautifully,” Connolly continued. “I urge teachers to be familiar with what the law says and how the policy reads, we can’t opt out of this and be prepared to know what you don’t know.”

If you wish to know more about Jamie Bruesehoff, Kate Okeson and Allison Connolly’s advocacy, follow the links: http:// www.jamiebruesehoff.com/ and https:// forms.gle/J6qVMY2fE5XSr4Zw6

April, 2020

Interns Impacted by the Pandemic

By Anastasia Zhelezova

COVID-19 is the reason that schools, bars, restaurants, and your favourite nail salon are now closed. To reduce the spread of the virus,

Briozman feels as though a lot of valuable learning experience is being lost that her internship provided. She is uncertain that she will be able to return this semester.

Despite the enforced quarantine and the

Photo by Michelle Boyce

Michelle Boyce.

Photo by Jassen Christov

Jassen Christov.

Photo by Lawrence Small

Criminal justice professor and internship coordinator Dennis Bogdan.

the government advised everyone to stay home. So what does this insinuate in terms of internships for college students? And what is Kean University doing to assure that students get the credit needed for time served before the shutdown?

“I’m just glad the university is working with us interns to try to get our credits in despite the change,” says Tess Briozman, 21, Criminal Justice major at Kean University. “I intern at ICE. They have a law office in Newark and a detention center in Elizabeth that I work at.”

At her internship in Newark, Briozman would put case files back in the filing room, make copies of files for the Freedom of Information Act, add new mail and documents to existing files and prepare files to go to court.

In Elizabeth, she would gather mail from various areas throughout the facility, open, stamp and organize the mail and sit in on court cases.

“I started on Jan. 10 and went two days a week for about four hours a day. Sometimes more, sometimes less,” Briozman said.

Once the virus spread to New York City, it was not long before New Jersey began getting cases of people diagnosed with COVID-19.

Briozman’s internship took a sudden left turn as she pulled into the parking lot and parked her car when her boss called and told her not to come into work that day.

“A faculty member from Elizabeth had tested positive so everyone was quarantined.

And both buildings needed a deep clean. I haven’t heard back since. That was March 19,” Briozman said.

harm it is doing to interns, Kean University is currently trying to make sure that its students are still able to get their credits.

Professor Dennis Bogdan, the Criminal Justice Department Internship Coordinator at Kean, said that the university will provide alternative career-focused projects to students whose internships were affected by COVID-19.

It is designed to move interns forward and the number of hours will depend on the projects completed.

“Individuals will be notified in regards to their internships on the requirements that satisfy the unfulfilled internship hours,” Bodgan said.

Michelle Boyce, 33, Criminal Justice major who is graduating in May began her internship at the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office in Totowa, NJ in Jan 2020. Boyce abruptly had to stop due to COVID-19. She was required to only be there once a week. However, due to her passion for the work she did there, she would attend twice.

“It meant so much to be there because I aspire to become a prosecutor one day and stand up for the right of justice,” Boyce said.

Boyce would assist in viewing files or cases to see if there were discrepancies with evidence and information in police reports, etc. She was allowed to sit through court cases and view how they were treated. In addition, she was able to listen and watch interrogation interviews as well as make corrections to the interview transcripts.

“I also interacted with detectives and was able to watch crime scene footage of actual murders that had occurred,” Boyce adds.

THE TOWER 5

Students and faculty react to online learning

By Paige Fleming

Yuan, the graduate coordinator and professor in the communication department, said As people around the world adjust to that one of her initial struggles with remote staying indoors, students and teachers alike education was learning the ins-and-outs of have had to adapt to the new system of remote Blackboard. education. Learning from home has left some “We switched to remote education on students frustrated and eager to get back into short notice. In a few days, I had to learn the the classroom. various functions of Blackboard, adjust lesson Brainly, an online learning community plans, revise syllabi, and post course content based on peer learning, conducted a survey online,” Yuan said. “I scrambled to offer of 1,700 U.S. students to measure the impact virtual instruction for COVID-19 has had on them. my students. I am in a 40 percent of better situation now.” students surveyed For others, learning worry that their grades from home has offered will be negatively a fresh perspective on impacted by the the use of technology transition to online for classroom classes, according to purposes.

Professor Brainly. Additionally, Courtney Atkins, a 43 percent of students communication studies said their biggest professor, said that challenge is being able the switch has been to stay focused. refreshing, and her Sarah Otero, a biggest difficulty is theater education major in her third year, finding the time to take said the transition to a break. her online courses has not been easy.

“Switching to remote mode has been “Living in a house with eight other people exciting,” she said. “It allowed me to recreate definitely causes a lot of distractions and many some of my lesson plans and assignments interruptions in a new way— during my it changed my lectures,” she said. perspective and “I can’t wait to be gave me a renewed back at Kean” sense of creativity S t u d e n t in my classroom.

Organization The hardest part President Taylor is stopping and Davis, said although this taking a break for situation is not myself.” ideal, it is the 40 percent of best solution, students say they considering will miss being able the current to socialize with conditions. peers, according “I try to go to Brainly.

Most to a quiet place students surveyed in my house say they spend to focus on my most of their free homework and get time on streaming everything done,” Photo by platforms (such as said Davis. “No frustrations— Netflix or Hulu), only hoping the on social media or internet doesn’t go down.” playing video games.

Eric Oldfield, the chief business officer of “I miss being in a classroom surrounded by Brainy, offered some tips for students who are my peers since I am very social, and I feel I now learning from home, to maximize their learn better in person,” said Otero. productivity.

The element K e a n of learning University has has become also provided distorted, as a few ways online classes for the Kean oftentimes community limit classroom to access the tools necessary discussion for student and in-person success during learning. this time.

“I miss The Nancy the personal Thompson touch and L i b r a r y spontaneous Learning discussions in Photot aken from the Kean University Twitter page Commons Students are having to adjust to working and learning from their homes, which a classroom. I website, for has affected productivity and learning, for some. always enjoy the instance, face-to-face interactions with my students,” includes online tutoring services, help with said Dr. Yuan.

Blackboard, and tutorials for how to use “In some of my classes, students are not Google Hangouts and Zoom, both of which have been popular for professors to use for very eager to show their video head in the lectures. online session,” said Prof. Atkins. “So overall, This tool also benefits faculty. Dr. Wenli I miss my students' smiles.”

Learning from home has left some students frustrated and eager to get back into the classroom.

continued on page 7

Kean Students React To Celebrity Backlash

By Cindy Lazo On March 18, Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot posted a video of herself and other celebrities covering John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ in what was meant to be uplifting during the coronavirus crisis.

“This virus had affected the entire world,” Gadot said in the video. “Doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, we’re all in this together.”

Instead, the video that featured stars such as Mark Ruffalo, Will Ferrell and Natalie Portman received backlash from many on social media platforms, criticizing that those who participated in the Instagram video should be contributing more towards resources or testing rather than singing.

They were also criticized for singing about no possessions while being self-isolated in their lavish homes.

A number of former and current Kean students share the same sentiment.

“If they aren’t also contributing with money in their celebrity [bank] accounts, they can shut their pie holes,” Jodie Battaglia, a senior pursuing a degree in Fine Arts, said.

Kean Alumni Josh Rosario also had some strong opinions.

“I’m stuck in my 1 bedroom and they’re singing because they’re trapped in some mansion in Cali,” Rosario said. “Now I need a relief for my eardrums.”

Darimar Weert, an accounting major graduate student from

Photo by Via Gal Gadot’s Instagram Page

The viral video that saw Gal Gadot and many stars, including Mark Ruffalo and Will Ferrell, covering John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ received online backlash.

the class of 2019, had suggestions of what celebrities should be doing during the COVID-19 crisis, such as raising money for hospital supplies and for community food banks.

Actor Jamie Dornan spoke about his participation in a podcast, explaining that Kristen Wiig had asked if he would like to be involved in it. “[Gal] was trying to do a good and kind thing and just got nailed for it,” Dornan said. “I just got dragged along with it, but listen, what are we going to

do.”

There are a number of well-known figures who are helping in the fight against the coronavirus.

In late March, singer Rihanna’s foundation, the Clara Lionel Foundation, had announced their $5 million donation to organizations, such as Feeding America and Direct Relief, that are assisting with the pandemic.

Basketball player Stephen Curry and wife Ayesha launched an online fundraiser for Feeding America to provide daily meals for children who rely on school food. The organization had raised more than $160,000.

Pop singer Lady Gaga is partnering with the World Health Organization and Global Citizen for a benefit concert, that is scheduled for April 18, to support the U.N. Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund. She and Global Citizen have also raised more than $35 million for protective equipment for healthcare workers.

6 THE TOWER

April, 2020

Kean’s pass/fail grading option for online semester gets mixed reviews continued from cover

The email also said that students who choose to use the pass/fail system would have to go through an approval process with their advisors and a financial aid counselor.

This is because certain program requirements, graduate school admission guidelines and financial aid criteria call for letter grades.

Dr. Jonathan Mercantini, acting dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said that in regards to Kean’s program requirements, there would be few courses for which students couldn’t choose the pass/fail option.

“Those are primarily related to external certification and accreditations requirements,” Mercantini said. “For example, the state of New Jersey may require a letter grade in a course to be eligible for a state issue license.

Those are determined by the specific program.”

For this reason, academic advisors need to check and authorize that students choosing a pass/fail mark for a class aren’t jeopardizing any opportunities, Mercantini said.

While pass/fail grading has some students breathing sighs of relief, many people have questioned how opting in can affect their chances of getting into a graduate program or medical school. Some schools, such as Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM), have announced they would be more lenient during the application process.

“Due to the decision of many institutions

to move to an online Pass/Fail format for the COVID-19 crisis during Spring 2020, GUSOM will accept Pass/Fail and Credit/No Credit courses, including online classes, for courses completed in that semester only,” the GUSOM admissions page said. “At institutions where moving to Pass/ Fail was optional, course grades on a scale of A-F are highly preferable, especially for pre-requisite and BCPM courses.”

The Cornell University Graduate School announced that it would take the hardships of the spring 2020 semester into account when considering students who had chosen to request any pass/fail grading, according to the article.

“Admissions committees and offices for graduate and professional programs in the Graduate School will take into account the significant disruptions and challenges associated with the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic when reviewing applicants’ academic transcripts and other application materials as part of these programs’ ongoing practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant,” an announcement on the Cornell University Graduate School website said.

Kean’s Nathan Weiss Graduate College has not released a policy or statement on whether its admission officers will be more lenient or take a holistic view when considering applications.

Neither a pass nor fail mark would cause any change in a student’s GPA.

Kean graduate dives into Shark Tank and swims with success continued from page 3

A Shark Tank casting manager discovered the Muvez brand on social media, which began the team's journey in taking their business to the next level.

“They were flown out to California in September 2019 to film Season 11, Episode 18 of Shark Tank and made an agreement with Daymond John for the investment of $200,000 in exchange for a 25% stake.”

“We were not too anxious or nervous because we were over prepared for the

continued by saying that he does not have an angle to walk into the investment and to confidently state that the company is “it”.

“Between Lori Greiner and Daymond John, the two sharks express a great deal of compliment towards the brand. John began by stating he did not want to offend the team with an offer due to wanting them to obtain licensing for their business.”.

John’s offer arrived with a total of $200,000 in exchange for one-third of the company.

Photo by “132683_GROUP_SAFE_01” by Disney | ABC Television Group is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

ABC's Shark Tank.

Kean to hold “virtual” commencement due to COVID-19 continued from cover

in these troubling times amplifies our pride in their accomplishments and achievements.”

After the email was sent, many Kean seniors and graduate students took to social media to share their thoughts on the cancellation of the 2020 graduation ceremonies.

“I’m extremely disappointed in the University’s decision to take an important day for many students and not even take the time to suggest a postponement,” said Annalise Knudson, who is graduating with a Master’s Degree in Communication. “I’ve been in grad. school for the last three years and I don’t think sitting at home in front of my computer will ever live up to the same expectation of walking across that stage.”

Senior Claudia Tantillo also wants that feeling of walking across the stage at graduation instead of a virtual graduation ceremony.

“We deserve to walk.

I didn’t wait four years to be graduating on Google,” Tantillo said.

“We walk for pride and our accomplishments.

Postponing for the fall would give us that opportunity to give us that last moment to Email sent to the class of 2020. shine .”

President Farahi further explained that the University is working to develop a virtual, interactive experience that allows all graduates to be recognized individually for their achievements. This would be taking place through an interactive video platform and loved ones will be able to share the experience and keep it as a treasured keepsake.

“I worked so hard for this degree and it won’t be celebrated in the proper way,” said Bernadette Kelly, a senior who will graduate with a BA in Communication Studies. “A virtual graduation isn’t the same. I just wish they tried to do more for us.”

A few hours after the initial email was sent to all faculty and staff, students rallied together to create a petition to postpone the ceremony. As of April 16, the petition had 7,956 signatures.

“I’ve been in this school since 2013 and I’ve struggled and changed my life around,” said Jenniffer Gonzalez, senior majoring in studio art. “When I can finally enjoy graduation that I’ve been waiting for, it gets ruined.”

On April 10, President Farahi sent a letter to the graduating class expressing how this commencement wouldn’t have just been very

special to us, but to him as well being as it is his last.

“Although we can’t hold ceremonies at NJPAC or the Prudential Center, we have a team

process,” Cruz said knowing the gravity of the situation considering the team had one shot to win the sharks over in front of millions of Americans on television.

Cruz was mostly anxious about the possibility of the Sharks not fully appreciating the level of innovation and subsequent importance of preventing germs and bacteria from entering homes.

“During soundcheck we looked around and saw the Sharks interacting with the producers which, in a way, humanized them,” Cruz said believing that it helped his team breathe easier while understanding what to anticipate when it came to the panelists and how to speak to their interests.

“Our pitch was probably over an hour so the editing and producing team did a great job in capturing the tone and narrative of the conversation,” Cruz said.

After each of the sharks tested out a pair of Muvez shoes, Eric Cruz began describing the challenges the company has faced in creating the shoes during the show. After three to four months of financing samples and material sourcing for their first factory in China, the factory deemed the shoe project impossible and could not be done.

The team resulted in purchasing supplies from an over-the-counter hardware store and casted Eric’s foot as a mold inside their garage, introducing their first concept of rubber soles.

“It wasn’t perfect but for us it was beautiful” Cruz said to the sharks during their pitch.

The first shark to opt out was Kevin O’Leary who found the risk to invest to be considered crazy. The next shark who delivered their decision to opt out was Robert Herjavec, questioning how the team will market their brand without burning massive amounts of money.

“As tensions run high, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban agrees with Herjavec’s statement and decided to opt out. He

Following the offer, he denied a business partnership with Greiner which earned laughter from her in the episode.

The team decided to counter his offer with $200,000 in exchange for a 25 percent stake in order to have 10 percent remaining for any challenges they might face and where they can raise additional capital to combat the roadblock.

After closing the deal with John, Eric Cruz stated that the primary focus of the Muvez brand is no longer concentrated under a sport directed focus.

“With having Daymond on board we believe that we could be a global brand in a few years,” Cruz said.

Cruz described the company as an embodiment of entrepreneurs who may have a lack of resources but show determination in succeeding through hard work, dedication, and commitment to achieve ultimate success.

“I think this showcases that there are no limits that are possible if you are dedicated enough,” Cruz said.

The goal behind the Muvez shoe brand is to be in every home of America and challenge what is present within the modern market.

Cruz believes that this is their opportunity to show the world that the team has a product that can cater to general health and hygiene.

After the Shark Tank episode aired, Eric Cruz took to his Instagram live stream to answer questions from his following while also introducing his expansion in the shoe apparel and the availability of pre-orders on the Muvez brand website at 8:30 p.m.

He continued by stating that it was an honor and privilege to be on the show, beginning the memorable journey, and to never forget why he started. Muvez has also taken the liberty to donate one dollar for every pre-order from the company to the United Health Organization after taking notice of how COVID-19 poses challenges to those in the medical field.

Photo by Salimah McCullough

of people developing a virtual commencement plan that will celebrate each of you individually,” Farahi said. “The virtual ceremony will not only include the speeches and performances that are typically part of our commencement ceremonies, it will include a chance for each of you to shine with personal messages.”

Farahi’s email said Kean that while he can’t make any promises due to COVID-19, Kean is currently considering having smaller, more intimate commencement ceremonies on campus for each of Kean’s colleges in the late summer.

“This would give each of you the opportunity to walk across the stage and accept your diploma to the cheers of your family, friends, and classmates,” Farahi said.

The virtual commencement ceremony will take place on Friday, May 29. In an email sent to all students and staff on April 17, the virtual commencement experience will include “exciting speakers, personalized content and the chance for everyone to interact and share their stories.”

Cougar Pantry steps up for food insecure students continued from page 3

good friends, good family members and good neighbours,” Figueroa said.

Figueroa urges students and faculty to use technology to check up on family, friends and neighbors. She encourages those who have an abundance of food to share with others and help one another in this difficult time.

“If there is a local resource that can assist with an immediate need, we want to make the connection for the student and their family,” Figueroa said. “The Community FoodBank of New Jersey also provides an online resource of searchable

pantries by county throughout New Jersey.”

“Assisting one another is how we get through each day, whether there is a pandemic or not.”

Currently inactive during remote education is the Kean Food Recovery Program. The program seeks to avoid food waste through Remind 101.

The app would notify those who chose to opt into the program when leftover food is available from any event held on campus.

“With a fully operational program, all departments and programs across campus could report food available for pickup,” Figueroa said.

April, 2020

THE TOWER 7

Sammy Medrano and her Journey as a Student and Entrepreneur continued from page 3

have a date for the grand opening,” Medrano said, “but it is time to continue advancing in the project and to be more excited.”

For Medrano, Dakota Garden is also her long-term goal. She wishes to open more franchises before graduating from college but wants people to know her business and what she is doing with it.

“Dakota Garden is the biggest project in my life. I am putting all my heart and the best ideas to give a 5-star service,” Medrano said.

She also wants to encourage those who want to change their lives by losing weight or increasing muscles.

Besides being an entrepreneur Sammy also loves making and editing videos to upload to her YouTube channel Sammy Medrano. On her YouTube channel she has 2.89K subscribers but had to put that aside to fully focus on school and her dream Dakota Garden.

Family means everything to Sammy who describes them as her major support both economically and emotionally.

“One of my biggest goals is to build my own business to ensure the future of my family and not have to work for many years,” said Medrano.

“The life of an entrepreneur and student is very difficult since both aspects are very important and depend on you one-hundred-percent.”

At the age of 21, she is working hard to fulfil her dreams and cannot wait to graduate not only to start her business but also to be with her fiancé.

“A curious fact about me is that I am engaged,” Medrano said, “and waiting impatiently to graduate to do things well on my sentimental side of life.”

Photo by Sammy Medrano

Dakota Garden Logo.

Photo by Sammy Medrano

Sammy Medrano.

Interns Impacted by the Pandemic continued from page 5

SPORTS

Once the courts shut down, prosecutors were ordered to work from home. However, the interns could not.

“We were working on a very important trial and I was looking forward to going to court that week,” Boyce said.

Jassen Christov, 24, Criminal Justice major has been interning at TAG Cyber for exactly one year now.

“It’s a cybersecurity company located in

2019 Kean Football Roster.

“A faculty member from Elizabeth had tested positive so everyone was quarantined.

And both buildings needed a deep clean.

I haven’t heard back since.

That was March 19.”

NYC. I perform research on different cloud services as well as check whether or not certain websites are accessible in different countries.”

Christov’s internship was already a work from home situation therefore the pandemic did barely any damage in regards to his internship.

“It didn’t really affect my work because everything was done online anyway,” Christov said.

Christov was required to go in person less than once

a month. There is no travel ban to the city, but in terms of safety, it is not advised for the time being. Until this is over, he will not be attending for the times he was required.

Maeve Doyle, 20, is a junior and is a Public Relations major. Doyle interns at the Talbots design office on Park Avenue in NYC. She has been there since early January and is one of the lucky students who has been able to keep her internship.

“They have me do weekly reads which is like catch-ups on the fashion industry and cool trends,” Doyle said.

Doyle is another passionate intern who loves what she does. When asked if she is able to continue the intern position she stated that they originally were not going to let her work from home thinking that it would be too

difficult but decided to keep the workload light for now instead of letting her go.

“I’m a PR intern so I do model dressings, catalogue new clothing shipments for upcoming seasons, work directly with the director and VP of their PR team to come up with/work on campaigns,” Doyle said.

Doyle says that the team is currently doing the Dress for Success campaign with OWN Magazine.

Her current project is on a competitors recap to see how other stores such as Ann Taylor and J. Crew are handling the pandemic crisis.

“They’re all currently working from home also trying to rebuild the Dress for Success campaign and planning for after quarantine,” Doyle said.

Kean Football trying to stay in tune during quarantine “The goal right now is to be the best version of yourself each day”

By Ruben Nieves With the spread of the Coronavirus, many seasons, recruitments and other events have been canceled throughout the country.

Kean Football head coach Dan Garrett and his team have been staying in tune as they hope to be back on the field on time.

“With the team, we have group chats via text messages and we also have two Zoom meetings, where we split the team in half,’’ said Garrett.

Garrett and the rest of the coaching staff have weekly meetings through Zoom where they split the team in half based on if they are on offense or defense. The team

“We already had all of our on-campus visits. We completed them the first week in March” said Garrett.

Garrett has said they have been staying in contact with their top student-athletes whether it's through text, email, and through social media. Now they await to see who will commit here at Kean.

“There are more factors that we are taking into consideration during this pandemic. We understand the situation a lot of families may be going through. So we are being very empathetic, patient, and understanding,”

has meetings based on leadership development and Coach Garrett is a part of every Zoom meeting with his team.

Coach Garrett and the coaching staff have also created an eight-week plan of workouts for players to keep them in shape while this pandemic continues.

“The workouts were things you can do at home but still feel like you accomplished some.

Different workouts such as push-ups, different Photo by David Thomas dumbbell workouts and core workouts,” said Thomas warming up for game day. junior running back David Thomas.

As the coronavirus spreads throughout the said Garrett. country, coach Garrett has provided advice to his team on how Although the season is still a long way from starting, David to stay healthy and safe as they await the end of quarantine. He Thomas was able to give his opinion on if training camp and the has asked his team to follow all social distancing guidelines and season will start on time. to do their part in following these guidelines.

“Yes I do believe it will start on time if we all do our part and “Told them to listen to all the guidelines being put out there. Follow social distancing and stay home and take all the listen to our leaders” said Thomas. necessary precautions,” said Garrett.

Garrett didn't give an exact answer on whether he believes Since recruitment has been suspended by the NCAA due to the season will start on time, he feels we still have a lot of time the coronavirus, Garrett was able to meet with top recruits left before we can worry about that. before all of the bans and cancellations of college athletics.

“I’m very cognizant of the fact there are more important things to worry about other than a football season, and don't get me wrong I absolutely love football and love my job and everything that comes with that responsibility of being called coach,” said Garrett.

Despite the season still a long way from beginning, coach Garrett has set some early goals for his team.

“The goal right now is to be the best version of yourself each day,” said Garrett.

His goal also set for this season is to win the NJAC championship and get into the NCAA playoffs. Thomas has set his own personal goals for himself on being a better player and a better teammate.

“My personal goals are to compete, and be the best teammate I can be,” Thomas said. “Be a valuable contributor to the team in any capacity that will benefit the team.”

Kean Football will start the season on the road against Photo by Kean Athletics Delaware Valley University on Sept. 4.

April, 2020

SPORTS

8 THE TOWER

Payce Lange wraps up remarkable Kean career as an All-American

By Eric Salas Determined, poised, and self-assured doesn’t even begin to describe the outstanding year Payce Lange had in her senior season as a Kean Women’s Basketball player.

On March 24, Lange was selected as Honorable Mention by D3hoops.com on their 2020 Division III Women’s Basketball AllAmerican team.

“It truly is such an amazing feeling,” Lange said. “On a personal level, it’s such a great feeling knowing that all the hard work and extra hours I put in on my own time was fully acknowledged.”

Lange made sure to leave her mark in her final season by capping off her year finishing 33rd in all of Division III in points per game (19.2) and finishing in the top 100 in steals per game. Not only that but

According to KeanAthletics.com, the team averaged 68.2 points per game, while shooting 38.6 from the field, 27.9% from behind the three-point line and 61.8% from the free-throw line.

Lange went on to express that the team played a significant role in her success and that they all have a very tight relationship with one another.

“My team and I are honestly one big family,” Lange said. “My teammates made every moment of mine special, every day we all worked tirelessly to make sure that we were pushing ourselves and each other to the highest degree. I will forever be grateful for the teammates that I consider family and I know they will always have my back just like they did through my four years.”

A significant detail to look at is the increased improvement throughout her career and how much of a jump in numbers was made year to year.

Freshman year she averaged just 2.6 points playing 24 games with only 11 minutes per game. Sophomore year she played and started all 24 games averaging 11 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2 steals per contest. Junior year she played and started all 28 games that season averaging 14.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 2.0 assists.

This upward incline led to her final season being the best of her career making the most of her whopping 33 minutes per game and it most certainly wasn’t a coincidence. Lange made sure her drive never slowed down and continuously worked on every aspect of her game.

“I believe each year I got stronger, more disciplined, and more consistent,” Lange said. “I got more sophisticated in the paint and improved my short/long-range jumper if the paint was denied, always willing to take my defender off the dribble. I

she also made her presence known on the boards by averaging 6.7 rebounds per game. Throughout her four-year career at Kean, she tallied a total of 1,221 career points and in doing so became the 20th player in program history to surpass the 1,000 point mark.

“I came into my senior season just like every other season knowing I had high expectations and goals for Photo by keanathletics.com myself and the team,” Lange said. “I Payce Lange dribbles up court in game against William never would let myself be outworked Paterson University. and I consistently had that ‘all-in’ worked hard at being a player you didn't want to defend.” mentality on and off the court because I was not going to let Lange then emphasized her desire to stay hungry and never anything or anyone get in my way to reach my highest potential settle so that she would work on bettering her game and herself academically and athletically.” personally.

On top of All-American honors, Lange achieved other “I focused on all areas where improvement could always be,” accolades as well which include being named New Jersey Lange said.“Every day I would put in extra hours on the court Athletic Conference Player of the Year for the 2019-20 season getting shots up, dribbling drills, driving the paint, extra hours in addition to first-team honors. She became the second Cougar on the track, and in the weight room. I always worked hard even in program history to earn the D3hoops.com honor. if nobody was watching.”

As a team, the Cougars finished with a 17-9 overall record, While Lange will not be playing for the Cougars next year, a 13-5 record in the Atlantic region, and made their second straight appearance as the third seed in the NJAC tournament. younger players will now get to showcase what they have to

Photo by keanathletics.com

Payce Lange team photo

“I never would let myself be outworked and I consistently had that ‘all-in’ mentality”

Photo by keanathletics.com

Lange surveying the court during game.

offer and get the opportunity to follow in similar footsteps.

Lange offered words of encouragement for those now taking the next step.

“My advice would be to never take the sport you love for granted,” Lange said. “Your college experience only lasts for four years and it flies by. When you aren’t working hard, someone else is and you are only hurting yourself. You have to work to your highest potential.”

Where do sports go from here?

By Dorian Alerte

knew it was done for our safety.”

Martino and Ross are just two of thousands of athletes that have seen their seasons come to a complete halt. Their disappointment has been felt, with many of them taking to social media expressing their disappointment that they will not be able to play again this spring.

“This whole situation, it’s obviously a bummer because we didn’t even get an opportunity to get where we want to be,” Martino said. “But we’re here now, and we’re gonna get ready for next year.”

Along with the athletes, perhaps the most

Spring 2020 was shaping up to be one of the greatest years in athletics until the sports world was hit by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The NBA was preparing to go into the playoffs, fans were looking forward to the college basketball March Madness tournament, and college athletes all over the country were preparing for their respective tournaments and playoffs, as well as the arrival of spring sports. Even the much anticipated NFL draft was going to be bigger and better this year.

Then everything changed.

After it was revealed that Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert had tested positive for the illness on March 11, it did not take long for the NBA to take initiative and suspend their season, followed by sports leagues all over the globe.

College athletes have seen their seasons totally cancelled because of the pandemic. This includes the seasons of rising tennis Photo by Amanda Ross player for the North Amanda Ross pitching for the Kean Cougars.

Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Aggies, Nolan Martino and Kean affected are the arena workers, especially for University’s softball pitcher Amanda Ross. professional sports, that work for hourly “We originally got an email during practice pay. Many of these people rely on this sort of that the season was being suspended,” Martino income to be able to provide and support their said. “It wasn’t until we started seeing that we families. were being sent home, that we realized that According to Jabari Young, sports business our season was totally over.” reporter for CNBC Sports, this group will be Ross shares a similar story of how Kean most affected by this pandemic as opposed to Softball’s season came to an end. the professional leagues as he stated on the “The toughest thing was how abrupt it Dan Le Batard Show. ended,” she said. “We were preparing for our “It’s gonna be felt across the board,” he said.

Florida trip when we were notified it was “It’s gonna be felt in those smaller areas- the cancelled. We were obviously upset but we working class, those people that rely on these

jobs everyday. Obviously without those games, you don’t have any events, without the events, people can’t work, and then corporations lose money, people lose money across the board but it's the little class, the middle class, the lower class people that people just cannot forget about, in these times especially. The big leagues are gonna be fine, they'll make their millions of dollars back, they'll be fine, maybe we go through a little bit of a check and balance, a reset in sports a little bit, but the big corporations will be fine, it’s the little people that matter.”

including MJ Acosta, a reporter for the NFL Network.

“I think it will take longer economically especially for all the hourly venue employees who were counting on sports events to feed their families,” she told The Tower in a phone interview. “Pro athletes and some owners have stepped up to help these folks, and I hope it’s something every team can adapt.”

Despite all of the negativity surrounding the pandemic, there is hope among the sports community for what happens next.

“The Sports community is already counting the days until their teams are back in action,” Acosta said.

“I think once it’s safe to be back out there, the fans, players and employees will be chomping at the bit to get back to their arenas and stadiums to share the love for their teams.”

Athletes and fans alike are attempting to find ways to fill the void that has been left by the hiatus that sports leagues have taken in order to combat this virus and protect the health and safety of Photo by Nolan Martino the players, fans, and Nolan Martino stays focused for the next serve from his opponent. employees.

These include the NFL and A variety of NBA players and executives NBA offering complimentary League Pass in have taken notice of this issue and stepped up order to replay classic and recent games. to help those that cannot work in the arenas Even with free League Pass, sports fans are while events are cancelled. Dallas Mavericks waiting patiently for their favorite teams to owner Mark Cuban, Cavaliers Power Forward make it back. The belief within the community Kevin Love, Pelicans Power Forward Zion is the comeback for sports is going to be unlike Williamson, and other owners and players anything seen before. throughout several leagues have taken the “I think the rebound is gonna be massive,” initiative to help out the arena workers that Martino said. “Sports are gonna have a crazy will not be working throughout the duration audience and appeal once they come back, of this pandemic. especially for college students. We’ll be able to These have been actions that have been be back on campus and be able to support the noticed by others within the sports community teams we love.”

“The Sports community is already counting the days until their teams are back in action.”