The Tower Sept. 29-Oct. 19, 2011

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GOING FOR GOLD PG 16 WWW.KEANTOWER.COM WWW.KEAN.COM

KEAN UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

SEPT. 29 - OCT. 19, 2011

Former AD files suit against Kean

By Stephanie Musat

By Brian Konchalski

Photo by: Eric Haftel

Members of the Kean Federation of Teachers, along with campus maintenance workers, picketed outside the Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 12 in opposition of using contracted workers on campus. See page 3 for more coverage of the protest and board meeting.

Kean announces blueprint for two new buildings Kean plans faculty housing building

By Avani Kapur Hillside residents are opposing Kean University’s plan to build housing for top teacher-scholars on the tennis courts near East Campus.

Residents in the Westminster section are concerned that the university’s plan to construct 15 units of housing on the courts will negatively affect traffic, sewage and property values.

Kean plans to construct these units to attract top scholars that would otherwise be faced with the high cost of housing here.

“Attracting top teacher-scholars to the university is a benefit to our students’ pursuits of their respective degrees and professional goals,” said Kean’s Director of Communications Stephen Hudik.

Hillside resident Judy Schanzer said that residents are concerned that the new housing could decrease property values, increase traffic and hurt the environment.

The University plans to conduct appropriate studies concerning the effect that the project could have on the community, said Hudik.

Schanzer said that change in traffic patterns may endanger the safety of children who play on the relatively quiet road and cutting down trees to build the units may increase flooding.

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New policy clarifies Student Org. elections Kean University Student Organization has adopted a specific election policy after the results for last year’s general elections were challenged.

The new policy was put into place after Adetokunbo “Dare” Thompson, the Student Org. President, was accused of eight violations and found guilty of violating three campaign policies over the course of the election.

Olushola Brown, the current Treasurer of Student Org. and one of the heads of last year’s election committee, said, “A lot of the violations going against Dare, seemed big at the time, but when continued on page 4 we looked

VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 1

She also noted that the street already floods when it rains and was flooded substantially during Hurricane Irene.

“Usually a university tries to be a good neighbor,” said Schanzer.

Kean official’s plan to continue meeting with Hillside officials to address the issue, Hudik said.

“The university values its relationships with all of its host communities, including Hillside.”

Hudik said that in response to comments from some residents at the Sept. 12 board meeting Kean President Dawood Farahi mentioned that the university will continue to meet with the township’s elected officials in an effort to balance residents’ concerns with the university’s needs.

Hudik said residents of “host communities” are able to use educational and recreational services on campus, including the track and grounds on East Campus.

The project has been in development for the past five years and a date has not been set to break ground, Hudik said. The university expects construction to be completed about one year after ground breaking.

Hudik said it is premature to discuss cost but Kean has already made $750,000 in changes to accommodate requests of town officials.

All purpose facility planned on Green Lane

By Jaclyn Tuman Kean University is about to construct a six-story, mixed-use building at the corner of Green Lane and Morris Avenue that will

continue to grow, and the university has been looking to develop the property on Green Lane for some time.”

The Green Lane building will feature a retail section on the

Photo: Courtesy of Gruskin Group

Rendering of the future home for the College of Business & Public Administration and the Robert Busch School of Design. be the new home for the College of Business & Public Administration and the new Robert Busch School of Design.

An existing brick building on the site is set to be demolished toward the end of this year, said Kean spokesman Stephen Hudik.

“The new, six-story building will be the home of our center of excellence in design and the home of the College of Business and Public Management,” he said. “These programs

first floor and the rest of the floors will have academic areas, according to Hudik.

The anticipated completion date is fall 2013; the cost, which was not disclosed, will be financed through bonds. A bond is a debt instrument issued by governments and other entities to raise money to finance projects.

Gruskin Group designed the 102,275-square-foot structure, which will also include a rooftop garden and an outside bleacher continued on page 4 seating

Former Athletic Director Glenn Hedden has filed a lawsuit against Kean University, alleging that he was fired for reporting that the university falsified courses and fabricated grades to ensure athletes’ eligibility to the NCAA. Hedden, who worked as athletic director for 22 years at Kean, was let go from his position on May 2, a week after NCAA representatives were at Kean investigating the allegations.

The lawsuit alleges top administrators changed grades and created a course for members of the DIII women’s basketball team so two players can meet eligibility requirements to play.

The lawsuit was filed in state Superior Court on June 13 under the Conscientious Employee Protection Act, known as the “Whistle Blower Act.” The act prohibits an employer from taking any retaliatory action against an employee who reports a violation or partakes in an investigation.

Hedden’s lawyer, David Corrigan said under the act, Hedden’s firing would be illegal.

“Hedden served the university with distinction (for) more than 20 years and he was fired …because he blew the whistle after illegal action by Kean University,” Corrigan said. “We expect that Hedden will be vindicated.”

A trial in front of a six-person jury will likely take place in two to three years, he said.

According to a statement from the university, Hedden was terminated during his annual performance evaluation in May for failing to fulfill his professional responsibilities as athletic director and as the key university official responsible for overseeing compliance.

“The university denies all the allegations contained in the complaint and looks forward to vigorously defending the suit in court,” said Steven Hudik, director of communications for Kean.

“As this is a matter of litigation, the university will have no further comment.”

Hudik said the state Attorney General’s Office is representing Kean in court. Several call to the state attorney general’s office were not returned.

The suit charges that the folcontinued on page 4 lowing

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Middle States gives Kean until March to improve for accreditation

Kean workers question outsourcing maintenance positions

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September | October 2011

By Arkor Kolubah The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has issued a “Warning” to Kean University for failing to meet two of its 14 standards on accreditation, instructing the university to improve on these areas by March or face further negative action.

Should the university not show improvement on the two standards during a follow-up visit scheduled for March, the Middle States commission could seemingly issue a “postponement” or place the university on probation, according to a document on the Middle States website titled “Range of Actions.”

Probation places an institution in danger of losing its accreditation, although the commission even then allows an institution to reaffirm accreditation by taking appropriate steps.

“Warning indicates that the Commission believes that, although the institution is out of compliance, the institution has the capacity to make appropriate improvements within a reasonable period of time and the institution has the capacity to sustain itself in the long term,” the Middle States Range of Actions report states.

The administration maintains that it is well on its way toward meeting the standards and it will be ready in March. But administration critics argue that the university isn’t doing enough and that Kean would not be in this position had it followed protocols in the first place.

While on warning, Kean remains accredited. Middle States evaluates all accredited institutions at least every ten years, and Kean’s warning came during a regularly scheduled evaluation.

The two standards that Kean failed to meet both involve assessment, which is basically the process of documenting

Photo by: Arkor Kolubah

Kean has been issued a warning by the Middle States accreditation committee for failing two standards. learning in measurable terms. Kean did not meet Standard 7, Institution Assessment; and Standard 14, Assessment of Student Learning.

According to the Middle States website, Kean needs to reevaluate and improve its assessment methods, and provide better evidence that the university is reaching its goals. The document also states that the university must find a better way to assess student learning achievement to ensure that students are meeting the learning goals promised by their respective academic programs.

Kenneth B. Sanders, former Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and current Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, said the university’s failure to achieve the standards required by the commission was not because the ad-

ministration was not doing anything to improve its standards.

In an article in “The Chronicle of Higher Education,” the administrator said the issue was that the university did not have the data needed to make the kind of assessment required by the Middle States.

“We were doing these things (setting learning goals, etc.) but it wasn’t as systematic as they wanted it to be,” Sanders said. “We didn’t have the culture where everyone is in a havoc of processing, constantly looking, evaluating, and examining ourselves.”

But in a memo sent in August to members of the Kean Federation of Teachers, the union representing full-time faculty, James A Castiglione, KFT president, blamed the “administration’s unwillingness to listen to many faculty and cam-

By Eric Haftel

pus groups, including our union, warning it for years that it needed to engage in thoughtful, systematic, professional and productive assessment activities.”

The Chronicle of Higher Education reported that professors have also complained that the administration has put the beautification of the campus in front of the need to improve the growth of students, educators and academics overall.

In response, Sanders said that the university has data to suggest that Kean has been able to grow and attract more students because of the physical improvements to the campus. “We have very strong academic programs,” he said. “And there is no evidence to suggest that the academic programs are weak.”

However, both the KFT, which has been one of the most active critics of the administration, and the administration, have urged students to stay calm through this process and have separately said they are doing their best to make sure Kean keeps its accreditation.

In an e-mail sent to the Kean community in July, Sanders assured students and parents not to be alarmed, stating that about 80 percent of universities who are examined by the Middle States receive warnings. He said that Kean was not unique in this process and that other schools have also received similar warnings.

In an interview, he said Kean is at work on the requirements and has “set up a systematic methodology for collecting data, analyzing data, and using the results of analysis to improve our institution.” Students, he said, should go about their day to day affairs and not worry.

If Kean fails to improve on the two standards, further action will be taken by Middle sates. And if it fails to be reaccredited, students may not be able to get financial aid, apply to graduate schools, or transfer their credits to other institutions.

Kean University maintenance workers and members of the Kean Federation of Teachers protested in opposition to the outsourcing of workers to private contractors in an attempt to convince university administrators to keep local workers.

More than 30 people came out on Sept.

12 in support of unionized work on campus. They held signs such as, “You can’t outsource quality” and “You can’t privatize safety safely.”

“What the hell is going? Why is the university privatizing?” said Steve Pinto, chapter president of Local 195, a union that represents Kean maintenance and security workers.

Pinto, who has worked at Kean for the past 30 years, said New Jersey fingerprints and carries out background checks, but it is unknown if they do the same for contractors.

“Also, Kean employees have ID badges.

People don’t know who the contractors are,” he said.

The university currently has contracts with Meridian services where employees are brought in on a need basis.

“The advantage to Meridian is we bring in [them] when we need [them],” President of Kean, Dawood Farahi said. “The thing that needs to be recognized is that

John Legend returns to Kean for an up-close show, for a price John Legend will present a concert at the Gene and Shelly Enlow Recital Hall on Oct. 23, but you need big bucks to attend.

Laura Urban The event, which is sponsored Photos:

by Kean Stage, is priced at $225 a ticket.

The nine-time Grammy Award winning musician and philanthropist is expected to deliver a performance that is more intimate than his last Kean appearance when he gave the undergraduate commencement speech at the PNC Bank Arts Center, said Cory Ransom, director of operations for Enlow Hall.

“The encounter with John Legend is different from his commencement appearance because the audience is able to experience him through music, storytelling and philanthropy,” said Ransom.

The PNC Bank Arts Center is a huge amphitheatre; Enlow Hall is a 324-seat theatre.

Tickets to other events at Enlow Hall seem to be in the $55 range, based on its website. Tickets for the Opening Night reception and performance with actress/ singer Jane Krakowski are $75; a ticket for the performance-only is $55

Legend’s performance was rescheduled to Oct. 23 because of an opportunity he had to make a special appearance in South Africa.

The artist was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people.

In 2007, he created the “Show Me Campaign,” a non-profit organization that inspires his fans and others to help him in his attempt to fight poverty. The purpose of “Show Me” is to transmit the same emphasis Americans place on the power and importance of education to Africa.

This is Legend’s second visit on behalf of Kean. At the undergraduate ceremony in May, Legend sang two songs, “Green Light” and the 1970s social anthem “Wake Up Everybody” to a standing ovation from the graduates at PNC Bank Arts Center.

Photo by: Stephanie Musat

By Celleste Valeanu

John Legend performs at Kean University Commencement Ceremony on May 12.

“The encounter with John Legend is different from his commencement appearance because the audience is able to experience him through music, storytelling and philanthropy.”

Follow us on Twitter @keantower

September | October 2011

maintenance work.”

A contract acquired through the Open Public Record Act shows that the university is spending nearly $2 million for work

“This outsourcing affects all of us because it is a threat to quality, safety and campus security.”

Photo by: Eric Haftel

Union workers protest outsourcing we have some extremely sophisticated facilities now that require a different type of maintenance. We made the offer to hire hourly workers and they said they were not interested.”

Farahi addressed the concerns at the Board of Trustees meeting that followed the picketing. Farahi asked Vice President of Operations, Phillip Connelly if the contracted workers are qualified to work at Kean.

“Are the Meridian people qualified by the state of New Jersey to work for us? Do they work for other state agencies? Are

of maintenance workers at Kean. they union members? Do we pay union wages?” Farahi asked. Connelly responded to all of these with yes.

But Kathleen Hernandez, vice president of CWA Local 1031, said when Kean started contracting with Meridian the number of unionized workers decreased.

“Last year CWA had a meeting with Kean concerning this growing change,” Hernandez said. “We were told that the subcontractors would be working on special projects. This is not the case. The subcontractors are on campus Monday to Friday and are being utilized for everyday

that could be done at the same quality for just $500,000 by 195 members.

With concerns over campus safety and wasteful spending of money James Castiglione, president of the KFT, said the campus workers are critical to university operations and form a stable workforce.

“This outsourcing affects all of us because it is a threat to quality, safety and campus security,” Castiglione said.

“The folks who literally keep the lights on and the rooms clean and safe are long-term employees who know the campus, its operations and, most importantly, its people.”

30 Rock’s Krakowski to perform at Kean

Rock ‘n’ Joe opens at Union Train Station

By Alexandria Addesso

By Francesca Figalo

The critically acclaimed funny lady, actress and singer Jane Krakowski hits the Kean University stage with a concert performance on October 1, at the Enlow Recital Hall located on the East Campus.

Krakowski will be performing songs from her new debut solo album “The Laziest Gal in Town.” Tickets will be $55 for just the performance, $75 for the performance plus a reception and can be purchased at the Kean Box Office located at Wilkins Theatre.

Krakowski is most widely known for the character Jenna Maroney; she played on the television hit series 30 Rock from 2006-2011.

But aside from 30 Rock, Krakowski also played in Law & Order, Everwood, and Ally McBeal, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination.

Beside the release of her own album in 2010, Krakowski has also been on over six other albums mostly consisting of music from shows and stage plays she was in.

Krakowski’s roster of jobs doesn’t just consist of television roles, appearances and recordings but also that of movies and Broadway plays.

Movies Krakowski starred in includes the cult classic, The Flintstones: Viva Las Vegas as the lovely Betty Rubble as well as the recent film Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant.

Plays accredited to Krakowski’s resume include Company, Once Upon a Mattress, Guys and Dolls, Damn Yankees, Mrs. Sharp, and Nine, which she won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in 2003.

However, despite her long list of accomplishments Krakowski is truly a Jersey girl at heart; born and raised in Parsippany.

She was introduced to theatre at a young

3

During his commute to work, Ted Kwok noticed that the train station in Union was lacking something and thought that the empty and spacious area across from the train tracks was a good spot for a coffee shop.

Five years later, Kwok and his business partner, Bo Chea, opened the doors of their first Rock ‘n’ Joe coffee shop. “Customers have been saying that they have been waiting for something like this to come,” Chea said.

Kwok and Chea signed up with the Rock ‘n’ Joe franchise owners in 2007. However, the coffee shop did not open sooner

Jane Krakowski age being that her mother was a college theatre instructor and artistic director for the Women’s Theatre Company in Parsippany, N.J. For her upcoming show at Kean, Krakowski is expected to perform a medley of show tunes from her recordings and amass an audience of theater lovers of all ages.

Kean theatre director of management and programming Lindsey Gambini, the woman responsible for bringing Krakowski to Kean said “ I think she’s appealing to a target audience that’s broad and diversewhich is the type of crowd we’re hoping to capture. Fortunately her appearance is a good fit, in terms of scheduling and our budget. Thus far ticket sales for her show have been brisk and steady”

up, people didn’t realize we were open,” Chea said. “Commuters walking by stared at us not knowing what to think—if we were open or not.”

Some Kean students who take the train, like Diana Woody, enjoy spending time in the rock themed coffee shop, listening to the music played overhead.

Woody, a senior majoring in both Psychology and Political Science, is pleased with the coffee shop, its location by the

“Customers have been ... waiting for something like this to come.”

Photo by: Francesca Figalo

because it took a while to complete the required paperwork and to construct the building.

Rock ‘n’ Joe’s grand opening was held on Sept. 20 and Kwok and Chea’s future plans for their coffee shop include playing live music by the upcoming year.

Both business partners also chose this location for the new Rock ‘n’ Joe because of its vicinity to the train station and to Kean University. “It’s the people that brought us here,” Chea said.

As students take the train to and from school, Rock ‘n’ Joe becomes more vibrant. “I think initially, when we opened

Owners Bo Chea (left) and Ted Kwok (right) at the new Rock ‘n’ Joe in Union. train station and finds it to be convenient.

“I walk in and the first thing I do is pick up a coffee to drink on my way to campus,” Woody said.

Jonathan Santillana, a junior majoring in Biology, also likes the idea of the coffee shop by the train station.

“I’m sure that people taking the train who live far away, would use a cup of coffee to stay awake after a long day,” Santillana said.

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September | October 2011

LAWSUIT

THE TOWER

took place: According to the lawsuit, Hedden was informed on Nov. 22 that a player on the woman’s basketball team was not taking the necessary amount of credits to be eligible to play.

After investigating the claim, Hedden found a Kean “Travelearn” course titled “History of Spain” was added to her schedule. The class gave credit for a summer trip to Spain for nine players on the team.

Michele Sharp, the women’s basketball coach, approved the course, and a history professor volunteered to teach the course without Hedden’s consent, the lawsuit said.

The women’s basketball team ended the season with a 24-5 record, landing them within the top 10 teams in the DIII division.

Hedden found that the summer class, which was added Sept. 22, 2010 as a fall semester course, did not have enough students to be considered a class, which is in violation of the university registrar standard.

Also, two of the students had another class scheduled at the same time. The university did not charge summer tuition, the $150 registration fee or late fees for the students, the lawsuit said.

According to the lawsuit, the then acting vice president for academic affairs,

Mark Lender, approved the course. The lawsuit said Lender met with Sharp without informing Hedden about the course.

Hedden shared the report with the NCAA and university officials.

Juliette Kenney, an NCAA representative, said if true, Kean violated the requirements for practice and competition, and allowed extra benefits and unethical conduct for players on the team.

Violation consequences can range from probation to banning a sport depending

NEW FACILITY

NEW ELECTION POLICY

area, according to an article on MyCentralJersey.com.

The principal founder of Gruskin Group, Kenneth A. Gruskin, said the design goal was to make a statement and allow the public to take in something new when arriving on campus, according to the article. Gruskin could not be reached for comment.

According to the article on the website, the building has a unique design that is meant as a symbolic place for learning. It will have a glass front and include three towers that line up with different campus attributes. One tower will align with a grid of the main roads and Kean buildings and another follows the path of Kean’s campus. The last tower is in alignment with Kean’s athletic areas.

It also will feature an area towards the entrance for community events or conferences that will provide views of New York City and the campus.

Within the past few years, Kean has completed renovations on the East Campus building, and constructed two residence halls and the new STEM building.

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Dr. Jeffrey Toney appointed as new VP of academic affairs

(Continued from page 1)

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September | October 2011

Glenn Hedden

on the severity of the offense.

Hedden completed an academic integrity inquiry report about the class, which the suit says was given to Kean President Dawood Farahi, Vice President of Operations Phil Connelly and NCAA administrators.

In a memo to Connelly, Hedden said the investigation started after a conversation about the academic progress of the players, and was not an “attempt on my part to get someone in trouble,” he wrote. “My only concern is the academic integrity of the athletic program,” the suit alleges.

Connelly responded that Lender would take responsibility for not advertising the Spain trip as a course, and would alert the NCAA , the suit said.

Connelly said: “If there is a problem with NCAA, it is your fault, and that you would take the hit because of a lack of supervision on your part.”

The same day, Hedden was informed that another women’s basketball player had a grade changed from an F to an incomplete to maintain a 2.0 GPA, which is needed to keep athletic eligibility.

She played in the game on January 5.

After investigating the grade change, Hedden found that Lender changed the grade without approval from the professor of the course, the lawsuit said.

The professor of the course told admin-

istrators the player deserved an F for not completing assignments, the lawsuit said.

The grade was changed back to an F after the January 5 game. She did not play in the game on January 8.

On January 10, the same history professor who taught the History of Spain Travelearn over the summer authorized a grade change from a C+ to a B+, raising her GPA to 2.04, making her eligible to play.

Hedden alerted Connelly of the change, telling him that the situation should be monitored carefully.

According to the lawsuit, Connelly approved the grade change, saying, “athletes having their grade changed is not an infrequent event.”

Hedden wrote a follow-up to his academic integrity report with the grade changes, which was submitted to both Kean and NCAA administrators.

In late April, a committee from NCAA was at Kean to investigate the charges. A week later, Hedden was fired.

Hedden is looking to be reinstated in his position with full fringe benefits and seniority, back pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorney fees and other relief the court deems just.

“We are looking for him to be reinstated,” Corrigan said. “The NCAA is also conducting an investigation into the activity, which will further vindicate my client.”

By Nicole Marie Padinha Although it may seem very far from now, Dr. Jeffrey Toney is planning for Kean University in 2020, and he promises it’s going to be a completely different place. As the newly appointed acting vice president of academic affairs, he is looking today to plan the curriculum of the future.

Toney, an award-winning researcher, writer and former dean of the School of Natural, Applied and Health Sciences, was promoted to his new position at the beginning of the fall semester, and now is responsible for all academic operations at Kean. Toney’s office is responsible for overseeing some 100 undergraduate degree programs and 35 graduate degree programs, and all of Kean’s colleges as well as the library report to him.

“Everything I do is geared toward what Kean University will be like in 2020,” said Toney, who holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree and doctorate in

By Nicole La Capria

ments and room usage.

Brown said that the major problem with the election was the election policy, which was decided on by previous administrations. He said that the policies were broad and left many loopholes.

Thompson said that the room rental incident was not done in his name or his behalf and that someone else, who was not named, rented the room with good intentions. He also said, “No one showed up…

It was during the volunteer open house.”

Thompson admitted to accusations that he campaigned at Kean at Ocean. Whether or not this was a violation, is a question to be answered because Student Org. administrators did not have a copy of last year’s policy. It is also not stated within the updated Student Org. election policy.

“They changed the entire format of the election last year, and I knew I wouldn’t win without having to do what I had to do,” Thompson said.

In last year’s election policy, it was never stated how many violations could be ac-

cumulated by a candidate or team before they were disqualified from the election.

Nieves said, “I think that those individuals, who were found guilty of those violations, not just Dare, morally should step down….”

Over the summer, Student Org. held committee meetings to specify the policy and to define the terms of disqualification. Nieves was on the committee. The revised policy now broadly states, “The Election Committee has the right to disqualify candidates for violations of the Election Policy.”

The new policy, now, clearly states that all campaign materials, including outside vendors, must be approved by the Director and Managing Assistant Director of Student Org. It is also stated that the Student Organization’s logo cannot be on any of the advertisements and it must also include the date, time and online voting information.

Communication Department heads to France & Spain in spring Destination: France and Spain Duration: 10 days Program fee: $2,776 Course info: Comm 4803: The Media and Culture of France and Spain (3 credits) Faculty coordinator: Larry Tung E-mail: ltung@kean.edu Tel: 908-737-0457 For more information, go to: http://www.efcollegestudytours.com/educational-tours/tour-detail.aspx?code=FRXA&year=2012

“Everything I do is geared towards what Kean University will be like in the future.”

Photo by: Nicole Marie Padinha

Jeffrey Toney

chemistry from Northwestern University. “Curriculum should always be changing. Every academic program, new or old, should undergo rigorous review so that it should never go stagnant.”

Bored to death? Unique classes at Kean could spice up your life

(Continued from page 1)

into the matter, there was little evidence and that ‘big deal’ turned out to be little violations.”

These violations include: renting a room for campaigning purposes, controlling the computers on which the election was taking place and using an advertisement not approved by the Office of Student Organization.

Despite these violations, Thompson won his second term as Student Org. President and is the current president. Thompson said that he did not know some of the things he did were in violation of the old election policy because the previous policy did not address specifics.

Benito Nieves, Thompson’s challenger and last year’s vice President of Funded Groups, a position that has since been abolished, lost by 14 votes.

In response to this, the new policy, which was created and implemented over the summer, clarifies the guidelines for potential candidates for Student Org., including specific directions as to advertise-

With the future in mind, Toney wants to emphasize real-world experience to en-

If your eyelids always seem to grow heavy during geology lectures or you find yourself with a notebook full of blank pages and margins intricately decorated in doodles when statistics class is done, you may want to consider checking out a more unusual course next semester.

These classes could be just the thing to add a little variety to your schedule.

While Kean may not offer the outrageous classes of some schools such as the Photos: Laura Urban philosophy of Star Trek at Georgetown University or maple syrup-making at Alfred University, there are some interesting choices in the catalogue. Here are a few for your consideration: Folk and Square Dancing: You won’t get a stiff neck sitting for hours in an uncomfortable chair when you sign up for this one-credit Physical Education course.

Instead of daydreaming during boring lectures you can “do-se-do” and swing your partner round-and-round. You might even pick up a couple dates with your new dance moves.

Theories of Punishment: A lot of courses can feel like cruel and unusual punishment, but instead of feeling like you’re being punished, why not learn the theories behind harsh penalties?

This Philosophy course describes and critiques various legal and philosophical justifications for punishment through developed theories. Maybe now you’ll understand why your parents used to send you to your room without your dinner.

Weaving: If you thought weaving was all the rage only in the 19thCentury, you’re wrong. This Fine Arts class at Kean, teaches students the art of basic weaving on a floor loom.

While weaving may not be necessary in an age where we can just walk into a store and buy everything we need off of a rack, there is actually a large community of crafty artists devoted to weaving their own clothes, scarves and rugs.

With numerous techniques and methods, weaving is a colorful and creative way to be expressive and artistic.

Topics in Media - Reality Television: You may not think the cultural significance of Ronnie and Sammi Sweetheart, pregnant teens and compulsive hoarders are pertinent to your future, but the world of reality television is growing and is an increasingly profitable industry.

Dr. Kristine Mirrer, professor of media studies in the Communication Department, said this theory class examines the growing phenomena that is reality programming, its potential manipulation of reality through editing, the social issues surrounding its portrayals and its effect on culture, as well as its history.

“Students will want to take COMM Topics: Reality TV because although they may already be secret fans of ‘Snooki-NeneSurvivor-You’re fired!’ dramas,” Mirrer said. “They’ll learn that the real controversies take place behind the scenes.”

As an assignment, students in the class will even create a casting video for a reality show. That certainly beats a 20-page term paper.

These classes could be just the thing to add a little variety to your schedule, or even give you some new career options to consider. Who knows, you may discover you have a knack for weaving scarves, an impressive square dancing talent, or you could even be the next “Situation.”

hance learning within the classroom. One of his goals is to provide more internship and job opportunities for students.

Toney said one of his most important tasks is to work on building bridges with industry and the professional world to open doors for current students to their preferred field. Toney had a career in pharmaceutical research in the private sector prior to joining academia.

“Innovation can take on many forms,

and as Kean University students, one of the best ways to benefit is to learn how to be a life-long learner,” Toney said.

As a dean, Toney helped foster the development of academic programs at Kean, including the master’s program in nursing and a bachelor’s degree in sustainability studies. He is also known on campus for his commentary and new media skills. Toney tweets and blogs, and last year became a columnist for The Huffington Post.

Kean President Dawood Farahi said in a statement that Toney’s ability to think long range and strategically, helped him win the position among a highly competitive applicant pool.

“Jeff is a serious academic who understands how to apply what’s taught in the classroom to challenges in the real world,” Farahi said. “The university of 2020 will look very different than it does today. Jeff not only understands that, he is committed to ensuring Kean University has the faculty, programs and students it needs to get there.”

RAVE: One stop wonder at the University Center

The University Center.

By Justine Clini As soon as you enter the doors of the University Center here at Kean, you are immediately overwhelmed with the rush of the campus crowd. However, once you make it to the Information Desk, they are ready to assist you with whatever you need. They are always friendly and know about event information, classrooms, give you directions, etc., so don’t be shy just ask!

“I like my job here at the Info Desk because it works between classes, [I like] the atmosphere, student diversity, and I like getting to assist students,” said, Freddy, an Information Desk Attendant.

The UC is the central point for campus organizations and activities along with other major facilities available to all students. Including a fully stocked game room packed with pool tables, flat-screen televisions and a lounging area, a great place for meeting new people.

There is a computer lab where students can catch up on work, a mini grocery store to pick something up on the go and the Little Theater where recitals are held. The bookstore, which is actually a Barnes & Noble College Bookstore, is also located

Photo by: Stephanie Musat

in the UC. Besides selling all your school supplies and books, they also sell Kean University apparel, so you can show off your cougar pride!

Now, on to the chow! The University Food Court and the Cougar’s Den are two completely different food venues. The University Food Court is a variety of delicious cuisines like brick-oven pizza, Tex-Mex, bistro dishes, breakfast and even a bakery. The Cougar’s Den is more health conscious with a full menu of gourmet plates; serving all-natural ingredients in their sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups. Not to mention, all the flatware used in the University Food Court are biodegradable.

“I like that it has everything in there. It has the game room, the lab, book store, a mini grocery store and the cafeteria,” said Mercedes Aziz, a senior, “It’s a very convenient place; you don’t have to go anywhere,” she added.

For students who would like to pick up some extra cash, there is even work at the University Center. You can be an info desk helper, game room attendant or reservation assistant. Whatever you’re looking for, the University Center is sure to have it.

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September | October 2011

THE TOWER

THE TOWER

Video games: A boy’s best friend

Comic’s corner: Dave Chappelle

By Brittany Irvine Nestled in the back corner of the University Center at Kean University, is a place where guys “take a load off,” “relax,” and learn communication skills at the same time.

Take a walk into Kean University’s Game Room. Set aside from the pool tables, air hockey and sitting area, is the “Wii Room”, shielded by muted glass so the room is more private for game players.

Inside sits Mike Deman, Shahbaz Hyder and Justin Sequeria, who frequent the Game Room.

They don’t just like the game room for its plethora of options. Although the XBOX 360, Wii, and PlayStation 3 are all in the same area, the boys take the opportunity to learn how to communicate and find similar interests while exploring the world of “Call of Duty.”

“It forms common bonds,” Hyder said.

Do boys always make bonds with the people they play with? “It depends on the person, when you’re both good then yes,” said Deman, a freshman.

Although it’s true that boys almost always bring the topic of video games into their social conversation, just that chatter makes them able to excel in areas away from the television and controller.

“Games like “Halo 3” and “Call of Duty” are mindless violence, but at the same time they require strategy,” said Sequeira,

By Tom McWatters

Amy Castillo, also a communication professor here at Kean, agreed. She said that there is a reason that women don’t play video games as much as men. She added that boys can play video games for hours, whereas girls get bored after one.

In communication over games, it seems that gradually, groups become more prevalent.

“Groups tend to form over a common purpose,” said Castillo.

The stand-up and overall comedy of Dave Chappelle crosses all barriers.

Whether you’re from the streets or from the ‘burbs, this man’s comedy is for you.

Chappelle is one of those comedians that may shock you into laughter, but if you’re one of those people that can really appreciate a good laugh, you will walk away with a smile on your face and a pain in your side from laughing so hard.

I don’t think I will have a quote for you this time because his language is not what you would call “squeaky clean.” What I can say is that his résumé is very impressive.

Not only is he a riot behind the mic, he’s also a well-accomplished actor.

The film’s most people remember him staring in were The Nutty Professor and Con Air. His first lead role in a feature film was in a comedy entitled Half Baked with fellow standup comedian Jim Brewer.

On top of being ranked 43rd in “Comedy Central Presents: 100 Greatest StandUps of All Time,” He had his very own TV show simply titled Chappelle’s Show.

Chappelle’s Show aired on Comedy Cen-

“Nothing bonds two people more than the hate of a third person.” a freshman.

Looking for ways to let out some drama of their day, boys seemingly always take to the controller to kill some zombies.

“It might not create personal connections, but it relieves stress, it’s not super involving, just like girls shopping,” said Sequeira.

According to Hyder and Deman, they say that the University Center gaming room is always crowded between the hours of noon and 3 p.m. The room is also

fairly new it launched in fall 2010, quickly gaining its loyal gamers.

Jack Sargent, a communication professor at Kean, has come to a general consensus that communicating for women is much easier interpersonally.

“Sports and activities bring men together, they become closer over competition,” Sargent said.

He also mentioned that women don’t need a video game, or an activity to converse.

For up-to-the-minute news about Kean, follow us on Twitter @KeanTower

The competitive nature of the game may be considered one of these common purposes. Deman and Hyder were playing the game when Sequeira arrived a little bit later. Castillo also mentioned how team games really help bolster communication through competition; there are team formations facing the same obstacle.

“Nothing bonds two people more than the hate of a third person,” said Castillo.

While there is a vested interest in starting a glee club, no one knows where or how to begin the process of having one at Kean.

Second year transfer student from the County College of Morris and former mu-

open to all students. “I’m sure there are a lot of people on this campus that can sing and are interested in singing and acting, but aren’t necessarily doing it as their major. I have no idea why there is no glee club because there is definitely an interest,” she added.

She was not alone in her sentiments,

ticipate.”

Competello added, “What ‘Glee’ shows is the fun parts where we go out and perform and people appreciate it. What they don’t show is the hours by the piano, the constant yelling and the heartbreak.”

Even though there is no glee club, there is an a capella group led by students. The

The stand-up of Chappelle encompasses all ends of the spectrum from simple observational comedy to black humor. He got his start in comedy at Def Comedy Jam back in 1992. Since then, he has had two hour-long comedy specials, Killin’ Them Softly in 2000 and For What it’s Worth in 2004 and has done several other comedy showcases you can find all over the internet.

In his first special, he shows you a side of Sesame Street that you never would have known existed. His second time around in 2004, he goes to San Francisco, and gives his unique perspective on it.

In short, Chappelle is truly a revolutionary in the realm of comedy and Comic’s Corner is proud to give Dave Chappelle, a 10 out of 10.

New campus dance troupe to hold auditions

“I have no idea why there is no glee club because there is definitely an interest.”

Photo: FOX

sic education student, Ashley Kraus said, “We don’t have a glee club, but we always looked forward to starting one.”

“I think a lot of people would be interested in joining,” Kraus added. “A couple of friends of mine would definitely be interested if we had a glee club.”

Kraus also thinks the club should be

about Kean’s lack of a glee club, “I think there is a lot of heart for a glee club,” said music major Anthony “Coop” Competello.

“In my opinion, there are a lot of problems trying to start one though. Especially if it’s run from the music department, we are all just too busy to try to start one. I would like all students to be able to par-

group varies from freshmen to seniors, and members are selected by the leader of the group.

The current a capella group is not an official group of the University, said Jessie Messuri, a student in the music department. “I think it should be open to everyone (all majors) especially because a lot of people don’t know about the music department here. ” We all realize that the television show “Glee” depicts all the fun and glamour, but fails to show the audience the hard work and dedication that each person contributes to make each and every performance a success.

Dave Chappelle

By Melissa Jewels KUDE (Kean University Dance Ensemble) is the newly named University’s resident student dance company. Under the support and academic sponsorship of the College of Education, KUDE was originally named KDT (Kean Dance Theatre) when it was established in 1978 by the late William Chaison from the Department of Physical Education. KDT still functions as a student funded club under the Student Organization.

KUDE is currently under the artistic coordination of Luis Martinez, Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Education. KUDE continues to build upon the mission that provide students with opportunities to enrich their lives and develop their imaginations both cre-

atively and expressively through dance, and to promote contemporary dance as a medium that uniquely communicates meaning, emotion, and cultural values.

Students will perform in choreography and repertory works set by distinguished guest artists and faculty and students will attend and perform in annual regional and national dance conferences and festivals.

Auditions for KUDE will take place on October 2 at 1 p.m. and October 3 at 6 p.m. in D’Angola Dance Studio 168. Be prepared to perform in a technique class consisting of Ballet, Modern, and Jazz.

For more information please contact Professor Martinez at: Lmartine@kean. edu or (908)737-0660

Students of Kean University can now rent textbooks from the school’s bookstore for the first time since the bookstore opened. Kean’s bookstore is able to do this as it corresponds with its owning company, Barnes & Noble, as well as with many other stores and websites.

Books can be rented for half the price. If renters lose the books before they return it, they will be charged a fee of 75 percent of the price of the book.

Though it is cheaper to rent a book than to buy it from the Kean bookstore, it’s not as cheap as renting the same textbook or books from competing websites. One of the main websites that started the trend of renting out textbooks to help out college students who could otherwise not afford to buy the books is chegg.com.

Chegg.com does not only rent text books for cheap, but also sells them for only slightly more than they rent them

for. This creates competition for the Kean bookstore. But it is still more convenient to walk to the University Center and buy a text book that is required for a class.

Another big competitor on the book renting front is bookrenter.com. Whereas most websites charge for shipping and handling, bookrenter.com eliminates those fees and ships for free. It also allows renters to return the books free of shipping charges.

With textbook access becoming the most affordable it’s ever been at the Kean bookstore, it is to be expected that the store would be flooded with scrambling students during these early weeks of school.

“I think it’s great, it makes my book expenses less and it’s more convenient than ordering online.” said Carlos Boada, a sophomore walking out of the book store with a rented world history book. ” They should have more books to rent and less to own.”

Kean shuttle adds new stops Kean University Shuttle service has added two additional stops to facilitate more efficient movement around campus.

The Kean Shuttle now stops at the NJ Transit bus shelter entrance in the Morris Avenue parking lot across from Hennings Hall. The shuttle also now travels into the

Kean holds Meet the Greeks Photos: Laura Urban

Photo: Comedy Central

Kean bookstore starts textbook renting services

By Alexandria Addesso

KeanXchange links news about Kean with social media

Keanxchange is a new website designed to help the Kean community learn more about what is going on at the university.

The website, connected with Twitter, Youtube and Facebook, provides news about faculty, academics, arts, athletics and research conducted by Kean faculty.

The website does not only make students aware of what is happening on campus, but also about what is happening around the world.

Keanxchange.com is filled with bright images relating to the Kean community.

Clicking on each teaser under a certain category, such as research or academics.

The website, which is open to everyone, was created in a concerted effort by the University Relations Department, the Office of Media and Publications, Kean Television Network, Premiere Stages, and the Theatre Management and Programming Office.

Since Keanxchange was introduced just this year, not too many people know about it.

“I didn’t even know it existed,” said Brian Giuliano, senior media and film major.

In the 2011 Opening Day Address, President Dawood Farahi described Keanxchange as “the place where people go to find out what you’re doing in the classroom, what research you are pursuing, and the insights you can provide on breaking news stories.”

7

tral from 2003 to 2006 and lasted for two very funny seasons.

This is what brought him into the mainstream and some would say this is where his career hit its climax. Chappelle was also on Inside the Actors Studio with James Lipton, twice. This is something not a lot of comedians get to do.

Lots of heart, but no glee

By Christina Sigcha

September | October 2011

The annual Meet the Greeks attracted more than 100 people as all 33 of Kean University’s’ fraternities and sororities were there to “stomp the yard” and strut their stuff as they signed up students who were interested in their organizations on Sept. 14.

All of the fraternities and sororities had their tables nicely decorated to capture the spirit and unity of their organizations. As students passed these tables, some at the event for the first time glared in excitement and was greeted with joy as they signed their names to go to informational sessions that will take place later throughout the month. Compiled by Dasia Brown

Kean Hall parking lot and stops near the pedestrian entrance that borders Green Lane, close to the Union Train Station.

These new stops will allow students, faculty and staff who utilize NJ Transit quicker access to campus shuttle service.

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music

after the carter iv, lil’ wayne should have stayed with iii By darian maduruh

By BRETT WILLIAMS

There are many films that claim to have started trends and pave the way for their genres. One of those films is “Enter The Dragon” starring the martial arts star Bruce Lee. Far exceeding the attention of just moviegoers, traces of “Enter The Dragon” can even be seen in video games such as “Mortal Kombat,” “Street Fighter” and “Tekken.” A creative blend of action and storytelling, “Enter The Dragon” is a classic choice.

The plot centers around Lee, a fighter sent to represent his temple and avenge the death of his sister in a tournament for the best martial artist in the world.

The tournament is on a secluded island and ran by a corrupt man named Han, who many suspect to be doing illegal things. The film also stars Jim Kelly and John Saxon, who at the time of the release where breakout stars also in the martial arts scene.

Kelly, a martial arts champion at the time and former instructor, also starred in his own martial arts films such as “The Tattoo Connection,” “Black Belt Jones” and “The Black Samurai.”

Saxon played countless roles with the most notable being “Nightmare On Elm Street” and “Black Christmas,” where he played a police officer in both films.

The film itself is a rollercoaster ride of action and fight scenes choreographed by Lee himself. It also stays true to its martial arts roots and contends with other major Hollywood classics by having a plot worthy of a film history pantheon.

Thirty years later, “Enter The Dragon” is still a fan favorite amongst film buffs and martial arts enthusiasts alike. It’s been rated one of the best action films of all time as well the blueprint for many in the future. Not much more can be said about this film except to run to your nearest movie store and check it out. This is definitely one gem that you might want to dig up and enjoy.

“Summer might have passed us by, but there’s no reason you can’t sit back and relax with these games when you get the chance.” and Catherine. The choices you make during this game period affect how the game will play out. A good majority of these actions will take place at the “Stray Sheep,” the bar Vincent and his friends hang out at.

While it’s not like a typical Atlus game (most of which have been role playing games), this one is definitely an interesting puzzle game. Using the game’s physics, as well as seeing how it can react under pressure makes for interesting situations and many cries of frustration.

don’t “fall” out of fashion

Another stellar standout game was “Street Fighter III: Third Strike -- Online Edition.” While this game was released 12 years ago back in the arcades, it has made a triumphant return to the console scene delivering players an arcade perfect port, retouched HD graphics, remixed music, as well as the main feature, an online mode.

“Third Strike” still stands as one of the best fighters of all time and help set the bar for many games that succeeded after this. While the game kept the simplicity of the “Street Fighter” games we know and love, it added a parrying system that changed the way “Final Fantasy.” people played this game and brought in new elements of strategy and amazing moments that would be remembered for years (Search Evo Moment #37, trust me on this one).

The main draw of this game is obviously the online multiplayer. For several “Street Fighter” games, it’s either worked well for them, or been the bane of the existence due to the tremendous amount of lag. This game managed to completely improve upon Capcom’s formula for online play and deliver an almost lag-less experience online.

While summer might have passed us by, there’s no reason you can’t sit back and relax with these games when you get the chance.

GAMES

fashion

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The wait is over. After months of anticipation, albums released during his prison sentence, delays and a mix-tape (to apologize for said delays), rapper Lil’ Wayne released the highly anticipated album, “Tha Carter IV.” But, after all the hype, singles and MTV performances, is “Tha Carter IV” worth purchasing? Is it worth you shelling out nickels and dimes to buy?

No. Lil’ Wayne is an artist who has managed to capture the admiration of the youth. Through his off-the-wall lyrics, rap star lifestyle and bravado, the self proclaimed “Best Rapper Alive” has become one of, if not the most popular rappers working today.

“Tha Carter III,” the album that made him a superstar, made more than $1 million in sales its first week, a feat unheard of in today’s “Illegally download first, ask questions never” music market. Similarly, “Carter IV” did huge numbers in its first week, with more than 964,000 units sold.

The difference between Carter’s III and IV is that “Tha Carter III” showed us the rise of a hungry, unique rapper. “III” had songs that were instantly memorable, with radio hits like “Lollipop” and “Mrs. Officer,” the endlessly remixed “A Milli,” The fiery intro track “3 Peat,” and the topical track “Tie My Hands” which featured Robin Thicke.

“Tha Carter IV” presents that same rapper, but in a different light.

He no longer seems hungry. In fact, he seems like he is on autopilot for most of the album.

Most of the tracks on “Carter IV” feature lazy, “hash-tag rapping” and forgettable lines. For example: “Tote my tools like mechanics, mechanism” from the track “President Carter.”

In Spin Magazine’s review, writer Sean Fennessey states that “Lil’ Wayne is now somewhat famously sober, where he was once infamously and perpetually high.” Fennessey goes on to suggest that this may account for Wayne’s performance on the album, and why he seems to have lost his eccentric touches.

I’m inclined to agree with Fennessey. It seems that without the aid of purple drink, Wayne has lost a step.

Truth be told, the most memorable raps on “Carter IV” don’t even come from Lil’ Wayne. On the album, the tracks “Interlude” and “Outro” feature no rapping from Wayne.

Instead, “Interlude” features rhymes from Kansas City rapper Tech N9ne, as well as an uncredited Andre 3000 of OutKast. “Outro,” the last track on the regular edition of the album features Bun B, Shyne, and legendary rappers Nas and Busta Rhymes.

Andre 3000, Tech N9ne, Nas, and Busta all deliver memorable verses in these two tracks, and outshine much of Lil’ Wayne’s work on the album.

One thing Lil’ Wayne must be applauded for is his choice of singles, which are easily some of the most memorable songs on the album. “6 Foot 7 Foot,” “John,” “How to Love,” and “She Will” all offer something enjoyable to the listener.

However, chances are you already have those on your iPod. The rest of the album, aside from the “Interlude” and “Outro” tracks, I can’t recommend.

KICK IN THE PAST

It’s been a summer full of great games and the lack of a paper during that time period has left me no time to talk about them. So what stood out amongst the crowd to deliver lasting appeal for years to come?

“Catherine” was released by Atlus back on July 26. You take control of Vincent Brooks, a 32-year-old office worker who’s perfectly comfortable in life. He begins to have odd nightmares after his girlfriend, Katherine, starts to talk to him about commitment and marriage. Things become more complicated after Vincent meets a pretty girl named Catherine at a bar. From there, things only get worse.

Most of the gameplay takes place in the Nightmare stages, obviously at night. In this world, you must climb giant blocks to form staircases and make your way to the top to clear the stage. As you progress through the game, along with the stage collapsing below you, you’re forced to deal with trap blocks such as ice blocks that make you slide around uncontrollably and spike blocks that stab you if you stand on them for too long. There are other trap blocks to stop you, but these are just two you’ll encounter in your endeavors.

During the daytime, the game plays a little differently. You talk to your friends about your current situation and handle your relationship between both Katherine

By Eric albuen

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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A&E

FILM

CHILL OUT with hot games from the summer

By ayana gibbs and Lee burrell

As we move into the fall season, don’t fall out of fashion. Summer comes and goes, but don’t worry about it, she’ll be back next year. In the meantime we are in that magical transitioning period known to many as autumn.

The unpredictability of the fall can wreak havoc on your attire, after a three-month hiatus from school, the last thing you need is to worry about how you look. One minute it’s sunny – perfect weather for cargo shorts and maxi dresses, then all in the same week it thunderstorms, disturbing everyone’s serenity.

So, put down the cargo shorts you’ve been wearing to death and take a step back.

The first step towards moving into fall is finding the right wardrobe for the season.

This season is tricky because it can be extremely warm or chilly. Incorporate pieces that don’t make you look out of season. You may want to retire some of your brightly colored clothing, such as neon t-shirts.

“So, put down the cargo shorts you’ve been wearing to death and take a step back.”

So how do you dress for fall? Easy. Don’t look at it as rocket science.

Ladies, booty shorts have NO place in the fall. No, seriously. It’s time to leave something to the imagination. Cardigans. CARDIGANS. CARDIGANS. Need I say more? They are always in style and a timeless piece. Always easy to take off if it gets warm throughout the day, and easy to throw on during brisk nights walking around campus.

Light scarves are great to have in your bag. Try them in basic colors but don’t be afraid to try a print. Fashion is about being fearless. Next, we have Chinos, in our eyes they can never go wrong. They can be worn with flip-flops, flats, heels, or wedges – very versatile and any weather proof.

Need more? Look into some of these options: • No more hoodies…an amazing alternative is the chic denim jacket. Comes in an assortment of washes, an easy wear.

• Hats help you bring in the fall; invest in News Boy and Knitted styles.

• Don’t ruin your shoes. On rainy days put away flats and put on sturdy biker boots.

If you must wear rain boots the Hunter’s brand has a fab selection.

OK, so for all you Kean gentlemen, fall fashion doesn’t just stop with the ladies.

Men’s fashion is about looking put-together, but at the same time looking like you just threw it on a.k.a. James Dean, Brad Pitt, and my personal king of swag, Kanye West. With just a few alterations to your current summer garb you’ll be catching the eye of that cute girl in biology class in no time.

Chinos are the perfect fall pant and are easy to pull off (no pun intended). They come in every color under the sun and are primarily cotton so you’ll stay cool, and look cool. You, yes you, don’t tell me you only wear jeans year round… Do you?

A simple cardigan can turn a simple outfit into something sharp. Nothing too fancy just grab any color you want, stay away from bright colors though, and now you’ve got something to throw on over a t-shirt, button down, or you can wear it with a tie to channel your inner Joseph Gordon-Levitt a la 500 Days of Summer.

This fall is all about looking your best without looking like you’re trying too hard. Here are some of my fall “must haves” so you can continue to chill and NOT try too hard: Photo: Ayana Gibbs

• Gray jeans and yes, I mean gray not just faded.

• Henley shirts long sleeve and short but don’t overdo it just one or two • Slim cut cargo pants. And I really can’t stress this enough, baggy pants are not cool; remember, you go to Kean University and want to become a teacher, we are not in high school any more.

• Invest in a good pair of boots - those Converses will not serve you well after a slight drop in temperature, and you can’t go wrong with black or brown, my friends.

For more fashion tips, trends, advice, and rants, check out TheVonImanAffair.com and follow on Twitter: @VonImanAffair.

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THE TOWER

September | October 2011

THE TOWER

EDITOR’S NOTE TWITTER IS A NEWSPAPER’S BEST FRIEND If you’re reading this in its entirety, you’re in the minority these days. In a “news-allthe-time” society, spurred by constant Twitter updates and Facebook statuses, newspapers have become archaic, and in some cases, a rare delicacy.

Despite the dire prognosis of the newspaper industry, newspapers are thriving on college campuses. According to The Washington Post, “most student newspapers have not seen the same drop in readership experienced by most professional papers.”

You hear newspapers are dying all the time. I say newspapers are changing, especially in the way they present information. Some say social media is killing print media. I say social media, especially Twitter, is a newspaper’s best friend.

Twitter is a beautiful thing.

Twitter spreads the news through easy-to-process updates - want to know what’s happening in the world? Check out a 140-character synopsis of the world by checking @ nytimes or @cnn. The New York Times has more gotten more Twitter followers than subscribers in the past year.

Twitter reports the news- sometimes before the news happens. When U.S. Navy Seals invaded a compound in Pakistan in pursuit of Osama Bin Ladin, one of his neighbors tweeted that helicopters were overhead.

“Helicopter hovering above Abbottabad at 1AM (is a rare event),” he tweeted.

Twitter connects people—have a question for Alec Baldwin or Charlie Sheen or Barack Obama? Tweet at them. It connects pedestrian with celebrity.

From Alec Baldwin: “’@CleopatraNK: @AlecBaldwin ALEC!!! My mom Michelle...50 2day, can u send her Happy B’day Tweet?! She’s my bff!!’ Happy, healthy, Michelle.”

The list goes on. Social media promotes conversation, awareness and knowledge on a regular basis. For a paper like The Tower, which prints every month, we update news on campus through our Twitter account.

My diatribe can go on for pages but in the spirit of social networking, here’s the Twitter—appropriate moral of the story: Twitter is good. Newspapers are still on campus. If you want to know what’s happening on campus, follow us on Twitter @keantower. #baller. (That’s 139 characters.)

Stephanie Musat Editor in Chief thetower@kean.edu

EDITORIAL LAWSUIT ACCUSATIONS TARNISHES KEAN’S REPUTATION REGARDLESS OF OUTCOME Though no conclusion has been made yet on the pending lawsuit against Kean University, the mere existence of accusations taints the image of the entire university.

In June, former Athletic Director Glenn Hedden filed against the university claiming he was fired for whistleblowing when top officials changed grades and fabricated classes in order for athletes to keep their eligibility.

That is a quite severe accusation.

Regardless of whether it is true or not – which won’t be decided for years, according to Hedden’s laywer—it devalues every other student’s accomplishments, and shows that the university’s priorities are skewed.

Athletics bring a lot of merit to a university, but it is an extracurricular. The main purpose of a university, including Kean, is founded on academic excellence. As soon as an accusation emerges which questions the academic integrity of the administration, it creates doubt about the veracity of the entire community.

Kean students should feel slighted by the claims. It devalues the hard work each student has done to receive the grades they are given. It creates the doubt that if only they were athletes, then maybe they wouldn’t have to do work and be rewarded with the same grade.

Future employers may look at Kean diplomas with skepticism—well it was in the news that Kean changed grades, so perhaps this person had their grades changed, too.

Kean will now have to overcome being branded as a ‘world class’ education that changes grades to have a ‘world class’ basketball team in order to restore a respectable reputation within academic circles.

This sort of behavior—where athletics trump academics—is common at the DI level, where the better the team does, the more money the college gets.

But at the DIII level, where athletes are not getting advertising endorsements before they graduate, it is a direct slap in the face to the other 14,000 or so students enrolled who pay for their classes and work hard in the classroom instead on the court.

The Tower Editorial Board

September | October 2011

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ADVICE Department of Communication Kean University Center for Academic Success 1000 Morris Avenue Union, NJ 07083 Telephone: (908) 737-0460; Fax: (908) 737-0465 Email: thetower@kean.edu; www.keantower.com

The Tower is an independent, laboratory newspaper of Kean University’s print 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

Stephanie Musat

MANAGING EDITOR Jackie Tuman

NEWS EDITOR

Arkor Kolubah

A&E EDITOR

Ana Ferrer

FEATURES EDITOR

Andrea Edwards

SPORTS EDITOR Ryan Gaydos

COPY EDITOR

Eric Albuen

ON LINE EDITORS

Nicole Marie Padinha Francesca Figalo

FACULTY ADVISOR

Pat Winters Lauro

BUSINESS MANAGER

STAFF Alexandria Addesso Dasia Brown Lee Burrell Justine Clini Quashon Davis Darien Evans-Rainer Ayana Gibbs Eric Haftel DeWayne Harper Brittany Irvine Melissa Jewels Avani Kapur Ziana Keith Brian Kolwaski Nicole LaCapria Darian Maduruh Andrea Parr Dan Reyes Celleste Valeanu Christy Valedez Justin West Brett Williams

Eileen Ruf

DESIGNER

Stephanie Skirvin

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.

AND THAT’S THE TRUTH... WITH DASIA

By Dasia Brown Have you ever needed some advice about a situation issue question that you were concerned about or just confused but, didn’t want to ask your friends because you didn’t want them to give you the “I can’t believe you asked that” face?

Well, I have been there done that and wrote the check for it. Put it this way that look turned me off a couple of friends.

This situation is completely different. I don’t know you because you write me with your questions about relationships, friendship, what you should do, sex, drugs, alcohol, any anything else that might be on your mind. This is completely

anonymous! I will do my best to give you the full unadulterated truth.

“At the beginning of this semester I found a cutie in my class. The problem is that I only see him once a week and on top of that we are both shy. How should I approach him in a not so scary weird way?

“-Anonymous Crusher You are not alone! In fact a lot of college students and people in general have crushes on people but, few ever go beyond having the backseat crush as I like to put it and jump into the passenger.

Here are some things you can do to try to get him. Make yourself noticeable. Get dressed up a little bit more than you are usually. Add a bit of sexy undertones to

your make-up such as making your lip gloss pop a little more. LaSean, a guy that was interviewed for Glamour Magazine said “Too much powder and foundation makes me dread what’s underneath.” So use moderation. Less is more and more screams w****.

Be subtle if you have your legs out, cover your top. If you have long earrings on don’t wear a necklace. You want to send the message to your crush by leaving some for his imagination.

Speak to him after class. Have confidence and be selective with your words.

Start off with introducing yourself and with small talk. Over time the conversation should get more in depth and that’s

when you ask for the number if he hasn’t done so by then. Do not rush into anything fast. Get to know him and let him get to know you.

Be yourself and know that if this doesn’t work out the way you want that there are “other fish in the sea”. If it does work remember to take it slow and really enjoy each other’s company.

You are beautiful and can get this crush to be your man. Be confident and modest.

Always, always remember that you deserve the best.

If you have a question or need advice about anything please send me an email at the thetower@kean.edu. I will advise you the best way I know how, with truth.

OP ED

IN MEMORY OF SEPTEMBER 11, WE SHOULD HONOR FIRST RESPONDERS

By Melissa Heron Ten years after the devastating attack of September 11, 2001, we pause to reflect on the events of that day, the lives lost, the sacrifices made, and the overwhelming sense of humanity that spread throughout New York City and reverberated throughout the country and the world.

All over the country, there were many individuals and organizations paying tribute in their own way. at Kean University, the Human Rights Club co-sponsored a Hearts for Hope event to celebrate the heroes of that tragic day. Ceramic hearts to be sent out to 9/11 first responders were painted and decorated with messages of thanks and hope.

For my own participation, I painted purple heart with gold borders and peace signs. I felt this was fitting as the purple heart is the oldest award that is still given to members of the U.S. military.

Although this award is restricted to military men and women wounded in combat, I believe that the September 11th first responders are also deserving of this medal for running into action to aid those who were hurt that day. Many of these first responders were wounded or became sick themselves, so I wanted to give them a purple heart of hope.

Janine Rivera, a graduate assistant for the Human Rights Institute at Kean University, was one of the Human Rights Club volunteers who came out to paint hearts as way to pay tribute on the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 and the heroes of that day. She vividly remembers the events of that day. She was 12 years old at the time and in Mr. Kenny’s seventh grade class. Some of her clearest memories include the setting of her classroom, the tension in the air as the teachers ran around, and that feeling of knowing

something was going on.

“The teachers just gathered us and said, “you guys need to watch this,” and then they showed us the footage of the plane crashing into the second tower,” she said. “The teachers were at a loss for words. Later they asked the students who had family members or parents in New York to come to the office so they could try to contact them. I remember being zombie-fied. My family and I were supposed to visit the Twin Towers the next year for our family trip. My father used to work there. I just didn’t think that what was

“The September 11th first responders are also deserving of this medal.” happening was an accident.”

Ten years later, Janine is sitting again in another classroom this time very aware.

Painting and drawing trees to create beautiful ceramic hearts for the brave men and women who sacrificed their own safety on September 11, 2001.

Why? Because she wants to give hope and thanks. Hope for those who showed up that day and every day since. Hope to those who are fighting a war they don’t want to be in, a war thrown upon them. Hope that the hearts she paints will give a small piece of sanctuary to the 9/11 first responders so they will know that people still care and appreciate what they did.

Display and classified advertising Deadline for space reservations for display advertising is two weeks before the publication date. Ads submitted after that may be used on a space-available basis. All ads are run-of-the-paper unless an extra fee is collected for a paid position. Deadline for art work and copy is one week before the publication date. Classified advertising can be submitted up to the Thursday before publication as long as the payment is made at the same time. Call (908) 737-0461 or email thetower@kean.edu for a rate card.

Love what you’ve read? Hate what you’ve read?

Tower publication schedule FALL 2011: Sep. 22, Oct. 20, Nov. 10, Dec. 8 SPRING 2012: Feb. 9, Mar. 1, Mar. 29, Apr. 19

You’ve got an opinion, so let us hear it.

Comment on keantower.com, or e-mail thetower@kean.edu Express yourself and write to The Tower!

12

THE TOWER

THE TOWER

Yoga has proven health benefits

What the Spartan Race is really like, from a participant

September | October 2011

By Dr. Josh Palgi September was National Yoga Month, designaated by the Department of Health and Human Services to build awareness of Yoga’s proven health benefits.

It is estimated that approximately 12 to 20 million Americans practice Yoga, double the number of just 5 years ago, making it a mainstream presence in American culture today. Participants practice Yoga as a means of managing stress, promoting health, and creating a more meaningful life.

77% of participants are women, 23% men. An interesting poll conducted by “Yoga Journal “regarding the discrepancy between the sexes found that men are more reluctant than women to do Yoga for the following reasons They do not think they will get a good enough workout Are not interested in the quiet, non competitive aspects of Yoga Are unaware that Yoga provides an option for health and healing What is Yoga?

Yoga originated from ancient spiritual practices in India. The word Yoga has its roots in the Sanskrit language and means to merge join or unite. Yoga is therefore based on the belief that the body and mind are closely connected.

Yoga is built on three main structures, postures, breathing and meditation. The postures are designed to put pressure on the systems of the body, thereby increas-

“Fundamentally, all Yoga styles lead to the same outcome…a unification of mind, body and spirit.” produce a clear, bright mind and strong capable body.

Yoga is not a religion. The core of Yoga philosophy is that everything is supplied from within the individual. Thus there is no dependence on an external figure, either as a person, god figure, or religious organization.

Many different schools of Yoga have developed over the centuries, such as Hatha, Iyengar, Bikram, Ashtanga, etc. as different practitioners developed their own philosophies and approaches. However, fundamentally, all Yoga styles lead to the same outcome…a unification of mind, body and spirit.

Is Yoga for you? You will be the judge.

The best advice for your first Yoga class is just to be yourself and walk in with no expectations. ing its efficiency and total health.

Emphasis on correct breathing is based on the concept that breath is the source of life. Combined together, correct pos-

tures and breathing prepare the body and mind for meditation that allows healing from everyday stress. Regular practice of the postures, breathing and mediation

Dr. Palgi is a professor in the Department of Physical Education, Recreation and Health.

Kean Launches Issues ‘11 Lecture Series All members of the Kean University community, including students, faculty

Last Theorem, and his latest, Present at the Creation: The Story

and staff, are invited to attend the lectures in the series.

•

of CERN and the Large Hadron Collider. He has provided expert

Hearts and Hands: Creating Community in Troubled Times, Tuesday, October 4, at 1:45 p.m. in Wilkins Theatre. Luis J. Rodriguez, award-winning poet, activist and bestselling author

•

playwright, screenwriter and librettist, best known for the

his personal story of using education and the power of words to

plays M. Butterfly and Yellow Face, will explore the complexities

lift himself out of poverty and despair in the barrio of East L.A.

of forging Eastern and Western cultures in contemporary

America. He will provide a glimpse into his extraordinary body

Executive Lecture Series, Thursday, October 13, at 7 p.m. in the Graduate Student Lounge, East Campus. Frank D’Amelio, chief financial officer of Pfizer, is the inaugural

speaker in this series which provides students, especially

business majors and graduate students, an opportunity to hear about challenges and current topics from leading executives.

D’Amelio was ranked among America’s top CFOs by Institutional •

Investor magazine in 2005, 2006 and 2011.

The Large Hadron Collider and the Search for the Origin of the Universe, Monday, October 17, at 2 p.m. in the STEM Auditorium. Amir Aczel is a research fellow in the history of

science at Boston University and author of more than 20 books

spanning the math and science fields. Aczel’s works include The Riddle of the Compass, the award-winning bestseller Fermat’s

Write What You (Don’t) Know, Monday, October 24, at 12:15 p.m. in Wilkins Theatre. David Henry Hwang,

of Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A., will share

•

analysis on CNN, CNBC and Nightline.

•

of work over the past 30 years.

At the Polls: Examining the Political Landscape in New Jersey and the Nation, Tuesday, November 1, at 4:30 p.m.in the Carriage House at Liberty Hall. Leading political strategists Mike Muller (Democrat) and Mike DuHaime (Republican) will explore the upcoming legislative and

presidential elections. Muller served as then Sen. Hillary

Clinton’s New Jersey presidential campaign director. DuHaime was the lead strategist for N.J. Gov. Chris Christie’s 2009 campaign. The event is a partnership between the Kean University Center for History, Politics and Policy and the political news website, www.politickernj.com.

By Dan Reyes Muddied, bloodied and aching; hundreds of people are waking up Sunday morning after conquering the Super Spartan Race in Staten Island’s Wolfe Pond Park. The grueling eight-mile adventure race forced men and women to overcome environment, obstacles, and each other.

The race began with a sprint onto the beach where runners ran on the sand along the waves for a few hundred yards.

The trail took them into the forest and along winding paths of pavement, dirt, and mud.

When runners exited the forest they were met with six walls. The first, roughly five-feet, runners had to climb over, followed by crawling under the second, and finally jumping through a hole in the third wall. This had to be done twice before moving on to a Spartan favorite, the barbed-wire crawl.

The crawl was about 100 yards through mud, water, and rocks. Since this writer had the 12:30 heat, hundreds of runners already tackled this obstacle, and the evidence was seen everywhere. Scraps of clothes hung from the barbed wire, runner bibs floated next to you, brown and unreadable. People all around were already bleeding, out of breath, defeat creeping into their minds. It was less than a mile and it looked like some were ready to throw in the towel.

Once completing the crawl, runners ran for about a mile through the forest.

Abandoned shirts hung from trees or lay clumped on the sides of trails. Sinkholes of mud had runners on the side of paths,

clutching their ankles while Emergency Medical Technicians worked to take them out of the forest.

“It’s like running on ice,” said one runner during the race “There’s no traction, it’s almost impossible to run.”

The next obstacle was a series of another four walls, ranging in height from four feet to ten feet, which runners had to find a way over. It was here that the camaraderie that these athletes have with each other began to shine. Runners would help lift those who could not make it over the wall while others hung over the sides ready to pull them up.

After runners jumped over a row of hay bales on fire, runners were tasked with climbing up and over a cargo net about 20 to 30 feet high.

After more trail running, stone lifting, and tire carrying runners were forced into a creek with water at knee-high level, at the end of the creek was a tunnel that went underneath a four-lane road to the other side of the forest. Runners had to get on their hands and knees and crawl through the pitch-black tunnel, the water barely below your mouth.

Further into the course was a steep hill about 150 feet high. Normally not a problem, the Spartan Race organizers’ apparent love for mud had runners clinging to a rope to climb their way up.

Once runners ran about another mile and a half, back through the tunnel and along more trails, they faced the final leg of the race.

Monkey bars were followed by balance walking along a two-and-a-half inch wooden beam that zigzagged for ten feet.

September | October 2011

Photo: Courtesy of The Spartan Race

Hundreds of runners participate in the Spartan Race on September 24, where they had to run an obstacle course complete with monkey bars, a warrior pit and a wall climb.

Next up was a half-mile sand run along Princess Bay and into one of the last four obstacles, the spear throw, where athletes had to hurl a spear into a haystack, failure resulted in burpees.

After the spear throw was a wall with wooden pegs that had to be scaled across followed by a greased up slanted wall that demanded to be overcome.

The final obstacle right in front of the

finish line was the Warrior’s Pit which had three men waiting with gladiator-style batons ready to knock anyone out.

“This has been one of the best experiences of my life,” another runner said at the finish line “You aren’t tough until you cross a Spartan finish line.”

SPORTS SCHEDULE FOOTBALL Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. vs. The College of New Jersey Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. vs. Buffalo State College Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. at The College at Brockport Oct. 29 at noon vs. Rowan University

13

MEN’S SOCCER Oct. 1 at 1 p.m. vs. Ramapo College Oct. 5 at 4 p.m. vs. New York University Oct. 8 at 5 p.m. vs. Berkeley Oct. 12 at 3 p.m. at Montclair State University Oct 15 at 1 p.m. at The College of New Jersey Oct 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Ursinus College

VOLLEYBALL Oct. 1 at noon vs. SUNY Potsdam Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. vs. Massachusetts College of Liberal WOMEN’S SOCCER Oct 1. at 3 p.m. at Ramapo College Arts Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Marywood University Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at Rutgers-Camden Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Montclair State University Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. vs. Oneonta State in Schenectady N.Y. Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. vs. The College of New Jersey Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. at Union College Oct. 18 at 7p.m. at Western Connecticut St. Oct. 8 at noon vs. Lasell College in Schenectady N.Y. University Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. vs. Skidmore College in Schenectady N.Y. FIELD HOCKEY Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. vs. New Jersey City University Oct. 2 at 1 p.m. at Wesley College Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. vs. Richard Stockton College Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. vs. FDU-Florham Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. at Ithaca College Oct 15. at noon vs. Fredonia State University in Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. at Richard Stockton College Ithaca, N.Y. Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Ramapo College Oct. 15 at2 p.m. vs. SUNY Potsdam in Ithaca, N.Y. Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at The College of New Jersey

14

THE TOWER

THE TOWER

Spartan race looks to test East Coast’s toughest

Kean football set for comeback after disappointing last season

September | October 2011

By Daniel Reyes An 8-mile plot of land stretching across Staten Island’s Wolfe’s Pond Park played host to the Super Spartan Race on Sept.

24. It was there that runners were tested and taxed to their very limits; shedding not only sweat, but blood and tears.

For the uninitiated, Spartan Races are adventure-style races that place various and unknown obstacles throughout the race course. These obstacles make participants duck, dive, swim, crawl, slide, drag and fight their way to the finish line.

Runners are tasked with completing each obstacle before moving on, where failing results in a variation of push-ups called ‘burpees.’ Similar races include Warrior Dash, Run For Your Lives and the infamous Tough Mudder.

Nick Moore, an organizer with the Spartan Race wrote on the event’s page about Wolfe’s Park, “I have been putting on events for 15 plus years and racing for over 20 years and have never seen the obstacle that is waiting for all those Spartans brave enough to enter as I have seen at this venue.”

While most of the obstacles that remain are a mystery until race day, there is a handful that is consistently used to test runners.

Barbed wire crawling is a staple in Spar-

NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

at Kean University. “It’s an entirely different level. I want to see if I have what it takes.”

Each runner, upon registration, receives a runner’s bib, a t-shirt, a time chip for the race, a medal upon crossing the finish line,

“It’s an entirely different level.

I want to see if I have what it takes.”

The Spartan Race was held on Sept. 24 and challenged participants through a series of rigorous obstacles, including a mud crawl and a wall climb. tan Races. A June race in New York had runners crawl uphill through mud and gravel under barbed wire for a quarter of a mile.

Obstacles can range from the grueling, like the bucket carry that has you fill a 5-gallon bucket with gravel and carry it a set distance, to the painful, such as the Spartan Pit right before the finish line where warriors wait with gladiator-style

batons to knock you over, much to the crowd’s enjoyment.

Not all obstacles are physical tests of might. One new obstacle has runners memorize a series of numbers and letters and then has the runner recall the combination at a later point in the race.

“Running a regular marathon or 5k isn’t enough. I want to do more than just run,” said Dominick Santopietro, a sophomore

and a voucher for a free beer after the race permitting the runner is over 21.

Placing first in your wave wins you a hand-crafted, steel ‘Spartan Sword’ with second and third place rewarding you with a Spartan Race Prize Pack. Awards are also given out for Best Costume, Best Abs and Best Injury.

While registration is now closed, are all welcome to come watch, eat and party.

Fret not though, for Spartan Races will make its return to the area June 2012 in Tuxedo, N.Y.

(Continued from page 16)

member of the National Professional Soccer League.

“I did play professionally for eight years after college,” Morgan said. “Not at the MLS level, actually when I was playing, the MLS had not come around yet.”

After playing soccer for many years, Morgan became the athletics director at

Morgan said. “We didn’t have a team, so I started my first year recruiting, then the next four coaching. It was a great experience and created a 10-team athletic department.”

Now, a new journey begins for Morgan at Kean. He said he wants to meet all of the student athletes, help them to gradu-

“In one of my interviews we walked over to the East Campus, and I was looking around. I was thinking in my head I’ve been here before. Then it dawned on me.”

Goldey-Beacom College in Delaware in 1999, a Division II school. When he first Urban arrived at Goldey-Beacom, it wasPhotos: a Laura twoteam athletics department.

During his first year Morgan began working on a women’s soccer team that he recruited and coached for five years.

Seven other teams formed during his 12year tenure.

Morgan also helped the Goldey-Beacom athletic department transition from the NAIA into the NCAA Division II. “For the first four years I was there, I created a women’s soccer program,”

ate on time and to have a positive experience at Kean. It’s his motivation and why he comes to work everyday, he said.

Though Kean is a vaguely familiar place for him, he said that it feels right and has potential to become as competitive as possible. When he came back 12 years after his try out it all came back.

“In one of my interviews we walked over to the East Campus, and I was looking around,” Morgan said. “I was thinking in my head I’ve been here before then it dawned on me.”

Kean coaches participate in annual Coach To Cure MD event Kean coaches participated in the nationwide event, Coaches to Cure MD, which raises money to battle Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The Cougar coaching staff wore a Coach to Cure MD logo patch on the sidelines of Sept. 24 game against Western Connecticut State University.

The program is expected to raise more than $1 million in total after three years of raising money.

The coaches asked Cougar fans to contribute to the fund, by texting the word CURE to 90999, where a $5 donation will be given to the research.

Last year, more than 9,400 college coaches participated in the event, which topped the amount of participants the year before.

Compiled by Stephanie Musat

Check out keantower.com for coverage of football games

15

By Darien Evans-Raines The Cougars are poised for a comeback year this season after the let down of the 2010-2011 campaign. In the 2009-2010, season Coach Dan Garrett had Kean football at the top with a 7-4 record. But the good mojo didn’t carry over to the next season, as the Cougars faltered to an average 5-5 season.

This season already has proved to be surprising because Kean Football has taken down two nationally ranked teams, including #3 ranked Wesley.

Offense: The offense starts this season without their senior leading rusher Jason Gwaltney with 254 carries, 1412 yards rushing and eight touchdowns.

Senior Chris Dimicco and Freshman Darius Kinney have created a running back by committee situation. To compete with these higher ranked teams, the Kean offense has gone more with the aerial attack. Following the new aerial attack offense showed true in week one with Senior quarterback Tom D’Ambrisi, who threw for 259 yards and three touchdowns.

With those kinds of numbers he will eclipse his last season totals by week five.

If they continue this new offense since losing their star back Cougar football will be able to contend easily with the top ranked teams in the NJAC. Defense: Cougars defense is led by their youth and experienced linebackers, starting with Bekim Bujari who is coming into his last season as a inside

J.D. Denehy celebrates the Kean football team’s win over ranked Wesley on Sept. 10. linebacker. He has already made a splash by earning NJAC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

The youth comes from freshman out-

side linebacker Matt Clerk who sealed the game against Wesley by causing a forced fumble. Matt Clerk also earned NJAC Defensive Rookie of the Week he was huge

Photo by: Ryan Gaydos

in the win.

Kean football still undefeated after West Connecticut victory INTERVIEW:

By Ryan Gaydos

Football Coach Dan Garrett

By Darien Evans-Raines

right after they end.

September | October 2011

The Tower sat down with football head coach Dan Garrett to talk about the plan for the season, and how the team is doing this far. The team has been listed on several national polls as high at 10th in the country after a disappointing season last year. The team stands undefeated as it looks to take on The College of New Jersey on Friday.

What are your expectations for the team this season?

Dan Garrett: Well I know this might sound coach cliché but first we aspire for greatness. Also as a team we have two goals. Number one goal is to dominate our opponents.

Second goal is to take it one game at a time.

Do you have a running back by committee between Chris Dimicco and Darius Kinney?

DG: Yes, but we are dressing three running backs. Sophomore Sean Mckey didn’t get a chance to play versus Wesley but he is another.

Who are your Defensive Standouts?

DG: In our secondary safety Jamahl Williams is one. Jamahl is a fouryear starter and a great competitor.

In our linebacking core, Bekim Bujari is also is in his senior year.

Since you lost Jason Gwaltney are you going for more of an aerial attack or were you forced to throw because of Wesley’s Defense?

DG: Wesley forced us to throw. I never want to abandon the run but Wesley was just too big. Also since we have a four-year quarterback Tom D’Ambrisi. It was a much easier decision to put the ball in his hands.

The Kean Cougar football program seems to be taking off this season. The Cougars headed to Western Connecticut State and defeated them 44-33 Saturday in a high-scoring affair.

The Cougars racked up 544 yards of total offense against the Colonials. This time Kean was able to run a balanced run, pass attack against the defense which was the first time this season Kean broke 100 yards rushing as they were able to rush for 270 yards.

Running back Chris Dimico ran for 195 yards and scored two touchdowns in the game. His first touchdown came in the second quarter when he ran for a one-yard touchdown to put Kean up 13-6. Then he put the Cougars up 37-20 in the fourth quarter with a six-yard touchdown run.

Thomas D’Ambrizi was able to pass for 284 yards and two touchdowns while completing 23 of the 38 passes that he threw during the game. But, D’Ambrizi

threw two interceptions Saturday. One, he threw to Colonials sophomore corner back Tom Lacey and the other was to defensive captain Greg Galasso.

However, the Cougars should have focused more on closing out the game.

Their defense allowed Western Connecticut State to score 20 points in the fourth quarter alone while only giving up 13 points the rest of the game. This is something coach Garret will have to address as they prepare for The College of New Jersey September 30.

Next week’s game will be under the lights at Alumni Field. TCNJ will be coming into the game undefeated like Kean.

This game is a huge conference game especially since Kean is nationally ranked.

Kean is 4-2 against the Lions in the past six years. The Cougars lost to the Lions last year 7-0 in the final minute of the game. This is going to be a great game to watch as it seems it may have conference title implications on the line.

TEAM STATISTICS Sep 24 Danbury, Conn.

Kean University 44, Western Connecticut 33 Sep 17 Cortland, N.Y. Kean University 21, SUNY Cortland 16

Sep 10 Union, N.J. Kean University 31, Wesley College 28

Points Per Game: 32 | First downs: 59 | Rushing yardage: 391 | Passing yardage: 735

16

THE TOWER

September | October 2011

sports For new athletic director, Kean is still familiar

By Christy Valdez

Kean football lands spot on national polls The Kean Cougars football team has knocked off ranked teams in Wesley College and Cortland State, landing the team spots on national polls two games into the season.

Headed into the game against

Western Connecticut State, the Cougars are ranked No. 17 in the AFCA Coaches’ Poll and No. 10 in the D3Football.com Poll.

Both rankings are an honor for a team that was picked to finish fourth in the New Jersey Athletic

Conference in pre-season polls.

The Cougars are traveling to The College of New Jersey on Sept. 30 as both undefeated teams are fighting to keep its perfect record.

Compiled by Ryan Gaydos

After years of playing minor league soccer in the early 90’s, Chris Morgan got the opportunity to try out for the then-New Jersey Metro Stars at what he thought was a random field in central New Jersey.

That field turned out to be at Kean University’s East Campus, and 12 years later, he is back on campus as the new athletic director.

“I did have a try out with the Metro Stars ironically over on East Campus,” Morgan said.

“They used to train there and I was invited up for a try out with them. Unfortunately for me it didn’t work out the way I wanted it to, but it was a good experience.”

Morgan, a native of Wilmington, Del., graduated from Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania in 1991 with a bachelor of science degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing.

During his time at Elizabethtown, Morgan was an academic athlete who played on the men’s soccer team during his four years

there. Morgan was a three-time captain on the team, as well as Final Four Defensive MVP. In 1989, he was a part of Elizabethtown’s Division III championship team.

In 2009, he was inducted into Elizabethtown’s Ira R. Herr Athletics Hall Of Fame.

After his time at Elizabethtown, Morgan continued to play soccer at the minor league level.

From 1993 until 1999 he was a

Athletic Director Chris Morgan part of the Delaware Wizards, a team in the United Soccer League.

He also played with the Baltimore Spirit for one year in 1994, which continued on page 14 was a

Former Kean star Bermudez searching for Olympic gold

By Justin West With her 6-foot-1 stature, Angelica Bermudez was often the cornerstone for our women’s basketball team during her tenure at Kean University. After graduating from Kean in 2011, Bermudez took her talents to Puerto Rico to play for the San German Atleticas in the Feminine Superior League.

April in New York City.

“Her ability to run the floor and her athleticism make her special, as is her ability to face the basket and put the ball on the floor,” said Michelle Sharp, Kean women’s basketball coach.

Bermudez and the Puerto Rican team have a 7-1 record. Bermudez is averaging 14 points, 9 rebounds per game and starts at either power forward or center.

“What changed year to year was my attitude. I started listening to my coaches more because I knew they would help me be a better player.”

If Bermudez continues to play up to her potential, a spot on the Puerto Rican national team in the 2012 Olympics is a huge possibility.

This is Bermudez’s first season in Puerto Rico as she was drafted 3rd overall after a very strong showing in a two-day tryout in

The last regular season game is in October and with her team’s strong record, they are among the favorites to make the playoffs in November.

“I know Angelica will be successful in Puerto Rico, I never doubted that,” said Brittney Powell, one of Bermudez’s Kean

Photo: Courtesy of Angelica Bermudez

Former Kean basketball player Angelica Bermudez hopes that by doing well on a Puerto Rican team, she will have the chance to play on the country’s national team

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teammates. “On the court her passion and determination was very inspirational, nothing less than a W (win) was satisfying.”

Earlier on in her college career, Bermudez had a history of budding heads with coaches and players. She battled through suspensions and was endanger of being cut from the team. With guidance from her coaches she was able to turn her life around.

“What changed year to year was my attitude,” Bermudez said.

“I started listening to my coaches more because I knew they would help me be a better player.”

Bermudez said she expects to do well in Puerto Rico by working hard and doing what her coaches expect of her.

Bermudez, whose grandmother is from Puerto Rico, said she hopes to be named to the Puerto Rican National Team.

Her eligibility to play on the Puerto Rican national team in the Olympics is pinned to her grandmother’s citizenship.

“To play on the national team will be a dream come true because I will be representing where my family and myself are from,” she said.