The Tower- Nov 2018

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TH E I N DEPEN D EN T VOI C E O F KE AN U N IV E R S IT Y

Kean USA gives control of Wenzhou Kean to Chinese government

Photo by Kean.edu

Wenzhou Kean University

By Joshua Rosario Kean University administrators notified faculty at Wenzhou-Kean (WKU) that the university will be handing control of the highly publicized branch campus to the Chinese government, effective July 1.

Faculty in China were informed in an Oct. 18 meeting on Skype that they will no longer be Kean employees and will soon be employees of the Chinese government, according to an email to its membership from the Kean Federation of Teachers, which represents all

full-time faculty, including those in China.

Wenzhou-Kean faculty were also told that they will be paid in Chinese currency, Renminbi, and that they no longer will be in the American labor union, the KFT, after June 30.

Instead, they were told they would become members of the WKU Chapter Chinese government’s labor union, run by the Chinese Communist Party.

Kean’s Wenzhou China campus was touted as the university’s prestigious entrance into global higher education, and a way to bring more money to the American campus in

Kean Gospel Choir Adds Radio City Music Hall to its Resume

named over concern for their job.

“We’ve been communicating with WKU faculty so they’re fully informed months in advance of this change,” said McCorry.

McCorry said the university’s objective is to give faculty at WKU a comparable salary in Chinese currency, benefits and other privileges like the faculty here at Kean USA. What the future holds for Wenzhou-Kean is unclear, according to KFT President James Castiglione, a physics “The general professor. consensus is “There are many, many ramifications that the many of the administration either wasn’t American aware of or were aware of it and underprepared to professors are answer the questions,” Dr. going to leave,” Castiglione said.

WKU faculty were told the professor said. the university in Wenzhou would maintain its USA accreditation and students would still get a USA degree, but faculty here say they do not know how that would work.

“The academic programs, standards, assessments and accreditation aren’t changing and continue to be the same as those at Kean USA,” said McCorry.

They were also told they would receive healthcare and a 401k that would be “comparable” to what they have now.

Many of the faculty’s questions have not been answered. When they asked for

Union. It is the only public university in the country with a campus in China.

A Kean spokesperson said its “commitment to our WKU students and faculty is stronger than ever,” and that the move to Chinese control comes because of its success since it opened in 2012. WKU this fall enrolled 2,000 students.

“We look forward to working with our Chinese partners on the next chapter of WKU’s growth as a truly international university,” said Margaret McCorry, Kean spokesperson.

But Kean being in China also has its critics and one of them has been state Sen. Joseph Cryan (D-Union).

“I’ve always had questions about the money flowing to China,” Cryan said. “I’ve continued to raise those questions and I’ll be asking the appropriate state authorities to look at it.”

President Dawood Farahi, who championed the China campus, was not present at the Skype meeting, but representatives of the Chinese government were, as were Kean’s Provost Jeff Toney; Andrew Brannen, Vice President for Administration and Finance; and Felice Vazquez, Kean’s Special Counsel and Vice President for planning, according to a Wenzhou professor who asked not to be

continued on page 4

Kean food pantry continues to make a difference

By Salimah McCullough

With Thanksgiving just days away, Dr. Norma Bowe is thinking about the Kean University students who won’t be getting the traditional roasted turkey with all the trimmings.

Dr. Bowe, with the help of Dr. Anthony Pittman, are the founders of a Kean food

Photo by Courtesy of Kean Gospel Choir

a food pantry, stemming from this one student who had the courage to ask for help. The food pantry came to be with the help of Dr. Pittman, the dean of the college of education, who found a permanent location in Hennings Hall.

“We are grateful to Dr. Pittman for dedicating that room to be used for that purpose,” Bowe said. “Dr. Pittman is dedicated to stopping hunger on campus so he dedicated this room for the food pantry so that students would have access to food on campus.”

The way the food pantry works is that professors, EOF workers, or other campus department officials will notice if it looks like a

The gospel choir held a free concert at the Agape House of Worship on October 21.

By Zoe Strozewski Since the beginning of 2018, the Kean Gospel Choir has won the McDonald’s Gospelfest for the third straight year, recorded and released their own single “Behold Him” on Amazon, hosted their own concert at the Agape House of Worship, and most recently, obtained a spot to perform at the Radio City Music Hall “Christmas Spectacular”.

The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular is a decades-long tradition that takes place at the New York City landmark annually and stars the Rockettes, a dance company that stresses precision and uniformity. The choir is set to perform on the same stage as these historical dancers on Dec. 2.

The Kean Gospel Choir is an organization that focuses on the rehearsal and performance of both hymns and more contemporary gospel music. They sing at a variety of events inside and outside of campus, and accept any member regardless of religious devotion or musical talent.

According to Shakira Jackson, the director of public relations for the choir, this particular performance opportunity was attained when they received an invitation to take the stage at the venue.

“Radio City Music Hall actually reached out to us through email. The representative from the show who does bookings informed us that someone recommended us,” Jackson said. “However, we don’t know who it was.”

The choir has already organized and finalized their set list for the night.

“We will be singing a medley produced by our director, Malcolm Evans,” Jackson said.

Photo by Salimah McCullough

Kean University Food Pantry

Photo by Courtesy of Kean News

The Kean Gospel Choir poses in anticipation of their single release.

“The choir hasn’t really had an opportunity like this before and it means so much to all of us in different ways.”

Kean’s Student Organization was able to negotiate a reduced price ticket sale and bus trip into the city so students could attend the performance. The tickets went on sale for $10 each at the Wilkins Theatre box office on Nov. 5. While tickets for the Dec. 2 performance date are still being sold online and at the box office of Radio City Music Hall, Kean’s tickets have since sold out.

Jackson believes that this event marks a significant step forward for the group and will provide members with an experience most people will never have. continued on page 5

Photo by Salimah McCullough

Dr. Norma Bowe in the pantry

pantry that volunteers are busy stocking for the holidays. More than a third of America’s college students are food insecure, according to a survey by researchers at Temple University and Wisconsin HOPE Lab. Dr. Bowe, a professor in health education, experienced this personally with one of her own students who was silently struggling. The student was homeless and was sleeping in his car at the time. He had no food and was struggling to find a place to live.

“It made me step back because we do all this homelessness relief for people at the train station in Newark,” said Dr. Bowe. “...and yet we have homeless and hungry students right on this campus.”

From then on, Dr. Bowe was inspired to start

“Hunger is a real problem for a lot of people in New Jersey and I think college students are a group where its underestimated how many people are hungry,” Bowe said. student is struggling or is in need of help and resources. From there, they email Dr. Bowe about the student and then the student is sent to her to get whatever sources they need from the food pantry.

“We give them a grocery bag and tell them to go at it and take what they need,” said Bowe. “It all started two years ago with a student that was homeless here. He’s doing great now.”

That was two years ago. Today, many other students also use this resource.

“Now we have a bunch of students that regularly come and get food out of the pantry,” Bowe said. “A lot of people on campus know about the pantry and will send students over.”

The food runs low at times. But they never run out because they are constantly restocking the inventory with the help of students and community volunteers.The volunteers also use their resources to help out other people throughout different cities and communities in continued on page 5

2 THE TOWER

November, 2018

It’s not a library; it’s a Library Learning Commons

Photo by Petruce Jean-Charles

The computer lab where online resources can be found.

Photo by Petruce Jean-Charles

The Nancy Thompson Library Learning Commons.

Photo by Petruce Jean-Charles

Physical copies on the second and third floor.

“There are ways to get the instructional materials to students – sometimes physical, sometimes electronic.

We can do both,” Croft said.

By Petruce Jean-Charles A technological transformation is taking place at the campus library that ranges from expanding its digital databases to initiating popular Alexa personal assistants to help students.

Even the Nancy Thompson Library Learning Commons reflects another big change with the relocation of academic support services in one place at the library.

These services now include the Writing Center, the Speech Lab, tutoring and other services.

Mark Sapara, director of learning support services; Angela Zeitz, managing assistant director for the Writing Center; and Muhammad Hassan, director of digital information services, explained this and more at an October meeting of the University Senate, the elected body of faculty and administrators that recommend policy and procedures at Kean.

“We are looking at what we are doing in terms of the Writing Center, tutoring, speech lab and other initiatives that we have to support student learning, and that’s both online and in person,” Sapara said at the meeting.

Sapara wanted individuals at the meeting to understand that the new commons is in the process of executing several projects to benefit Kean.

One project librarians are engaging is designed to understand how library services are impacting the retention goals of the university.

“We are asking how many times students come in, what are they coming in for and how do those visits impact persistence and their graduation rate,” said Sapara.

A second project is focused more on how digital resources such as online workshops can benefit students and faculty, such as using Blackboard for a self-guided library tour and quiz.

The library is also coordinating supplemental instruction in partnership with the Office of Student Retention to work on courses with high failure rates. “[Some] courses like chemistry 1083 had one of the highest [failure rates], so we have student supplemental leaders that sit with professors and run supplemental groups to be more interactive,” Sapara said.

At the Writing Center, Zeitz said the center is working to help students who need support.

“Previously we were not working in retention and we were not working with students who may have been suspected of plagiarism,” she said. “So all of those things we’re changing for those students who need our support the most.”

In digital, Hassan said that the Library Learning Commons website has almost 1,000 users everyday. Kean has research guides that are available for almost all subject matters, 7 million books, 251 databases and 221 million full text journals are available to students and staff.

“We want students, faculty and staff to use this information to develop and help other students,” he said.

Hassan stressed that the Kean community could come to them with any issues, questions and concerns regarding digital advancements and accommodations for students.

The biggest project, though, has been reading and culling the collection in the library commons. This regular process had not been done in a long time according to Sapara.

“Reading and culling is something that happens on a regular basis, every year as you shape your collection,” Sapara said. “What you have, what you need, what is our motive, any issues related to accreditation and if our collection reflects all those things.”

Over the summer, Sapara and his team contacted departments for materials that they no longer needed, were duplicates or

were already digital pieces in their collection.

It was an operation that allowed executive directors and deans to look over and take the material that was essential for their departments.

“Now we are moving into the larger name collection where the librarians are working directly with faculty and reviewing materials,” said Sapara. “[This is] to make sure that we have what the students need and matching that with what we have digitally, which we spent a lot of money on for those resources.”

Dr. Paul Croft, associate vice president in the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs, echoing the president, was adamant about facilitating new academic tools for the Kean community.

Dr. Croft said Kean has more than 700,000 electronic titles available that the university pays for, and are accessible through the Kean website.

In comparison, the second and third floor of the library houses about 180,000 physical books and about 3,000 to 4,000 of the books are checked out.

“With the physical collection, faculty use it for their courses and they show up in the reading reserve room for students to checkout and use,” Dr. Croft said. “...From the numbers it’s clear the preference is the electronic compared to the physical, but the physical still remains.”

The term “to get rid of” has been one that has sparked rumors of books being discarded, an assumption that Croft wished to dispel.

“I think some people tend to believe that the President Dawood Farahi doesn’t want any physical books at all and it’s not true,” Croft said. “When people ask what can be done about the books President Farahi always responds with, ‘We’ll buy another one.’...why would we throw out a costly collection? Why wouldn’t we just look at our collection and take out the lesser relevant collections?”

Besides print books, Croft spoke of Dr. Farahi’s movement to get away from textbooks to help students save money through open educational resources online.

“There are ways to get the instructional materials to students -- sometimes physical, sometimes electronic. We can do both,” Croft said.

Gabriel Ertsgaard, an English lecturer, said he has many opinions about the value of books and their impact in modern higher education settings.

“I think we still have the issue of figuring out what the place is of older technology when newer technology comes along and figuring out what the best tool for the job is,” Ertsgaard said.

Professor Ertsgaard said the point is not throwing out old technology (books), but instead it’s rather knowing what source to use and how to use it.

“It is important to know what source to use, whether online or physical,” said Ertsgaard. “I think that there are many things ebooks are good for and the same for physical copies.”

Ertsgaard said the goal of the new commons is to find a balance and serve the needs of many.

He criticized the Kean Federation of Teachers for a KFT email to faculty, which he said: “the gist of it was red alert, secret plot to remove all the books from the library. The next email from an upward administration official read, ‘the rumors that there is a secret plot to remove the books from the library is a lie.’”

He said he later figured out that there has been “a long-standing friction” among the faculty union, tenured faculty and the administration.

“Unfortunately, whenever you have a long-standing conflict you start to interpret everything the other side does with suspicion,” the professor said.

Second hold on student accounts confusing some

By Rafaela Teixeira A second hold placed on undergraduate students’ Keanwise accounts Keanwise might have restricted some students from registering for spring courses.

An email sent last month by the Office of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Jeffrey Toney encouraged students to meet with their prospective faculty advisors twice a semester and assured students that a second advisement hold would not affect the ability to register.

“It does not block or restrict any action (registration, add/drop, grades, etc.),” according to the email sent to all faculty and staff. “Consequently, both holds must not be ended at the same time.”

However, some students who met with advisors once and had the first hold removed said they were not able to register until they reached the professor again to remove the second hold.

It is unclear whether it was the second hold or some other issue restricting the registration, the students and professors interviewed said.

Other students requested or had both holds removed during one advisement meeting due to concern that the student would not be able to register.

Registration is open according to the number of credits a student has completed and some register just minutes after midnight on the allotted day to get the courses or the schedule they need.

Olivia Cardet, a junior majoring in Communication, met with her advisor once this semester and had both holds removed.

“I think the second hold is very unnecessary because there is no need for students to meet with their advisor

twice,” said Cardet. “If a student wants to meet with their advisor a second time willingly then that is their prerogative. We shouldn’t be forced to meet with them twice if we don’t need to.”

Another student who also had both holds removed said she understands the importance of student advisement but doesn’t agree with a mandatory second meeting.

“I just feel that making [the second meeting] mandatory doesn’t make it right for me because who knows if I will actually need the advisement, as opposed to me going to her when I genuinely do need help instead of going because Kean is enforcing it,” said Ashley Macias, a junior majoring in Psychology and Psychiatric Rehabilitation.

A full-time professor who asked to remain anonymous to avoid conflict with the administration said the flaw of the second advisement system is that those who are unprepared should meet with advisors multiple times, but only if the prospective advisors see fit.

The professor also pointed out that some students who seek advisement go prepared with guide sheets and a preferred list of courses, whereas other students go in unprepared for the next semester.

“The university should also explain why different emails were sent (to faculty and students) and appear to be making up work for no positive educational purpose,” said the professor.

This particular professor blamed N.J.’s educational system for sending students to Kean who are unprepared for college-level work.

He explained that many Kean students were enrolled in high schools that were a “disservice” to them and that isn’t their fault.

“We’re trying to teach students calculus, but they never even learned addition,” the professor said.

Photo by Rafaela Texiera

Email about second advisement

November, 2018

Dual degree program with Psychology and Psychiatric Rehabilitation

By Lena Zhu Have you ever thought about obtaining two degrees at once? Now there’s a program that allows you to do just that.

The program, specifically for Psychology and psychiatry rehabilitation majors, is designed to help “provide educational and clinical preparation for professional roles in Psychiatric Rehabilitation and community mental health settings,” according to the Rutgers University website.

The program is offered through the Rutgers School of Health Professions in accordance with Rutgers-Newark College of Arts and Sciences, Kean University, Georgian Court University, and Felician College.

Kean and Rutgers partnered up to help students in the Psychology and Psychiatric Rehabilitation major back in 1996-1998.

“At the time, my school, the school of health professions wanted to develop a bachelor’s degree in Psychiatric Rehabilitation,” said Dr. Kenneth Gill, chair of the department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and counseling at the Rutgers School of Health Professions. “The Kean Psychology department was looking to improve the career prospects of its students.

When they saw the gap, the Kean dean and Psychology chair approached us. It seemed like a natural match.”

Kean focuses on helping the students complete the general education and Psychology major course requirements while Rutgers offers specialized Psychiatric Rehabilitation classes for this dual major program.

The curriculum has the usual 124 or 128 credit limit and students have fewer free electives in order to take the Psychiatric Rehabilitation program.

Originally, the program was only applicable to the associate’s degree. Extending the program to the bachelor’s level was always an idea that was planned.

“All of us who started the department and program had previously worked in the psych rehab program,” said Nora Barrett, vice chairwoman of the department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Rutgers. “We had a very high turnover and a lot of people with a degree in Psychology who didn’t know much about working with people.”

The department started to think about the students’ needs and the best option for their continued success. The unique program offers Psychology majors a specialization in their field and helps students find a job after obtaining dual degrees.

“Most students get jobs with the bachelor’s degree,” Sharon Boyd-Jackson, the Psychiatric Rehabilitation dual major coordinator at Kean said. “They have three options when they complete the program. The option to work, the option to attend Rutgers for the masters or PhD [in the same major], or the option to attend graduate school because they have both degrees.”

Carissa Urbanski, a student in the

Psychology and Psychiatric Rehabilitation program at Kean, raves about the program and job opportunities.

“It is a wonderful program as you get two degrees, a BS and a BA,” Urbanski said. “Every job I applied for I was hired because of my back up degree in Psychiatric Rehabilitation.”

The fieldwork contained in this curricula is particularly challenging as students are required to complete a clinical practicum as part of the curricula.

“The fieldwork is very extensive and in the places where graduates will work in the future two semesters, 240 hours per semester,” Gill said. “Community mental health centers, psychiatric rehab agencies, partial care programs, self-help wellness centers and independent housing agencies are some of the places.”

However, this program also benefits its students.

“Students are learning additional knowledge and practical skills in working with people [with the dual degree],” said Barrett. “Two semesters of experience where they are placed in support programs and use what they learned in the classroom too. They start shadowing and observing. At the undergrad level, it’s a wonderful opportunity for the students.”

The department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation is also flexible with its schedule and is mindful of students who have a busy life outside of the classroom.

With some online courses, students are able to “read, study, use the web, do other online activities, 24/7, and interact extensively with students and faculty,” Gill said. “But it requires real discipline, you have to manage yourself and make sure you do not fall behind.”

Although the course may be a lot of hard work, there are benefits to the program.

Students are able to network with people in the field, which oftentimes leads to a higher chance of obtaining a job after graduation.

As for the courses that are not online, student schedules are kept in mind. The department tries to make the scheduling as flexible as possible for its students.

“Some of the courses are hybrid, meaning that they take place both online and in the classroom. We think it helps people with scheduling,” Barrett said. “A lot of the classes are scheduled for the evening. Since Rutgers is not that far away from Kean, the students have an easier time coming to class if it is say--6 p.m.”

The department is always looking to improve on the curricula.

More content has also been added concerning trauma-informed care---a strategy to help those who have PTSD as well as content regarding helping students grapple with homelessness and poverty in the field.

“We are always updating the curricula. All of us [in the department] are very involved in the latest and best practices of the field,” Barrett said. “If we hear about something new, we will update the curricula and find a place for it.”

The program, specifically for Psychology and Psychiatry Rehabilitation majors, is designed to help “provide educational and clinical preparation for professional roles in psychiatric rehabilitation and community mental health settings,” according to the Rutgers University website.

THE TOWER 3

Kean speaks up about the migrant caravan

Photo by WikimediaCommons

Mexican border

“These people are escaping elements of poverty and crime, it is symbolic, against the political system in their region,” Photo by WikimediaCommons

Mexican border

By Estefani Hernandez The migrant caravan continues to grow and head towards the United States, provoking a strong political reaction just days before the 2018 midterm elections.

Composed of migrants from Central America, primarily El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, this migrant caravan hopes to reach the United States and seek asylum as refugees.

Nazih Richani, director of Latin American Studies, understands the importance of acknowledging and embracing all the different cultures here in the United States and speaks briefly on the migrant caravan.

“These people are escaping elements of poverty and crime, it is symbolic, against the political system in their region” states Richani.

Richani explains that most of these countries in Central America took the biggest hit after the 2007 and 2008 economic crisis. He states, “These countries that are participating in the caravan are suffering from under-employment, poverty, narcotrafficking like never before.”

In a series of tweets, President Donald Trump claimed he would declare a “national emergency” over the caravan. The president also made several claims concerning immigration and the caravan as he tweeted the following: “Every time you see a Caravan or people illegally coming, or attempting to come, into our country illegally, think of and blame the Democrats for not giving us the votes

to change our pathetic immigration laws!

Remember the midterms! So unfair to those who come in legally.”

Making the caravan one of his prime targets as he campaigns for Republicans down the stretch of the midterm elections, Trump refers to the caravan as an “invasion”.

“The president is utilizing this to the best of his advantage, gaining support using the racial card and it seems that it has worked,” stated Richani. “A good amount of people remain behind him as he utilizes the scare tactic toward this caravan.”

As the caravan approaches the Gulf Coast states of Veracruz in Mexico, signs of division and frustration are merging as the large group tries to get closer to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Claudia Argueta, Junior, the daughter of Guatemalan natives states, “They are trying to show the countries that they are living in really horrible conditions at this point and that some changes need to be made.”

The caravan has continued to grow as more than 1,000 migrants in a second caravan have worked its way across the river from Guatemala and have begun arriving in the southern Mexico city of Tapachula.

Making it clear that he will do anything in his power to stop this caravan, President Trump has threatened to dispatch extra troops and shut the border down entirely.

“In the position of power that he [President Trump] is in, he is using this to his benefit for his campaign,” states Argueta. “He has created a lot of hatred toward these people and it is destroying us as a country.”

Photo by Joshua Rosario

Jon Meacham giving a lecture at Kean University’s North Avenue Academic Building (NAAB) with sign language interpreter.

Photo by Lena Zhu

Information document for dual degree program.

Historian Jon Meacham gives a lecture at Kean University

By Kelly Contreras Kean University held a Distinguished Lecture Series with Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Jon Meacham, on Oct. 24.

President Dawood Farahi opened the lecture by introducing Jonathan Mercantini, the acting dean for the College of Liberal Arts, who then introduced Meacham as “one of America’s most prominent intellectuals.”

Meacham responded to his introduction with “Thank you ... yeah, I am all those things, that’s great. [But] I think he’s underselling it

a little.” He then went on to tell a short story about a fan who made him believe, “I have the world right where I want it,” until he realized that she mistook him for the novelist John Grisham.

“It was a great reminder that in fact, I am not the most prominent of anything,” said Meacham. “Somewhere in America, there’s a woman with a forged copy of The Runaway Jury.”

He incorporated more small stories throughout the rest of the evening and provided examples using both historic and

Photo by Joshua Rosario

“The story of the country is the insistence that we cannot give up,” said Meacham.

Jon Meacham going into further detail about what has already been said.

present scenarios.

When discussing America and who runs our country, Meacham says, “Part of my goal here is not to say we’ve been here before so relax.

But it is to say ... what was it about our actions in those moments that produce a country that we want to defend.”

America may not always be referred to as a perfect country. Although, Meacham reminded the audience that “we are doing just fine ... We are a country where immigration is an issue because people still wish to come here.”

Meacham spoke on how America has made massive progress over “an immense amount of time.” Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Not like you would hear any complaints, although for some people it did not go as fast as others may presume.

“The story of the country is the insistence that we cannot give up,” said Meacham.

He brought up how he once wrote a public letter to President Trump, which was published on the front page of The Times in regards to former President, Andrew Jackson.

He received a phone call from former continued on page 8

4 THE TOWER

November, 2018

Sci fi Author Jeff Somers comes to Kean

Radical woman visits Kean

By Wynter Aiken Readers respond to powerful stories, to inventive stories...to Jeff Somers stories. Born and raised in Jersey City, N.J, Jeff Somers has been able to connect to sci-fi enthusiasts worldwide. The power and pace he brings to the pages of his novels marks him well as an inspiring author of the science fiction genre.

Somers recently visited Professor Lisa Sisler’s English 2010 Creative Writing course and shared with the class his knowledge of sci-fi writing and publishing.

Professor Sisler picked up Somers’ book in the bookstore this past summer and decided to use it in class.

“I saw that Jeff was from Jersey City and lives in Hoboken. I emailed him to see if he’d be interested in coming to class and he said yes.” said Sisler.

Somers connected to the students with stories about his own college hardships, the many nights he stayed up late just to complete the following day’s assignment while also

Photo Courtesy of Holly Williams

iSii logo and bags Photo by Wynter Aiken

Jeff Somers

to be published no matter [what] experience,” said Somers. “Reading is just as fundamental to writing, your inspiration comes from reading, your characters come from that inspiration.

It’s all about making connections from what you read to what you write.”

He advised students who are starting to write novels to gain inspiration from previous stories that they’ve read, whether it be from “Twilight”, a vampy romance story or a witchy tale based off of “The Secret Circle”. Even if the inspiration is simply wanting to make millions in sales, outside influence can have an impact. Life’s obligations can make it difficult to continue but if you are willing to put in the time and effort, your book will be worth those obstacles.

“Whatever is stopping you from writing – life obligations, school or simply ‘writer’s block’, it’s important to remember why you started and what path you plan on taking this book,” said Somers.

“Remember that you as the writer is your biggest critic and if you believe in your writing, everyone else will.

You write for you.” trying to formulate an outline for his first novel “Lifers”, followed by hit series “Avery Cates”, a gripping tale of a man who kills just to prove his real identity. “Avery Cates” and “Lifers” were both published by Orbit Productions in 2001 and 2009 respectively.

Somers explained that the road to becoming an author can be hard, especially if you have no financial support.

“Money was the main goal,” said Somers.

“I started with no money, just college debt.

Bright ideas, ambition, and talent isn’t going to get your book millions of dollars in sales.

Reality will set in fast.”

Trying to write a novel while being in college can be tiring and draining, but with the right motivation, it can be done. Writing in the scifi genre is just as competitive as romance or horror, not everyone is going to be the next Stephen King or Mary Shelley. When writing a novel, any writer strives to make their book gain spotlight and be unique compared to other novels that came before it.

One student asked Somers how students can make their novels become and remain unique when in competition with more experienced writers.

“When I write, I write for myself. It is a sure strategy for any writer especially if you want

Photo by Wynter Aiken

Speaking to Professor Sisler’s Creative Writing Class

“Whatever is stopping you from writing--life obligations, school or simply ‘writer’s block’, it’s important to remember why you started and what path you plan on taking this book,” said Somers. “Remember that you as the writer is your biggest critic and if you believe in your writing, everyone else will. You write for you.”

If you wish to know more about Jeff Somers, visit his official website at jeffreysomers.com.

Kean University Stands in Solidarity with the Victims of Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting

By Nicole Diefenbacher On Saturday, October 27, a man armed with an AR-15 style assault rifle and at least three handguns entered the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh and opened fire while shouting anti-Semitic slurs, killing 11 congregants.

Kean University President, Dawood Farahi, released a statement to all faculty and staff the following Monday, titled “Promoting Mutual Respect After the Pittsburgh Tragedy”.

The statement called the attack a “senseless and hateful crime” that has “shocked and saddened people around the world and here at Kean.”

“The deadly shooting was not just an assault on innocent members of the Jewish community who were worshipping that morning but rather an attack on the values of inclusiveness, respect and tolerance that we celebrate and nourish in our community,” the statement continued.

Dr. Farahi urged the people of Kean to “join... in committing to action in their memory — volunteer in your community; protest injustice and hate; or speak up when you hear someone

Photo by Holly Williams

iSiibags, LLC

say something hurtful or biased.”

“I still get nervous to this day to tell someone my faith,” said Michelle Gitlin, a Jewish student at Kean University. “Because even in this day and age, really anyone can snap on you and do the unthinkable.”

Another Jewish student said that the shooting was a wake-up call.

“It is 100 percent possible for history to repeat itself,” said Ciara Williams, president of Kean Hillel, the university’s Jewish student organization. “There was a point where I cried because my grandma goes to Friday/Saturday services regularly, so it worries me that I couldn’t protect her.”

Williams said this shooting should not stop Jewish people from practicing their faith out of fear.

“We as the Jewish community have come so far to end that fear,” continued Williams.

“If anything, we shouldn’t continue to be unheard, we should sing our prayers from the rooftops and demand to be heard. Although there is always a possibility of crimes towards the community, we need to be strong in numbers and refuse to be invisible.”

“Although there is always a possibility of crimes towards the community, we need to be strong in numbers and refuse to be invisible.”

By Salimah McCullough Kean University hosted Women’s Entrepreneurship Week that highlighted many aspects about gender ranging from misgendered identification to women entrepreneurs.

The event was the first of its kind at Kean, said Kristofer Berrios, the department assistant for the Center of Interdisciplinary Studies program.

“It was in observance of the (national) week itself,” Berrios said. “To my knowledge, this was the first event like this for Kean.

Other universities do participate but this was the first year that Kean participated.”

One of the events that took place on Oct. 17 was called “Gender Bender,” which honored the first International Pronouns Day. “This workshop was a great way for individuals to learn about different gender pronouns and how to go about using ones outside of the binary (female and male),” said Berrios. “It also shed light on the mental health of transgender and gender nonconforming/non-binary individuals when they get misgendered.”

The main event, called Radical Women on Oct. 19 featured self-made entrepreneur, Holly Williams, who spoke to students about how she made it in the retail industry.

Williams created her own brand of handbags named iSiibags, LLC that she sells in a boutique in New York called Radical Women, co-owned and co-founded with three other women.

“I wanted something that would mean something to me,” Williams said. “Something that was African centered and would resonate with me.”

Williams was inspired to create her own business, even though she had a corporate job, a family and a packed schedule. She said she always wanted to become more.

“I always had a strong desire to work for myself and create something people would appreciate, need, or want,” said Williams. “I created my own opportunity and that alone is empowering.”

With starting your own business, feelings of doubt, fear, and hesitation would be understandable when leaving corporate America, but those feelings never emerged with Williams.

“I wasn’t nervous. I had the support of my family behind me and I believed I could do it,” said Williams. “I was equipped with the experience and had made sure to ask, research, and ask some more to develop my business further.”

Within the audience, there were many young women and men that were inspired and interested in becoming an entrepreneur and following their own path.

Fascinated by Williams inspiring words, students began to ask what her method was to make this lifestyle a reality and if she had any advice on how to begin to work for yourself.

William said build on what you already know and be open to learning. She also said to not be discouraged by the opinions of others.

“Believe in your vision and start,” Williams said.

“Make sure you are not listening to anyone trying to minimize who you are and what you are doing.

Focus, be patient, embrace the unknown, work hard, and watch your vision manifest.”

Photo by Holly Williams

Women modeling iSii bags

Photo by Holly Williams

iSii bags being worn

“Believe in your vision and start,” Williams said. “Make sure you are not listening to anyone trying to minimize who you are and what you are doing. Focus, be patient, embrace the unknown, work hard, and watch your vision manifest.”

Kean USA gives control of Wenzhou Kean to Chinese government continued from cover

assistance or for Kean to provide financial advisors to deal with the tax implications of the change, they were told “you’re on your own,” Castiglione said.

“Faculty do not have confidence their pay will be the same or will increase the same way it does here,” said Castiglione.

WKU faculty were not told which exchange rate would be used in calculations: the Chinese government rate or the international rate.

“What about actually getting money out of China?” said Castiglione. “It’s notoriously difficult and expensive to extract capital from China.“ Sen. Cryan said he is concerned about the faculty.

“My concerns are (with) the faculty and staff of China, that their rights and their opportunities are protected,” said Cryan.

The Chinese administrators at WKU have not said much beyond what Kean’s American administrators told the staff.

But, based on the conversations of Wenzhou professors, a “mass exit” may come to the campus, said the Wenzhou professor.

“The general consensus is many of the American professors are going to leave,” the professor said.

The Wenzhou professor said one issue is that hired professors thought that they were working for an American university and they were going to be paid in American currency.

The professor said Administrators from Union were in China on Nov 6. but the reason is unknown.

In their appointment letters from what Kean has been calling Kean USA, compensation is stated in US dollars. In their appointment letters, it is stated that employment at Kean university is subject to and contingent to upon the continued operation of the Wenzhou-Kean university extension campus.

WKU and Kean USA students will continue to be able to study abroad at each campus.

November, 2018

Kean Student Government ushers in its new class

By Maria Montes Each year a new freshman class is welcomed into Kean University and along with that comes a group of students who take on the roles of the student government of their class. This year’s class has a full board consisting of nine senators and a full executive board. The freshman class has received a lot of recognition from both upperclassmen and staff.

Executive Vice president of Student Organization Caleb J. Lewis, who is also a senior at Kean, is surrounded by Kean’s Student Organization.

“It has afforded me the opportunity to surround myself with admirable individuals who are in pursuit of goals that are similar to mine,” Lewis said.

Lewis has spent a lot of time around the freshman class and has had an up-close view of what sets the class of 2022 apart from all others.

“Freshman are ambitious and enthusiastic

about the future,” Lewis said.

With the freshman class being the largest, Lewis says that it is impressive that they are the newest record breakers and has shown underclassmen what a person with such responsibility should be like.

After completing the election process and receiving an ample number of votes from her fellow peers, the new freshman class electees includes Mekhia Baker who will take on the role of freshman class president.

Baker came to student organization in hopes of winning the election so that she could provide a “positive yet unique experience for the freshman class.”

The other electees are Jason Pleitez (Vice President), Rashaun Garraway (Treasurer), Illana Lightburn (Secretary), Ashley Hudson (Senator), Kevin Maloon (Senator), Brianna Roberson (Senator), Candida Rodriguez (Senator), Maria Montes (Senator), Taleeah Jones (Senator), and ZyErica Haynes (Senator).

THE TOWER 5

No-Shave November: growing for a cause

Photo by Monica Sudfield

No-shave.org has a shop where merchandise can be purchased to help the cause in both raising money and spreading awareness by advertising.

“Freshman are ambitious and enthusiastic about the future” Photo by PreventCancer.org

A logo representing no-shave November

By Monica Sudfield

Photo by kean.campuslabs.com

Office of Student Government.

Photo by Carli Hench

Freshman class president Mekhia Baker.

Kean Gospel Choir Adds Radio City Music Hall to its Resume continued from cover

Photo by Courtesy of Kean Gospel Choir

The choir sings at the 2017 McDonald’s Gospelfest.

“The choir hasn’t really had an opportunity like this before and it means so much to all of us in different ways,” Jackson said. “Of course it’s a way to expand the audience of our choir, but it is also just a chance to experience something that is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Thousands of people will hear our voices, and that’s just a pretty big deal.”

In light of the many other successes the group has experienced on top of this latest one, the choir is inspired to reach even higher. The members are in the process of devising further ways to spread their name

and showcase their talents.

“Right now the choir’s mindset is ‘the sky’s the limit,’ so we are excitedly planning more new things. However, everyone will have to wait and see what we have in store,” Jackson said.

Meanwhile, they are looking to overall continue pushing their limits and making the most of their joint capabilities.

“I can only see the choir going even higher up from here. Soon you shall see us everywhere. The best is yet to come,” Jackson said.

Continuously shaving that facial hair or leg hair can be tedious and time consuming. Noshave November allows males and females to not only let their hair grow out, saving them a hassle, but also allows for a good cause to be recognized.

The goal is for participants to let their hair grow freely to represent those who cannot.

“No-shave November is a month-long journey during which participants forgo shaving and grooming in order to evoke conversation and raise cancer awareness,” according to no-shave.org.

Individuals who choose to participate can do so just for fun, for awareness, or for the opportunity to raise money for the cause, which officially started back in Fall 2009.

According to no-shave.org, to raise money for the cause, participants can join no-shave. org and be set up with a personal fundraising page. If individuals do not choose to participate, but would still like to donate to the cause, there is an option for that on the site as well.

“It is a great opportunity,” said Samantha Henry, senior majoring in public relations.

“It’s just important not to lose the message of what it is really about because some people just think it’s a fun time to grow your hair out.”

In addition to raising awareness, participating in no-shave November also has health benefits, according to 99centrazor. com, a website with a blog about shaving and a company where you can register in a program where 4 fresh razors are sent to you each month.

“A beard is a natural toxin filter – it keeps things like pollen and dust from getting into your lungs, because they’re clinging onto your beard instead,” according to 99centrazor.com.

“It can also prevent blemishes. Shaving gives you a risk of getting bacteria into your skin, especially if you’re not using proper methods.

Growing out a beard can combat this.”

Some people have trouble growing out their hair because it is either unflattering to them or they don’t naturally grow hair quickly.

Junior David Janes, media and film major, has dealt with these issues when trying to participate in the past.

“It’s just important not to lose the message of what it is really about because some people just think it’s a fun time to grow your hair out,” said Samantha Henry.

“I participated one year, but I wanted to shave right away,” said Janes. “To me, facial hair doesn’t fit me but it’s for a great cause.

I’m just too into a shaving routine but, who knows. Maybe this year [I’ll grow it out], I’ve been feeling lazy.”

Janes also wants to participate because he has close family members who have had to fight cancer and he wants to represent and support them. Many working individuals have dress codes, which include rules and expectations regarding facial hair. Because of this, grooming and trimming are acceptable to the cause, according to no-shave.org.

In addition to work related restrictions, if a loved one or someone whose opinion matters to you doesn’t like wild facial hair or body parts to be hairier than expected, taking the grooming approach is an option that still allows participation.

“I used to not like it,” said Cecilia Freitas, communications senior. “After my boyfriend decided to let his grow, it’s grown on me and I’ve learned to love it. Now, when he doesn’t have it, I actually tell him to grow it back.”

The cause is currently working with multiple organizations to achieve their mission: Prevent Cancer Foundation, Fight Colorectal Cancer, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Kean food pantry continues to make a difference

continued from cover

Photo by Salimah McCullough

Be The Change Executive Chair Linda Salcfas

the area.

Linda Salcfas, the executive chair of the volunteer community called “Be the Change NJ,”

along with many other volunteers, helps keep this pantry going, supports the homeless and hungry citizens within the community.

“We do a Thanksgiving drive which goes towards a thanksgiving dinner at Newark Penn Station,” Salcfas said. “We set up a ‘chopshop’ on the ground and they ‘shop’. They get to take what they need.”

Be the Change NJ is a non profit group at Kean, founded by Dr. Bowe, that is dedicated to community service and activism projects that helps promote peace and non violence in urban neighborhoods. Made up of volunteers, this group is very passionate to serve the needs of the local communities around them.

“Our Be the Change group has nearly 1,500 volunteers now,” Bowe said. “One third are current undergraduate students, one third

alumni, and one third community partners. We are very embedded in the local communities around here.”

Like the Thanksgiving drive, the Be the Change NJ group also finds other ways to donate food to the community like operation Pb&J. For operation Pb&J, volunteers bring in supplies and make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that get sent off to Newark Penn Station and other parts of the community including single mothers in Elizabeth who have run out of food.

Besides donating food, Salcfas and the Be the Change NJ volunteers also donate clothes, school supplies, toiletries, toys, etc.

“If you’re not living on campus and you don’t have a meal plan, a lot of our students don’t have enough food,” Bowe said. “They are paying for tuition. They are working. They are commuting

and paying for gas. They are hungry.”

Hunger and homelessness isn’t noticeable to people that aren’t affected by it. It might take some time before someone can notice a person who is inwardly struggling.

“Hunger is a real problem for a lot of people in New Jersey and I think college students are a group where its underestimated how many people are hungry,” Bowe said. “My hope is that no one on campus would go hungry and if they needed food supplies, they would come.”

Students can easily help out the community by sending donations to Dr. Bowe’s office located in Hennings 411 or to the food pantry itself in Hennings 413. You can also email her at nbowe@ kean.edu if interested in making a donation or becoming an intern which she is looking for.

6 THE TOWER

November, 2018

A knockout movie just in time for Thanksgiving “That fight should be interesting... considering he [Jordan] will be fighting the son of the boxer who actually killed his father,” said Evan Hewitt, senior majoring in public relations.

“I might go see it just for that.”

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

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EDITOR IN CHIEF: JOSHUA ROSARIO NEWS EDITOR: LENA ZHU

Photo by Imdb.com

Movie poster for the upcoming film, “Creed II.”

FEATURES EDITOR:

By Kiara Mays

KIARA MAYS

With Michael B. Jordan reprising the role of Adonis Creed and Sylvester Stallone as the legendary Rocky Balboa, the highly anticipated movie “Creed II” is set to hit theaters Nov. 21, just in time for Thanksgiving.

After grossing an average of about $172 million worldwide against a $37 million budget, according to forbes.com, the 2015 release of “Creed” was a huge hit. It was such a hit that it breathed new life into the “Rocky Balboa” franchise by successfully welcoming in a new generation of fans according to express.co.uk. A few of those new generation fans attend Kean University.

“I love Michael B. Jordan,” said Ja’nae Morales, senior majoring in early childhood and family studies. “So I will definitely be going to see it.”

According to imdb.com, in the upcoming film Adonis Creed will be seen balancing life as both a new father and newly crowned light heavyweight champion as he prepares for the fight of his career against Viktor Drago, the son of former prize Russian boxer, Ivan Drago. As some might recall, Ivan Drago killed Apollo Creed (Adonis’ father) in the boxing ring years earlier but was later defeated by Rocky himself.

“That fight should be interesting... considering he [Jordan] will be fighting the son of the boxer who actually killed his father,” said Evan Hewitt, a senior majoring in public relations. “I might go see it just for that.”

While filmmaker Ryan Coogler, best known for directing the record-breaking box office hit “Black Panther” and the first “Creed” movie, will not be returning to direct “Creed II,” he instead passed the reins to Steven Caple Jr., another filmmaker who Coogler went to film school with. Many were disappointed to find that Coogler wouldn’t have a hand in the making of “Creed II” and thought it to be because of timing, but he explained why in an interview with Kristopher Tapley on Variety magazine’s “Playback” podcast.

“I mean of course it was possible,” Coogler said in the podcast. “Creed was about my dad and me, so it’s a movie that I find difficult to watch. It’s difficult for me to even think about it, I’ve got so many emotional ties to it, not to mention you know how much I care about the people involved.”

Aside from Jordan and Stallone, Tessa Thompson will also be reprising her role as Bianca Porter, the girlfriend of Adonis and mother of his child. Phylicia Rashad will also be returning to play Mary Anne Creed. Other stars of the film include Dolph Lundgren returning as Ivan Drago, Andre Ward, Wood Harris, and Brigitte Nielsen just to name a few.

After a Thanksgiving meal with the family, an outing to the movies to see “Creed II” might not be a bad idea.

SPORTS EDITOR: CRAIG EPSTEIN ONLINE EDITOR: RAFAELA TEIXEIRA ONLINE EDITOR: PETRUCE JEAN-CHARLES SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: MONICA SUDFIELD

WRITERS WYNTER AIKEN KELLY CONTRERAS NICOLE DIEFENBACHER JENEVIEVE CAMPO TASHA DOWBACHUK ESTEFANI HERNANDEZ SALIMAH MCCULLOUGH

DANIEL PAPA VALENCIA STEVENSON GARDNER ZOE STROZEWSKI DANIELLE JUNIO EMILY ROBLES DAVID JANES

OPINION PIECES AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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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.

Catholic Newman Club Welcomes All Students to a Free Bowl of Soup

By Jenevieve Cruz The Catholic Newman Club at Kean University welcomed all students to get out of the cold and join them for a free bowl of soup!

“Soup for the Soul” is an event that the club hosts twice a semester and is held at the MSC building in room 228. You can find out more detailed information on this group by contacting Mirama (Campus Minister).

All students are welcome to attend any of the events. Attendees are free of any obligations unless they are interested in getting more involved with the club. The group host passes around sign up sheets for upcoming events and charities which adds a unique flavor to the group’s purpose, which

is to create unity.

“Mass is held Tuesdays [at] 3:30 pm and Sundays [at] 6:00 pm in CAS 308 this semester,” said campus Minister, Mirama Roldan.

Roldan works full-time on campus and her office is located in Downs Hall, room 130. She can also be reached by e-mail at catholic@kean.edu For November’s event, they had a guest speaker named Allan Wright. He spoke to students briefly about “25 Questions of Jesus.” Wright is an international speaker, author, adjunct professor at Seton Hall University and scripture teacher of the Missionaries of Charity.

“It wasn’t what I expected, I thought he was going to be cold and kind of militant,”

said Nicole Acosta, junior majoring in teaching at Kean. “But he was very friendly and told stories that everyone could relate to. He explains things in a comforting and interesting way.”

“I just started going to this club’s meetings a couple of months ago. I enjoy it,” said Wes Martinez, senior at Kean.

The Catholic Newman Club set up hot soup, cookies, soda and water bottles for students who attended the event.

“Good teachers have answers, great teachers ask questions,” said Allan Wright.

Allan handed out a print out of the “25 Questions” for students to look at, think about and take home to reflect on.

“We should ask ourselves what we are looking for and have an answer. We all have

a story. Be an expert in your own story,” said Wright.

Practicing and studying spirituality is a personal choice. If you are thinking about or are interested, you might want to check out the Catholic Newman Club.

“It is a safe and welcoming atmosphere,” said Acosta. “I really did not feel like anyone was judging me. I am glad I got the time to make this soup for the soul event [and] I will be attending more of their events. The thanksgiving charity event sounds very rewarding. I would like to try and make that one,” says Acosta.

You can find out more about Wright by visiting his website at www.allanwright.org.

“We should ask ourselves what we are looking for and have an answer, we all have a story, be an expert in your own story,” said Wright.

Photo by Jenevieve Cruz Photo by Jenevieve Cruz

Free Soup, Soda, Water, Cookies

Photo by Jenevieve Cruz

Allan Wright speaking

Mirama Roldan-Campus Minister, Allan WrightEvangelist, Father Bill Sheridan-Campus Priest

SPORTS

November, 2018

THE TOWER 7

Kean Women’s soccer has a season worth remembering

By Craig Epstein

Even though their record might not indicate it, at 5-8-6 the Kean Women’s soccer team finished a remarkable season where they came up just short of making an appearance in the NJAC finals. Although they lost in the semifinals to Rowan University by a final score of 3-0, Head Coach Brian Doherty is confident that his young team can build off this season and improve in the years to come.

“I don’t think our record reflects the type of season we had this year because we were a very young team that started four freshmen in the defensive end and at times played seven freshmen on the field at once,” Doherty said. “We had six ties which may seem disappointing, but in our sport when it comes to conference play you get a point for a tie and the two ties we had against Rowan and Montclair University helped us get into the NJAC playoffs once again.”

Considering they had not been able to take a point from either Rowan or Montclair in some time, Doherty feels a sense of relief that his team finally achieved this personal goal. He is also encouraged by the fact that his squad was able to hang tough and tie a nationally ranked team like TCNJ. As the head coach of Kean Women’s soccer since 1999,

Photo by Larry Levanti

2018 Kean Women’s soccer team.

Photo by Larry Levanti

Midfielder Carrine Dengel (senior) playing the ball off of her thigh.

Doherty feels that he can take several lessons from the 2018 season and apply them to his team going forward.

“The lessons I learned this season that I can apply moving forward are that we can execute two different styles of play and we do both well,” Doherty said. “I believe I learned that we can compete on a national level and that we have a good, young, hardworking core to our team and good leadership from our older players.”

Since both Kean and Rutgers-Newark ended the regular season tied at 10 points in NJAC play, it came down to tiebreakers to determine who would get the final seed in the NJAC tournament. Considering their lone meeting ended in a 0-0 draw, the deciding factor wound up being how the two squads fared against other teams in the NJAC ranked from first to last place. Since Kean tied Rowan (second place) while the Scarlet Raiders fell to them 4-1, the Cougars were able to punch their ticket to the NJAC tournament for the fifth year in a row where they completed a stunning upset over Stockton University by a final score of 1-0 in the first round before being defeated by Rowan 3-0 in the semifinals.

“Making it to the semifinals of the NJAC tournament

which, along with the ties and how hard this team played, made for a great season,” Doherty said. “I think it showed we can compete with anyone considering the youth of the team and the fact that we played the seventh toughest schedule in our region.”

Freshman goalkeeper Mary Bystrycki was also pleased with her team’s performance this season and feels that the hard work they put in paid off on the field.

“I think the team as a whole performed very well this season because we worked every second,” Bystrycki said. “The hard work we put out definitely showed and allowed us to be successful in many situations and we executed game plans well which overall helped us stay in games.”

While starting as a freshman can be difficult, Bystrycki is thankful for the support group around her that helped her ease into the role of a collegiate goalkeeper.

“Starting as a freshman was an eye-opener for sure but it felt good to have a lot of the hard work I put in over the offseason pay off,” Bystrycki said. “I’m extremely grateful and couldn’t have done it without the help and support from all continued on page 8

OPINION

Our veterans deserve more than just Veterans Day

By Tamura Wiley On the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice went into effect, ending World War I, and was celebrated as such in the United States until 1954 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day. Veterans Day is an official public holiday, observed every year on Nov. 11, and honors military veterans, which according to the Census Bureau, number 18.5 million veterans in the United States. A large proportion of the veteran population, 9.2 million, are aged 65 and older, while 1.6 million are younger than 35.

Despite veterans having an annual holiday celebrating their heroism, troubling stories have plagued America for years that paint a grim picture of our U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

And, I’m not just talking about the lack of support we give our veterans re-entering society and the workforce. CNN reported that on average more than 22 veterans commit suicide every day. And not so long ago, the Veterans Health Administration

was placed under investigation after reports of negligent handling of veterans seeking medical care by VA hospitals caused the death of dozens of veterans while awaiting treatment.

While a majority of veterans I had the opportunity to speak with said they valued their service and would do it again, most did not feel as if they received adequate support in reintegrating into civilian life. “ I had to figure out on my own what I was going to do for a career once I was discharged from the Navy. Luckily for me I had my health and a family to return home to that supported me” stated US Navy Petty Officer Second Class, Nathan Wiley of Glen Burnie, Maryland.

Roughly two-thirds of veterans of recent wars said their qualifications do not translate well to the civilian job market, and 59 percent felt as if civilians don’t understand what veterans are dealing with when coming home from war, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal reported based on a new survey released Tuesday by Disabled American Veterans “Veterans have not escaped Washington’s dysfunction,” stated Former Democratic presidential candidate Martin O’Malley in his policy paper.

Photo by Department of Defense. Defense Audiovisual Agency, Scene Camera Operator: Mickey Sanborn

Joseph Ambrose, an 86-year-old World War I veteran, attends the dedication day parade for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1982. He is holding the flag that covered the casket of his son, who was killed in the Korean War.

O’Malley, proposed a comprehensive veterans and military policy platform, which included ending veterans’ unemployment by 2020, overhauling healthcare offerings and ending “wrongful” military discharges related to post-traumatic stress disorder, the Military Times reported.

Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said the a 292-page report “makes it abundantly clear that the problems plaguing Department of Veterans Affairs medical care are severe. Fixing them will

require dramatic changes in how VA does business, to include expanding partnerships with community providers in order to give veterans more health care choices.”

The process to improve the VA has begun, but more is needed.

President Trump and Congress have signed into law the Veterans Choice Program Extension and Improvement Act to extend and improve the Choice Program, the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, streamlining the disciplinary process and giving VA extra authorities to hold senior leaders and employees accountable for failing to do their duty.

Other laws that have been passed are The VA Choice and Quality Employment Act, expanding VA’s direct-hiring authority to enable us to recruit the very best people, continue the Choice Program, the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 to overhaul and modernize our claims appeals process and thereby provide better, faster decisions for veterans and the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, or Forever GI Bill, improving veterans’ educational benefits in nearly a dozen different ways.

Even though the VA has been hard at work implementing these new laws and many other reforms, much more remains to be done.

Veterans Day is a day to honor to and reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served this nation in uniform and assess the nation’s efforts at keeping President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have “borne the battle.”

Our veterans deserve no less.

Tamura Wiley graduated from Kean in May. She wrote this in a journalism course.

UPDAT E ON L EG A L W EED IN N J “58 percent of NJ residents said they support it while 37 percent say they oppose the plan” Photo by George Hodan

More towns say no to legal weed

Photo by Creative Commons

Cannabis

By Dan Papa Ever since last November, Gov. Phil Murphy has promised to legalize marijuana in the state of NJ. He has not done so yet, but appears to be remaining steadfast in his efforts. Recently, NJ lawmakers made a push to have a legalization bill signed on Oct. 29.

However, now in the month of November, no such thing has happened yet.

As far as Kean University and its policy on drugs/alcohol go, the current policy on alcohol states, “The University permits the moderate and responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus within stated limits.”

As for marijuana and other drugs, “The possession or distribution of narcotics, dangerous drugs or controlled dangerous

substances that are prohibited by the laws of the federal, state or local government are also clearly prohibited by Kean University and are subject to legal action.”

It remains unclear whether the university’s policies would change when/if marijuana is legalized recreationally in the state of NJ. Would students be allowed to smoke cannabis on campus, vaporize it inside the privacy of their own dorms, etc?

A senior student, Jamie Albert, shared her thoughts on the possible legalization. She said, “I think it would be great to pass a law that allows people to purchase marijuana legally, however… humans tend to complicate things, and I have a strong feeling that legislation would over-tax a plant that technically anyone could grow, and that drug companies would alter the substance.”

Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Sweeney is on board with legalizing

The “AToD” of Kean University stands for, “Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs.”

It is a task force that was put in place to “serve a variety of functions in the area of prevention and intervention of substance use at Kean University. The task force is under the Division of Student Affairs and is overseen by the Office of Counseling and Disability Services.”

The task force has yet to respond for comment on the potential legalization of marijuana in NJ. According to northjersey.com, on Oct. 22, Senate President Stephen Sweeney said, “We sent a formal list to the governor of the members that he would be helpful with, and I would expect him to participate because it’s important to him, too.”

Murphy responded saying, “You give me the list and I’m all in… I’ve not gotten any list, but I’m very happy to do that.”

Posted by nj.com on Oct. 18, a new poll was taken showing that, “58 percent of NJ

residents said they support it, while only 37 percent say they oppose the plan.”

Despite more than half the state being in support, numerous towns have already said they will ban the recreational sale of the drug in their communities. Northjersey. com writes, “Elmwood Park, Saddle Brook, Hasbrouck Heights, Carlstadt, Clifton, East Rutherford, Franklin Lakes, Mahwah, Midland Park, North Haledon, Wayne, Upper Saddle River, and Wyckoff have all banned sales of recreational marijuana.”

Aside from being able to legally purchase cannabis from dispensaries that would be built in towns around NJ, the proposed bill would also address, “clearing low-level marijuana convictions from people’s criminal records. “The latest bill would impose a 12 percent tax on marijuana sales, with cities and towns allowed to add a 2 percent tax of their own… The bill also attempts to address racial inequities”

8 THE TOWER

November, 2018

Prevent and treat diabetes, a serious and growing disease in the U.S.

By Dr. Josh Palgi and Professor Tara Bogota Around 30 million Americans had diabetes in 2015 and about seven million of them were diagnosed. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the nation and disproportionately strikes African Americans, Hispanics and Asians.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to team up to bring attention to diabetes and its impact on millions of Americans and people all over the world.

On December 20, 2006 the United Nations passed a resolution to designate November 14 World Diabetes Day. The occasion aimed to raise awareness of diabetes, its prevention and complications and the care that people with Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes need.

DM, diabetes mellitus, occurs when the body cannot product enough insulin or cannot respond appropriately to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to absorb and use glucose (sugar) as fuel for the body’s cells. Without properly functioning insulin, blood glucose levels become elevated and other metabolic abnormalities occur, leading to the development of serious disabling complications.

disease; Heart disease; Stroke; Kidney damage; and Lower-limb amputations.

You can help prevent these problems by keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels under control.

3. What does insulin do?

Insulin helps cells take in blood sugar.

Insulin helps your body use or store the blood sugar it gets from food. Blood sugar is also called blood glucose.

4. What are contributing factors for getting Type 2 diabetes?

Being overweight and not getting exercise make it more likely that you will get type 2 diabetes. Losing weight and being more physically active may help you prevent it.

5. Who is more likely to get type 2 diabetes?

The American Diabetes Association says that diabetes is more likely in people who are 20 or older and are American Indians/Alaska Natives, non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, or Asian Americans. Non-Hispanic blacks are almost two times more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic whites of a like age.

Be aware of diabetes risk factors, encourage people to make healthy changes and donate to support research to find a cure.

The three common types of DM are: OO Type 1 diabetes which result when the body loses its ability to produce insulin OO

Type 2 diabetes which results from a combination of resistance to the action of insulin and insufficient insulin production

OO Gestational diabetes, a common complication of pregnancy, can lead to perinatal complications in mother and child and substantially increases the likelihood of caesarian section. Gestational diabetes is also a risk factor for the mother later in life as well as the child’s subsequent development of type 2 diabetes.

For those diagnosed, diabetes can affect every decision- what to eat, wear, do and other decisions about how they will take care of themselves. The management of diabetes is a 24/7 task and is often misunderstood.

How much do you know about diabetes?

The following information was taken from the American Diabetes Association, The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the Centers for Disease Control.

1. How many people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes?

The correct answer is more than 9 in 10.

People with diabetes most often have type 2.

You are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes if you: are older, obese, don’t get much exercise and have a family history of diabetes.

You are also at risk if you have prediabetes or had gestational diabetes. You are also at risk if you are of a certain ethnic background. This type of diabetes was once seen just in adults.

Today more children and teens are being diagnosed with it.

2. If your diabetes isn’t under control, it can harm which body part?

Diabetes can affect many parts of your body.

It can lead to serious health problems. These include: Eye problems; Nerve damage; Gum

6. What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

Symptoms of diabetes include: Increased thirst and urination, Increased hunger, Fatigue, Blurred vision, Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands, Sores that do not heal and Unexplained weight loss Other symptoms may include sexual dysfunction, needing to urinate often, and tingling or loss of feeling in the hands or feet.

But some people who have type 2 diabetes may have no symptoms. Symptoms may be mild and almost unnoticeable, or easily confused with normal signs of aging. Half of all Americans who have diabetes don’t know it.

7. Diabetes can only be managed with medicine.

False. Diabetes can sometimes be managed with a healthy diet and exercise.

8. How does exercise help people with diabetes?

Exercise makes your cells more sensitive to insulin. Your muscles use more blood sugar during exercise. This lowers your blood sugar levels. And that cuts your body’s need for insulin.

Symptoms of type I diabetes can start quickly whereas type II can be more of a slower development and more mild.

Lifestyle changes have been proven effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type II diabetes in high-risk individuals. Research demonstrates that lifestyle intervention had its greatest impact in older adults and was effective in all racial and ethnic groups.

Being overweight or poor eating habits are not the only things that can lead to diabetes.

How you manage (or don’t manage) your stress weighs in and so does getting proper sleep, smoking, the amount of alcohol one intakes and genetics.

Diabetes is a serious chronic disease. We can use National Diabetes Month this month to raise awareness about diabetes risk factors, encourage people to make healthy changes and donate to support research to find a cure.

Dr. Palgi and Professor Bogota teach in Kean’s School of Health & Human Performance.

Time to get social without social media “Sometimes, you don’t know how people would react to you as a person. Because we are all so vastly different.”

Photo by Tasha Dowbachuk

Photo by Tasha Dowbachuk

Resident Assistant (R.A), Erica Allen, posing with her banner for the event.

One of the participators demonstrating one of the games for the upcoming activity.

By Tasha Dowbachuk

their headphones are in,” Allen continued.

The main purpose of the event was to affect others in a way that would evoke inspiration as well as motivation to be their authentic selves without the influence of social media.

“Social media is too safe,” Allen said.

“Sometimes, you don’t know how people would react to you as a person because we are all so vastly different.”

According to Allen, personalizing your socialization is an effective way to start conversations with those who you may or may not know. For example, by simply embodying a welcoming demeanor, this can open many doors of conversation until you and the other individual discovers a shared interest.

“Social media is not reality,” said Peter Mousa, a senior studying finance. “Reality is when you’re sitting in front of someone and you are holding a conversation [with them].

Behind the screen, you can think it’s the same, but its not.”

Through the activities, the attendees discussed how their relationships, friendships and their mental health were tested through the means of social media.

Through their own experiences of self growth and recreated perceptions of the world, they developed an optimistic approach toward the digital world and their social lives.

“We can all come together as a community.

We can build that community by putting the phone down for an hour and talking to a total stranger,” said Allen. “Its okay to be yourself and to let these guards down.”

Ask yourself the following question: How many times a day are you checking your phone for a notification while walking past a colleague who’s saying hello to you? Don’t worry, most of us are guilty of the act and yet we can’t help but to repeat the same behavior. It’s all about keeping our social lives up to date in the digital world, as well as our real world. Here’s a better question: When was the last time you were social without the use of social media?

Students at Kean University gathered for the event called “Let’s Be Social Without Social Media” on Nov. 7, to learn how to develop social and interactive skills by disconnecting from their phones for the duration of the half hour program. The attendees could not mention social media or anything in relation to their devices.

If the participants weren’t able to keep themselves from checking their phones, they would receive warnings or be required to participate in a game of truth or dare for everyone to witness.

“The event was created by resident assistant (RA), Erica Allen, who had experienced what it was like to approach her colleagues while their main focus was inside the digital world, rather than the real world.”

“Later on, if I post something, they’ll like it and comment. So I thought to myself, we really don’t have social skills,” said Allen.

“It was bothering me because it would be somebody I know yet I can’t get their attention, because their head is down and

Kean Women’s soccer has a season worth remembering continued from page 7

Photo by Larry Levanti

Goalkeeper Mary Bystrycki (freshman) directing traffic.

the goalkeepers and my trainers because they are the ones that pushed me.”

In her freshman season, Bystrycki was twice named the NJAC Rookie of the Week and twice named the Defensive Player of the Week. The Ewing, New Jersey native was tabbed as an All-NJAC honorable mention as well.

While the goal of any team is to win the last game of the season, Bystrycki feels that her team’s 2018 campaign was a step in the right direction and can be used as a building block going forward.

“From this season I have learned that the ‘family feeling’ of a team is so crucial and important to success,” Bystrycki said.

“I have also learned to take it all one game at a time and focus on winning this one before thinking about the next, it helps with focusing in the moments where it matters.”

When it came to senior midfielder Corinne Dengel, making the All-NJAC second-team is something that she feels wouldn’t have been possible if not for the team around her.

“Being named All-NJAC second-team is a true honor but I couldn’t have done it without my teammates by my side,” Dengel said.

For the Manahawkin, New Jersey native, she too was proud of her team’s performance this season and is happy that in her final year she was able to go out on a high note.

“I am so proud of how my team performed this season and overall, although our record may not show it, we had our most successful season in the years that I have been here,” Dengel said. “Every single girl worked so hard day in and day out for months and that is why we made it to the NJAC semifinals.”

Historian Jon Meacham gives a lecture at Kean University continued from page 3

Photo by Joshua Rosario

Jon Meacham discussing with Jonathan Mercantini after his lecture.

President George W. Bush stating that Jackson, who was already deceased, “would have paid more attention” than Trump.

Bush was mentioned multiple times referring to his presidency, whether it be a small joke or an actual insight into the importance of who we once had the opportunity to elect.

When given the example of Bush running in an athletic race with obstacles, he saw one of his peers, Bennett McNickel. Instead of easily beating him in the race, he stopped, helped him up, and they completed the race together.

According to Meacham, McNickel said it was “the nicest thing anyone has ever done for him.”

Another solid example is when Meacham discussed his private interview with him.

He had Bush read a letter he had written to his mother

when his daughter died of leukemia. Tears were shed and when Bush’s chief of staff asked why he wanted him to read the letter, Meacham said, “well if you want to know someone’s heart’’ and before he could finish, Bush jumped in and said, “you have to know what breaks it.”

This was Meacham’s example of what our country’s character was, and should continue to be. He also stated, “I think it’s the kind of person that we can, with luck, not only find again but try to be again.”

“Years from now, this is going to look like Obama’s America, not Trump’s.”

Mercantini then reentered the stage and sat alongside with Meacham to ask further questions.

After the lecture, those who registered for the lunch at Ursino Steakhouse left the lecture via trolleys where they were able to speak with Jon Meacham and enjoy a meal as well.