The Tower October 3, 2019.

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Construction on campus

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NJCPA General Excellence Award

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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

Search committee for new president announced after public meeting

By Erin McGuinness The Kean University Board of Trustees appointed a Pennsylvania firm Sept. 16 to open a search to replace controversial President

Parking difficulties cause student controversy

according to the announcement.

The committee does not include representatives of any campus unions, according to Kean Federation of Teachers President James Castiglione, a physics professor.

Photo by Erin McGuinness

President Dawood Farahi and the Board of Trustees address the public at a Sept 16 meeting.

Photo by Erin McGuinness

Twenty two faculty parking spots have been blocked off for construction at the Science Building.

By Erin McGuinness

The search for a new university president will begin immediately, guided by a 13-member search committee and a newly hired search firm.

Dawood Farahi, who is stepping down at the end of the school year after 17 years at Kean’s helm.

The announcement came after an hour-long public meeting at the new Liberty Hall Museum and Academic Center, where several speakers urged an open and transparent search process for a new university leader.

The trustees did not react to numerous professors who urged the board to include broad campus-wide involvement in the search. The board then went into a closed, private session and upon reopening three hours later approved $150,000 to hire the search firm, Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates.

The firm and a 13-member search committee was announced to the campus community Sept. 17 in a university-wide email as part of Kean News. The Kean News announcement said that Board Chairperson Ada Morell selected the search committee after consulting “various university leaders, stakeholders and constituents.”

The search will begin immediately,

Castiglione told the board on Sept.

16 that the KFT, which represents about 400 full-time faculty and professional staff, unanimously passed a resolution the week prior calling for a collaborative process that includes representatives of all stakeholders at Kean.

The resolution asked that the search be “national in scope; inclusive of all university and community constituencies in the formulation of the search committee, including representation from all campus unions; open and transparent in its processes, and; Conducted with the highest standards of integrity; So as to ensure its legitimacy.”

“Selecting Dr. Farahi’s successor will not be easy considering his legacy of outstanding accomplishments here at Kean,” Morell said in Kean News. “But we are eager to begin a collaborative process and are confident it will result in finding a new president who will continue to move the University forward.”

Parking continues to cause issues for Kean University students in the new semester, though the administration said new parking spaces have been made available.

“Nearly 4,000” parking spaces are available across the Union campus, said Margaret McCorry, director of media relations for the university.

The number includes 51 new spots next to the Liberty Hall Museum and Academic Center, where students can take a shuttle service to the main campus, though 22 faculty spots have been lost to new construction on the Science Building, she said.

Kean serves an enrollment of over 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students, according to the Kean University website.

Over 6,000 students have registered for parking e-permits for the 2019-20 academic year so far, McCorry said. More students will have the opportunity to register their vehicle in the Spring semester.

“Those students attend classes from morning to night throughout the week so parking spots turn over frequently throughout the day,” McCorry said.

“Students are strongly encouraged to leave extra time for parking and to take advantage of parking on East Campus, where a shuttle bus can take you

over to the main campus.”

However, students said they are leaving early and the issue continues to exist.

Jessica Ryan, a Kean University student since 2016, said the parking situation has gotten even worse.

“I have had a horrific experience with parking on campus,” Ryan said. “There have been numerous times where people threatened to fight me over a spot, someone has hit my car in a parking spot and fled the scene, and the lack of spots in general.”

Ryan said she leaves her home, approximately 25 minutes away, two to three hours in advance to ensure parking.

Parking is not only a source of stress for her, but the fall semester has been the most difficult parking situation she has seen at Kean so far.

While the shuttle bus system is available to take students to and from the main campus and other parking options, including East Campus and Kean Hall, Ryan claims the system “is convenient on a good day.”

“Otherwise, it takes too long to arrive and it has made many students including myself, late to my next class,” she said.

Emily Kyne has been a student at Kean since 2017.

Finding parking has grown more difficult, she said.

Kyne, who commutes 45 minutes to Kean,

Students say they are facing more parking difficulties in the new semester.

continued on page 2

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After Jack McKiernan’s unannounced departure, Matthew Caruso fills Athletic Director post

By Steven Merrill Matthew Caruso is serving as Acting Director of Kean Athletics, replacing Jack McKiernan who departed the university in July.

The Tower learned of the change at the helm of the athletics department after noticing that McKiernan was no longer listed on the Kean Athletics website as athletic director. Kean has not publicly announced the change.

“Kean does not comment on personnel matters, but I can confirm that Jack McKiernan is no longer with the University,” Kean’s Director of Media Relations Margaret McCorry said in an email.

Caruso most recently served as President Dawood Farahi’s Deputy Chief of Staff. He has also served as Kean’s spokesperson. It is not known whether a formal search for a permanent athletic director is

underway.

“It’s an honor to be named Acting Director of Athletics,” Caruso said in an email. “Our student-athletes are

some of Kean’s best ambassadors and working on their behalf inspires me.

Our coaches and staff are a dedicated group and I’m excited for what the

“It’s an honor to be named Acting Director of Athletics” Photo by Kean Athletics

Former Kean Director of Athletics Jack McKiernan.

Photo by Kean Athletics

Acting Director of Athletics Matthew Caruso.

future holds.”

Kean athletics is a $2.86 million operation with 368 student-athletes, according to collegefactual.com.

Between the men’s and women’s programs, Kean competes in 13 sports at the Division III level.

McKiernan became Kean’s athletic director in 2015, the seventh in school history. Before taking the top spot, he worked for Kean Athletics as the Sports Information Director for 15 years.

McKiernan played football at Rutgers and received a sports management degree in 1998.

It’s unclear why McKiernan is no longer at Kean. When reached by phone, he declined to comment.

Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Matt McDuffie said it is a fresh start for Kean Athletics and he hopes to see more winning programs at the school.

He said he already notices a difference continued on page 6

2 THE TOWER

September, 2019

Students and professors react to president Farahi stepping down

By Bernadette Kelly Since Dawood Farahi announced 2020 will be his last year as university president in August, students and faculty have had time to process the news.

The news of his stepping down came as a surprise to many students, they said. Reactions to the announcement are mixed.

decision not to rehire the university’s professional staff and 13 lecturers was held at the Board of Trustees meeting.

Alvarado joined the protest, where many professors shared their stories about their frustrations with Farahi, he said.

“My professors have told me about (Farahi) ignoring emails,” Alvarado said. “Professors have asked him to donate or help implement ideas for the

Photo by kean.edu

“It has been my honor to serve this university on its path toward Vision 2020,” said Farahi.

“I didn’t expect President Farahi to step down from the university after working here for so long” Photo by kean.edu

The news of Farahi stepping down came as a surprise to many students and faculty.

Thayssa Silva, a senior majoring in Computer Science, said she was surprised at the news.

“I didn’t expect President Farahi to step down from the university after working here for so long,” Silva said.

Silva said she feels Farahi’s involvement in the university’s decisions is on a much larger scale that she does not notice in her everyday schooling.

Dr. James Drylie, Executive Director of the School of Criminal Justice and Public Administration, was hired by Farahi in 2006.

When reminiscing on achievements that Farahi had made, Drylie said that one of Farahi’s greatest achievements for Kean was the university’s expansion in China to create the Wenzhou Kean campus. Drylie attended Kean 40 years ago and can see the difference made by the university’s progression, he said.

“There’s so much that he initiated,” Drylie said. “There’s so much that he put in place.”

Farahi will have the option to return

political science department to help it expand. They were ignored instead of given a reason as to why we cannot have his help.”

Alvarado said that he feels it is a good thing Farahi is stepping down.

“Kean’s future depends on its successor,” Alvarado said. “I cannot say for sure about the future of Kean but I hope our next president is more useful for students than Farahi was.”

Dr. Jacqueline Keil, a professor for the Political Science department, has been at Kean University since 2001.

Keil sees Farahi stepping down as an opportunity to move forward.

“This could be an opportunity to improve Kean University, particularly when it comes to relations between faculty, staff, librarians and the administration,” Keil said. “There has been a lot of friction between the community at large and the administration.”

Keil hopes that faculty and union members will be included and informed about all aspects of the upcoming search for a new president, she said.

Photo by Bernadette Kelly

Farahi will remain as Kean University’s president until after the 2020 academic year.

to Kean as a distinguished professor, according to his compensation agreement.

If Farahi decides to come back as a distinguished professor, he would be working as a Public Administration professor under Drylie’s direction, Drylie said.

Some students, such as Daniel Alvarado, a senior majoring in Political Science, said they are happy to see Farahi go.

Last May, a protest over the

Johnny Le, a senior studying Communications in Media and Film, said he is still trying to figure out the politics of leadership at Kean, since this is only his third semester here at the university.

“I hope whoever steps in will continue to carry on what Farahi started…we would all have to wait and see how it goes,” Le said.

Farahi will remain as Kean University’s president until after the 2019-2020 academic year.

Dr. Hunt retires after 33 years at Kean University

By Rafaela Teixeira

mid-80s, I had a class in the morning at St. John’s, then at Fordham, then Dr. Robert Hunt, who retired this back at St. John’s in the same day.” year from Kean after 33 years as a He recalled that his time being an professor, is the kind of scholar who adjunct professor involved teaching can cite cases and theory verbatim subjects that were not necessarily in during his lectures. his area of expertise.

“He can quote things and rattle Hunt also noted that he was glad off information without having that he was hired full-time at Kean to reference out of the book,” said because he was able to teach what he Geraldine Carreon, a student of Hunt’s loved and develop courses in political who completed her degree in 2013 science alongside his colleagues. and is now a law student at Widener He said there’s many things he’ll University. “He had a miss at Kean, including way of capturing your his students and attention.” colleagues who have Known as tough become his friends. but fair, Hunt taught But he said he’s had courses like American a good run and it’s Politics, American time to go onto other “I love Political Theory, things.

Classical Political He noted that his teaching Theory, Intro to wife often wonders and I Comparative Politics, what he’ll do next the U.S. Congress and because she wants him didn’t know Municipal Government to be active rather than that at Fordham University, staying still during his St. John’s University retirement. when I and St. Francis College.

“I was watching started it” “I love teaching and I the public access didn’t know that when channel one day and I started it,” said Hunt.

I see ‘senior softball “Just because you love 58 years or older,’ so the subject doesn’t I thought maybe I’d mean you’re going to try that,” said Hunt. love teaching it.”

“But my wife said ‘you A first-generation better get back into shape before you college student, Hunt originally try that.’” wanted to become a lawyer before Hunt hopes to check items off his enrolling at Fordham University for lenient bucket list alongside his family. his doctorate degree.

He played the clarinet, “badly,” His interest in the political roughly 35 years ago and might pick philosophy courses he took pushed it up again. He also hopes to travel to Hunt in the direction of teaching other countries, as well as other states political theory. in the U.S. to visit major league baseball Before being hired as a full-time parks that he’s never experienced. professor at Kean, Hunt taught as an “I’ll miss getting students in class adjunct professor in other schools, and having to experience their including his alma maters St. John’s appreciation of the values and ideas,” and Fordham University. said Hunt. “Whether it’s ideas that “My experience teaching at other were expressed 100 years ago or schools was running from this school so, having them think about the to that school, sometimes on the same importance of the Constitution, that’s day,” said Hunt. “One semester in the what I’ll miss.”

Search committee for new president announced after public meeting continued from cover

A presidential search page has been created on the Kean University website to list updates in the process. The committee will provide opportunities for campus constituencies and organizations to share recommendations, according to Kean News.

“The search firm works under the direction of Kean’s search committee,” said Margaret McCorry, director of media relations for the university.

“The committee will develop a profile for the position and a timeline for the search process.”

The American Association of University Professors, on its website, offers a checklist for the composition of a search committee.

“In a joint committee, the numbers from each constituency should reflect both the primacy of faculty concern and the range of other groups, including students, that have legitimate claim to some involvement,” according to the AAUP. The committee is chaired by Morrell and includes: two students: Kristin Failla, a graduate student, and Deshawn Reed, an undergraduate; Consuelo A. Bonillas, professor in the School of Health and Human Performance and Claire Mulry, assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy; Patricia Barksdale, a wealth management advisor for Merrill Lynch; Thomas J. Bistocchi, secretary of the Board of Trustees; Michael D’Agostino, vice chair of the Board of Trustees; Steve Fastook, Kean trustee and board chair of Kean University Foundation; Abby Gallego, Kean

alumnae; Dave Gibbons, Kean trustee; Linda Lewis, Kean trustee; Ed Oatman, Kean trustee; and John Turner, CEO of Corporate Synergies Group.

State Senator Joseph Cryan (D-Union), a frequent critic of the Farahi administration, said he hopes the search for a new president is thorough.

“I hope that there is a focus on somebody who sees that it is a new day for the university and focuses on student outcomes, student achievement, and appreciates the faculty and people that actually make up the university,” Cryan said.

The board Sept. 16 also approved a five percent salary increase (about $16,000) for Farahi. In April 2018, Farahi’s salary was listed at $314,773, bringing his annual salary to approximately $330,511. The increase is retroactive to July 2019.

At the end of the school year, Farahi will be taking a one-year, paid sabbatical that includes his annual salary, according to his compensation agreement.

“At the conclusion of his sabbatical period, the President shall have the option to return to a position on the Kean University faculty as Distinguished Professor in Public Administration at the top salary range for that title,” according to the agreement.

As his career comes full circle, Farahi as a professor would once again be represented by the KFT, the union he has contested throughout his career as president.

September, 2019

By Siobhan Donaldson

Building Continues on Campus: What You Need to Know

In 2018, construction began on several new building projects that were to further students’ education and resources. While many of the upgrades are set to open in 2020, specifically Hynes Hall and the Miron Student Center, staff and students said they are adapting around the changing landscape.

The projects include a new Commuter Resource Center, connected to the Nancy Thompson Library, that will offer expanded services for commuter students, a renovation to the Science Building to update their student lab facilities with modern equipment and a new international food station in the Miron Student Center’s student food court.

“I just found out about the Miron Center recently,” said Adora Oku a Cell-Molecular Biology student in her junior year. “I think it’s cool.”

The MSC will also have redesigned bathrooms; expanded space for new student programs; an expansion of the Greek Lounge so clubs and organizations on campus have large space to hold events; and new MSC administrative offices.

“Our students, clubs, and organizations are excited about the possibilities that this new space will bring to the Miron Student Center,” said Kerrin Lyles, MSC director.

One of the largest projects, Hynes Hall, will house all of Kean’s undergraduate and graduate business programs. The building is set to open in Fall 2019 alongside the Vermella, a mixed-use retail and luxury apartment

space. The 90,000 square foot structure will have access to Bloomberg business intelligence software and a ‘Library in the Sky,’ which is a virtual library on the planned top floor of Hynes.

It is being built by the Natoli Construction Corporation of Pine Brook, who has done work on the Statue of Liberty and the Medieval Times Arena Theater in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. Kean university pays for these projects using a Capital Investment fee, which is paid for by students to repay debts and fund building projects not covered by bonds. This fee increased from $60 per credit in 2015 to $68.50 per credit in the 2019-2020 school year.

“Kean University is dedicated to providing our students with worldclass facilities while also working diligently to ensure that our tuition and fees remain among the lowest in New Jersey,” said Margaret McCorry, director of media relations for Kean, “Each of the current projects will move the University forward by providing enhanced academic and student services.”

The Liberty Hall Museum and Academic Center opened a new hall on the Liberty Hall Campus this fall. The building has new offices for the history department, as well as classrooms and an exhibition space for museum pieces to be displayed.

These new projects were assisted by the facilities and campus planning interns, who had a helping hand in laying the groundwork in the planning process. Violeta Jaya, a senior Architecture student, did the technical

Photo by Kelly Contreras

The new Learning Plaza located in between Wilkins Theater and Hutchinson.

Photo by Siobhan Donaldson

Construction on Union campus.

Photo by Siobhan Donaldson

Construction on Union campus.

continued on page 6

Students and faculty speak out on Learning Plaza replacing Willis Hall

By Kelly Contreras

THE TOWER 3

Photo by Kelly Contreras

One of the charging stations with the cover available to slide up.

USB ports and outlets are visible and available for charging devices.

Last semester, Willis Hall could be “Now that I know it’s a charging seen across from the faculty parking station, I probably will [use it],” said lot. Now, without a trace of its original Adrian Carter, Communications major. memory, Kean University has a new The Learning Plaza has received Learning Plaza. some negative feedback, as well as It was decided by Kean University positive, before the new addition of President Dawood Farahi for Willis seating and tables, were placed.

Hall to be demolished during the “It’s very bland, there’s not really 2018 College of Liberal Arts (CLA) anything there,” said Jordan Fountain, Convocation.

Communications major. “I mean it The demolition of Willis Hall began looks nice but that’s all it is.” in May after an assessment of the However, the project is not finished. building revealed renovations would “[The Learning Plaza] is a work in be too costly. The Learning Plaza progress,” Gusset said. “[For weather is currently an open area that was purposes we are going to have] some cleaned up and ready for use a week sort of wooden canopy that would prior to the Fall semester. stretch over the Learning Plaza.”

Jeremy Gusset, a fourth-year The plaza was made more for the architecture student purposes of nicer and student worker/ weather, not intended intern for Facilities and for use during rain or Campus Planning, said snow.

“Now that I know rough the idea of what to do Some of the new with the new space after it’s a charging additions to the Willis Hall’s demolition Learning Plaza, such station, I probably as seating, were placed was a group effort from administration will [use it]” before November as along with the facilities expected. and campus planning There will also be a department. concrete wall about “I didn’t know there seven feet high with was a hall here,” said Eric Palin, Health Kean University written across it on and Physical Education major. the side closer to the parking lot in Although there are students and order to give the Learning Plaza a sense of privacy, according to Gusset. faculty who do remember.

Gusset concluded that the intended “The Learning Plaza’s purpose is to goal is to make the Learning Plaza open up the campus instead of there a social space and learning area being a cluster of buildings like there whether it be for an outdoor class, were before,” Gusset said. club meetings, or even just to enjoy Many students said they had similar the outside. concerns, including the purpose of “I’ve been here I think 30 years,” the Leaning Plaza, why there were no said Bailey Baker, Associate chairs and why money was spent on Communications professor. “sticks.”

“Willis Hall has always been a part of The “sticks” are electric and equipped life here but I just think the Learning with lighting. There is a small cover Plaza is just wonderful.” on the edge and once it is slid up,

Kean Skylands open for classes

By Emily Robles Kean University’s new Skylands campus in Morris County offers more than the average grounds.

Students are surrounded by hundreds of acres of pristine wooded land and study in what was once an abbey for a religious order. Students can stroll along a “Canopy Walkway” that leads to a four-story open concept treehouse offering an immersive experience for various majors.

“Students can expect a much more relaxed environment than what is typically experienced in New Jersey,” says Executive Director of the College of Natural, Applied and Health Sciences Daniela Shebitz. “There is no better teacher for environmental science than nature itself. As professors, we are excited to see how students observe environmental interactions and how they are inspired by the complexity of nature and hope that they carry with them a passion to protect the plants, animals, air, and soil around them.”

Being surrounded by nature generates fewer distractions, Shebitz said.

“I think that students are most likely to learn about the connections between

community college with an Associate’s Degree seeking to earn their Bachelor’s Degree. Kean also has a campus at Ocean County Community College, which has been successfully recruiting students with AA degrees.

The former abbey that once served as a training center and religious retreat for Paulist Monks is now a, “30,000 square foot lodge renovated to house today’s classrooms, labs, a gym, student lounges, and event centers,” according to its website.

According to a 2017 article in the New Jersey Herald, the 1,100 acres property was purchased by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in 2009 for $12 million when the religious order found that it could no longer afford to maintain it.

In October 2014, the NJDEP approved a 20-year lease of approximately 40 acres of the property to Kean University. The article said the Kean renovation was expected to cost about $14 million.

So far, the programs offered at Skylands include Environmental Biology, Criminal Justice, General Business Management and Psychology.

Classes range from face-to-face

“Students can expect a much more relaxed environment than what is typically experienced in New Jersey.”

Photo by Anna-Marie Kelly

Kean Skylands billboard located in Byram, NJ.

species and their environment through experiencing their interactions up close,” Shebitz said.

Located about an hour from the Union campus in Jefferson, New Jersey, the campus was built on 40 acres of protected land and is near the County College of Morris, Sussex County Community College and Passaic County Community College.

Kean is marketing the campus as an ideal place for students leaving

communication to online courses.

Currently this semester, there are three Environmental Science courses, two Criminal Justice courses, and one Management course available to take at the campus. The campus has nine classrooms and 24 residential rooms.

“More programs will start to be offered on this campus based on student demand,’’ said Margaret McCorry, Kean’s director of Media Relations.

4 THE TOWER

September, 2019

New Eateries open Across from Kean

By Breanna Palzer Two new restaurants – Panera Bread and Chipolte – were constructed over the summer near Vermella Union apartment development located across the street from Kean University.

Panera opened this past July and Chipotle is set to open at the end of September.

fresh-baked loaves of bread, I knew I would be coming here a lot,” said senior Katelyn Piorkowski. “It’s a really nice establishment. I’m glad they decided to add both Panera and Chipotle.”

At a meeting held for campus workers, Kerrin Lyles, the managing assistant director for the Miron Student Center, stated that the University is in the process of getting

Photo by Breanna Palzer

Panera’s ordering station along with bakery.

Photo by Breanna Palzer

Outside of Panera.

“When I saw that they were selling fresh-baked loaves of bread, I knew I would be coming here a lot.”

Photo by Breanna Palzer

Outside of chipotle.

the eateries to take Cougar dollars.

“I think it would be really nice if they let us pay with cougar dollars,” said junior Kara Kitchen. “It would save me a lot of money. Plus, since it’s right across from Kean, it would only make sense.”

Chipotle currently pays $11 per hour.

Panera takes up 4,276 square feet of the building, according to a press release, while Chipotle takes up 2,509 square feet.

Both Panera and Chipotle are equipped with indoor and outdoor seating and also have self-ordering stations “When I saw that they were selling

Seventh annual Kean Day celebrated on Friday, Sept. 13

By Tiye Bracy Friday, Sept. 13 marked the seventh annual Kean Day – a day for various campus clubs to interact with students and gain exposure. The event strives to be inclusive, giving students a chance to join a community based on their interests.

Photo by Jeremiah Sullivan

PRSSA members volunteered for Kean Day.

presents opportunities for students who want to gain hands-on experience in the broadcasting field. KeanTV incorporates many aspects of the mass media as well and is more than just onair personalities.

“You learn how to edit and how to record stuff professionally,” said Chrisbenia Pimentel, producer of

Photo by Tiye Bracy

Kean students cover the cougar walk with enthusiasm.

Photo by Tiye Bracy

KeanTV Club table on Kean Day.

“You learn how to edit and how to record stuff professionally.”

During this year’s event, the Cougar Walk was filled with students, stretching from the front of the Nancy Thompson Library to the D’Angelo Gymnasium. Counselling, Disability, Alcohol and Other Drug Services, Residential Student Services, Tutoring and Learning Support Services all hosted tables.

Tutoring and Learning Support services help students with all subjects including math, science, history, and technology while Counseling, Disability, Alcohol and Other Drug Services provide students with health care support. These services are included in each student’s tuition.

Other tables ranged from the Biotechnology Club to the Unified Sports Club.

Fraternities and sororities also came out on Kean Day as the life of the party.

Organizations like Theta Phi Alpha, Ioi Phi Theta, or Delta Phi Epilson could be seen strolling and dancing in the crowds.

Also at the event was the campus television station KeanTV. This club

Story Time with Cris. “You learn how to work lightning and all the different things that make TV.” Another group on display at the annual event was the Poetry Club.

“We do a lot of writing prompts,” said one of their creative board members. “But you don’t have to write poetry. You can come to enjoy, listen, and learn.”

The Public Relations Society of America Club (PRSSA) is for Communication students who want hands-on experience in the media relations field. Students will create marketing, awareness, crisis, and public relations campaigns for companies.

Students get the chance to meet PR professionals - account coordinators, account managers, and founders of corporate firms. These professionals serve as mentors to students, help students earn internships, and go over resume and cover letters expectations from employers.

For a complete list of campus clubs, students can visit Cougar Link on the university’s website.

“At Eternity’s Gate” The Final Years of Vincent Van Gogh

By Wynter Aiken The troubled final years of Vincent Van Gogh, depicted in the emotionaldriven film by actor Willem Dafoe, directed by Julian Schnabel, captivated viewers alike at Kean’s North Ave. Academic Building Auditorium on Sept. 15.

The film opens with the scene of the immediate criticism from the spectator’s view of Van Gogh’s art.

Van Gogh, an isolated man born with God’s gift of giving people a vision that many cannot understand in the form of paintings. Van Gogh is tested in not only his own faith in himself, but those around him.

“His artistic vision is deep and profound and the many people Gogh surrounds himself with think he’s strange and makes him unwelcomed,” said 64-year-old moviegoer John Sanders, who is a huge fan of Dafoe and his films. “He is truly an artist with a passion for acceptance in

normal society and just wants to share his being with those who he wishes would understand him.”

Van Gogh’s final years connect with artists who know what it’s like to have your art ridiculed and shamed for

they can not understand nor see the beauty of one’s art.” said Renee Jones, a moviegoer who heard of the film showing via Kean’s twitter.

Willem Dafoe’s portrayal of Vincent Van Gogh is gripping in a way that

Photo by Wynter Aiken

Film Screening Ticket.

being different. Schnabel’s multiple scenes including the showing of how Gogh’s art is seen as out worldly with common usage of the words ugly and demented by the southern french villagers and surprisingly children was truly troubling to watch.

“To see even school children mock Van Gogh was appalling, the teacher even encouraging them while Gogh was simply enjoying the scenic view while painting was sad and yet unsurprising because

is emotional and raw. Gogh’s slow downfall to a psychological war with inner demons and life’s failures is a story that Schnabel brings to life just like Van Gogh brings life to his paintings. Dafoe’s Van Gogh connects with the natural world around him from taking a ragged old pair of boots to painting a colorful and bright reimage to painting a portrait of flowers that

will never wilt and die.

As Dafoe’s Van Gogh falls into an abyss of despair at his perceived failures in all areas of life to the point of voluntary asylum admission, his talent is shown in the creation of his greatest works in self-portraits and expressive images of sunflowers, night skies, and green nature-filled landscapes. Viewers are even able to see the complicated relationships that make Van Gogh who he is, including fellow artist Paul Gauguin, café owner and portrait subject Marie Ginoux, a judgemental doctor, and the local village priest.

While an artist’s vision isn’t for everyone, that vision can hold beauty, passion, fear, anger, and most importantly, a love for art.

“I put my heart and my soul into my work and have lost my mind in the process...I dream of painting and then I paint my dream.”

- Vincent Van Gogh

“His artistic vision is deep and profound and the many people Gogh surrounds himself with think he’s strange and makes him unwelcomed.”

Photo by Creative Commons

“Selbstporträt” by copiancestral.

Photo by Creative Commons

“ImageFramer 3” by glen.dahlman.

September, 2019

THE TOWER 5

Former Kean University professor hosts The School of CMJ’s Spring 2020 writing retreat over the summer Travel Abroad Program helped me develop a consistent habit

Photo by Kean University

Inspired by Camp NaNoWriMo, Dreste organized a summer writing retreat for Kean.

By Craig Epstein Over the summer, former Kean University professor and Kean alumni Nikki Dreste organized a writing retreat that was inspired by the online based Camp NaNoWriMo. As a former member of the English department and one of the professors who was not reappointed last spring which led to a mass protest, Dreste looks to continue to design and run writing workshops in the future whether it is for the public or within an institution.

“Camp NaNoWriMo is a virtual writing retreat, designed to provide the community, resources and tools needed to complete any writing project, novel or not,” according to its website.

“Valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who had ever thought about writing a novel.”

With the goal in mind of finding new ways to promote faculty/student relationships within English Studies and connecting back to themes of writing and literature, this event was designed for students to work on any form of writing they chose and was open to anyone who registered.

“This is something I chose to do on my own, out of my own passion for the official event and wanting to share it with my students and colleagues,” Dreste said. “I’m in no way affiliated professionally with the official group, but I have been a passionate participant myself for years and decided to organize a summer writing event for Kean inspired by it after a number of my students and faculty expressed they would be interested in that kind of event.”

Taking place every Monday and Wednesday in CAS room 315 from 1-3 p.m., Dreste created optional writing prompts and posted them about the room and provided extra paper, pens/ pencils, and use of her own books on writing craft during event times.

And in the hopes of creating a fun, social, and goal oriented environment, she drew up a space on the room’s whiteboard for people to share their favorite writing quotes or inspiration/ advice for other writers, including themselves.

“It was a great experience that

of writing,” senior English literature major Asimakis Pagratis (nicknamed Maki) said. “It was good to work with other writers to create and develop a new writing project.”

Although the group was small, the time that they spent together was designed to be both fun and voluntary.

“We had a small but prolific group consisting of about four faculty members, one staff member, and five to six students in total, including a few guests,” Dreste said. “Not everyone came everyday or stayed the entire event, which was fine because I wanted it to be voluntary at every step.”

The event also contained a private online “cabin” for those that wanted to participate but couldn’t make it to

Photo by Nikki Dreste

Maki having some fun and getting writing done.

“It was a great experience that helped me develop a consistent habit of writing”

Photo by Nikki Dreste

The whiteboard being used as a “motivation corner.”

campus during the summer.

With her passion being writing and literature, Dreste’s favorite moments would be working alongside her peers and helping them through the entire process.

“I think some of my fondest memories were when the room would be quiet, save for the sound of typing and scratching on paper, and then someone would feel comfortable enough to speak up about something going on in their current writing process,” Dreste said. “Whether it was an observation about something they were doing that was or wasn’t working or if it was a question to help them get unblocked so they could keep going, it would create this connective human spirit in the room.”

By David Janes

taken and passed COMM 1402, and have at least a 2.5 GPA. This trip will count as a communications elective for Communications major whereas it’ll be a free elective for majors outside of Communications.

“When I seen that participating in this trip would knock off three 3 credits which is equivalent to a comm elective, I said sign me up,” said Junior Delilah Figueroa, public relations major. “That takes a load off of my shoulders going into my senior year.”

According to Professor Gili, the maximum amount of students that can be taken is forty.

There will be a Travel Learn: Info Session hosted on September 24th

The School of Communications, Media and Journalism is running a traveling abroad study program that will give students the opportunity to travel to London, Paris and Rome.

The trip will run during spring break, lasting eight days from March 6-13, 2020.

According to Professor Gina Gili, Communications professor and KeanTV advisor, the school of Communications, Media and Journalism has not had a travel learn in years.

“The school of CMJ has not had a travel learn running in several years,” said Gili. “We felt that it was a fantastic opportunity for our students to not only study communication but be immersed in the different cultures around the world.”

The trip has garnered lots of interest from Communication students.

Senior Joseph San Agustin, Media and Film major, believes this is a chance for students to experience different cultures.

“I think it’s going to be a great trip. I feel our students will learn a lot about the different european cultures and how they communicate with each other,” said San Agustin.

According to it’s flier, what’s included in the admission of the trip: -Breakfast and Dinner daily -Centrally located hotels -Transportation and tour Photo by David Janes guides The travel learn’s main flier.

-Admission to all locations Professor Gili hopes that students will see the value that and October 1st during college hour, communications play in everyday life. to discuss the big question in how to “I hope that students will see the apply financial aid toward the cost of role and importance that nonverbal the trip. communication plays in lives around Currently, students can register for the world,” said Gili. “As well as the trip by going to the link in the experience communication and bio section of the KeanTV Instagram politics, religion, and the effect media account. have throughout the globe.”

“Students will need to put down a Some of the major places that deposit of $500 dollars and will be able students will be visiting are Harry to go on a payment plan,” said Gili. “If Potter Studios in London, as well as they register, and deposit by October Vatican Radio in Rome.

1st, they save $200 off the price.”

“For me, I think that it is going to Understanding how communications be an amazing opportunity for our transcend to a mass audience is the growth as students and maturity as essence of the travel learning trip. adults,” said Junior Danielle Spence, “Communication is all around us, Public Relations major. and one of the most important skills Students can take the Travel Learn out there to secure a job,” said Gili. as a three-credited course: COMM “Giving students the opportunity to 4880: Travel Learn: Communication study communication globally will not Across Cultures. It is open to all only help them grow academically but majors outside of Communications.

The prerequisite must be that you’ve professionally as well.”

2nd Convocation for CLA Stays Cool With Speeches and Ice Cream!

By Siobhan Donaldson Wilkins Theater was once again filled with students for the 2nd Annual College of Liberal Arts Convocation on Sept. 10. Classes were canceled in hopes that freshmen and new transfer students would attend.

Acting Dean, Jonathan Mercantini, opened the event with many gratuities for the staff who put it all together. Key figures of the liberal arts department included Jack Sargent, Executive Director of Communications, Media, and Journalism, and Dr. Sara Compion, Director, Center for Interdisciplinary Studies at Kean University. Mercantini explained how important the College of Liberal Arts is to Kean and why a college degree is so important in our modern world.

“Those with a college degree earn more than one million dollars more than those without one,” Mercantini said, “Just by graduating you are a millionaire.”

Mercantini then announced that freshmen who completed the semester with a 4.0 GPA would receive a $100 gift card to the restaurant, Ursino, located in the STEM building.

President Darwood Farahi, announced his retirement in 2020, focusing on

how necessary Liberal Arts is to Kean’s professional programs.

“For our many professional programs, without a liberal arts foundation, it is useless.” Mercantini continued.

Kiki Jamieson, Ph.D., President of The Fund for New Jersey Foundation, who works to improve the quality of public policy decision making, spoke

about how power between political spaces and academic spaces that hold communities back can be changed by education and addressing of the issue.

“By communicating with professors and advisors, students can face the world with a brave face.” Jamieson said.

This struck a chord with Jenilee Jean Pierre, a freshman who is undecided on their major.

“Power has been on my mind a lot lately, power in the world, power in the issues we face. I feel with power I can create change, even here, through my education,” Jean Pierre said.

Ice cream of various flavors was later served to students and faculty in the Center for Academic Success by Gourmet Dining staff member Willie Melendez.

“Those with a college degree earn more than one million dollars more than those without one”

Photo by Siobhan Donaldson

College of Liberal Arts Staff Stand During The 2nd CLA Convocation Ceremony, 2019.

Photo by Siobhan Donaldson

Gourmet Dining Staff member, Willie Melendez, Serves Students Ice Cream.

6 THE TOWER

September, 2019

Building Continues on Campus: What You Need to Know

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

continued from page 3

Construction on Union campus.

drawings of Hynes Hall and the new Commuter Center, which then were moved into 3-D modeling and renders

by Hugo Burgos, a senior architecture student. Other essential processes were handled by Jeremy Gusset, Gabriella Lentini and other interns.

“It’s exciting!” Lentini said. “The new buildings are opening up for people who don’t have the same experiences as we do, we spend a lot of time with

these things because of our major. It’s exciting for other students.”

Burgos said he enjoyed the process of putting it together.

“You’re aware of the campus more, you see what the buildings are like before anyone else does- the process itself,” he said.

Not all students said they are happy about the new construction.

Students such as Rose Quetant, a senior Biology major, said she is not happy about the construction. She is more concerned with her education at the moment, focusing on her commute in the morning and current classes.

“I would rather have them focus on building up the internal parts Photo by Siobhan Donaldson than the external parts,” said Jacques Quetant, Rose’s sibling. He is a senior completing his second bachelor’s degree at Kean University.

The new upgrades are for the benefit of students, said Jeremy Gusset, Facilities and Campus Planning Intern.

“We’re looking at the long run, we want to open up more programs because Kean is unique. When you juggle so many projects, sometimes things like this happen.”

After Jack McKiernan’s unannounced departure, Matthew Caruso fills Athletic Director post continued from cover

at Kean with Caruso in charge.

“Caruso has a more hands-on approach,” said McDuffie, who is going into his fourth season with the basketball program. “He went with the football team to their first away trip, I’ve never seen that before. He’s making our jobs as coaches easier because it paints a better picture of our programs.”

McDuffie also commended Caruso for the number of projects he’s been able to accomplish, one of which includes a new court for Harwood

Arena, with separate ones for the basketball and volleyball programs.

Locker room renovations will be underway soon, as some of them have already been painted.

“We really appreciate what he’s done in a short amount of time,” McDuffie said. “His influence has to do with a lot of the changes around here. He’s definitely a guy who is transparent, a straight shooter. Everyone in athletics appreciates that approach much more.”

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

EDITOR IN CHIEF: CRAIG EPSTEIN NEWS EDITOR: ERIN MCGUINNESS FEATURES EDITOR: LENA ZHU SPORTS EDITOR: STEVEN MERRILL ONLINE EDITOR: KELLY CONTRERAS ONLINE EDITOR: W YNTER AIKEN SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: SALIMAH MCCULLOUGH

REPORTERS TIYE BRACY

BREANNA PALZER

SIOBHAN DONALDSON

EMILY ROBLES

TASHA DOWBACHUK

TAHJEE SHAW

DAVID JANES

STEPHEN STROM

BERNADETTE KELLY

ZOE STROZEWSKI

JULIEN NEALS

ALEXANDER VALDES

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.

OPINION

Op-Ed: Notes on political maturity

By Valeria Dibrova There is no doubt that the thing we call politics is closely connected with private life and private emotional stances where individual maturity and political maturity are linked. If you have a society where people are personally mature, by definition, they would also be politically mature.

But what does maturity mean in this context?

It might mean a capacity to resist projecting one’s bad feelings, anxious behaviors, and confusions onto other people. For example, scapegoating might be considered a classic sign of immaturity in an individual.

It looks like turning to our partner and saying, “I’ve got a headache, it’s your fault!” or “I am feeling a little unhappy because of these people!” or

“Those people are doing something bad there.”

It’s quite hard to take it on board, especially with the social and political dynamics we have nowadays. But in politics, there are versions of these kind of unconscious projections, including paranoia, an inability to self-analyze, and a lack of emotional intelligence.

The last 80 years of capitalism have been brutal, full of changes, erosion, and destruction of family structures. It has left behind a lot of what is broadly called “mental illness” or “narration sickness.”

Certain things have broken down in the higher emotional capacities, and I think it plays itself out in politics.

So, the phenomena of some current political actions we are reading and hearing about in the news is a

psychological pathology before it is political pathology. And unfortunately, that kind of anger and unconscious projection represents signs of mass psychological immaturity.

Now, how can we get more emotional maturity in a society?

I think it starts in the home. It starts with a loving environment where people can adjust to reality in a way that is safe and gradual.

Firstly, we need to learn and grasp the necessity of explanation. We need to find ways how to properly explain our behavior, how to communicate clearly to make others feel secure with our intentions.

Secondly, it is vital to look at any situation through the calming and relaxing prism. With the stress level we face every day, it might be challenging but the mature person knows that

a robust self-assertion is always an option down the line.

Lastly, the ability to be vulnerable and unashamed to be. There is nothing wrong with our temptations that eventually can and will be understood and taken into account by another person. Those are the virtues we were gifted during a warm and nourishing childhood or else we will need to learn them as an adult. We need to free ourselves from the past pattern that were hurtful, undesirable, or simply disappointing.

Despite all these years spent in school, we probably need to come back and learn, with great patience and faith, the beautiful complexities of emotional, and thereafter political, maturity.

Valeria Dibrova is a graduate student in the School of Communication, Media & Journalism.

September, 2019

THE TOWER 7

As a model, actress, and business owner, Atanasha Thomas does it all

By Lena Zhu Atanasha Thomas didn’t always know she wanted to be an actress. At the age of six, she was placed into local fashion and runway shows with the help of her grandmother. She started getting acting roles and seriously acting in high school.

Thomas, a freshman studying Business Management, has been in shows such as Orange is the New Black, HBO’s Girls, Deadly Devotion, and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.

“At first I was kind of nervous, I didn’t know what to expect,” Thomas said. “For instance, once I had to do a Christmas scene and I had to eat a

“It’s tiring but it’s fun cookie [for that scene]. I had to keep re-eating the cookie to do it over and over again. It’s tiring but it’s fun because you get to meet new people.”

Although she has played a student and churchgoer in Orange is the New Black, she is not a follower of the show.

“I’ve actually never watched the show before,” said Thomas. “They were already on the fourth season and I knew that I wouldn’t be able to catch up [on watching the show]. I was with one of the inmates and in a flashback scene from when they were kids.”

Based on the amount of work and scenes shot on a particular day, Thomas would get calls asking her to come back for another day or two of work. As a result, she was not able to

attend all her high school classes.

“No, they don’t let you know in advance how many days they need you for,” Thomas said. “At times I think, ‘Oh I’m working tomorrow, I have to take another day off school.’ I don’t like taking off of school but I was getting paid in return.”

However, she was not simply allowed to skip classes and use the acting job as an excuse. Working as an underage actress, she had to retrieve a permit that allowed her to skip classes in the middle of the day if need be. Even afterwards, she would need a physical note to bring back to her teachers as proof that she was working.

Shooting the scenes held a different

Money was a different issue since acting rates vary based on what needs to be done. At the end of the specified amount of days, they would either automatically send the actor the check or put it into the trust fund if one has been set up.

“The rates that I have gotten would be about $150 a day,” Thomas said.

“Then they will let you know how

ultimately create a franchise.

In the future, Thomas wants to be so successful to the point where she can give back to her roots.

“I want to make so much money that I have no option but to give back,” Thomas said.

“There are a lot of people who get to where they want to be and forget where they came from.

I don’t want to be one of those people.” because you get to meet new people.”

Her advice for unsure but ambitious experience. Sometimes scenes can many days they others is to “go will need you range from a few hours to a whole day. for it.” for. They either “One time I was shooting until 12 or “There were automatically one in the morning and I had the class send you the times where I the next morning,” Thomas said. check or they However, she would still find the would stumble put it into your time to do her homework and go to and don’t trust fund.” class. know where Along with “If I know that I have work, I will try to start but I her modeling and ask for my homework in advance would talk to and acting or do all of it the night before,” Thomas Photo by Atanasha Thomas other people,” career, she Model, actress, and business owner Atanasha Thomas. said. “I would also bring my work with Thomas said. also runs her me because there are a lot of times “You always own business. when you’re on set where you’re just Named “Dilemma Products,” her site have to talk to somebody else because sitting.” sells edge brushes, flat irons, bags, you can always learn from them.

Now, as a college freshman, she slides, and brand t-shirts.

With her Whatever you want to do just do it focuses on her school work. She Business Management degree, she because that’s the only way it’s going receives help from her mother who hopes to fuel her own business and to get done.” runs the business with her.

Sandy Hook Promise Releases “Back To School” PSA

By Tasha Dowbachuk On Sept. 18, an advertisement created by an anti-violence group called “Sandy Hook Promise” debuted the dark reality of school shootings in its “Back To School” Essentials video. The video begins as a lighthearted back to school public service announcement until a mass school shooting suddenly emerges.

The video accumulated over one million views on YouTube and caused mixed reactions for those who have watched the commercial at Kean University.

Fabiel Batista, a junior with a Psychology major, felt that the graphic video was “on the brink of fearmongering and the truth.”

“I think it’s a complicated issue, especially since every state in the United States are very different about how they establish gun laws,” said Batista.

Kolawole Oderinde, another junior with a Psychology major, discovered the commercial through a friend who resonated with the commercial as an educator.

“Guns are a lot more advanced [in comparison] to when they were created,” said Oderinde. “So I think as guns become more evolved we should update the law upon guns.”

Each of the children presented in

the video display their back-to-school items as crucial necessities for the start of a successful school year. Two students praise their scissors and colored pencils for “handiness in art class” while they hide behind the door from the attacker with the following items. A female student ties the gym doors with her new jacket and states, “it’s a real must-have.”

“Sandy Hook Promise” is a Connecticut-based program which helps children in the event of school shootings. The program consists of family members of the victims from the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that occurred in 2012.

The debate of gun control has sparked within the 2020 Presidential primary, as well as the discussion behind common-sense gun safety legislation.

According to the Washington Post database, more than “228,000 students have experienced gun violence at school since the Columbine high school massacre”.

In a 2018 Quinnipiac University poll, the majority of Americans expressed disapproval of how both democratic and republican political parties are handling the concept of gun violence in the nation.

There is no information on whether or not the commercial will air in its entirety on national television.

Photo by Sandy Hook Promise program

Student praises his new backpack for the school year in advertisement.

Photo by Sandy Hook Promise program

Student hides behind art class door with her new school scissors in advertisement.

Photo by Sandy Hook Promise program

Student tearfully texting on their new phone, sending final message to parent.

Parking continues to cause issues for Kean University students in the new semester continued from cover

often has to leave two hours in advance to find parking. She claims this limits her ability to complete homelife responsibilities, including taking care of her dog.

Online petitions have been shared throughout the Kean community encouraging school officials to limit spending on unneeded buildings and

instead provide enough parking for the ones already in existence. Last May, a rally was largely attended surrounding the Board of Trustees meeting, where students and faculty protested the firing of GE lecturers and other issues they felt were being ignored. Parking was the number two issue listed.

President of the Kean Federation of Teachers James Castiglione is a longtime advocate for the creation of a parking deck.

Castiglione notices his students arriving late because of parking difficulties, he said.

“Students should know that their faculty are fully supportive of the issues that matter most to them, and that includes

faculty support for building a student parking deck,” he said.

In his 22 years at Kean, he claims the parking situation has grown worse each year.

“Faculty recognize that if students can’t get parking they’re going to be late to class and it has a negative impact on their academic performance,” he said.

8 THE TOWER

September, 2019

Kean’s Got Talent makes its comeback in 2019

Photo by Tahjee’ Shaw

Carolina and Angelina leads the meeting.

By Tahjee’ Shaw Kean University has a huge range of talented people on its campus.

What better way to showcase their unique skills than to give them all the opportunity by bringing back “Kean’s Got Talent” this year? The stage is now open for all to broadcast.

Kean’s Got Talent is a club which hosts a variety of talents from students of unique backgrounds and ways of life. KGT is welcoming students of all majors who want to show off what they have to offer. They held their first meeting of the semester on Sept. 11 at 3:30 p.m.

At least 15 people came in attendance to the meeting. Each varying from returning faces to fresh new ones.

The leaders of the organization got everyone excited with their warmhearted welcome. They then introduced themselves to those who attended.

Carolina Montiero-Chaves, the president of KGT, introduced herself first. As did Angelina, the Vice President. They then did ice breakers with the club attendees by introducing their name, major, school year, and what their talents are.

“We want to give everyone an opportunity to showcase what you have to offer,” said Montiero-Chaves.

“We encourage you to be as creative as possible when bringing your pieces to its performance.”

Next, both the president and VP introduced their plans for the semester.

They mentioned that there would be a Halloween Showcase for the day of Halloween and a Winter Showcase which will take place during the end of the fall semester. They also mentioned

that there will be a Big Showcase which will take place during the spring semester.

“This won’t just be open to singing and dancing,” said Angelina.

“We would love to have other acts in our club. Such as playing instruments, poetry, stand up comedy, magic tricks, and more. You name it, we’ll welcome it.”

To add to this, Kean’s Got Talent will have collaborations with other Kean club organizations. One of those being the K-Pop Dance Workshop which Photo by Tahjee’ Shaw Photo by Tahjee’ Shaw will be co-hosted by the Flyer for KGT. Hallyu Club, starting Dates for the upcoming meetings listed.

Oct. 1. This workshop will help participants learn how to dance to some of their favourite “We want to give everyone an opportunity K-Pop Idol Groups.

KGT also plans on to showcase what you have to offer” collaborating with Greek Life. They will be hosting their Greek Life Showcase which Many of the attendees were “I can sing, draw and do ballet,” said will show off the talents from both interested in joining the club and Adriana, a junior at Kean University. “I organizations. The date for that going through with the activities it has want to be able to perform in front of showcase is to be unveiled soon. Two to offer. everyone.” karaoke events are also planned to “Joining KGT was an interest of mine KGT is accepting participants now take place. to show my guitar playing skills,” said to prepare for their first showcase Coming soon will be “Escape De” a Ryan, a Criminal Justice major and a this fall. The Kean’s Got Talent dancing event co-hosted by Afro-Latin sophomore at Kean. organization recommends others to dance project, which will take place There were participants who join so that they could also meet other Sept. 26 at 3:30-4:20 p.m. located on mentioned having multiple talents as skilled and talented people just like the Miron Student Center outside patio. well. themselves.

A Deep Dive into Yasmina’s Necklace

By Alexander Valdes

going so far as to marry an American woman.

Things start to change for the better for Sam once his family convinces him to meet with an Iraqi family’s daughter, Yasmina. She hides herself away and deals with the repercussions

old childhood best friend and first love, Amir, who bestowed upon Yasmina the very necklace that she cherishes so much as to have sworn that she would never take it off her person.

“I really like the relationship between Yasmina and Sam because it shows the

Yasmina’s Necklace ran from Sept 5.-22 and was written by Rohina Malik and directed by Kareem Fahmy.

Kean students had the opportunity to voice their thoughts and opinions about the play ranging from their favourite aspect to the lessons they’ve learned from the show.

The play itself is a look into the human “Talk to people, soul that touches get to know their story,” upon topics such as family heritage, acceptance of oneself and others, true love, and PTSD. The play centers Yasmina’s Necklace online advertisement. around the character Abdul Samee. Due to his family’s split of war through her PTSD. relationship in the Muslim community culture, his father being Iraqi and his Through pseudo flashback sequences and the struggles they go through in mother being Puerto Rican, Abdul in the play, the audience sees bits the household, especially Sam,” Aaron tries to pry himself away from that life and pieces of conversations she’s had Miller, a sophomore transfer student and changes his name to Sam in order during her time back in her war-torn at Kean said. to view himself as American, even homeland. Her conversations with her Miller also wanted to clarify what

form of life lesson he learned from the play and thought it would apply to everyday people, not just those in the Muslim community or other minority groups.

“Be true to who you are,” Miller said.

“Don’t put a mask over yourself, you are who you are.”

Lucien Edme, a junior at Kean University, was touched by the story. He was able to preview the play and wanted to come out to a showing and support it.

Photo by Kean University “Talk to people, get to know their story,” Edme said.

“A lot of the problems in this country are that no one is really listening to each other and I think that if we start [listening to each other] change can begin.”

September, 2019

THE TOWER 9

Remembrance of 9/11 At Kean University

By Tahjee’ Shaw

Photo by Tahjee’ Shaw

Dr. Farahi giving his speech for the 9/11 ceremony.

Kean University held this years annual Solemn Ceremony, Day Of Service, on Sept. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to noon. It marked the 18th year anniversary since the World Trade Center’s Twin Tower destruction of September 11, 2001. The tragedy lead to a huge number of fatalities and injuries, traumatizing those who were around to witness.

The ceremony was held at the Miron Student Center patio area where students, professors, police officers, and more attended the event. Dawood Farahi, PH.D., led the ceremony discussing the events which happened on that day, mentioning how the incident was driven by hate.

“The events that took place that day were driven by hate,” Farahi said. “Hate is what creates these kinds of acts.”

In addition, Farahi went on to explain how Kean University made sure it could be a place where there was no hate, where everyone from different backgrounds can coexist. How Kean creates an environment where everyone could live amongst each other in peace, where we all can exist together respectively, not inflicting war or conflict.

“When you walk around Kean University, I hope you feel like you belong here,” Farahi said.

The crowd applauded the powerful commemoration as the memorial came to a close. The given speech honored those that fell in the past and embraced what could be learned for the present and future in order for us to be better as a society.

“The events that took place that day were driven by hate.”

Photo by Tahjee’ Shaw

Guest gather around to attend the ceremony.

The Innovation of Women in Medicine “When we bring great minds together, in science, we can bring better public health and hopefully find cures through the unity within this organization.”

Photo by Tasha Dowbachuk

The president of AMWA, Marina Georges (left) with Vice president, Julia CurtisDye (right).

By Tasha Dowbachuk On Sept. 11, the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) held an interest meeting in the Miron Student Center at 11:30 a.m., welcoming students in discovering the mission and values within their organization at Kean University.

The informational event of the organization presented their commitment to promoting excellence in medical communication while providing educational resources in support of women empowerment in medicine.

According to its website, the organization was founded by Dr. Bertha VanHoosen in 1915 in Chicago. The first international organization of medical women was founded in 1919, with the intention of representing women in medicine worldwide.

Today, AMWA provides networking opportunities and in-depth discussions about the future of medicine to anyone who is interested or involved in the medical field.

The event was hosted by Vice President Julia CurtisDye, who is majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology, along with the members of the association.

Through the free membership of the campus chapter, members are given the opportunity to participate in national conferences, mentorships, and scholarship benefits by joining the national branch of AMWA through a $35 payment.

“I think giving some of our members their first glance of the medical field and helping them get closer to their goals through the memberships, as women in a male-dominated field, is one of our greatest achievements,” said CurtisDye.“Our

job is to connect people to our Kean branch membership for free or connect to the national branch membership under a $35 fee to attend the national conferences, mentorships which cover for your entire undergraduate journey.”

Marina Georges, a senior psychology major with a minor in biology, is serving her first year as the President of AMWA this semester.

After becoming a member of the chapter, the unification of a sisterhood bond within the organization inspired her to expand and motivate members into pursuing the medical field.

“When we bring great minds together, in science, we can bring better public health and hopefully finding cures through the unity within this organization,” said Georges. “Having that common ground, like a group of strong sisters who support each other, creates something so beautiful for the future of medicine.”

The association also provides guidance for admissions processing and preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT exam).

According to the Princeton Review, the MCAT is a “7.5 hour exam that consists of four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior; and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.”

“We brought in Kean alumni, who shared their experiences in the field and how AMWA helped them in becoming a physician assistant,” said Georges.

The academic and social aspects of the association are not restrictive to male students who are interested in joining.

Photo by Tasha Dowbachuk

Informative bulletin board of the American Medical Women’s Association.

September, 2019

SPORTS

10 THE TOWER

Kean Football stays upbeat despite slow start

By Stephen Strom

field, in the classroom, and as a person. We trust Coach Garrett and everything he preaches, I truly believe we will At 3:55 a.m., most people are bundled up in their get this thing rolling.” blankets in a deep sleep. For Kean’s Head Football Coach Lejawa had quite the offseason this summer losing 30 Dan Garrett, his day is just beginning. pounds and credits Kean’s Strength and Conditioning Coach In his 14th season at Kean, Garrett has kept the same Nick Graff for his growth. Lejawa already has 24 tackles in routine of waking up early, building a shatterproof three games. culture, and carrying himself with a blue-collar work Senior defensive back Kory Kenny wants this season to be ethic that got him to this point in his career. different from last year’s one-win campaign.

“What kind of coach would I be if I’m demanding the “We have a lot of our defense coming very best out of my players, but I’m back, we’re putting last year in the rear not doing my part?” Garrett said. “I window,” said Kenny. “It’s a long season believe culture beats scheme, we’ve and we still have more than enough time “It’s a long season got a great group of men that work to shock the rest of the conference.” and we still hard, lead the right way, and are just Senior linebacker and leader DeShawn overall outstanding dudes.” have more than Reed is also having a fast start to the At 1-2, the Cougars headed into year with 4.5 sacks in three games. enough time to an early bye which gave the team “My expectation for my senior year is an opportunity to recover. During shock the rest of the to be absolutely dominant everywhere training camp, three offensive I go no matter who’s in front of me,” conference,” linemen were injured and Garrett said Reed.

“As a senior, I have to lead was forced to shuffle the line which said Kenny. by example.

Coach Garrett has done wasn’t ideal for opening up against so much for me, it’s only right that I 14th-ranked Delaware Valley State. contribute to the team by giving them “Playing those top teams are my all every play.” good for us, you learn a lot about Every year brings new players, different schemes, and a the team,” said Garrett. “We feel really good about our fresh start but one answer stays consistent with the players’ defense with guys like Deshawn Reed, Kory Kenny and thoughts on Coach Garrett.

Peter Lejawa leading the way. The offense is coming “He’s changed my life, and if it wasn’t for G (Garrett), I along as well. We’re running the spread now with a new wouldn’t be half the person I am today,” said Reed. offensive coordinator and quarterback.”

Lejawa agreed with Reed.

The Cougars are looking forward to getting back on the “I truly can say I love Coach G as a father figure,” he said. field after a week four win against Dean College.

“It goes beyond football with him.”

“Starting off 1-2 is nothing but adversity,” said senior The Cougars will take on Christopher Newport on Oct. 5 defensive tackle Peter Lejawa. “We as a team understand looking to move to 2-2. that we have a standard we must reach every day on the

Photo by Pete Lejawa via Instagram

Pete Lejawa with Head Strength and conditioning coach Coach Nick Graff.

Photo by Pete Lejawa via Instagram

Pete Lejawa gets low and tries to drive his defender to make a tackle.

Health and Fitness Strategies for Better Grades

By Dr. Josh Palgi and Dr. Amanda Rodrigues

avoided, as it causes stress to the tissues and creates inflammation.

Eating foods that provide your brain with a constant source of energy in the form of Today, more than any time in history, there is a need for more focus on self-care and glucose will help you to stay focused throughout the day. Eat whole grains such as brown wellness. pastas, whole wheat bread, and brown rice. In addition to With an increase in health issues that span the realms of these energy sources, the brain also needs to be protected mental and physical health of people of all ages, genders, from damaging free radicals that can hurt our DNA. Eat races, and cultures, time is needed to look within ourselves plenty of berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and and commit to new strategies and forging ahead in creating blackberries. Studies on blueberries have specifically shown new habits. improved working memory, blood flow to the grey matter The path to success can sometimes be a difficult one. regions of the brain, and also an increase in brain activity.

College students have packed schedules filled with important Finally, drink plenty of water. Work towards replacing responsibilities, which can include classes, jobs, family, sodas and sugary fruit drinks with water. Studies show that needs and social obligations. not drinking enough water can reduce oxygen flow to the Despite this long to-do list, it is imperative that every brain and can temporarily shrink neurons (brain cells). As student finds ways to exercise, make smart nutritional college students, oxygen and neurons are critical in your choices and get enough sleep. These three focuses are not academic efforts, so drink up! only wonderful ways to enhance overall health but research After working towards better food choices and getting out has also linked these to stronger academic performance. there to exercise you will be ready for a good night sleep.

The continuous practice of exercising has been shown to When we sleep, our brain is actually super active and taking have positive effects on various physiological functions such care of us so we can perform at optimal levels the next day. as cardiovascular capacity, pulmonary ventilation, hormone While we sleep, the brain will make new connections, secretion, coagulation, as well as being associated with a create and consolidates memories, clears out toxins, and reduction of certain diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular even learns and remembers how to do a physical task. disease, and even certain types of cancers.

While sleeping, some brain cells can even shrink up to Photo by deeplifequotes licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Improved psychological well-being is also prominent in 50%, allowing more flow of fluids, enabling the toxins and those who exercise due to the increase in neurotransmitters unneeded chemicals to clear out that have built up during such as serotonin and dopamine, causing an elevation in the day. mood. Exercise even changes the brains anatomy, physiology, Insufficient sleep impacts memory, depresses immune and function, producing brand new brain cells in the function, and is even considered a start to neurodegenerative hippocampus, which is the part of your brain responsible for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s due to the the consolidation of information from short-term memory toxins not being cleared out. Seven to nine hours of sleep to long-term memory. should be the standard to allow your brain to perform all the There are also improvements in attention and focus. functions described, which will lead to positive brain health These are fantastic advantages for students in college and more academic success. learning new concepts and ideas while also working on As a college student, there are many responsibilities that studying for different assessments and certifications. are part of your daily lives, but with efforts in the areas of Research has also found a link between exercise and higher increased exercise, better nutritional choices, and adequate GPAs. College students should set their sights on between sleep, you will find your cognitive abilities and productivity 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity activity, or 75-150 will increase both in and out of the classroom. Start with minutes of vigorous activity weekly. For further research small changes such as going to bed an hour earlier, pack and information on academic improvement stemming from some berries in a travel container and park by the STEM exercise, we recommend reading SPARK: The Revolutionary building and walk over to the main campus.

New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John J. Raty.

These small changes can be done immediately and will help your academic performance In addition to increasing physical activity, better nutrition is an area that can not only make gains over the semester and academic year, all while having created new habits that support a healthier body weight, but can also help the academic efforts of students. can have a long term impact on your overall health.

Saturated fats and animal based proteins are being linked to a reduction in grey matter in the brain, in addition to impeding the ability for neurotransmitters to work and fire effectively. Foods that cause inflammation, such as dairy products, should also be Dr. Amanda Rodrigues & Dr. Josh Palgi are in the School of Health and Human Performance

It is imperative that every student finds ways to exercise, make smart nutritional choices and get enough sleep.