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(04/19/10 10:00pm)
On April 11, 2010, 13 incoming freshmen sat in company with family, student ambassadors, and for some fortunate few, side by side with President Dawood Farahi himself. The 2010 Freshman Scholarship Reception, held in Kean Hall, served as a formal introduction and honoring of those incoming students who were offered monetary aid based on academic achievement and merit. President Farahi delivered the keynote address by engaging the small, intimate audience with his notable story-telling and eccentricity; the smiles carried throughout. While the 13 incoming freshmen all shared the same sentiments of an eagerness for "the next step", their alikeness stops there. While some were awarded for their diligence in academia, others attributed the award to extra-curricular commitment. Luis Vargas, a freshman scholarship recipient from Morristown High School, holds the position of music director for the school's radio station, as well as being a member of the Latin club, improv-comedy club, and the National Art Honor Society. Vargas intends on being a commuting secondary education biology major.
Some of the recipients vary their involvement. Jeffrey Jaeckel, an incoming freshman from Kenilworth's David Brearley High School, is an intending criminal justice major who expands his involvement in both school based activities and personal growth areas. Jaekel contributes as a member of the swim team, plays alto saxophone in the school's band, and is involved in Boy Scouts.
Ellesa Effner could not hold back the excitement of being a new Kean cougar. "I am counting down the days," say Effner. "I tell my friends all the time how much I can't wait." Effner will be a resident student next semester in the New Freshman Residence Hall as a math education major. She is a member of Interact - a Rotary International youth service group; she also participates in fencing and marching band.
The transition, too, varies among the recipients. Veteran Michael Callahan is an incoming freshman who just served seven years in the United States Army. The sergeant was assisted by Office of Veteran's Affairs in applying and will be attending Kean under the post 9-11 Bill. Callahan's starting semester comes just after the recent military focused faculty and student veteran's panel which honored the men and women that serve this country and are a part of the Kean family.
One student's acceptance to Kean follows family footsteps. Joe Celentano, a student from North Warren Regional, is an intending secondary education chemistry major with three Kean alumni cousins. Around Celentano sat two other "Joe's" of the family and other supportive family members. "No pressure," one joked to Celentano in regards to the family tradition in-the-making. If the previous three graduations are any indication of Celentano's potential, he should be carrying on the torch some years to come.
Kean University welcomes the thirteen freshmen scholarship recipients! The other eight incoming freshman are Emily Cristaldi and Elizabeth Cron of Union County, Ashley Davis of Hunterdon County, John "JJ" Hladik of Hudson County, Timothy James of Burlington County, Scott Kinney of Middlesex County, Danny Perez of Somerset County, and Samantha Scheuermann of Bergen County. Kean University also thanks the admissions counselors who are the recruiters responsible for bringing the talented and eager thirteen of the ceremony. These recruiters are Lori Boyd, Courtney Chambers, Manuel Donelson, Delia Emery, Joe Inzitari, Cynthia Sanchez, and Christina Vazquez.
The Kean community looks to see these incoming freshmen involved and as dedicated to their higher learning as they are to the activities threaded in their lives now. Welcome new cougars, may this path be one embraced with great accomplishment!
(03/29/10 10:00pm)
The past seven years of Kean University have been geared towards expansion and innovation. Quite often, alumni that make campus visits after an extended absence remark on the almost unrecognizable view. In these seven years, the university has sprung the Harwood Arena, the Maxine and Jack Lane Center for Academic Success, and the New Freshmen and Upperclassmen Residence Halls, just to name a few. Through this progress, Kean University has earned recognition of top five in the country for diversity, according to Diversity, Inc. Magazine. Some call this a success story and the direct projection of one man's vision. On March 9, 2010, the sophomore class of the Student Organization of Kean University held a success story workshop of the visionary and President of this university, Dr. Dawood Farahi.
(03/22/10 11:00pm)
Since the Kean goes green initiative was launched, the university has produced several Eco-sensitive workshops and implemented campus wide goals along the way. On March 3, 2010, Kean elevated this green project to new heights. Resident assistants of the entire New Freshman Residence Hall combined their efforts to incorporate earth conscious education into their floor programming in a collaborative program called "O-No Zone". The result begot one of the largest joint efforts in Kean University to tackle this issue. The program was open to the entire resident community.Students who participated in the workshop were launched into a scavenger hunt of sorts. The objective was to visit each of the 8 floors of the New Freshman Residence Hall, with the exception of the seventh, and retrieve seven passwords that permitted access to the first floor's dinner reward. The combined password created the overall message of the program: "Because our decisions today affect us tomorrow". Though this objective created an engaging and interactive game element to the program, the aim was education. All participating resident assistants were encouraged to develop an original theme for their own program; accordingly, each floor held its own personal ambiance and education aim.
The second floor's program entitled "Levels of Damage" challenged students to recognize which every day actions cause the most harm to the environment. Students arranged photos of contributing damage such as hair spray, waste, and car engine emissions were placed on a board ranking from most harmful to least harmful. If incorrect, students were prompted to elaborate on their choice so that all in company have a better view of each other's perceptions. In addition to the password prize, students were given "snack bags" to take with them.
Students were given the opportunity to plant seeds inside of cups on the the third floor's program, "Blue Skies". Here, students were given a cycle-visual of how toxins released into the air are filtered out through through plant life. After viewing the educational portion, students sat down with resident assistants to create their own plant that they could bring back to their rooms on campus. The floor program provided fertilized soil and sunflower seeds that are to grow vivid in color. The fourth floor took that same creation tactic and engaged students in creating their own ocean replica. The program, "Ocean in a Bottle" , highlighted the importance of clean waters on the earth. The bottle, though starting off as pure blue water with "gold fish" crackers floating around in it, the bottle was soon polluted with scraps of paper, oil, and other waste. While the plant that students took home with them from the third floor program gave an optimistic stance, the bottled ocean provided a more alarming awareness.
The fifth, sixth, and eighth floors were each geared towards consequence education. The fifth floor utilized its entire hallway to display endangered animal photos. "The En-Dangered Zone" program noted some animals that are popularly known as victims of an unclean environment, such as penguins in oil spills; but it also highlighted some more uncommonly known endangered animals, such as the cougar, an animal close to the hearts of many Kean students. The sixth floor program summoned a cartoon icon as their front man for education. "Captain Plant - Earth, Wind, and Water" was a program that broke the earth down into three vital sections of importance and maintenance. The eight floor's program, "Tomorrow Today", displayed an almost apocalyptic stand point on the future. Shocking projected statistics of the earth's ruin were scattered throughout the wall and were accompanied with background music whose lyrics were ominous of the future's condition.
The final visit was to the first floor's multi-purpose room were the program "Composting 101" was held. Victoria, a resident assistant from the New Upperclassmen Resident Hall was the moderator of the program. Here, students were shown a slide show of Kean's own composting program and provided an in-depth description of how waste can become beneficial to the environment rather than harmful. After the conclusion of this program, students were prompted to piece the passwords together and reflect on the overall message of the programming. Proven successful, the program attracted students to mingle afterward and discuss their favorites of the workshops.
(03/08/10 11:00pm)
For those who regularly dine on campus and utilize the new upperclassmen dining hall, the dinner and a show ambiance is hard to ignore. No, hungry visitors should not expect cabaret dancers to accompany their meal, but with Gourmet Dining's, ongoing and engaging "themed meals", one may not help but feel as though they were front row at an event.
The premise for these food-festive events is geared towards providing a more memorable meal for those who decide to dine with the university. As for most diners, the question preceding any meal is "what keeps me coming back?" It is the aspiration of Gourmet Dining that student diners will confidently look to their own campus to satisfy those savory-needs. Some of the more recent and successful events of Gourmet Dining's themed meals was the dynamic Super Bowl XLIV celebration dinner that offered a variety traditional pigskin-celebration foods including buffalo wings, giant six-feet hoagies, and football-shaped cakes. Just days after, a St. Valentine's Day celebration yielded two chocolate fondue fountains with a multitude of sweet dippers, including miniature brownies and cantaloupe squares. Two additional, memorable events were the Mardi Gras celebration and soul-food night dinners.
As an added bonus to those who attend these events, Mark DaBundo, Executive Chef for Kean's Gourmet Dining, has launched an awards element to the themed dinners. Footballs and Modell's gift cards were just some of the give-a-ways during the Super Bowl; Valentine diners were given the chance to win Godiva chocolate and even a romantic dinner for two created by Chef DaBundo himself. During last semester, specialized award dinners were given away for the holiday season. Jaclyn Cassidy, a sophomore elementary education major, cashed in her personalized dinner with three friends that was awarded to her during last semester's Christmas themed event. In a sit-down with DaBundo, Cassidy discussed her favorite foods and left the creative execution in the chef's hands. The Cassidy Dinner began with a civiche style lobster and shrimp margarita, compliments to the guests liking of seafood. The four-course meal followed up the elegant appetizer with a ceasar salad, chicken rollatini entrée, and molten lava cake dessert.
The themed dinner concepts are a third major installment of diner convenience incorporated to the dining experience at Kean University. The first of these followed the fall 08's redesign of the University Center cafeteria when sustainability became a major concern for Gourmet Dining. As a partner in the campaign "Blue Goes Green", Gourmet Dining shifted its containers and utensils to more eco-friendly products, incorporated a recycling program, installed energy efficient equipment, and maintained partnership with local and organic food vendors. As another feature in the remodeling, Gourmet Dining responded to the on-the-go mentality of most collegiate personal by installing a quick-pickup panini grill that now offers online ordering as an option for time convenience.
Some events that diners can look forward to for this semester are Healthy Eating Day on March 9,2010 Pre-St. Paddy's Day Dinner, Hawaiian Lauo Dinner on March 24, 2010 a MLB opening day themed event on April 5,2010 International Bread Display on April 22, 2010 an All Things Italian themed dinner on April 29, 2010 and a Cinco De Mayo celebration on, of course, May 5, 2010. These are just some of what Gourmet Dining has already set in stone to present to its diners. For a more extensive list of planned events, please visit http://www.gourmetdiningllc.com/campus/kean; all visitors of the site are encouraged to give email feedback on successful and belly-satisfying experiences as well as suggestions for future events.
(02/22/10 11:00pm)
Kean University is progressively moving forward in opening new doors of opportunity to its students. In acknowledging lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered, and ally students of the LGBT community, the Kean University Scholarship Foundation has sought and conquered in making the student body as whole feel like a community. Community, unbiased and united, is the fundamental component needed to maintain this momentum. The New Horizons Scholarship is not a scholarship given to any Kean student who just happens to be LGBT or a heterosexual ally, rather the applicant need demonstrate in essay form what contributions and or research that individual has completed with LGBT individuals or communities; this LGBT topic essay is an additional requirement in the scholarship application progress separate from the initial one asked of every student applying. Applicants must also have maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA. New Horizons will be awarded to one student in the amount of $1,000 to aid with the continuance of higher education. The scholarship is currently available to all students, with preference given to those with full-time status.
LGBT students are often engaged with the society on a community service level or simply with the ambition for progress. Perhaps as a product of continuous segregation and targeted hatred, LGBT youth have the highest percentage of teen suicide. In addition, the personal identification of one's sexual orientation or gender identity is often plagued with controversy and disapproval; youth who "come out" sometimes face extremities such as parental abandonment or physical violence. Community service then, in company with empathy, is a growing aspect of the LGBT community. There is no wonder the New Horizons Scholarship incorporates service and research as an expected shelf in the application's construction. Whether students are volunteering time to a LGBT youth after-school program, a shelter for the abandoned, or simply writing letters with Garden State Equality to congressmen on the expected upholding of the universal rights of equality, there is a constant and ever present aspiration to give oneself to the community.
The admiral donor of this monumental stepping-stone for university equality is Mario Mesi, an already strong supporter of higher education contribution. Mesi, after an impressionable campus tour of Kean, decided that he would generously give to support nursing students. Through both an undergraduate and graduate scholarship program called the Ratta Nursing Initiative Scholarships, Mesi is currently helping 10 nursing students with a $1,000 each. Through a continuous friendship with fellow equality supporter, Michael T. Driscoll, Senior Development Officer/Dir Major Gifts for the Kean University Foundation, Mesi was later inspired to help initiate a scholarship program that honors the contributions of academically accomplished and community driven LGBT students and supporters. Mesi visits the campus when he can, especially for events that are in relation to his endeavor. During this year's third annual Human Rights Institute conference, Combating Hatred, Mesi was one of many supporters of equal rights that sat in attendance.
The introduction of this scholarship runs consecutive with the transformation of Kean's gay/straight alliance group on campus. Formally known as the P.R.I.D.E., an often generic and starting-point name for GSA's, the funded group has stepped into the foreground as entity striving for equality through advocacy and community. The group now conducts meeting under the name K.U.G.A.R. - Kean University's Gay/Alliance Reformation, a name coined by the group's current executive board treasurer, Mario Da Costa, a junior chemistry major. The group has had an overwhelming appreciation to Mesi's contribution to cause that hits home for many of them.
Others within the Kean community share the same enthusiasm. "Above all, this scholarship helps add to the diversity of the school," says Catherine Camacho, sophomore biology major. Lewis Mancine, senior English writing major, chimes in with a similar note, "If Kean wants to offer what they proclaim, 'World Class Education', then this is a step in the right direction.
(02/22/10 11:00pm)
While most students refer to their strive for higher education as "a stretch for the finish" or "jumping hurdles along the way", one student within the Kean community balances academics with the literal manifestation of these metaphors. Aaron Lucas, sophomore accounting major, is one of the university's track team's all stars. With aspirations for future goals to compliment the already accomplished feats of his athletic abilities, Lucas is looking to sprint his collegiate career into a fully decorated achievement. Lucas planted his footprint solidly as a key player for Kean's track team during the 2008-09 New Jersey Athletic Conference when he took home first place under both the long jump and high jump categories. Appropriately, Lucas's demonstration landed him 'Rookie of the Year' under the men's indoor track and field all-conference teams and entitled him to become provisionally qualified for Division III national championships. Despite these achievements, Lucas remains modest stating, "I will not feel accomplished until I win a national championship for Kean University."
Lucas may derive his modesty on this athletic path from a humble beginning. Having not been recruited, nor heard of by any coaches for that matter, Lucas felt as though the odds were against him. Fortunately, and neutrally beneficial to both parties, Coach Michael Penta took a chance with Lucas and allowed him to be a part of the team. Since then, Lucas has fully embraced the team as a part of his life; conversations with Lucas are usually submerged in the topic of track. In the short time since his joining of the team, Lucas has undertaken the position of captain of the team's jumpers. His gravitation towards track itself has even sparked his interest in the world championship and Olympic's inclusion of the sport. Perhaps Lucas may someday seek to aspire for a different gold to bring back to Kean's campus.
Lucas is currently in the process of changing his major to physical education, no doubt a product of his dedication to the team. Lucas states, "I like sports and kids, so I thought a good way to combine the two would be to become a physical education teacher and a coach." It is often said that an effective teacher inspires community and strives to bring out the best in each student. Appropriately, Lucas is most thankful for the aspects of the team that encompass camaraderie and competition. Of the two, competition, as with most dedicated athletes, dominates over the two. Having developed a healthy and confident attitude towards the competitiveness of the sport, Lucas comments on the almost inseparable aspect of winning in sportsmanship. "Unlike other collegiate sports, we compete against Division I, II, and III, along with community colleges and professional athletes all the time. I also love the rivalries I obtained since my freshman year. It is people in our conference that always gets the best out of me because I cannot stand for them to beat me, whether they are a friendly foe or a disliked adversary."
Lucas, more personally, is a self-proclaimed family man and is often seen in company with his two cousins, Janel Sims or Justin McNeil, around campus. During last year's track season, Lucas's great-grandfather, Charles "Chubby" Walton, passed. Since then, Lucas has dedicated time to look up "to the heavens" and have words with his late great-grandfather. Win or lose, Lucas "thanks him for being along for the ride.
(02/15/10 11:00pm)
Prepare to be amazed! Delivering on his promise, celebrity entertainer, Robert Channing, enthralled a jam-packed audience in the University Center Little Theater on February 4, 2010. Hosted by Kean's Campus Life Activities for Student Success, the awe provoking feature of America's foremost mind-reader and psychic led the audience into suspicion and left them spellbound. Luring passerby students to sit and join the show was Sheila Philbert of the University Center Administration; with a question-mark decorated envelope held high, Philbert called across the atrium, "I hold predictions in my hand, and they may be for you!" Channing utilized the audience for every mystic moment, establishing himself as more than some mediocre, parlor magician. The method to his madness drew from his ability to keep the audience in an equilibrium of wonder and laughter. Behind every "trick" lied comedy. Some of the shtick positioned students to side-bar converse each discussing how logic could break the illusion, but some elements of the show were just too baffling to formulate. Using a random student audience member, a 7-times blindfolded Channing sent to have a random monetary bill brought to his hands. Within seconds of holding it to the side of his head, Channing handed back the bill and was able to identify its $10 amount.but then floored the audience when he continued to read off its serial number flawlessly! This omniscient presence continued throughout the show rending Channing "the all-knowing".
The part of the show that caught most of the audience of guard, but literally begging for more through shout-outs, was the bowl of fortune-telling. Channing asked that the audience to write down various bits of information on a piece of paper including any number they wanted and a question they wanted answered. While remaining blindfolded, Channing called to audience members as he fished aimlessly for the collected papers. He beckoned them to stand and addressed them directly about their writing, sometimes knowing full-well their vague describe scenarios, and at other times encouraging them to share their hearts with the rest of the audience. Here, Channing predicted relationship outcomes, marital status, future pregnancies and always wrapped the conclusions around humor or the eerie. Some students tried to write larger, more complex numbers to test the skills of the psychic. Anthony Nieves, a freshman undecided major, was awed when Channing recited his social security number half-way, stopping short of completion and scrambling the remaining numbers. After leaving the show, the stumped student stated, "I'm going to be racked about this all week; I want to know how he did it."
Channing has performed on ABC, CBS, NBC, and even FOX; and part of his cliental has been Former President Bill Clinton and Whitney Houston. If any students missed the opportunity to have their fortune announced or missed the show completely, it is great to know that this is not Channing's first performance on campus and more than likely will not be his last.
(02/08/10 11:00pm)
Known for the more international endeavor to preserve the Universal Declaration of Human Rights created by the United Nations, the Human Rights Institution of Kean University brought the focus home and centered its recent strive on a domestic concern. Combating Hatred, the third annual conference held by the institution, called to action the effort of the individual to counter hate group support and growing threat. A reoccurring theme, and perhaps the most profound of the conference, was the impact that even the unknowing person contributes to hate crimes. On the morning of January 29, 2010, with opening remarks and welcome from Dr. Hank Kaplowitz, Special Assistant to the President for the Human Rights Institute at Kean University, and Dr. Mark Lender, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs of Kean University, respectively, Wilkins Theater filled with anticipation from an awaiting, altruistic audience.The keynote speaker of the conference, Morris Dees, marked his position solidly in the campaign for human rights overtime by tackling hate organizations as large in membership number as the Ku Klux Klan. Lawsuits towards the infamous KKK resulted in their bankruptcy. This milestone for eliminating hate organizations is just one of the many planted by the thirty-plus years initiative of the Southern Poverty Law Center, founded by Dees. Dees opened his address with the support of powerful words: "Dr. [Martin Luther] King, Jr. laid claim to a destiny that his people had been denied".
During his speech, Dees called attention to the unfortunate journey of Vietnam refugees who attempted to build stable lives as fisherman in the south of the United States. White fisherman, affected by the presence of these workers looked to KKK members to drive the "competition" away by any means necessary. Though indirectly involved in the hostile and inhumane acts that followed the plea, those American workers directly impacted and supported the hate generated. It is the blind eye, Dees noted, that people often turn towards hatred that sparks the fire set on someone else's doorstep. Connecting the present effort that shapes what is written, Dees repeated echoed the words, "We have front row seats to history". Again recalling the domestic aspect of this conference, Dees continues by calling to action the expected responsibility of each individual to grow that compassion which starts within. He powerfully states, "Human rights begin close to home, within our communities, our schools, and our workplaces."
Continuing that notion of the domestic presence of hate, Mark Weitzman, Director of Government Affairs and of the Task Force Against Hate and Terror for the Simon Wiesenthal Center of the United Nations in New York, succeeded Dees's speech with a focus on "internet hate". Weitzman raised the issue of easily accessible internet groups that promote hate and actively seek new minds to influence. Weitzman called attention to the hundreds of hate websites that seek to catch online, unexpected youths as forms of creating new bridges of hate. The goals of these sites are to gain support by networking outward, while also utilizing social networks to find victims.
After an intermission and lunch break, the conference resumed with a concluding presentation by Detective David L. D'Amico, the sole member of the Bias Crimes Unit in Monmouth County. The twenty year veteran of law enforcement focused his presentation on eliminating hate where it is first started. D'Amico noted that everyone is prejudice by the fact that everyone casts initial perceptions on those they first meet. While it is made certain that these pre-judgments do not warrant one to be racist, sexist, or even homophobic, they can be ground for the presence of ignorance. Ignorance, says D'Amico, is "the foundation for hate".
D'Amico also raised the point that hate is not a product of nature, but is in fact harbored and grown by nurture. In short, hate is taught. There is a parental influence in the growth of hate; and the adoption of hateful language that is conditioned in us only continues the landscape for a hateful and damaging community. Carrying forth phrases like "that is so gay" from cartoon programs to places like the classroom are the seeds in which grow hate, notes D'Amico. He closed with the acknowledgment that all individuals must take responsibility for what actions they partake in that generate or build upon existing hate.
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(02/01/10 11:00pm)
It would not be alien to imagine that one's own reading practices have declined over the years; the nation as a whole shares this stationary condition with embracing the written arts. To fight this rapid movement from literature, Kean University and the department of English will be launching their participation with THE BIG READ. On Thursday, February 4, during college hour in the University Center Atrium, students will have the opportunity to listen to music, enjoy free food, and hear special remarks from Kean University President Dawood Farahi, Mayor of Elizabeth Chris Bollawage, and Director of the Elizabeth Public Library Mrs. Dorothy Key. This kick-off party is aimed to draw attention to the selected text "The Things They Carried", by Tim O'Brien, intended to bring the community, both on and off campus, back to the joy of reading. THE BIG READ is a program designed by the National Endowment for the Arts that serves as a response to the urgent, distressing 2004 report Reading at Risk: A Survey of Literary Reading in America; the study declared that literary reading is being abandoned by all age groups, but most critically with the youth. Dr. Mia Zamora is the director of this general education and world literature effort, but has also extended the initiative beyond Kean's community. By incorporating several themes revolving the prized Vietnam War text, Kean and the Elizabeth Public Library plan to reach a community of all ages.
The text choice itself is the backbone behind this restoration of reading. O'Brien's "The Things They Carried" is a celebrated work that has proven to ascend beyond common war themes of victory and patriotism, but instead lends the opportunity to draw so much more from this fiction. Fiction, in fact, is a line often questioned while reading the text. The detailed, and yet naked, depiction of war in the text is lined with underlying questions. These are the questions that the headers of this program are hoping will inspire the community to come together in embracing this book.
The kick-off party will be an opportunity for all students and community members to find out current-semester events set in motion. These on and off campus events include, but are not limited to: a Vietnam War film series, a Kean faculty and student veteran's panel, a theater production of "The Things They Carried", and a women's perspective discussion on the Vietnam War during March, the month of women's history. While the hosting of these events are located both on and off campus, THE BIG READ is set to end with a dynamic bang by welcoming the award winning author himself, Tim O'Brien, to have a reading and discussion right on Kean's campus. Students and faculty are encouraged to be in attendance for this celebratory kick-off literary advocacy, and more importantly, to pick up a copy of this text and prepare to participate in the great endeavor of bringing reading back to the hearts and minds of people.
(02/01/10 11:00pm)
Ascending into command, especially when unexpected, can determine who has what it takes to be a true leader. Fortunately, for Carminda "Mindy" Bandeira, a senior elementary education and earth science major, the transition from vice president of funded groups to President of Student Organization of Kean University has come smoothly. As of January 5, 2010, Mindy, the now official standing voice of Kean students has undertaken a position she never meant to possess, but has embraced with confidence and exertion. The now notable theologian, George Matheson, once said, "We conquer by continuing." Perhaps aspects of leadership are universal, for Mindy, too, embraces this notion whole-heartedly. Making clear her first and foremost prospect, she states, "My expectation for our executive board and council is that we jump right back onto our feet and move forward. We must stay true to our mission statement and be the leaders that we have come this far to be, regardless of any bump on the road." During her run as vice president of funded groups, Mindy made her footprint in Kean's Student Organization clear, marking her no-nonsense and hardworking approach to leadership.
For Mindy, most of what she attributes to the smooth transition has been the abundant support she has received. Through the personal connections she has made with student leaders and members of the funded groups, Mindy has created a strong foundation for encouragement and strive. For this new president of the collective student voice, failure is not an aspect that affects her solely, but the many faces all around her; in knowing this, Mindy is driven. With already her family and friends pushing her to use absolute heart and mind in her tasks, Mindy is especially thankful for her directors and executive board for embracing her in this new position. She gratefully states, "It means the world to me to be working with such a strong, passionate, and driven group of leaders."
Mindy has already begun to make her position a fundamental and campus changing one. Seeing the benefits of extending the main campus's networking, Mindy has established a new addition to the student organization council. The Ocean County College branch of Kean University up till now has not had much, if any, representation in the groups here on the main campus. To rectify this, a vice-president position for the Kean-Ocean campus with two other representative positions will be added to the council. Mindy notes that this integration "will be a great connection for both our campus and theirs."
Despite finding the challenge in the constant demand to perform public speaking, Mindy is utilizing this as an opportunity to strengthen her in-person communication skills. This minimal task is just one among the many to balance on her hectic schedule. Mindy is currently sustaining her senior field experience course, which requires a five days a week teaching internship at W.O.K. Middle School in Hillside, NJ, on top of an additional 3 courses here at Kean. Yet, with great perseverance comes great reward; Mindy is set to be a Kean graduate as of this coming May. If her role as acting president of the student voice is any indication of her future beyond the Kean undergraduate years, then Mindy is set out to continue reaping the benefits of a diligent course.
(12/07/09 11:00pm)
In continuing a proud and charitable partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, numerous Kean students gathered on November 30 with ambition to help raise money for the noble, non-profit organization. While this annual event normally consists of Kean Greeks, this year the Center for Leadership and Service opened the collegiate fundraising program to all students. Though the majority in this sixth year of service was dominate in Greek participation, the efforts of all students stood out and helped shape a single unit from the 49 teams in attendance. Among some of the newcomers were student funded group, the International Student Association and members of the Bronze Leadership Program. Some groups seized the open invitation and encouraged other peers to come and support the cause. Riwanna Colwell, a junior early childhood education major, and Sharlette Saunders, a sophomore biology pre-physical therapy major, were just two of the benign belles in company with friends, the sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.; collectively, the ladies held one of the biggest groups at this year's program and carried the smiles to match.
The program is designed to encourage students to reach out to family and friends via a mailing letter that states St. Jude's mission and purpose in hopes that the response will produce a charitable donation. Over the past five years, Kean student's efforts have helped raise over $46,000 for the research hospital - an effort that has not gone unnoticed. This year's group produced over 2,900 letters, so the optimism for further success is high. Alex Louis, assistant director of center for leadership and service and coordinator of Greek affairs, in realizing the potential for further involvement, hopes to break the annual routine and extend the humanitarianism with an end of year bash during the spring semester. Students who missed the chance to be a part of the more recent program are encouraged to participate in high spirit during the spring campaign.
For some students, such as Rodrigo Gualdron, senior criminal justice major, chapter president of Sigma Lambda Beta Fraternity, Inc. and treasurer of Greek senate, this opportunity is one of empathy. Gualdron shares, "It's great to help someone who is enduring something that even I haven't went through; since I'm not a doctor, this is my way of helping." For St. Jude's, this kind of compassion is what "Up 'til Dawn" is all about. Centered on the reality that some children do not live to see past the dawn of their life, the organization is motivated to continue their medical efforts in support of healthy and happy longevity. In realizing this mission, Neyda Chaparro, sister of Delta Phi Epsilon, Inc., looks from outwards in. "On the surface, it is a break away from our academics, gives us something else to think about." Chaparro continues, "But then you see the time and dedication you put in pays off, and you realize that this allows you to be a part of something bigger than yourself.
(11/30/09 11:00pm)
Birthed from the vision that Kean University's president, Dr. Dawood Farahi, had several years back to make his students more aware of the violence and atrocities existent in the world, the new Human Rights Wing will open its doors early in the upcoming Spring semester. Given the president's background shaped around the events of his own personal escape from a country enveloped in violence, his aspiration is to educate others about the realities of human rights violations. The new addition to the campus is located in the Nancy Thompson Library as a $15 million expansion to the facility and is responsible for the more recent facade reconstruction. The new wing will feature a 1,700 square foot gallery, bigger even than that of the Burger Gallery and James Howe gallery. Exhibits within the gallery will periodically change with each new pressing issue of human rights awareness and achievements. The pressing urgency for education began in early 2008 when Kean University hosted its first International Conference for Human Rights entitled "Darfur: The First Genocide of the 21st Century". The critical assembly invited two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times journalist, Nicholas D. Kristof, to come speak about the reality of the inhumane acts occurring within Darfur. Now, through the success of its origin combined with the perpetual need to combat violations against the 30 universal human rights adopted in declaration by the United Nations in 1948, Kean University will continue its strong philanthropy and host the third annual conference on January 29, 2010.
In the more recent past, the Human Rights Institute have gravitated its focus primarily on international issues with such events as the Bangladesh 1971: Addressing Claims of War Crimes, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity conference. The third International Conference on Human Rights, Combating Hatred, will focus on hate crimes and take a more domestic approach to activism than previously featured in past conferences. The keynote address will be delivered by Morris Dees, founder and chief trial counsel for the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Alabama; following Dees' address will include speeches on Cyberhate and Bias Crimes from speakers Mark Weitzman and David L. D'Amico, respectively.
For students who look to have a more hands-on and constant experience with the humanitarian selections available on campus, a possible recourse is enrollment in the Interdisciplinary course, Holocaust, Genocide, and Modern Humanity registrable as ID 1800 on KeanWISE. The pilot course offers a past and modern exploration of various aspects, including political and social influence, leading up to what creates events that are violations against universal human rights. The class offers students the chance to pay attention to witness testimonies from Holocaust survivors, visit the Holocaust Memoriam Museum in Washington, D.C., and be able to stay in contact with students from the once genocide stricken country of Rwanda via an online forum. The anticipated international connection is a new addition for the Spring 2010 semester.
Dr. Dennis Klein, director of the Jewish Studies program and professor of history, is one of four professors scheduled to teach the available ID 1800 courses for the upcoming semester. Dr. Klein addresses the need for students to take more than just information from the classroom. "I expect my students to question," says Dr. Klein. "It needs to be questioned why the world remains so silent when responding to genocide. You just expect there to be immediate action, but there is silence." While Dr. Klein admits that each class will differentiate according to the specific professor teaching the course, the over-all experience should surface the same awareness, advocacy for resolution, and is strongly supported by colleague collaboration among the professors. The instructors for the other sections for next semester are Dr. Vivian C. Rodriguez, Dr. Joseph J Preil, and Dr. Keith D. Nunes; Nunes is also the program coordinator for the Nathan Weiss Graduate College's Master of Arts in Holocaust and Genocide studies option. Despite the ID 1800 course not being mandatory, the incentive of the Human Rights Institute is that the Kean Community will be among the first institutions that offer this type of course to all of its students.
As the philanthropy for human rights expands within the Kean community, one can only question its direction for the future. Dr. Henry Kaplowitz, director of The Human Rights Institutes, proudly recollects the past accomplishments of the conferences and suitably looks ahead with confidence. Among the upcoming issues that the Human Rights Institute will cover is that of biomedical and health issues. "Science is being abused," says Kaplowitz sternly. "There are ethical considerations that science must abide by."
More than anything, Kaplowitz stresses the importance of the education that can come of these conferences. "That education transcends," he continues. "We want instructors to incorporate humanitarian ideals into their curriculum. Some professors have already jumped on board.mathematics is being used to develop better solar cookers for the women and families in Darfur. Imagine, Kean University's own successful model of this tool that changes and saves so many lives." Here at Kean, it is possible to imagine such a feat, and the Human Rights Institute is insuring that the university has every opportunity to utilize education for the sake of humanity its entitled universal rights.
(11/30/09 11:00pm)
On December 3, 2009, the Upsilon Xi chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society here at Kean will hold its new winter induction ceremony for prospective members. The change in ceremony efforts as a strategic way to get new members engaged with current members, together utilizing the spring semester as leverage for planning and service. The ceremony will take place in the Maxine and Jack Lane Center for Academic Success room 106 at 7p.m. and will feature Kean University's own Dr. Susanna Rich as a speaker. As new inductees, students will be joining into a lifetime membership of scholarship, expressive, and internship opportunities. Students looking to join the English honor society in the future or even contribute to the group now are encouraged to be present at the ceremony. Since the introduction of Kean's chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the group has looked to change its standards for future inductees and make a name for itself on campus. Initially, students who maintained at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA and had obtained enough credits to be junior status were eligible for induction. Yet, after consideration, to simply uphold studious rank did not seem suffice for becoming an inductee. Hence, Dr. Gupta-Casale, current advisor of the group, instituted a new requirement towards the application process. Students looking to become inducted must now complete two service requirements, one in promotion of literacy and the other in function with the community. An example of such service would be volunteering to read at a school or holding a book drive in your local community.
Sigma Tau Delta is currently holding a book drive of their own on campus sponsored by Better World Books; donations bins are located throughout numerous building on campus such at the Center for Academic Success. If any student wishes to donate and can not find a bin, they can bring their donation to any member of the group or the group's advisor. In addition to the group's committed community services is next semester's much anticipated involvement with the "Big Read". In the urgency to nationally promote literacy, this event will personally bring acclaimed author Tim O'Brien, and several events surrounding his book, "The Things They Carried". Recognizing the rewarding philanthropy that this event will bring to any who participate, members of the group strongly encourage any student from campus to seize the opportunity to become involved.
If there is any direction that Sigma Tau Delta president Joseph Tingle, a senior English major with writing option and Chinese minor, would most want to veer the group towards, it would be on the path of recognition and retention. Tingle advocates for the group to rise above the norm of what is expected from the average honor society, chiefly because he sees the potential within his members. Towards that he adds, "I want to make the group an active, recognizable group on campus. Honor societies tend to have their members sign a check so they can strengthen their resume, but the involvement never goes further. I want the Kean Sigma Tau Delta Chapter to be more of a community." Tingle shares this ambition with much of his existing group; collectively, they aim to carry out this unification feat by utilizing the projected community services as well as strengthening bonds within the meetings.
(11/30/09 11:00pm)
Now that the dust of the freshman class elections has settled, a charismatic and determined leader has emerged. Mariam Abouhaib, the freshman English teacher certification major that worked towards victory to very the last second of elections, is the deserving president that hopes to impact the Kean community. Abouhaib was encouraged this past summer by current Student Organization president Scott Ramos to run in the freshman elections if she really wanted make a difference on campus; the opportunity seemed perfect. Initially running solo in her campaign, Abouhaib was approached by Team Evolution with the proposal that would place the presidency position in her hands. Together, the newly appointed head-runner and her team of ambitious Kean University new-comers campaigned relentlessly, stressing the urgency for strong leadership. Mariam Abouhaib comes to Kean from her four year stay at Montgomery High School, a place she recognizes as less than an institution and more so as a family. That certain "close knit" relationship that she once shared with her peers is an aspect she hoped will transcend to her new family here at Kean. Abouhiab also carries direct leadership experience from her high school years from her involvement with marching band for four years, which she held a leading officer position for, and her four year activism with then R.E.B.E.L. - Reaching Everyone By Exposing Lies, a group dedicated towards surfacing the concealed agenda of tobacco corporations.
Abouhaib attributes her win and the win of so many others from her campaign ticket to the unbiased approach they took towards being vocal. Whether it was freshman or upperclassman, Abouhaib made her approach and talked about her goals for the campus. For Abouhiab, the target audience was not limited to freshman, despite the fact that they were the only group eligible to vote; she knew the importance of a communal voice, one that can be heard by all of the student body. As her campaigning commenced, Abouhaib met many students who lacked English speaking skills. Despite Abouhiab being of Egyptian background, her Spanish minor helped her develop the strategy to produce fliers in both English
and Spanish.
The goals that Abouhaib plans to carry out for the 2009-2010 school year are chiefly geared towards encouraging school spirit and togetherness. Abouhaib would like to see more students involved with home games for Kean sports teams, attend celebratory events, and organize workshops geared towards exposure of diversities. Abouhaib recognizes the need for closer relationships among students. She has already participated in Kean events this semester, such as the E.E.O. talent show where she courageously preformed a self written song to an audience she hopes to call family. She was also one of the many leaders to attend this year's leadership retreat giving her yet another chance to make an impression on her peers. Abouhaib's term should be a successful one if her ambition continues to carry forth in such force; may the student body embrace her in her endeavors and begin to build bonds in doing so.
(11/16/09 11:00pm)
Kean University is no stranger in exposure to adjunct professors. With over 950 adjuncts currently employed for the 2009 fall semester, Kean heavily relies on the presence of these "road scholars" as an essential part of the campus family. Too often, unfortunately, false assumptions surrounding the adjunct's capabilities and credentials are made in response to both faculty status and their "adjunct" title itself. In truth, adjunct professors can be both experienced and qualified, even more so than some tenured professors. What students should be mindful of is that the adjunct status of some professors, whether attained by choice or circumstance, is one that is not limited to the quality that they can bring to the classroom. Dr. Kathleen Henderson, president of the Kean University Adjunct Faculty Federation and a recipient of the Distinguished Adjunct Faculty award, reflects on the student expectancy of adjunct classroom conduct. Henderson, as a member of the classroom and the administration, recognizes that the adjunct title often hinders the expectancy of the students enrolled in their classes. "The students are really surprised to see how much I work them," Henderson recalls. "They are caught off guard at first, but they do the work, and realize how much they are learning from it. When I run my classroom, I make sure the time is used efficiently."
According to the state's definition of what an adjunct professor is considered in regards to work status, an adjunct falls fourth on the tier behind positions considered full-time, part-time, and instructor. Here on the Kean campus, however, adjuncts are made to feel more inclusive than that. Dr. Dawood Farahi, president of Kean University, has been said to give much praise to the Kean adjunct faculty, verbally honoring adjuncts as part-time employees. While it is true that adjuncts are hired from a semester to semester basis, Kean looks to its adjunct family as an essential necessity to the education it provides.
"We see our engagement with our professors as long term relationships," says Dr. Mark Edward Lender, Vice President of Academic Affairs for Kean University. "In order to function, we must consider the adjuncts part and parcel of this university."
In addition to the roles that Kean adjuncts play as educators, they are also contributors of community service and task programs. In the most recent community service, the Kean adjunct faculty donated 118 solar cookers to women in the country of Darfur. With these cookers, women can avoid the dangers of travel outside their communities, feed their families easier, and utilize the device to develop an occupation for steady income. To address the importance of a successful start in college, an assembly of twenty adjuncts has been appointed to a program called the "ATEAM". The program is made up of ten adjuncts specifically trained for the English composition course and the introductory algebra course, both of which are mandatory of all Kean students. The intention is to offer incoming students a strong start in their core academics in hopes that it will transcend to their future semesters here at Kean. The adjuncts involved in this trial program are seasoned professors with excellent reviews under their belt.
The question at hand then is what do adjunct professors have to offer the Kean community in comparison to full-time, tenured professors. As adjuncts are only allowed to teach up to nine credits a semester, many of them often hold work with several institutions at the same time. This opportunity allows adjuncts to offer a multitude of outside experience into classroom management and teaching style. Their lack of tenor also highlights the extra time and effort that they, as professors who are not compensated for the development of syllabi, after class mentoring and tutoring, or curriculum creation, put forth. Students are encouraged to feel compelled to voice appreciation for adjuncts that they feel go beyond the expectations of their job requirements.
(11/16/09 11:00pm)
Assembled from the most essential roles of student leadership on campus, forerunners for the future of Kean gathered within the "Diamond" room, some faces rather familiar, but most unrecognizable. It is here they eyed the elaborate chandeliers that would become an ongoing joke of the October 30 to November 1 weekend. This room, this space for transformation, would serve as the ground where the student leaders of Kean University unite to tackle the same goal - having a shared vision and communicating that change. The 70 leaders in attendance stemmed from student government, funded and non-funded groups, Greek life, the Center for Leadership and Service, admission, Student Affairs Department and so many other councils and organizations that make up the student involvement of Kean University. Together, these ordinary people, with several dedicated and energetic faculty, compounded the Student Organization and Student Affairs sponsored 2009 Leadership Retreat in hopes to achieve extra-ordinary things. As in previous years, this year's Leadership Retreat featured distinguished speakers to help shape the role of leader that the students play. Through workshops and role play, urgency for student connection was advocated. Among the speaker's whose message encouraged that togetherness the most was that of Tom Krieglstein. Krieglstein, as a speaker aimed to increase student interaction and engagement, is a decorated recipient of the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Best campus Speaker of the Year awards. To best demonstrate the degrees of social connection, Krieglstein showed the group his "Dance Floor Theory" as a model. By engaging the student leaders in an impromptu dance, he was able to freeze-frame the group and identify which participants were highly engaged and which were neutral, which he represented as "meh" students. As standing models for the experiment, Sheirka Bagot, sophomore biology major, and Brian Dowling, freshman undecided major, entertained the audience as they put forth humorous caricatures of their "social roles". The focus of this workshop was to teach strategic methods for getting the "meh's" to become "hmm's..." - a pneumonic device representative of students becoming interested even on a small scale.
In addition to his "Dance Floor Theory" workshop, Krieglstein discussed essential tips that every leader should be aware of as both a student and a member of a team. One of the concerns discussed that effect student groups, whether funded or not, is how a shortage of money can often drown out ideas that some leaders may have. Krieglstein pointed out that what matters in an event is not the quality put into creating it, but rather the quality of the results received from it. To demonstrate, Krieglstein showed the group a series of videos of events called "flash mobs". The videos awed the crowd, psyching them up with anticipation for their own chance at an inexpensive, yet dynamic event. For some students, waiting till their return to campus was to long of a wait. Alex Petino, a senior sociology major, beamed as he recalled, "it was cool going up to the countrymen at the bar with our 'Free Hugs' signs and making fun conversation." He acknowledges his disbelief, "I can't believe it actually worked. They were so open with us."
In company with Tom Krieglstein was the weekend's key speaker, Jonathan Sprinkles. As the celebrated 2006 Speaker of the Year recipient, Sprinkles has made a name for himself around corporations and campuses alike. Having graced Kean University students ten times in the past four years, Sprinkles pronounced continuously throughout the retreat weekend that Kean students are his favorite to speak for. From the moment the student leaders arrived, Sprinkles energy was high and he demanded a reciprocated intensity. Despite taking center stage almost instantly, Sprinkles described himself as "just a messenger" and among the first advice in his delivery were the words, "You can not lead others, until you first lead yourself."
For Sprinkles, identification of the self was the first task to accomplish. In a workshop entitled "True Colors", Sprinkles surveyed the student leader's likes, interests, and priorities to distinguish a specific "color", or style, of leadership they were acquainted with. By doing this, students were able to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Grace Adeyinka, a junior elementary education major and sister of Lambda Tau Omega Inc., reflects on her personal gain from Sprinkle's workshop stating, "True Colors was the best part for me, because I didn't know what kind of leader I was. It brought everything to light. I want to bring this all back to my sorority; there can be nothing but growth from this."
Once Sprinkles was able to help the students identify their specific style of leadership, he then stressed the techniques that should follow their vision. Students voiced their concerns and Sprinkles applied his techniques to help aid the more troublesome areas. Student motivation, group membership retention, idea criticism and support, and prioritizing were just some of the issues that seem to affect the ardent leaders. A reoccurring theme within his techniques was the open-mindedness that all leaders should possess as well as the way to lead by stepping off to the side. As Sprinkles insisted to one particularly overwhelmed audience member, "You build your own strengths and delegate the rest."
As an added bonus to the already renowned cast of speakers in attendance, Dr. Dawood Farahi joined the students at the retreat for a spirited and motivational speech of his own. After sharing his own personal story of success through hardship, Dr. Farahi conveyed his five tools that each student passionate about their own success should utilize. To have a long-term dream, a visionary theme, a co-operative team, a tactful scheme, and focus above all was the schematic illustration of Farahi's message. With all the new additions to Kean, Dr. Farahi was able put his entire message into a tangible, successful practice. He ended his speech the same way he began, by acknowledging his pride in his student leaders and the confidence he has in their success.
With a final task for the student group, leaders were asked to take the floor under their control and demonstrate one concept or strategy they learned. The groups were encouraged to be creative, informative, confident, and ultimately utilize each member as an efficient, functional organism of the whole. Through skits, dance, and even poetry, each group paid homage to the weekend in their own unique way. Sprinkles and faculty plumed in sheer honor with the performances. Shortly after the last performance, the weekend drew to a close, but not before the group embraced each other for a final pledge and notion of admiration for each other's company. With tears, hugs, and genuine smiles, each leader made their promise to utilize each other and bring what they had learned back to campus. Perhaps then, should students find significant and advantageous change in their respective groups, may they attribute it to the shared vision and collective oath of the students from the 2009 Leadership Retreat.
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(11/09/09 11:00pm)
On Friday October 23 the doors opened to the Harwood Arena as familiar faces and a multitude of generations poured through them anxiously waiting to greet one another. What should have been recognizable as the gym area was particularly unfamiliar. The room was encased in full luau ambiance completed with tikis in floatation, a buffet designed for the Hawaiian pallet with such dishes as mango cilantro mahi-mahi, and best of all, a spirited audience decked in leis to support the theme. The 2009-2010 Greek Alumni Reunion commenced, a venue in celebration of Kean University's alumnus and their appreciation for their alma mater. When the festivities commenced, Kean Greek alumnus and others in attendance were honored with the entertainment performance of the multiple Gold Record awarded music of "The 1910 Fruitgum Company". Among the band members were two of Kean's own alumni - bassist Glenn Lewis of the class of 70', and guitarist Frank Jackell, class of 74' and proud parent to a daughter who is also among the Kean family as a junior student. The band played scores from the year of their main success in 1968, such as famous Bond classics. Among those in attendance were foundation board members, George and Dorothy Hennings, whose name should strike students that venture in the building under their name. The Hennings, proud to be among the returning Greeks and non-Greeks such as they, stressed the importance of alumni support and making bonds.
Edward Esposito, Kean Alumni president and Sigma Beta Tau alumnus of the graduate class of 72', remarks on the initial reaction that most Kean University alumni have when revisiting campus after a long absence. "Mostly the first impression is 'Wow! I remember this place when it was just six buildings and a lot of mud'." Esposito goes on to acknowledge that more than just change that has occurred in the physical plant, Kean University has an interior growth with increasing degree options, a growing graduate program, and an increasing active alumni whose number now exceeds 70,000. Esposito continues, "The single largest gifts in donation stem from alumni support. We love to showcase that support to the current students. We have gone on to high positions and success, but we continue to touch so many lives here."
Another Greek alumni, Nu Delta Pi member and class of 72', Gary Luciano, recalls the days of past Kean life when being affiliated with Greek organization meant to be affiliated with all other aspects of Kean including sports, politics, and close knit peers. Today, Greek students on campus can proudly say that the same holds true. During the reunion, many of those current students had the opportunity to share those stories first-hand. In one section of the banquet, Omega Sigma Psi alumni, Annett Klimerman mingled with active executive board sisters discussing matters like national versus local. In another section, returning alumni members of the fraternity Nu Sigma Phi celebrated their reestablishment on Kean's campus with brothers from their new, successful chapter. Paul Medeiros, a sophomore music major, raves, "It is amazing to have such a strong alumni support. They are so heavily involved in our new membership process and it feels great to have them there for us."
As the night comes to a close, some alumni bid farewell in promise to continue their donations to a place they still consider home, while others planned for an extended stay here on campus. Recent alumni sisters of Sigma Beta Chi showed nothing but eagerness for their planned stay in the New Upperclassman dormitory with intentions to watch the festivities of homecoming the next day. This image, most profoundly, shows the crossing of generations and should leave students with recognition for the extensive and supportive family ties they make here at Kean University.
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(11/09/09 11:00pm)
In honor of this year's homecoming celebration, active and ambitious Greek students participated in service that serves a community close to their hearts - their own home at Kean University. With aim to "beautify" the campus before the celebratory weekend, seventeen Greek organizations put in labor and dedication to tackle four organized projects. With the collective effort of these participants, Kean University was able to capture the attention and awe the many visitors that attended the homecoming weekend festivities. The first of the projects was a restoration of the Greek "rock garden" located near the tennis courts. With help from members of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., Gamma Psi Epsilon Fraternity Inc., Nu Delta Pi Fraternity Inc., Sigma Beta Tau Fraternity Inc., Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc., and Psi Sigma Phi Multicultural Fraternity Inc. , the project ran smooth and productive. With united effort, a total 18,000 pounds of stone was wheel barreled and distributed throughout the garden in a four hour period.
Bob Owens, associate supervisor of grounds maintenance, headed the project's production said, "In my 11 years with my involvement with Kean, I have never seen a more successful and productive student service as with this project. The enthusiasm of the students was high. Most of all, I was amazed by the comradely between the workers."
Sisters of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority Inc., and Theta Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., gathered for the second project located at the front of the D'Angola Gym. With dedicated unison, the sisters moved 25 yards worth of mulch to the designated area in order to cultivate the plant collection. Jackie Gennarelli, a junior psychology/ pre-physical therapy major, wore a smile with the task as she incorporated the service with bonding time. Even President Dr. Dawood Farahi paid a visit to the site in order to lend support and appreciation for the
collective work.
The third and fourth projects were geared towards a restoration of the Cougar's Walk planters and excess leaf pick-up near the Technology building by the efforts of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Beta Kappa Sigma Sorority Inc., Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority Inc., and Nu Theta Chi Sorority Inc. in one group, and Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc., Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority Inc., Nu Sigma Tau Sorority Inc., Omega Phi Chi Multicultrual Sorority Inc., and Rho Theta Tau Sorority Inc. as the other group, respectively. Fran Salicetti, a senior elementary education major and President to Nu Sigma Tau, identified the connection between participant and project stating," I think this is rewarding. We can look around and say 'Hey, we have a beautiful campus', and I know that I had a hand in making that happen."
Like Salicetti and the many other Greeks who lent a hand in this restoration project, students should feel encouraged to volunteer some time to making the Kean campus an eminent place to attend. To find out more details on volunteer services for Kean, please visit the Center for Leadership and Service located in the University Center room 219.
(10/26/09 11:00pm)
Change in leadership is often difficult at first for a collective group; the task can prove even more frustrating for the fresh and eager leader trying to carry the group forth. That eagerness, fortunately, is often the foundation in which a leader utilizes to succeed. As the first month of the new semester passes, change amongst student funded group leaders has taken place and the ambition is ever so present. As official budgets for funded groups are now in the process of distribution, fliers will grow in number, demanding the participation of the student body. Student involvement comes as one of the chief concerns for these new leaders. Juan Lopez, a senior computer science major, is the new president to A.L.A.S. - the Association for Latin American Students. Lopez counters this concern by relying on his three year involvement with the group and veteran leadership experience that expands from other groups to his fraternity's executive board. While some group's membership, such as A.L.A.S., has gradually decreased over time, other groups must struggle this school year to re-establish themselves after an extended absence.
Abibat Balogun, sophomore biology major, faces the challenge of reviving her group, R.S.A. - the Resident Student Association after a two year hiatus. Despite the set-back Balogun believes that with proper planning, she and her team will enable the group to come back strong and make an impression. Rusty Flores, a freshman theater major and new president to the Parenthetical Club, faces the obstacle of managing a group that throughout the years has been in an on-and-off activation, making member retention limited to a small number at best. The Parenthetical Club is a group that encourages young writers to interact with writers and poets by use of their own written devices. To accomplish such networking, Flores aims make a name for the group that will be recognizable and hold ground in its presence.
"What I want to do with this club is take it out of the dark and show the school that there is a place where people can just go and have a great time [with] friends and new people," says Flores.
While all of the new presidents will shoot to open new doors for their groups, others will start their new positions with a strong student-supported foundation under their belt. The University Activities Board, led by new president Mercedes Burns, a senior double major in early childhood education and psychology, is known for its annual events that successfully gather masses of the student body. The group hosts the fall semester's "Cafe' La Give Away" and the spring semester's fashion show and step show. Yet, even with an established name, Burns enters her presidency with the ambition for fresh faces. Burns asserts, "In order to do new events, we need new ideas, new attitudes from the students willing to engage."
Another leader who brings experience to their new position is Haitian Student Association president Stephanie Saint-Fleur, a senior communications major with marketing minor. After four years of solid involvement with the group, the new president says she has no worries about involvement as the group is motivated by a dedicated general body and alumni support that spans 22 years. Saint-Fleur's group is one among several cultural groups on campus. Others are junior bilingual education and biology major Cynthia Sousa's group P.A.C.K. - Portuguese American Club at Kean that produces the cultural event, "A Taste of Portugal"; senior marketing major Badal Shah's group, the Association of Indian Students which currently is looking into hosting a cultural dance called "Garba"; the Jewish Culture Club led by returning member Joshua Weitz, a junior psychology - pre-therapy option major, who has already programmed the group's first big event of the semester, "Pizza in the Sukkah" with plans to similar successful events; and Temitope Ola's group A.S.A. - African Student Association which prides themselves on the motto, "54 countries, but 1 family" and plans on hosting several cultural events including African Love Connection, and their annual African Awareness Night. All of these leaders have requested to inform the student body that while a certain cultural groups may focus on a concentrated culture, their doors are open to any prospective student with any background.
That same acceptance extends to groups even outside of cultural focus. Kean Dance Theater president, Jahir Calderon, a junior finance major, seeks to find members to join his group despite any lack of experience in dance that a student might have. Further, Calderon's group looks to host the event known as "Student Showcase" where all "student choreographers can show their own dance pieces and show-off their creative minds."
It is crucial to remember that despite the entertainment and social networking that these group's presidents intend to provide the student body, they are still fundamentally leaders with an ideology of professionalism and education. As former secretary and current president of the student chapter of the AMS/NWA - American Meteorological Society and National Weather Service Association, Amy Wuestenberg, a senior meteorology major, finds this balance of "fun stuff" and professionalism as a challenge in itself, but sees the opportunity to broaden the focus of the group as means of getting students more engaged. Students involving themselves in any of these groups may utilize them in developing both their co-curricular transcripts and their post-college resumes.
As the new leaders embrace the hardships and leverages of their terms, they will help shape what the 2009-2010 school year brings to campus. They encourage all students to attend the group's meetings that will help organize the community services and events that will take place. Students looking to enhance their Kean University experience and build bonds should look into the funded groups and become associated with the new presidents pledged to govern them. These leaders are looking to welcome, to be challenged, to be supported, and to make their reign a memorable one.
To find out more information on any group mentioned or others, please visit the office of the Center for Leadership and Service located in the University Center room 219. Congratulations to all of the new presidents of the Student Organization funded groups and good luck with the year.
(10/19/09 10:00pm)
When night falls on Kean University and restless students need a voice to start the night, they need only to tune into Kean's own WKNJ 90.3 FM and listen to the voices of Shavon Hogges and Lamar Green. The two junior communications and media film major students are the body behind the dynamic voices that reign over the Kean airwave. Hogges and Green have been driving the Kean station since spring and fall 08, respectively. Fortunately for Kean students, plans for the two music careers are on the move and the campus will surely hear their sound. Shavon Hogges, also known as DJ S.Dot, is on the air from 8 p.m. till 9 p.m., three nights a week with WKNJ. His Wednesday show, The Finisher, follows Green's Wednesday airtime, Redikalis Radio, starting at 7 p.m. Hogges other time slots to spin run as Preparation Thursdays and Motivation Fridays. During his air time, Hogges spins hip hop, R & B, reggae and has recently incorporated house music. While Green acts as a radio personality during his time slot, Green is primarily a music artist. His music and lyrical talents are no stranger to the campus as he has preformed in almost every appropriate venue to demonstrate his skills.
Both students, in fact, come with experiences that qualify them to be the voice of Kean night-life. Green, as an artist under the handle "Redikalis", has participated in Kean venues such as E.E.O. Talent Shows, fashion shows, The "Rap Meets Poetry" event, and others. Where there were winners announced Green consistently stole the show taking the home grade prize and respect for what he spits. His lyrical content is both developed and articulate; one should not confuse his rap skills with an amateur.
In the past, Kean University regular, DJ Wallah, recognized Green's talents and played his single, Drink On. Students listened and responded, eager to hear more. Hogges even recalls times where WKNJ would receive requests for Green's music. Green knows his impact on the listening student body and has made performing for them his new endeavor. He looks to perform at major Kean events in the future.
What Hogges brings to the table is experience that spans beyond the campus level. He has spun in clubs such as Elizabeth's Dolce and Club Miami, Patterson's Quest Lounge, and Passiac's Medusa's and Lawrence's. While he can spin whatever music we wants to, Hogges operates under the Hot 97 record pool for a majority of what he airs. With the positive feedback, constant requests, and student shout outs he receives, Hogges considers himself successful at the turntable. At this past Campus Awareness event, Hogges provided the musical entertainment and had the crowd showing their swagger. Recently, Kean University event-host regular, DJ Nix-in-the Mix, has taken Hogges in association with his music family and Hogges could not be more enlivened by the opportunity. Hogges is currently trying to build a professional portfolio that may benefit his career for the future.
If any student should find themselves asking who DJ S.Dot or Redikalis are, they should make sure to tune into WKNJ 90.3 to find out first hand. The campus is sure to host more of their performances in the future, so students should keep an eye out for those as well. As opportunities further present themselves to these two talented students, their careers are evolving and Kean students should prepare themselves for what happens next.