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(03/29/10 10:00pm)
As Kean students and staff began to gather in front of the Little Theatre located in the University Center, Kean ushers began to hand out pamphlets for the opening ceremony of Unity Week 2010. The audience was very excited to hear what was to come for Unity Week, because in the past years at Kean, Unity Week was always full of fun events. Carminda Bandeira, senior elementary education and earth science double major and president of Student Organization, along with Carlos Rojas, senior math and economics double major and vice president of committees, began the ceremony with a few words about Unity Week and its history. Unity Week was first created to "unite Kean administrators, faculty, staff, and students for the purpose of celebrating the cultural diversity of the community."
During a student leadership retreat in 1997, the idea was born to unite the university's students, administrators, faculty and staff to promote cultural diversity. Then in April 1998, the first Unity Week took place, which was a huge success. From that year on, Unity Week was celebrated annually as a weeklong celebration and takes place in mid-March.
Dr. Dawood Farahi even honored the ceremony with a few words of wisdom. Farahi believes that during Unity Week, Kean will become a better unit and work as one. Then a singer from Kean University Gospel Choir, Candace Corbett, a senior English education major, sang His Eye Is On The Sparrow, which is a song that has also been performed by New Jersey native Lauryn Hill.
In closing, Bandeira and Rojas spoke once again, thanking all those who came out to support the beginning of Unity Week. "Students should overall become more involved and have more Kean spirit," Bandeira says to the audience with much concern. Rojas and Bandeira left the audience with a few calming words about having Kean pride and loving the university, together and united.
(03/29/10 10:00pm)
March is here already and soon spring will be in full bloom. But with the spring season coming, there will sure be a lot of rainy days. Rain helps plants grow and flowers bloom, and by May there will be many different types of flowers blossoming everywhere we turn. Here are a few questions for those who wonder what flower they may be. Here is a questionnaire that can help determine that:
(03/29/10 10:00pm)
Kean students may already know that summer sessions one and two are just around the corner. Most students have already met with their advisors in order to find out which courses to take for the summer. However, most students wonder if they will have enough money to take one or two courses during the summer. Luckily, the office of financial aid has just announced that students who are eligible for The Federal Pell Grant Program may be able to receive a portion of a second scheduled Pell grant to help with the summer costs. First year students of fall 2009 and spring 2010 sessions or first year students of fall 2008 and spring 2009 will most likely be eligible for the Pell grant during the summer of 2010.
The Federal Stafford Loans, which are limited to the difference between the amounts borrowed during the previous fall and spring semesters, are also available to students. The U.S. Department of Education decides how much a student should receive depending on each specific grade level set. As well as Federal Work-Study, Federal Direct Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Graduate PLUS loan, Parent PLUS Loan, NJ Educational Opportunity Fund, private alternative loans are also considerable summer aids.
In order to receive the summer financial assistance and remain eligible for summer courses, undergraduate students must register for five or six credits. Graduate students can register for five credits.
If students wish to receive summer aid, applications must be submitted by March 30, 2010. Applications can be found on the financial aid website, http://www.kean.edu/sfs/forms.html or students can go to the office of financial aid to receive a hardcopy. The office of financial aid has already begun accepting applications for summer 2010. Student's aid edibility will be calculated based on the projected enrollment as noted on the summer application and on the 2009-2010 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If students have any questions, or need additional information, students can contact the office of financial aid at 908-737-3220 or via e-mail at Finaid@kean.edu.
(03/01/10 11:00pm)
Attention future sophomore, junior, and senior classes - Student Organization elections are just around the corner for those who have the desire to be executive officers or class officers for their class. There are available positions for executive boards for those who want to be president, vice president of funded groups, vice president of committees, vice president of student affairs vice president of Kean-Ocean, director of promotions and advertising, assistant treasurer and assistant secretary. There are also positions for those who wish to be class officers and positions that need to be obtained such as president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. These positions are available for the classes of 2011, 2012 and 2013. The sophomore class must have nine representatives. The junior and senior class may have up to ten representatives per class and two of which are Kean-Ocean students. In order for a Kean student to run for any position available, they must also be able to qualify. Candidates for executive board president, vice-president of funded groups, vice-presidents of committees, vice-president of student affairs, vice-president of Kean-Ocean, vice-president of public relations and marketing must all make sure that they have 56 credits and can include credits being obtained in progress. Candidates for assistant treasurer and assistant secretary must have 24 credits in total but no more than 70 credits, including credits in progress.
Applicants must also meet the credit requirements of the time of filing the application. Sophomore class candidates must have 29-55.5 credits obtained or in progress at the time of filing the application. Juniors class candidates must have 56-89.5 credits while senior class candidates must have 90 or more credits.
Candidates will only be allowed verbal campaigning until the candidates meeting which will be held on Monday, March 8, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. located in the University Center little theater. Written materials or any other type of campaigning can be used after the candidates meeting. Candidates cannot text, Facebook, MySpace, or use any other social networking sites to help them campaign, before the candidates meeting.
When it comes to campaigning, candidates want to get more votes than others so they begin putting posters up, or signs to promote themselves. However if a candidate has the desire to use material or equipment, for instance using an outside vendor to promote flyers and t-shirts they must submit their ideas with their applications so it may be approved by the director and managing assistant director.
Applications are due March 4, 2010, by 2 p.m. Sharp! Applications must be placed in the designed marked box located in the office of student government, located in the University Center room 321. There cannot be any write in candidates in the Student Organization elections, each candidate must apply. Applications are not to be late because they will not be permitted. The office of Student organization advises all students who are applying for office to become familiar with the election policy, because any violation can result in a candidate being disqualified from the election.
Above all else, candidates must all be full-time, undergraduate, matriculated students of Kean University and have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 or above at the time of submitting the application. On the Student Organization website, students will find all the rules and answers to any questions they may have. For more information, students can go on http://www.kean.edu/stuorg, where they can read all the policies and be able to print out an application.
(02/22/10 11:00pm)
When students graduate high school, they have little knowledge, if any, about the college experience. It can be like throwing a four year old into the real world. High school students are clueless about college, other than the information that they read on the college website or what they hear from older siblings or friends. Students should be able to see for themselves what college life is really like. They should see the professors, the papers, the classrooms, the freedom, the schedules, and the residence halls from their own eyes. The office of undergraduate admission would like to help high school students learn more about college by sponsoring a program that will benefit many future students. Kean University hosted Student for a Day on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 and it ended up being a huge success. Students from different high schools had the opportunity to see for themselves what college life is really like and what it took to be a college student. High school students were paired up with Kean students, also known as a cougar pal, or Student Ambassadors, who work for undergraduate admissions. The mentor took the student to their classes and the students were able to get a feel for the college experience.
Among other high schools, South Brunswick and Bogota High Schools will be participating in the event. In all, there will be about 36 high schools represented. As of now, there are over 50 students pre-registered for the first session in February. Student for a Day is an event that will take place in the months of February and March. On Tuesday, February 16, 2010, was the first event of 2010 and the students were welcomed to Kean in Downs Hall. The event was once again a huge success, just like in December. Then, on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 students will be welcomed in the Little Theater, located in the University Center. In the month of March, Student for a Day will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 and the students will be welcomed to Kean in Downs Hall. There will also be a day open for admitted freshmen students only on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, in the Little Theater, located in the University Center. The office of undergraduate admissions does not want to discourage any high school seniors or graduates who have not been able to have the opportunity to see Kean University. This is truly a day in the life of a college student and a once in a lifetime experience.
(02/22/10 11:00pm)
While we are still in the mist of celebrating African American History Month, the office of African American studies will be hosting "Here We Stand: Forgotten Moments in African American History," which will be held on February 24 and 25, 2010. There will be lectures, film showings and performances which are free and open to those who wish to learn a bit of history and more. All the events will take place in the Little Theater in the University Center. The first event is on Wednesday, February 24, 2010, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. The discussion and lecture, "Ida B. Welles: Passion for Justice" will be discussed by Dr. Sarah Ducksworth. Welles's struggle against lunching and segregation, and her advocacy of women's rights and suffrage movement will be discussed.
On Thursday, February 25, 2010, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. there will be a film showing of "Here I Stand, Determined: The Life and Times of Paul Robeson." The director of the film Renardo Mack and Dr. Randall Westbrook will lead the entire event. The office of Africana Studies at Kean University's "Jackie's McLean Concert Series" will also take place on this day, at 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The series will feature Kamara Kewulay and Bandeya, which is a performance company of international musicians, dances and spoken word artists from the African world inspired by Mandeng epic traditions of West Africa.
The office of Africana Studies at Kean University wants to show the students at Kean that there is still much to learn about African American history. Kean students are welcome to see for themselves and continue to celebrate the history of African Americans this month.
(02/15/10 11:00pm)
With the spring semester beginning, many students are still trying to get accustomed to their new schedules. Leaping from a relaxing and exhilarating vacation to suddenly having to wake up at 7 a.m. to be early for an 8 a.m. class can be exhausting. Many students have difficulty adjusting to their new schedules because they did not prepare themselves prior to the first week of the new semester. The first strategy that students must learn to do is to change their lifestyle. After one semester ends, students tend to change their lifestyle to vacation mode, waking up later than they usually would if they were still going to school. It is always important for students to remind themselves a few days before they start the new semester what time they would have to wake up and of any other changes in their day to day schedule. Being prepared for the new semester is always a must.
Another strategy is to buy textbooks early and read the first chapter or scan through the book. It is always the best plan to be one step ahead of others. It will also benefit the student to avoid the crowds at the bookstore once the semester starts full swing. The only downfall is that the student may need to purchase additional books and supplies after their initial trip to the bookstore. Being prepared for the new semester courses cause students to feel more at ease with school. They feel as though they are prepared for what is to come in the new semester. Also, early shoppers have a greater chance of finding a used textbook at a cheaper price.
Being organized is always a key strategy. Most students just rush into the new semester without buying the books, notebooks, or other school supplies. Students will receive a lot of different papers from all of their classes. Then a week later, students will have a pile of papers all disorganized and not know which paper is for what class. This is why procrastination is never the answer. Students cannot leave their school duties for later because "later" becomes tomorrow, then next week, and then next month.
It is always important for students to become familiar with their new class schedule. Students can easily become disorganized and suffer from procrastination. School has just begun and now is the time to hit the books.
(02/15/10 11:00pm)
Many students have always asked themselves the one question that only they would know the answer to: "What happened?" Students who ask themselves these questions often wonder where things went wrong or retrace their steps. They ponder, were they prepared for whatever happened? Many students fail tests because they did not take the time to study. Students tend to be overly confident when they understand all the material the professor taught, and think that there would be no need to study or review. One way students can organize themselves is making a to-do list. It can be made in a list or can be put in a planner. With the to-do list not only will students be organized, but they will also be able to see their schedule more clearly. Having the schedule cleared lets students see what time they are free and what times they will be occupied.
According to www.adprima.com/studyout.htm, one strategy that is very important for students is to remember the survey, question, read, recite, review (SQ3R) method. Organizing information and asking questions always helps the information remain in the brain so the answers to the questions are the ones that are remembered. Also make sure that when reading the text, always read actively. Reviewing is also part of re-reading the material that needs to be learned. Students should try to connect things they have read to things they already know. The most effective way to remember the material is to review when finished studying. Never wait before the day of the test or exam because when a student crams, it is very likely that they will not remember everything they studied.
When studying charts and maps, it is always effective to think in pictures. Gaze and study the map or chart to memorize it. According to www.learninginfo.org/study-skills.htm, the mind thinks in pictures, not in abstract terms; making the information more concrete will help with retention.
Study space is always a must when wanting to learn the text of the course. A student's study space should be as quiet and comfortable as possible. Always avoid studying in noisy places such as cafeterias, because in the end, the studying will not be done. Also, take short but frequent breaks so that studying will be rewarded. Rewarding positive behavior increases the likelihood that it will be repeated. So now Kean students have the advice needed to achieve in all their courses. Even though there are others who have their own ways of preparing for an exam, these tips are always useful to those who need them.
(02/15/10 11:00pm)
Dana Elaine Owens, a rapper, actress, and successful producer, has made an impact in the 20th and 21st century. She was the first female MC to ever have a first album to ever go gold. Strong, intelligent, fierce in every way, Owens but known by many as Queen Latifah worked her way up to the entertainment business and making a name for herself. Queen Latifah was born on March 18, 1970 in Newark, New Jersey and lived with her parents lance and Rita Owens until they divorced in 1978. Being raised by a single mother, Queen Latifah was always encouraged by her, to follow her dreams. She was given the name Latifah, which in Arabic means delicate and sensitive, by her cousins of Muslim background. Over the years, she decided to add Queen to Latifah. At a young age, she began to sing in the choir at Shiloh Baptist Church in Bloomfield, New Jersey. When she entered Irvington High School, she played forward on her schools championship basketball team and rap was introduced into her life. According to www.gale.cengage.com/free_resources/bhm/bio/latifah_q.htm, because she enjoyed rapping to a great extent she decided to start a rap group with her friends. "Ladies Fresh," who was made up by Tangy B, Landy D, and Queen Latifah herself, all had one thing in common which was the love for rap. They sang and rapped in talent shows, made other appearances, and eventually changed their name to "Flavor Unit." The trio was well-known to disk jockeys and Basement Record producer Mark James, which eventually led Queen Latifah to sign a contract with Tommy Boy music in 1988.
According to www.people.com/people/queen_latifah/biography, her "feminist-flavored" album, "All Hail the Queen," sold more than 400,000 copies. Her sophomore album was released in 1991, "Nature of a Sista," and soon took over the management company Flavor Unit. As time passed and Latifah grew older, she began to look beyond rapping but still in the entertainment business. In 1993, she appeared in Will Smith's T.V. sitcom, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and in Spike Lee's "Jungle Fever." Latifah later lands her own FOX sitcom called "Living Single," but was canceled in less than five years. She was later stopped by the authorities and charged for having a loaded gun and in possession of marijuana. However, that didn't stop her career from moving up, because she continued to make appearances and stared in the movie "Set it off" with Vivica A. Fox and Jada Pinkett Smith. Among other things, Latifah also hosted her own show in 1999, which the New York Times described as "Dear Abby for the hip-hop generation." She also worked with Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie in "Bone collector."
In 2001, Queen Latifah became a CoverGirl and she also inspired a line of clothing for larger sized women called "Curvation." Latifah tells Glamour magazine "I realized long ago that, something I did not want, was to be measured by my waistline." In March of 2004 Latifah won an Image Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for outstanding actress for "Bringing Down the House." In 2008 Latifah won the Screen Actors Guild Award for best actress in a television movie or miniseries for "Life Support." She also won a Golden Globe Award for best performance by an actress in a mini series or motion picture made for television for "Life Support."
Today Queen Latifah is found helping out in the community and around the world, while being embraced by many because of her kindness and always staying true to herself.
(02/08/10 11:00pm)
While music boomed out of the speakers, Kean students mingled with sorority and fraternity members. On Wednesday January 27, one of the coldest days this winter, Kean students warmed up the night in Downs Hall to Meet the Greeks. Those that could not go in the evening had the opportunity to see the Greeks again the next day, from 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. While DJ Nix in the Mix was spinning the tracks, everyone bumped to the beat. In the corner, Lambda Tau Omega Sorority Inc. spoke with different people about their sorority. "We are independent women who help children and work with women empowerment," explained Grace Adeyinka, junior elementary education major. When it was time to show the crowd what they were all about, the sorority did not hesitate as they strolled to "Sexy Chick" by super producer David Guetta and recording artist Akon enticing the crowd to bob their heads to the beat. Across the room, President of Rho Theta Tao Sorority Inc., Valerie Miller, a special education math K-12 major, was explaining how the sorority is very focused on helping children with health disabilities. The sorority also helps the American Red Cross with community service and breast cancer victims. "Community service helps us learn responsibility, and turn into adults, while helping others," stated Miller.
On the other side of the room, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc., spoke about "Latina by tradition, not by definition." Instead of going out to stroll to their feature song, "Follow Me," by the group Aly-Us, the ladies were making sure their voices were heard when speaking about women empowerment. While speaking to others, most of the ladies preached about the "futuro" of children, and helping them make that important leap from high school to college.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. had taken time out of their busy schedule to introduce themselves to Kean students because of the New Year. "Friendship is essential to the soul," Lance Howard, senior public administration major, explained to the Kean students as they stopped to listen. The men of Omega Psi Phi help the community by providing food to the homeless. They plan to make "Women's Appreciation Week" a successful week by giving free gift baskets. The ladies of Omega Phi Chi Multicultural Sorority showed the other organizations that they truly did not want to be categorized by ethnicity or culture, talking to the students about who they were and why they were "destroying all boundaries and uniting all races." Many of the ladies of Omega Phi Chi were ecstatic by all the people who stopped by their table. "It's great to see when your sisters are getting along with other people because this is, in fact, all about meeting new people," stated Daribell Luna, marketing graduate.
As the evening winded down to a close, the Greeks concluded the night by showing off their moves. Calling out the name of the organization they belong to, stepping, strolling, or saluting to pay their respects. All in all, the night of Meet the Greeks was once again a successful event, where Kean students were able to learn more about the Greeks and see for themselves how much time they dedicate to Kean and the community.
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(02/01/10 11:00pm)
The time has come for Kean students to fill out scholarship applications for the 2010-2011 academic school year. There are many scholarships awarded each year to students who meet the criteria. Scholarships are awarded for many different reasons. Some scholarships are for students with outstanding grades, some are aimed at specific majors, and there are some awarded to different ethnicities. Scholarships applications can be found at Keanfoundation.org or on the Kean University website. On the scholarship page, students will also be able to see the 2010-2011 scholarship handbook. The handbook explains the different types of scholarships that are offered. There are different scholarships offered to different students, such as freshman, undergraduate, fall 2010 transfer students, graduate students, and international students studying on a student visa. Scholarship applications are due Monday, March 1, 2010 to the office of scholarship services, located in Townsend Hall room 129. All scholarship applications should be handed in with a hard-copy format.
Kean University wants students to succeed in receiving scholarships to help make their year move more swiftly. There will be a workshop for students who wish to apply for the scholarships. The workshop will teach students what and what not to do when writing a quality scholarship application. John Baur, Professor Emeritus of the English department and chair of the Kean University scholarship committee, will be holding all sessions in Hennings Hall room 113. The sessions will take place on Thursday, January 28, 2010, Tuesday, February 2, 2010, Tuesday, February 16, 2010, and Monday, February 22, 2010, at 3:30p.m. to 4:30p.m. If there are any questions about the application process or the workshops, questions can be answered by Dave Farrokh, the director of scholarship services. Students can call Farrokh at 908-737-3480 or can e-mail him at Dfarrokh@kean.edu.
(02/01/10 11:00pm)
Masked behind the voice of a white opera singer, Dorothy Jean Dandridge marked her infamy in Hollywood with her highly praised role of Carmen Jones. For this legendary performance, Dandridge became the first African-American female to ever be nominated for an Academy Award for best actress. Before her 1954 casting into the role that would elevate her career, one worthy of Hollywood Walk of Fame embedding, Dandridge had already taken to stage many times. Films leading up to her portray of the sassy Carmen included work with the Marx Brothers and the Mill Brothers.For Dandridge, performing came early in life. Young and fatherless, Dorothy and her sister were put to perform vaudeville style in the south as an additional form of income. The duet act continued through a big course of their early life, and even bounced back after a much decline during The Great Depression. Entertainment was literally a way of life for the Dandridge sisters. Throughout their career, opportunities to perform in famed venues were always arising; one of the more notable is the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
Dandridge often dealt with the hardships of being type-casted, rarely finding herself in a leading role. She was often asked to depict slaves, servants, and other roles alike; while bitter towards this, Dandridge was eager to earn a respected name of her in the film industry. Competing for stardom during a time of great talent such as Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe, added to the underlying racism that still plagued Hollywood, Dandridge struggled through her endeavor.
Despite her hardships, Dandridge's melodic voice and dynamic stage presence was enough to embed her legacy. HBO, recognizing this legacy, produced biopic film entitled Introducing Dorothy Dandridge. Halle Berry played the lead role of the legendary actress and for the performance won an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. As further praise, Berry dedicated her Academy Award win in the movie Monster Ball to the late Dandridge.
(02/01/10 11:00pm)
Kean University is known to be diverse and an environment where cougars can feel comfortable being themselves. Organizations helping students feel more at ease in the university is a student initiative not foreign to Kean. Many students might believe that there is a new addition to the university organizations and that there would be yet another group that supports the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community. The organization P.R.I.D.E which stood for Peers, Respect, Interaction, Diversity, Equality has changed its name to K.U.G.A.R.: Kean University's Gay/Alliance Reformation. K.U.G.A.R. is one of Kean University's most diverse school funded groups as it strongly encourages students of all sexual orientation, self-identity, creed, and background. K.U.G.A.R is what society would call a Gay/Straight Alliance or GSA. This GSA is open to everyone on campus, including those who are allies of the gay community, but identify as heterosexual. The executive board of the program focuses on the stereotypes, strategies and hardships of being gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgendered, or GLBT. Many students have to deal with hatred and violence when they first come out to friends, family, and peers; hence, the group is designed to be a safe haven for those who are in need of guidance or an outreach. Benito Nieves, a junior English major with teacher certification option, is president of K.U.G.A.R. Daniel Roses, junior accounting major is vice president; Christie Costa, junior biology major is secretary; and Mario Da Costa, junior chemistry with the American Chemicals Society certified major is the treasurer; together they make up the executive board.
The student organization of Kean University and K.U.G.A.R. want to help by going to different high schools and starting a GSA program for them. They want to encourage school counselors to recommend the program to anyone who can benefit from a support group. K.U.G.A.R. intends to establish a relationship with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, GLSTEN, to assist with any complication the organization may have along the way with integrating these GSA's into the schools. GLSTEN enforces the value and respect of each member of every school community regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity/ expression. They also enforce the Equal Access Law which was passed in 1984 by Ronald Reagan under the belief that public schools should provide equal access to all extracurricular activities. If a school refuses to set up a club or program, they will legally be fined until they agree. The non-profit organizations Garden State Equality and Lambda Legal, which is a law team that deal with equal rights, are two additional partners that K.U.G.A.R. has establish as a force to promote immediate equality.
Besides being a GSA program, K.U.G.A.R. is a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, and questioning alliance (GLBTQA) group, who wants to be a rock for its community during difficult times as well as teach peers to open the minds and hearts of others. The organization plans to visit shelters where GLBT individuals reside due to abandonment or unfortunate circumstance. Some parents of GLBT's turn their backs on their children and the Division of Youth and Family Services, DYFS, comes to help those kids. With the suicide rate increasing among GLBT youths, shelters were created by DYFS to assist these adolescences.
K.U.G.A.R is paying much attention to making a difference in everyone's lives starting with discussing strategies. "The group will be focusing on tackling the discouraging outcome of the recent NJ equal marriage decision," explains Nieves. On January 7, 2010 in Trenton, NJ, the bill for same sex marriage was not passed because the vote ended up being 20/14 from the state senate. The organization plans to demand rights to the senate by writing letters and protesting to the senate and congressman.
The group will also become more involved in the community to benefit the GLBT community such as holding workshops about the process of coming out and how to become more comfortable about sexual identity. "When you are dealing with your own sexual identity, it is hard to deal with anything in life. Feeling comfortable in your own skin is more important than most people know," states Nieves. K.U.G.A.R. welcomes all who want to join them; their meetings are every Monday during college hour, 3:30 to 4:30 pm.
(02/01/10 11:00pm)
Many people let February roll by without recognizing the importance of it. For instance, what is African American History Month truly about and how did it come to be? Some remember the month as being all about Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and the civil rights movement. There are those who look no further than King and Parks, and they fail to realize that African American History month is more than that. In the past, the African American race had gone through many hardships. Now, because of those adversities that they had overcome, all mankind is treated equally. African American History Month has a history of its own. It all started with an African American scholar who found in his studies that history books ignored the black population in America. When blacks were mentioned, it was in ways that reflected them as inferior to other Americans.
According to asalh.org, Carter Godwin Woodson believed that publishing history that involved African Americans would make their race more proud and encourage reason and truth over prejudice. In 1916, Woodson published the "Journal of Negro History" and also founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). He wanted African Americans to be acknowledged and to show the world who they really were. He believed that many African Americans deserved to be named in history. According Biogrophy.com, with the help of his fraternity brothers of Omega Psi Phi and the ASNLH, he conceived and announced "Negro History Week" in 1926 to show the American society that African Americans were also part of American history.
Woodson believed that February should be celebrated as African American History Month to honor the birth of two honorable men who changed history. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States who issued the Emancipation Proclamation, was born on February 12th. and Frederick Douglass, one of the nation's leading abolitionists was born on February 14th. Following the Black Awakening during the 1960s and the Civil Rights Movement, the celebration grew in knowledge and popularity, and in 1976 President Gerald R. Ford officially declared February African American History Month.
To this day, African American History Month is recognized as well as the people that went down in history. Many African Americans celebrate this month by doing activities in schools, universities, and even work places. When some Kean students were asked what African American History Month meant to them, many of their faces lighted up in response. "Black History Month to me is a symbol of pride and it is a time to honor those African Americans that dedicated time and effort to make a difference," stated Kayla Belton, sophomore biology tech major. Because of African American History Month, American history has changed drastically, from the way they view African Americans to the way they view other races or heritages. "As a history major, I can certainly say that my past foretells my future, "says Bado Alverna senior history major. However, there were a few Kean students who had a different opinion on African American History Month. "A month is acceptable, but black history should be celebrated the whole year," stated Ngubo Masongo, freshman biology major. African American History Month brings people from the past, and keeps them alive through history. People around the country take time out of their days, weeks, and months to acknowledge their life stories and achievements throughout the years.
(01/25/10 11:00pm)
Manners, confidence and style are traits that most people in this generation are missing. Many people are not aware of what to do or where to go, and others do not care. However, there is one man who wants to help those who want to be helped and it is he who calls this "the golden age of disrespect." On Tuesday December 2, 2009, the prestige Fonzworth Bentley visited Kean University to talk about the ancient art of chivalry. He also spoke to the student body about manners, confidence, style and appearance. The event was sponsored by the sophomore class of the Student Organization of Kean University.Derek Watkins, also known as Fonzworth Bentley, left Atlanta, Georgia with big dreams to succeed in the hip-hop and fashion industries. He graduated from Morehouse College with a degree in Biology and immediately he moved to New York City to attend New York's Fashion Institute of Technology. Bentley has long had a knack for hip-hop and fashion, always dressing up in stylish designer suits of different colors and styles.
As he expressed his gratitude about visiting Kean University, Bentley immediately began speaking about attire. "Clothing is language," states Bentley as he walked across the stage of the Little Theater, located in the University Center. Because clothing is language, Bentley always believed that he should dress timeless and classic. He explained that impressions mainly last a long time in the memory of others. Clothing as well as body language is something that people must keep in mind. He gave examples on how students should act when they have a 30 second opportunity to meet a very important person, such as a psychology major student meeting a doctor in charge of a psychiatric hospital. Confidence is key when being interviewed and during introductions. People should know what they want out of the situation before the opportunity arises in order to possess that confidence. "Manners are the number one ingredient that sets me apart from my peers," explains Bentley. Manners will also get a person very far, for they show a basic understanding of how one should treat people. With etiquette experience, people would be able to show others that they know how to eat properly, have table manners, and how to address themselves or others.
Among other things, Bentley also gave advice to students about setting goals and their lives. He explained that goal setting is very important. One must make a goal and while trying to achieve it, one must expand it. "Excellence is what people have to strive for," he explains. Excellence is a trait that people must learn to show to achieve their goals. Bentley made a good point when discussing excellence and goal making. When a student wants to be successful in life, the student must do everything in their power to achieve it. Many people spend their "down time" as Bentley would say, partying and having a good time, while others who have the same dream, are researching and moving ahead to take the job. While on the journey to reaching that goal, a person must always look presentable. Manners, confidence and style equals "swagger". It is a solution to many problems people might have when it comes to society.
On closing, Bentley left the audience with a statement in mind. "God gave you life, and your gift back to God is for you to do something with your life," stated Bentley. He wishes everyone success in life, emphasizing that the only one that can get you where you want to be is yourself.
(12/07/09 11:00pm)
Being the most common psychoactive drug in the world, caffeine is being used by numerous people every day. Caffeine is in food and beverages that some would not imagine, from coffee, and soda, to chocolate and chocolate beverages. In the morning, half of the Kean population drinks a hot cup of coffee while others drink an icy cold soda, however, they both have caffeine. So the question is which drink is healthier, soda or coffee?Caffeine is a substance that exists in more than 60 plants. Caffeine is found in tea or tea leaves, kola nuts, coffee, cocoa beans, chocolate and some colas. It is a central nervous system stimulant and a diuretic, which is a medicine that helps reduce the amount of water and toxins in the body. When one drinks caffeine, the body absorbs it and it is distributed around the body, including the brain. But it will not stay in the blood stream; it will eventually be excreted in the urine a few hours later after drinking a substance with caffeine according to Family Doctor.Org
(http://kidshealth.org/PageManagerjsp?dn=familydoctor&lic=44&cat_id=20140&article_set=20474&ps=204#)
Withdrawal from caffeine can lead to fast heart rate, extreme urination, nausea, vomiting restlessness, anxiety, depression, tremors, and difficulty sleeping. It is important to drink caffeine moderately, otherwise bodies will experience short or long term effects. Two to three 8 ounce cups of caffeine is enough for the body, but ten 8 ounce cups of coffee per day is considered too much. Healthcare providers will make patients limit their caffeine intake if they are pregnant, have coronary heart disease or peptic ulcers. However, caffeine is a great source of treatment when it comes to migraines, headaches, and in relieving fatigue or drowsiness for a short period of time. Most of the time, over the counter medications have caffeine, such as pain relievers, appetite suppressants, and cold medicines. Caffeine helps the body become alert, in the morning an 8 ounce cup of coffee would do the body good for a Kean student according to Coffee Makers (http://www.coffee-makers-n-espresso-machines.com/213-the-pros-and-cons-of-caffeine.html)
Soda as well as coffee, has caffeine in it. Regular coffee drinkers are significantly less likely to develop Parkinson's disease. Caffeine decreases the loss of dopamine producing brain cells, which in fact causes Parkinson's disease. Among other ailments, coffee is shown to lower the risk of cirrhosis of the liver, colon cancer, and gallstones according to International Medical Insurance (http://www.international-medical-insurance.com/news/?p=12) Many sodas make your body lose calcium. But too much calcium can cause heart rhythm irregularities and severe anxiety. Regular soda is loaded with sugar, which will help you increase your energy, and in less than an hour, the body will experience a crash. Too much sugar can also cause obesity and tooth damage, because the sugar stops the white blood cells from killing the bacteria in the mouth. So in the end, one question still remains, soda and coffee both have caffeine, but which drink will ruin the body more? It all depends but moderation is the key when it comes to anything in life.
(12/07/09 11:00pm)
Are you undecided with your major? Do you have problems forming a resume? Need to learn more in-depth information on a certain job? Would you like to go job fairs? Are you thinking about changing your major or need help with major development? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the Career Development and Advancement Center is the place for you. The career development and advancement center also known as the Career Center, has many different services and resources that are accessible to Kean students. Individual career counseling is provided for students who are not sure about their career choices or for those who are unsure about the choices they are making. The counseling is one-on-one, appointments are mandatory, and students can either drop in or call to make an appointment. There are also tests that show students interests such as the COPS test. The COPS test is for students who are unsure about what they are majoring in and will help students make the right choice when electing a major.
The Myer-Briggs test is a tool used to help students find a job that interacts with their personality. Students can take either the COPS test or the Myer-Briggs test. The career center wants students to feel comfortable with their major and in the long run, their career. While in a certain major, students will want to know how the job market is for that certain job. The center has a library and audiovisual center which gives students a place to be able to search for jobs and to obtain information concerning graduate schools. There are computer programs, books, career files, and audiovisual materials to help students find out everything they can when it comes to jobs, majors, and careers.
Workshops are one of the many sources that the career center uses to help students learn additional information. There are workshops that involves jobs, interviews, and even majors such as Craft a Resume that Deliver, What do I want to say on an interview?, 10 Ways to Job Search, or How to choose a Major. These different types of workshops help students learn more information on the concerns that they may have. Check schedule for workshops or call the office for the dates of certain workshops.
When students are in their second year of college, they will most likely start looking for a job or start an internship. The center helps students develop interview skills in order to succeed in an interview meeting. After going to the Interview Preparation workshop, students can set up an appointment to have a mock interview. Students will be able to practice what was learned in the workshops, and experiment their new learned techniques. There is also on-campus recruitment which is when students and alumni are able to talk to employers about employment. There are table recruitments, teacher job fairs, part-time job fairs, and career days that are designed for students to go and start networking. There are also job listing that students can look up. In the center there are job opportunity binders, all students must do is drop-in the career center and start checking for job listings.
The career development and advancement center is here at Kean University to help those who are undecided or are not sure about their major. Students are always welcome to drop-in Monday through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If Kean students have any questions for the center you can call (908) 737-0320 or email Career@kean.edu. The career center has their doors open for anyone and everyone, whether it be staff, student, graduate, or alumni.
(11/30/09 11:00pm)
Fall has just begun and the weather is slowly getting chilly. There are many students who are rushing to the nearest mall to find fashionable fall attire without knowing that at Kean University, one can find the clothes that they are looking for. It would be comfortable to wear a Kean hooded sweater on a breezy morning while feeling proud to be a cougar.From hooded pullover sweatshirts, to sport polo shirts, to denim shirts, Kean Gear has it. Kean Gear's fashion line also includes hats to warm heads from windy fall days .There is attire for both men and women, but sizes may vary. Kean Gear's custom design department lets students design their own shirt any way that they may like. Buyers can choose from the leaping cougar or the Kean University logo. The apparel department already has the attire ready with a leaping cougar, paw print, or Kean University logo.
Kean Gear online store only ships their products during business days, not including holidays. Orders can be made online at the Kean Gear's website, www.keangear.com. Kean Gear designs attire for promotional giveaways, department apparel requirements, event staff tees, and fashionable memorabilia for students, faculty, and alumni.
Being a new addition to the Kean University Foundation, all of Kean Gear's profits will go to Kean University. The profits will help the University with funding cultural and academic programs, student scholarships, but with mostly any upcoming needs the University may have. Cougar pride is what Kean Gear stands for, so order now and show your Kean spirit while helping the University become a better place.
(11/30/09 11:00pm)
The Food bank Luncheon is held every year at Kean University. It is a time to bring the entire Kean community together including; students, staff, and faculty to help raise awareness. Every 3.6 seconds a person dies of hunger and 75% of them are children. The luncheon helps to defeat world hunger $1 at a time.On Thursday November 19th, 2009 the Food Bank Luncheon was held at Downs Hall. From 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. guest were able to break bread together for only $5. It was an all-you-can eat buffet and many people did not say no to a second plate of food. The buffet included all of your thanksgiving favorites like turkey, mash potatoes, vegetables, ham, cranberry sauce, and a variety of deserts.
The luncheon was organized by the Graduate and Part-time Student Council and the Student Organization of Kean University. In all, $1,425 was raised for the Community Foodbank of NJ. Kean University takes pride in community service. This thanksgiving season everyone who participated in the luncheon can be thankful for the opportunity to be able to give back.
(11/30/09 11:00pm)
Art, music, imagination, creativity, and passion are all words that describe literature. Even though some people consider literature to be old fashioned and unnecessary to learn, those who do learn about literature and enjoy it take a glimpse at how a story can provide redemption. It can unite people from different generations
and locations.On Monday, November 16, 2009, Naomi Shihab Nye was welcomed to Kean University with a warm round of applause. Nye's main goal was to inform the student body of Kean University that literature should be praised and there should be something of interest to everyone. One way to become more interested in literature is to read it. "No one is ever too old to read, or be read to," stated Nye. Reading is never over rated, whether a person is old or young. She explained that everyone should read, no matter what; and if a person does not read literature, how will they know what literature is?
Growing up with an American mother and a Palestinian father, Nye's life was always surrounded by variety. Her father was a journalist, always looking for new information. She grew up in an environment that revolved around cherishing and loving English, whether it was reading, writing. "When I entered a library, I felt that everyone was equally rich," Nye explained with a smile. As a child, she never felt the need to be selfish. She was always caring and very attentive. Nye was glad to come from a diverse family; she embraced it. She was also very curious of different cultures and voices. She loved to hear other people's stories and adventures that they had undergone in their lives.
This Same Sky: A Collection of Poems from Around the World was a product of Nye's interest. The book contains 129 poets from 68 different countries. During her visit, she let the audience know of many different poets such as William Stafford and Gerald Stern.
In the process of growing, it is normal for a parent to teach their child not to talk to strangers because it is the number one rule when it comes to safety. Even though Nye's parents taught her not to talk to strangers, Nye had a different opinion. "You have to talk to stranger because that is how you find your way when you are lost," stated Nye. Nye explains that if a person does not talk to strangers, then that person may find it difficult to even make friends or meet new people. When a person is lost in an unknown place, the first thing that person will do is stop a stranger and ask
for directions.
Today, Nye lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband, about two hours away from the Mexican border. Nye is an anthropologist, and while doing her job, learns everyday about new cultures. She collects small stories from different cultures and then transforms them into books. She wants to help the world become a better place, which is why she targets mostly high school and college students. Whether through a literary discussion or simply a common bond, literature can bring us all together.