After hearing good things about Rowan’s engineering program and with two cousins already here, Rowan was a natural choice for incoming freshman Krishna Barot. Meeting people and forming the beginnings of lifelong friendships has been the highlight of Krishna’s summer at Rowan University. The first generation college student, from Galloway, NJ (Atlantic County), spent six […]
first generation
Alumni Success Story: CEO Steve McKeon
An entrepreneurial mindset paired with an interest to solve problems prepared Steve McKeon, a first-generation college student, for a future in the technology business. As CEO of MacGuyver Media, Steve discusses how Rowan University taught him the networking skills and technical foundation that led to the success he finds today leading a software development company […]
First Year Voices: A 4-Year Dream Begins to Launch
Incoming freshman Alexis Pacheco Benitez of Bridgeton, NJ (Cumberland County) has waited patiently four years to finally begin his education toward his dream career. “When I was a freshman in high school we had this seminar to find out what you want to do, and ever since then I’ve known that I want to go […]
Beyond the Classroom: Pre-Vet Club Makes the Trip to Africa
Meet Fiona Yueng, a Mount Laurel (Burlington County) resident and first-generation student who became one of four undergraduate students from Rowan University who got to experience the opportunity of a lifetime at the conclusion of the spring semester. Fiona Yeung, Kim Zullo, Emily Beardsley and Nicolette Madonna spent the first three weeks of their summer vacation […]
Pre-College Institute Alumna Shares Her Story
Meet Pre-College Institute (PCI) alumna Yaniris Patton-Cintron, a 2016 graduate from The Department of Health and Exercise Science. She is from Mullica Hill, NJ (Gloucester County) and works for Inspira. Today, she will share with us how PCI helped shape her Rowan experience. What inspired you to choose your major? “I have always been in […]
Pre-College Institute Alumnus Shares His Story
Meet Pre-College Institute (PCI) alumnus Minelson Louis-Baptiste, a first-generation student and 2016 graduate from the College of Science & Mathematics. Baptiste lives in Lindenwold, NJ (Camden County) and is currently pursuing two master degrees. Today, he will share with us how PCI helped shape him and his Rowan experience. Major: Biological Sciences; now studying Biomedical […]
First Year Voices: Kyleigh Bell
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” says Kyleigh Bell (pictured at right), a freshman Athletic Training major and Pre-College Institute (PCI) student from Waretown, NJ (Ocean County). Kyleigh will live in Holly Pointe Commons her freshman year and is a first generation college student. Like what you see? Come visit us! VISIT […]
The 3+1 Program that Creates a Balanced Lifestyle
Meet Susan Hacker, a mother and first-generation college student from Burlington, NJ (Burlington County) currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Today she shares her experience on how convenient Rowan’s RN to BSN program through Rowan Global has been for her. “Returning to school at middle age and becoming a registered licensed nurse […]
First Year Voices: Natalie Rojas
“I’ve always loved school and learning new things. Teachers always gave me hope throughout school.” — Natalie Rojas, an Early Childhood Education major from Perth Amboy, NJ (Middlesex County) Like what you see, come visit us! VISIT CAMPUS Story by:Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
Where is He Now? A First-Generation PCI Alumnus
Meet Pre-College Institute (PCI) alumnus Ishraqul Wara, a first-generation student and 2018 graduate from the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering. Wara lives in Clementon, NJ (Camden County) and works as a manufacturing engineer for Omega Engineering. Ishraqul will share with us how PCI helped shape his Rowan experience and where he is today. What […]
First Year Voices: Esteban Nieto
“I’m really looking forward to growing as a person and excited to succeed!” —Esteban Nieto, Biology major, Mine Hill, NJ (Morris County). Like what you see? Come visit us!VISIT CAMPUS Story and photography by: Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
Scholarships 101: Why Your Freshman Should Apply for Continuing Scholarships at Rowan
Once the celebratory clapping has drifted away at the high school senior awards ceremony, you might be thinking, “How am I going to make up the difference once this freshman-year only scholarship from our community disappears?” Once your son or daughter is a Rowan University student, they are eligible to apply for Rowan University Foundation […]
First Year Voices: Twins Dillon and Chase Weigand
Watch out, world! These incoming freshmen — Chase Weigand (left) and Dillon Weigand (right) of Ocean Gate, NJ (Ocean County) — are ready to start their four years at Rowan in just a few months. We caught up with them today as they visited campus for the first time, ready to put down a deposit […]
Exploratory Studies Path to the Perfect Major for Callie
Today we feature thoughts from Callie DeMaria, a rising junior from Little Egg Harbor, NJ (Ocean County.) A first-generation college student, Callie started at Rowan as an exploratory studies (undecided) major and found her way to the perfect major for her — psychology, within the College of Science & Mathematics. Callie lives on campus during […]
Passing the Torch: First-Generation Art/Photo Major Gives Advice
“Meet people and spend time with them!” says Johnathan Puglise from Millville, NJ (Cumberland County), a recent art/photo graduate from the College of Communication & Creative Arts. Johnathan, a first-generation student, rented off campus and commuted to Rowan. To make the most out of the college experience he says you should, “take photography!” Like what […]
My Rowan Transfer Story
Today, we feature advice from Amanda Kuster – not only is she a Rowan University admissions counselor with the Office of Admissions, but she is also a Rowan alumna herself, having graduated from our Communications Studies program within the College of Communication & Creative Arts. Today she shares her own story, with hopes that it assists you […]
Passing the Torch: Music Industry, First-Generation Student Gives Advice
“The best way to connect with internships and job opportunities was through the Rowan Music Group and speaking to your professors,” says first-generation college student Emilio Del Hierro, an international student from Ecuador and a recent music industry graduate from the College of Performing Arts. Emilio rented an off-campus apartment and commuted to Rowan. To […]
Passing the Torch: Political Science Grad Gives Advice
“Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things!” says Brianna Donahue, a political science and first-generation college graduate from Mullica Hill, NJ (Gloucester County). “If I could go back and give myself any advice it would be to not pick a school for anyone but myself. I was too busy focusing on fitting […]
Passing the Torch: International Student Gives Advice
“Participating in social activities is the best way to make friends,” says Ahmad Kindawi, a first-generation college student (now graduate!) from Syria, who rents a house off-campus, within walking distance of campus. Ahmad graduated with a master’s degree in history from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Like what you see? Come visit us! […]
Passing the Torch: Law & Justice Transfer Shares Her Tips
“The best way to make friends is through social media,” says first-generation college student, now law and justice graduate Cieani Copes, who commuted from Camden, NJ (Camden County.) To make the most out of the college experience she says you need to “be social and get involved.” Like what you see? Come visit us! VISIT […]
Passing the Torch: Grad Says “Just Do It”
“The best way to make friends is to ask for help and reach out to others,” says public relations graduate Allyson McDonough of Spring Lake Heights, NJ (Monmouth County.) As a first-generation college student and commuter who rents off campus, she shares her best advice to, “Go straight to Rowan and put yourself out there. […]
Passing the Torch: Transfer Student Grad Gives Advice
Eduarda Moura, a law and justice graduate from Delran, NJ (Burlington County), shares how she made the most out of her college students as a first-generation transfer student. “Definitely don’t waste time. Time flies — my four years hit me before I could realize it. Now, off to grad school!” Like what you see? Come […]
Passing the Torch: Commuter Grad’s Advice to New Students
Commuter and first-generation college student (now graduate!) Cheyenne Rickabaugh of Cape May, NJ (Cape May County) says the best way to make friends at college is, “Show up to things! Talk in class! Not during lecture, though.” She also says that the best way to get the most out of your college experience is to, […]
Pete’s Home Away From Home: Flying First Program [VIDEO]
Pete Giancaspro, a graduating senior finance major from Brooklyn, New York, feels most at home within the Flying First program for first generation college students. Like what you see? Register for a tour or open house. VISIT CAMPUS Video by: Nicole Cier, junior writing arts majorMusic by: Louis Testa, sophomore music composition major
#PROFspective: International Student Prasheetha Radhakrishnan
Today, we speak with Prasheetha Radhakrishnan, a freshman computer science major from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India who lives on campus in Holly Pointe Commons. Prasheetha will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University international student and how she gets the most out of her college experience as a […]
Exploratory Studies Student: Allison Cespedes
Meet Allison Cespedes, who started off her Rowan experience as an exploratory studies major and discovered her interest in pre-med. “Hello! I’m Allison Cespedes, a first-generation college student who is a senior psychology major on a pre-med track with an honors concentration. I am from Bridgewater, NJ (Somerset County) and have lived on campus all […]
#PROFspective: Political Science Major Brianna Donahue
Today, we speak with Brianna Donahue, a senior Political Science major from Mullica Hill, NJ (Gloucester County) who lives off campus. Brianna will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she gets the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: Brianna […]
#PROFspective: International Student Gatha Adhikari
Today, we speak with Gatha Adhikari, a sophomore biomedical engineering major from Begnas Tal, Pokhara (Nepal), who lives at Holly Pointe Commons as a Resident Assistant. Gatha will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be an international Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience […]
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Francis Terry
Meet Francis Terry, a Law and Justice junior who commutes from Laurel Springs, NJ (Camden County) and is captain of the track and field team. Francis is a first-generation college student and transferred to Rowan last fall from Neumann University in Aston, PA. “Just knowing that I’m one of the first in my family to […]
Tatiyana’s Home Away From Home: Science Hall [VIDEO]
First-generation college student Tatiyana Stubbs, a sophomore Bioinformatics and Community Health double major who commutes from Millville, NJ (Cumberland County) feels most home at Science Hall studying or working on assignments in a lab. Video by: Edris Forde, junior radio, TV & film major and Vanessa Vause, senior public relations and theatre double major Music […]
First Generation College Student, Aspiring Doctor, Plans to Serve Camden
Luis Acevedo, sophomore dual biology and chemistry major from Camden, NJ, originally entered Rowan as an education major. Luis wanted to teach the people in his community about mobilization – something that is a challenge for many from the city. After a semester into his education career, Luis kept his promise to educate his community, […]
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Katherine Villacis
Meet transfer student Katherine Villacis, a junior civil engineering major from Beverly, NJ (Burlington County) who is a resident assistant here on campus. Katherine recently served as a student panelist on Rowan’s first-generation college student symposium, hosted by Flying First. Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is […]
First Year Voices: Salma Elwy
“I’m very lucky to be studying acting at Rowan because the sense of community here is so strong. In just one semester, I’ve made friends who I already feel so comfortable around and professors who are so willing to help me grow in my field. The small class sizes make it easy to learn and […]
From Rowan RTF to CBS
Brandon Ward, Radio/TV/Film major, landed the internship of a lifetime with a company he admires dearly. From traveling around the city of Philadelphia and seeking #trends online to watching breaking news happen live, Brandon got a dose of the action-packed new station career. Last summer, Brandon, from Oaklyn, NJ (Camden County) conducted a news internship […]
Capturing the Moment in Photojournalism Class
Your photography skills before the class vs. after? I had very little photography knowledge at the beginning of the course but was eager to learn more. I wanted to be criticized and really come out of the class with a new found perspective on how to approach photography. I quickly learned photography has a lot […]
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Jessica Samson
Meet Jessica Samson, a junior radio/TV/film major from Beachwood, New Jersey (Ocean County) who is a first generation college student. Why did you choose to come to Rowan? “I chose Rowan for a few different reasons. I already knew that Rowan had a good film program, and during my time at Ocean County College, I was […]
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Clauderson Desinor
Meet Clauderson Desinor, a senior advertising and public relations dual major from Trenton, NJ (Mercer County), who is a first generation college student. Why did you come to Rowan? “Personally, I had a couple friends here. They really enjoyed it. When I came to visit, I got a good feel for the campus. I really […]
#PROFspective: English & Writing Arts Major Rachel Barton
Today, we speak with Rachel Barton, a senior English and Writing Arts double major from Camden County who lives off campus in a house with friends. Rachel will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as […]
What Profs are Listening To: Dan Ryan
“I’ve been a huge Taylor Swift fan since I was in eighth grade. I skipped my high school prom to see her! I’ve even met her twice.” Dan Ryan, a junior transfer marketing major who commutes from Williamstown, N.J. (Gloucester County) and is a first generation college student. Like what you see? Come visit us! VISIT […]
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Enzo Ronchi
Meet Enzo Ronchi, a junior Public Relations major from Atlantic City, NJ who is a first generation college student. Why did you choose to come to Rowan? “I chose Rowan because I think its one of the best public universities in New Jersey. The academics are great, its a good distance from home, I love […]
#PROFspective: Environmental Studies Major Meghin Rollins
Today, we speak with Meghin Rollins, a senior environmental studies major from Carney’s Point, NJ (Salem County) who commutes. Meghin will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: Meghin Rollins Major: Environmental Studies […]
Prof Style: Gabi Bruckner
“My style is straight from the thrift rack.” Gabi Bruckner, a junior music industry: business major from Howell, N.J. (Monmouth County) who is a first generation college student. Like what you see? Come visit us! VISIT CAMPUS Story and photograph by: Bianca Torres, sophomore music industry major
Prof Style: Seth Jackson
“A comfortable, colorful farmer riding his tractor,” says Seth Jackson, a senior theatre arts major (Baltimore, MD), who is a first generation college student, describing his fashion style. VISIT CAMPUS Enter for a chance to win a Rowan t-shirt! Email RowanBlog [at] rowan.edu with the date and time of your upcoming campus tour … we […]
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Dan Ryan
Meet Dan Ryan, a junior marketing major from Williamstown, N.J. (Gloucester County), who is a first generation college student. Why did you choose to come to Rowan? “Every time I come to campus, Rowan feels like home. I feel like I fit in here. It has a big campus feel on a small campus.” What […]
Daniel’s Home Away From Home: Business Hall [VIDEO]
Take a look at Dan Ryan’s home away from home at the Rohrer College of Business at Rowan University. Dan commutes from home in Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County) and is a junior transfer who is a first generation college student. Like what you see? Come visit us! VISIT CAMPUS Enter for a chance to win […]
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Edris Forde
Meet Edris Forde, a junior radio/TV/film major from Barnegat, NJ (Ocean County) who lives on campus at 223 High Street and is a first generation college student. Why did you choose to come to Rowan? “I chose Rowan because it was a friendly campus and they had great academics. It seemed like an easy transition for […]
Seth Jackson: Previous #PROFspective’s Vision Comes to Life
Featured in 2017 on Rowan’s #PROFspective, Seth Jackson, a first generation college student junior from Baltimore, MD, spoke of proposing his original show, The Blurred Perspectives, to Lab Theatre, a student-run organization producing and performing many varieties of art. You can even find a picture of his original script in his #PROFspective! Fast forward to September […]
Esteban’s Dream Sequence
It was all just a dream! Watch the creative vision of Esteban Torres, a commuter and first generation college student who is a senior advertising major. Like what you see? Come visit us! VISIT CAMPUS Enter for a chance to win a Rowan t-shirt! Email RowanBlog [at] rowan.edu with the date and time of your […]
Inside Look, Mullica Hall: A Senior Reflects
Since I am in the midst of my senior year at Rowan University, I am reminisce a lot about my time as a college student. I see my freshman dorm, Mullica Hall, almost every day on my walks to class. On a recent lazy Sunday I decided to go see what Mullica has been up […]
#PROFspective: Theatre Arts Major Seth Jackson
Today we speak with Seth Jackson, a sophomore Theatre Arts major from Baltimore, Maryland, who lives on campus in Rowan Blvd. Apartments (Robo.) Seth will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: Seth Jackson […]
Making Rowan Accessible for
Camden City Students
While most of us begin prepping for college during our final years as a high school student, Rowan sophomore Imani Phillips has been prepping for the big change since sixth grade. Wondering how she was able to do this? Well, Phillips was able to do so through Rowan’s CHAMP/GEAR UP Program. The CHAMP/GEAR UP Program […]
