As the last beach breezes begin to blow, college move-in creeps up closer and closer. Many students are returning to their own stomping grounds here at Rowan University. However, much of the student body comprises first-year students heading into the unknown as they begin their higher education careers. Outside of books and other stationery, there […]
first year student
Impact of Dance Extensions on Student Dancers
This semester Rowan University’s Contemporary Dance Company Dance Extensions put on its first ever Dance Extensions Showcase. Dance Extensions is a student-run dance organization on campus that is working to “promote dance as art.” This performance was held at Pfleeger Concert Hall, near the new Wilson Hall Dance Studios, and featured 14 student-choreographed works. The […]
Second-Generation Rowan Engineering Student Lives Her Legacy
September 1996: long before Abigail Cassino was even a thought in her parents’ minds, the foundation was laid for her future legacy. Her parents, Theresa (Gouker) and Chris, met as first-year students at Rowan, part of the first engineering class. Theresa lived in Evergreen Hall; Chris in Mimosa Hall. They met, fell in love, studied […]
Lila Dasi Reflects on Her First Year (So Far) as a Biomedical Engineering Major
Today we introduce you to Lila Dasi, a first-year student in the Biological Engineering program at Rowan University. Lila, of Union County, NJ, talks to us about her major, clubs, and more. What is your favorite part about attending Rowan University? I think the campus is really pretty and offers a lot of great spaces […]
#PROFspective: How Senior Jasmine Hull is Working Toward a Better Future in Healthcare
Today we feature senior Public Health and Wellness major Jasmine Hull (she/her) from Mercer County, NJ. Jasmine is living on-campus after transferring to Rowan from Stockton and is a first-generation college student. Here, she gives us some insights into her major and favorite experiences at Rowan. Why did you choose Rowan? Larger sum of transfer […]
First Year Voices: A Conversation with Molecular & Cellular Biology Major Laynie Sheppard
Today, we hear from commuter student Laynie Sheppard, a Molecular & Cellular Biology major from Bridgeton, NJ (Cumberland County). Could you share a few on-campus activities, clubs, sports, or events that you’ve attended so far? What was your favorite, and why? “I go to Cru weekly and absolutely love it. I haven’t attended anything else […]
First Year Voices: Finding My Place at Rowan University as a Music Education Major
Today, we introduce you to Aaliyah Jenkins of Mercer County, NJ. Aaliyah, a first-year student, studies Music Education and lives on campus. Could you share a few on-campus activities, clubs, sports or events that you’ve attended so far? What was your favorite, and why? There are many on-campus activities to do. This is because of […]
How Lanasia Melvins is Making the Most of Her First Year as a Marketing Major
Meet Lanasia Melvins, a first-year student in the Marketing program within the Rohrer College of Business. Lanasia is an on-campus resident from Camden County, NJ. Could you share a few on-campus activities, clubs, sports or events that you’ve attended so far? What was your favorite, and why? I’ve attended Meet the Greeks, Rohrer Fest, and […]
3 Rowan University Students Share What the EOF Program Has Done for Them
EOF is the gift that keeps on giving to its students here at Rowan, so here’s EOF students giving back to the program they love so dearly
First Year Voices: Carmine Petronglo on Finding Community in Classes and Activities
Meet Carmine Petronglo, a first-year Mechanical Engineering major and member of the Martinson Honors College who commutes to campus from Gloucester County, NJ. Could you share a few on-campus activities, clubs, sports or events that you’ve attended so far? I am a member of the Honors College. I attend a weekly Honors BLAST group meeting […]
The Power of Connecting with Others: Miral Rawy’s Story
Today we feature first-year student Miral Rawy, a Biomedical Engineering major who commutes to campus from Burlington County, NJ. Could you share a few on-campus activities, clubs, sports or events that you’ve attended so far? What was your favorite, and why? I have attended some RAHs [Rowan After Hours], which were a lot of fun, […]
What is the Deal with Mental Health and First-Year College Students?
This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Healthy Campus Initiatives. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanHCI on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. The first year of college is both exciting and terrifying. You are moving away from home, gaining a sense of independence, and expected […]
First Year Voices: Jeszenee Turner of Denver, Colorado on Finding Your People
Today we feature first-year student and Theatre Arts-Acting major Jeszenee Turner (she/her) from Denver, Colorado. Here she shares with us some advice for incoming first-year students as well as what inspired her to attend Rowan University. Could you share a few on-campus activities, clubs, sports or events that you’ve attended so far? What was your […]
First Year Voices: Donovan Cruz Finds Rowan Classes Have “So Much to Offer”
Today, we feature Donovan Cruz, a first-year student from Galloway, NJ (Atlantic County), whose major is currently undecided. He looks forward to becoming more involved as he becomes more settled into this new chapter of life in Glassboro. When asked why he made the choice to change his major from Radio/Television/Film, Donovan explained he had […]
How One First Year Student’s Classes, Friends and New Experiences Gave Her Purpose
Today’s Rowan Blog guest contributor, Samantha “Sam” Deeney, reveals what many students feel when entering college: uncertainty. Now a sophomore Public Relations major, Sam shares how she navigated her first year here at Rowan University and what she’s learned along the way. Like many new college students, I began my freshman year unsure of what […]
Hispanic Heritage Month #PROFspective: Senior Biological Sciences Major Esteban Nieto on a “New Community” at Rowan
Today, as part of our Hispanic Heritage Month #PROFspective series, we feature senior Esteban Nieto (he/him), a Biological Sciences major and Neuroscience minor from Morris County. Esteban tells us about his major, being a first-generation college student, and gives advice to future students considering the major. Why did you decide to attend Rowan University? I wanted […]
50 Profs Share 50 Reasons They Love Rowan
Today, 50 Profs share with us 50 reasons they love Rowan. All of our Profs are unique, and why they love Rowan showcases the many opportunities to thrive on campus. Profs Love Their Majors 1. “I fell in love with my major because of how versatile and pertinent the information I learn is to the […]
Meet #Rowan2026: Incoming Profs from the Colleges of Humanities and Social Sciences, Education
Today we welcome incoming first year students from the College of Education and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Rowan University. Haley Hill (she/they) is from Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County) and will be living on campus as an Education and History major. Gianna Burgio (she/her) is also from Williamstown, NJ and will be […]
Meet #Rowan2026: Incoming Rohrer College of Business Students
Today we feature incoming first year students Hunter Sharp (she/her) and Jake Larocca. Hunter is from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County) and will be commuting to campus as an Accounting major in the Rohrer College of Business. Jake is from Brick, NJ (Ocean County) and will be living on campus as an aspiring business major. […]
Meet #Rowan2026: Incoming Edelman College of Communication and Creative Arts Students
Today we feature incoming first year students Samantha Szumloz, Kyle Sheridan, Morgan Van Holtz and Donato Bazemore (he/him). Samantha is from Hamilton Township, NJ (Mercer County) and will be living on campus as a Writing Arts major. Kyle is from Galloway, NJ (Atlantic County) and will be living on campus as a Sports Communication and […]
Meet #Rowan2026: Incoming College of Science and Mathematics Students
Today we feature incoming first year students Ariana Benitez, Soorya B., Abby Titus (she/they), Leila Underwood (she/her), and Dallas Hainsworth (she/her). Ariana is from Bergen County, NJ and will be living on campus as a Psychology and Exercise Science major. Soorya is from Princeton, NJ (Mercer County) and will be living on campus as a […]
Meet #Rowan2026: Introducing Students from the College of Performing Arts
Today we feature incoming CPA first year students Katherine Lanzerotti (she/her), Grace Hoeltje (she/her), Bella Campo (she/her), and Jeszenee Turner. Katherine is from Rockaway, NJ (Morris County) and will be living on campus as a Music Education in Vocal Performance major. Grace is from Mount Laurel, NJ (Burlington County) and will be living on campus […]
Meet #Rowan2026: Incoming College of Engineering Students From Near and Far
Today we feature incoming first year students Pedro Geraldes (he/him), Ella Pennington (she/her), and Alex Ballou. Pedro is from Newark, NJ (Essex County) and will be living on campus as a Chemical Engineering major. Ella is from Elkton, MD and will be living on campus as a Biomedical Engineering major. Alex is from Mililani, HI […]
ICYMI: Rowan University Dance Team Ranked Fifth in Nation
This year, the Rowan University Dance Team competed at the Universal Dance Association (UDA) Nationals in Florida, where the team placed fifth in the Open Division Hip Hop category. Here, members of the Dance Team reflect on their time at the competition and talk about their dynamic as a team. What makes the Rowan Dance team […]
What Rowan Offers: Accepted Students Day
From this past Accepted Students Day, Rowan University welcomed hundreds of future students to experience what the campus has to offer with a vast array of different events, information on clubs and student life, and opportunities to meet other potential students. In our interviews with these prospective students, we uncovered their reasons for why Rowan […]
First Year Voices: History Major Abbigail Ealer
Today, we feature Abbigail Ealer, a first year History major from Washington Township, NJ. Abby is in the Honors program and a mentee of the Bantivoglio Leadership and Service Training (BLAST) peer mentoring program, which pairs upperclassmen with incoming Honors students to help guide them through their first semester in Honors and at Rowan. Abby […]
Pride Month: Hearing Their Voice, Emily Ward
Today we feature Emily Ward (she/they), a freshman from Mullica Hill, NJ. Emily is majoring in Physics and has a minor in astronomy. Emily discusses how their involvement in PRISM supports them while being a Rowan student and their journey through recognizing and being open about their identity. Could you share with us how you’re […]
Rec Center Confessions: Student Workers Share
The gym can be an intimidating place. Lucky for the students of Rowan, student workers at Campus Recreation are doing everything they can to make staying active an enjoyable experience for everyone! Campus Recreation, better known to students as the Rec Center, offers a safe and welcoming facility for students to maintain happy and healthy […]
First Year Voices: Radio/Television/Film Major Sincere Silvera
Today we talk to first-year student and on-campus resident Sincere Silvera. Sincere is a Radio/Television/Film (RTF) major from East Orange, NJ (Essex County). Sincere is a first-generation and EOF student. What do you like about living on campus? Well, I live in a single room. It’s pretty good, you know, I can just do whatever […]
My First Semester As An International Student
Today we hear from Valentina Giannattasio, a first-year international student from Argentina. Valentina is a double major in Dance and Marketing. Today, she shares with us her experience of being a first-year international student at Rowan. Flying around the world and living in the opposite hemisphere of the globe is not an easy task. Since […]
First Year Voices: Fall Edition
Today we feature first year Rowan students Destinee Hines, Jake Brandenburg, Abbie Ealer and Sam Skripko — each with a unique sense of style, sharing their experiences and ambitions for the school year. “My year’s been good, had a couple ups and downs, but it’s getting better. I went to pop-up shops and I hope […]
First Year Voices: Engineering Majors Brayden Bruseo and Kristian DelSignore
Today, we meet two first-year students from the College of Engineering. Civil and Environmental Engineering major Brayden Bruseo calls Rockaway, NJ (Morris County) his hometown. Electrical and Computer Engineering major Kristian DelSignore, a first-generation college student, is from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County). “I’m looking forward to meeting new people, getting used to college life […]
First Year Voices: Musical Theatre Majors Olivia Frankenbach and Liz Baginski
Meet College of Performing Arts students Olivia Frankenbach of Lambertville, NJ (Hunterdon County) and Liz Baginski of Metuchen, NJ (Middlesex County), who share the theatre experiences they’re looking forward to this year. “Rowan’s been really awesome, I feel like I’m getting a really good college experience, I haven’t had any regrets. As a Musical Theatre […]
First Year Voices: Exercise Science Majors Kim King and Tyler DelSignore
Today, we feature two Exercise Science majors within the School of Nursing and Health Professions. Kim King calls Shamong, NJ (Burlington County) her hometown. Tyler DelSignore, a first-generation college student, is from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County). “I went with some friends to Welcome Week … and trivia. I’m looking forward to labs, getting into […]
First Year Dance Major Amanda Drayton Performs in String Ensemble Concert
Amanda Drayton, a first year Dance major from Somerset, NJ (Union County), rehearsed on Zoom with Associate Professor Paule Turner for weeks leading up to her first live performance during COVID-19. Amanda walks us through her performance and shares her experience as a College of Performing Arts student this past year. What made you choose […]
7 Must Haves For Your First Year Room
Today we hear from Rachel Rumsby, a junior Communication Studies and Public Relations double major from Bergen County, NJ. She has lived on-campus in Mimosa Hall and the Rowan Boulevard Apartments. In this story, Rachel shares her must haves for first year residence hall living. During my first year at Rowan, I lived on campus […]
How College Classes are Different than High School Classes
Rowan Blog contributor Bianca Gray is a senior English major with a concentration in Shakespeare Studies who transferred to Rowan from a private college. She shares her advice on what first-year students can expect when taking college classes. The transition from high school to college can be nerve-racking in more ways than one. Traditional first […]
First-Year Student Amanda Drayton Performs in String Ensemble Concert [VIDEO]
Amanda, a first-year Dance major, rehearsed on Zoom with Associate Professor Paule Turner for weeks leading up to her first live performance during COVID-19. She steps out onto the stage for the first time and shares her experience as a performing arts student this past year. Like what you see? LEARN MORE Video by:Christianna Arango, […]
Inside Look: Holly Pointe Commons [VIDEO]
Take a tour of Holly Pointe Commons, one of Rowan University’s first year housing facilities, and check out a glimpse into student life. Like what you see? LEARN MORE Related posts: Living at Holly Pointe Commons: A Sophomore Perspective Pros and Cons of Living in Holly Pointe Roommates Reflect | Anthony and Nasir | Holly […]
Meet #Rowan2025: Accounting and Finance Major Christopher Lechuga
Meet incoming first year Christopher Lechuga, an aspiring Accounting and Finance major from Camden, NJ (Camden County). He tells us more about what he’s looking forward to at Rowan! Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward in college? I’m looking forward to the college experience as well as learning a lot […]
Meet #Rowan2025: Anna Sullivan Shares Her Future Aspirations
Today we feature incoming first year Anna Sullivan. Anna is from Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County) and will be studying on campus. Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward in college? I am looking forward to the independence the college is going to give me. What is one hobby, […]
Meet #Rowan2025: Aspiring Business Major Brooke Woodworth
Meet incoming first-year Brooke Woodworth, a first generation college student and aspiring Business Management major from Freehold, NJ (Monmouth County). Brooke tells us more about what she’s looking forward to at Rowan. Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward in college? One thing I am looking forward to in […]
Meet #Rowan2025: Incoming Health And Physical Education Major Stefano Fiducioso
Today we welcome Stefano Fiducioso, an incoming first year from Carneys Point. Stefano will be studying Health and Physical Education in the fall. Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward in college? Really excited to be involved with the Physical Education Department and participate in extracurricular activities. What […]
Meet #Rowan2025: Inclusive Elementary Education Major Brooke Neilio
Today we feature Brooke Neilio from Mullica Hill, NJ (Gloucester County), who attends Clearview Regional High School. Brooke will be studying Inclusive Elementary Education on campus. Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward in college? I am looking forward to meeting new people and exploring all of the […]
PROFFAMILY [VIDEO]
“PROFFAMILY is a group of college students looking to spread positivity and awareness,” says Music Industry major Samuel Poku (who prefers to be called Poku). It is a great way to network and pursue goals as a college student. “Inclusivity to me means that everyone has equal opportunity, an opportunity to be great and successful,” […]
Meet #Rowan2025: Advertising and Management Major Emily Gizzi
Meet incoming first year student Emily Gizzi! Emily is an aspiring Advertising and Management dual major from North East, Maryland. She tells us more about what she’s looking forward to at Rowan. Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward in college? (Personally, academically, anything!) I’m really looking forward […]
Meet #Rowan2025: Exploratory Studies Major Maria Celeste Lopez Vasquez
Today we feature incoming first year and first-generation college student Maria Celeste Lopez Vasquez. Maria will major in Exploratory Studies and commute from Camden, NJ (Camden County). Maria attended Camden Academy Charter High School. Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward in college? In college, I’m looking forward […]
4 Out-Of-State First Year Students Share Why They Chose Rowan
Today we speak with four out-of-state first year students about why they chose a university further from home and their experiences here at Rowan. Abby Riley, a first-generation student and Exercise Science major from Elkton, Maryland, shares the value of attending an out-of-state university. Abby says, “I considered and chose an out-of-state university because I […]
Meet #Rowan2025: Elementary Education Major Madison Jacobs
Today we speak to Madison Jacobs, an incoming first-year Elementary Education major from Franklinville, NJ (Gloucester County). Madison tells us what she’s looking forward to at Rowan. Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward in college? I am looking forward to meeting new people and getting involved in different […]
Meet #Rowan2025: Incoming Business Major Maddie Angradi
Today we welcome incoming first year student Maddie Angradi. Maddie plans on studying business and living on campus. Maddie is from Lumberton, NJ (Burlington County) and attended Rancocas Valley Regional High School (RVRHS). Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward in college? I’m looking forward to experiencing life […]
