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Rowan University’s 2022 Homecoming, built around the theme “Once Upon a Prof,” was truly magical on October 22 as thousands of attendees from far and wide descended on their alma mater, drawn by the magic of friendship, the joy of homecoming to the campus and annual big game.
Homecoming ran from October 17-23, a full week of events to boost school spirit and encourage alumni, students, faculty and staff to be #RowanProud.
But Saturday was the draw, with entertainment, food trucks, tailgating, Profs football, and more.
Willingboro police officer Brandon Thomas ’14 said he and his wife Clarice ’18 return to campus at least once a year, and almost always hold Homecoming. Spinning tunes as a DJ during this year’s Homecoming, Brandon in 2020 became a member of the Rowan Alumni Board.
“It’s good to give back to what he gave you,” said the Law and Justice Studies graduate, walking and talking his way to the DJ booth. “I’m so proud of this place. Every year when we come back there’s something new – a great new building or site – and it makes me feel good, so the value of my Rowan degree increases.”
Rachel and Andrew Johnston, both 2010 graduates of the Rohrer College of Businesshave returned this year with their young children, daughter Lexi and son Luke, and mother Rachel.
“It’s so much fun to come back to see friends and the kids love the kids’ zone,” Rachel said.
Electrical engineering major Zach Heras and education major Emma Dellafemina on campus studying when they were lured over by the Homecoming carnival.
“It’s all pretty cool,” Emma said. “We’re here for the fun.”
“And the food!” Zach came in.
In a new location this year between Coach Richard Wackar Stadium and Wilson Hall, the parking lot was filled with entertainment and dining options as well as representatives from every college, school and main campus office including Admissions and Human Resources.
Education major Michael Carotenuto ’13 attended with his wife Kaitlin, who was wearing a bright yellow Rowan sweatshirt fresh from the bookstore.
“I’m not an alumna but I’m supporting because I’m a proud Rowan!” Kaitlin said.
Michael said the couple had made the three-hour round trip from Treberbedt in Monmouthshire.
“It’s worth the drive,” he said. “Always good to come back.”
Chief higher education officer Ray Woswalking around the tents and attractions, he said he was trying to take it all in.
“It’s absolutely amazing, very vibrant,” said Wos, of Washington Township. “It’s my first time and I love it!”
Anthony Phillips ’84 and Roy Wright ’94meeting friends and former classmates at a booth before the annual Rowan University Black Alumni Network (RUBAN) breakfast on Sunday, that they expect 60 or more members of the group to come out.
“It’s a tradition,” said Phillips, who studied business at Glassboro State College at the time.
“I’m looking forward to seeing my fraternity,” said Wright, who majored in consumer economics. “It’s the one time every year when we can get together, have fun and reminisce about the good old days.”
Second year medical students Anthony Tigano and Lucinda Lau worked in a tent with more than a dozen Rowan University Cooper Medical School students, handing out brain-shaped stress balls as they talked about their program. Both were former Rowan students participating in a special “3+4” program that will enable them to graduate with undergraduate and medical degrees in just seven years.
“We hold this place near and dear to our hearts,” said Lau.
Have fun all week and the Professor’s third straight football win!
The magic of “Once Upon a Prof” continued during the Homecoming football game as the Profs defeated Kean University 17-10, extending the team’s winning streak to three straight games.
The victory capped off a full week of student events designed to build, generate and celebrate Professor pride.
Events included the annual banner and pushcart competitions, “CANstruction,” where teams built structures out of canned food to support fellow Pros, a battleship boat competition in the Rec Center pool and an annual lip sync competition.
A team from the Student and Campus Activities Center won the overall spirit competition and placed first in the banner contest while Alpha Psi Omega, the national theater honor society, took top honors in the lip sync competition.
Rowan Men’s Ultimate won the push cart and Battleship competitions and Greek organizations Theta Phi Alpha and Theta Chi won CANstruction. More than 500 non-perishable items, which teams turned into sculptures to celebrate the Homecoming theme and Rowan pride, were donated to The SHOP, Rowan’s food pantry and resource center on campus.
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