Do you remember? Did you know? What's your favorite? What's ahead?
We've devoted the last 30 years of Rowan Magazine to answering those questions through show-and-tell with our ace team of communicators. It's been our pleasure to honor alumni from every generation and to keep us all connected to our alma mater. Here's some of our most memorable coverage from the past 62 issues:
In the inaugural issue of Rowan Magazine, our cover story focused on three Rowan alumni who were committed to staying active in retirement. Margaret (Darlington) Flannagan '30, Ben Lynch '53 and Margaret (Fish) Lopez '32 showed off their successes in swimming, coaching and biking, respectively. (Fall 1995)
"If friends my age are still alive, they're not an inspiration. ... They're always complaining about this ailment or that one. Then they always want to take a nap! They complain about being old, but don't do what it takes to stay young." —Margaret Lopez '32
The building that houses Campbell Library opened in 1995. It wasn't the first location for the main campus library, which had once called the halls of Bunce, Bole and Savitz its home. But in 1996, Rowan prepared for the new millennium by ditching card catalogs and adopting video kiosks and cutting-edge CD-ROM technology. (Spring 1996)
"Libraries serve a dual purpose. ... They preserve the historical background of knowledge, and they provide service which is more and more a part of the electronic age." —Marilyn Martin
Of course, technology has continued to advance and the once "cutting-edge" CD-ROM is now relegated to storing medical imaging or the latest Taylor Swift album. To leverage new technology, Campbell Library is undergoing transformative renovations to prepare it for an even more advanced future.
Soon after Henry M. Rowan pledged his historic $100 million gift to Glassboro State College, we published a look at his life. The business leader and engineer, who started his first business at the age of nine (raising chickens and selling eggs to his mother), would go on to establish Inductotherm Industries Inc., and develop it to be the international leader in manufacturing induction melting furnaces. In 1997, his company boasted 5,000 employees worldwide—and was responsible for $200 million in annual sales in New Jersey alone. Despite all his accomplishments, Rowan determined to make a difference in the world once again, this time, creating unprecedented opportunities in public higher education. (Spring 1997)
"I dreaded the thought of retiring. [...] I couldn't bear the thought of getting up in the morning with no new objectives to reach, no work to be done, nothing to inspire me for the rest of the day." —Henry M. Rowan
In 1998, we ran a story looking back at Rowan University's residence halls through the years. From the opening of Laurel Hall in 1928, through the 1984 construction of Chestnut, Willow and Magnolia, we interviewed alumni who remembered a time when every student left their door unlocked and celebrated every birthday with a sheet cake in the common area. (Fall 1998)
"If it is true that strong bonds form at home, then the dorms are indeed a home away from home." —Dean P. Johnson
Today, Rowan's residence halls and other housing options house over 6,000 students—a far cry from the 80 that lived in Rowan's original red-brick, two-story Laurel Hall!
We examined the work of four alumni whose work blurred the lines between art and science. Specifically, the custom fractals of Ira Fine '74, '95 (the cover image), the spectrometer images of Dan Greenspan '97, the prediction plot maps (used to measure cell phone signal strength) of Anthony (Rick) Burke '79 and contour maps of Gloucester County made by Mark Waters '93. (Spring 1999)
"Most good science is art. ... It doesn't just rely on facts." —Dan Greenspan '97
We still believe in combining art and science, and in January we launched the Art of Rowan Research Contest. Additionally, Rowan has one of the only Bachelor of Fine Art in Biomedical Art & Visualization degrees in the country and we also offer a Certificate of Undergraduate Study in Paleoart & Visualization—ideal for students who wish to expand their understanding of the science behind bringing extinct animals to life visually.
A grant from the American Institute of Bangladesh Studies made it possible for nine Rowan students to travel to the other side of the globe and learn about a country—and culture—that was quite unlike the one they were used to. (Fall 2000)
"[On May 16, I saw] two Bengalis picking mangoes outside. It was a beautiful sight. One of the kids was using a long bamboo stick to knock the mangoes off the tree. This brought back memories of Jamaica when I was little. Bangladesh is similar to Jamaica—a people with great pride in their culture and heritage." —Martin Waysome '01
Rowan continues to offer many of these multicultural experiences to students each year, taking them to all corners of the globe through their studies in the School of Humanities & Social Sciences, Health & Exercise Science and more. In fact, the Department of Geography, Planning & Sustainability is putting together a study abroad course for the spring 2026 semester that will take students to Japan.
Years before discovering Dreadnoughtus schrani, Kenneth Lacovara '84 was part of a team that unearthed Paralititan stromeri in the Sahara Desert. At the time, it was the second largest dinosaur ever found (estimated to weigh approximately 80 tons) and revealed much about the ancient environment it lived in. (Fall 2001)
"If someone 50 million years from now finds a lion and doesn't know anything about the savannas of Africa, they don't understand what it is to be a lion. The savanna has much to do with lion-ness." —Professor Lacovera '84
These days, Lacovara is busy running the new Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, newly opened just a few miles from campus.
As our nation recovered from the turmoil of World War II in fall 1947, many veteran students returned to campus hoping for a brighter future. In this cover story, we spoke with a few of them about their experiences, including David Rosen '49, '53 and Whitney P. Mullen '51. (Fall 2002)
"The veterans were highly motivated. ... They did their homework. They wanted to put everything behind them and get on with their lives." —Professor Bill Kushner
Rowan weathered the dark times of war and finally saw the enrollment growth, resources and energy necessary to resurrect its long-paused extracurricular activities and events. The post-war expansion permanently transformed the institution, preparing it for new growth in the decades ahead.
For a feature about Rowan's campus trees, we asked readers about their memories concerning the oldest living members of our campus family—our trees! (Summer 2003)
"I'm the resident tree hugger. The ginkgo has been part of my life since I was a student - what a magnificent tree. I climbed it to meditate. The foliage was dense, so it was private. Dr. Sangree gave us taxonomy assignments. He was good at getting you to wonder, creating an appetite for learning. He taught us science and the arts and folklore. He'd ask, 'How do you know that?'" —Tom Gallia '66, M'67, Trustee
In 2024, Rowan University achieved Level I Accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum. Check out the Rowan Arboretum website to learn about the many stately trees shading our Glassboro campus, including 10 species of oak, and, as of last year, a sweetgum sapling germinated from a seed flown on a NASA mission around the moon. Professor Sara Wright works with Campbell Library to offer year-round walks for participants to learn more about the trees on campus.
At the start of Rowan Magazine's tenth year, the editorial staff shared some of their favorite (or not-so-favorite) memories of putting the magazine together. Former Editor Ed Ziegler M'72 recalled how his suggestion to launch a magazine backfired when he was appointed as its founding editor—but noted how the evolution from one-color alumni tabloid to full-color, 32-page magazine marked Rowan's own growth from state college to comprehensive research university. Elsewhere, photographer Craig Terry lamented an assignment to chronicle 24 straight hours at the University. (Fall 2004)
"At one point, I suggested we stop and re-name the feature '14-and-a-half hours at Rowan.' But the campus was still awake and we rallied to shoot nearly 3,000 photos." —Craig Terry
Twenty years later, Terry is still photographing for the magazine and the institution and Ziegler is retired, but still reading (and probably editing in his head).
Originally constructed in 1923 as the "Rolls Royce of greenhouses," the Sangree Greenhouse saw its prime years between the 1920s and '60s. In the '70s, however, the structure was all but abandoned and fell into disrepair. This feature article from 2005 traces the greenhouse's origin through that dark period when it was almost torn down, and into the new millennium (with a new lease on life). (Spring 2005)
"The historic significance of the greenhouse was unquestionable. ... Its horticultural value to the University was equally compelling." —President Donald Farish
In 2004, the greenhouse was recognized by the Glassboro Historic Preservation Commission as having "significant historical integrity," alongside Hollybush Mansion, Bunce Hall and the Carriage House. Since renovations to the greenhouse were completed in 2000, it has been used by Facilities to grow plants for campus. More recently, President Ali A. Houshmand has even used the greenhouse to grow peppers for Houshmand's Hazardous Hot Sauce.
In 2006, we decided to answer an oft-repeated question: “What is a Prof?” The illustration adorning this cover is but one in a long line of Prof revisions that stretch back to 1959, when Don Pasquale sketched the first official rendition of the Prof. Just one year later, Claude DiGenova was the first person to don the Prof costume. Over time, the design fluctuated, from bookish to brutish, until 2006 when Athletic Director Joy Heritage Solomen '69 M'75 commissioned a redesign that resulted in the fierce Prof we know today. (Fall 2006)
"Of all the things I ever did, this is what everyone remembers me for." —Brian Kass '85, former Prof mascot
Today, the Profs continue to find success in their respective fields. Notably, this March, softball coach Kim Wilson became the first female NCAA Division III softball coach to notch 1,000 victories.
Michael Penny '00 was an everyday hero. He refused to let his Duchenne muscular dystrophy diagnosis keep him from success, and, at 24, he graduated with honors from our Rohrer College of Business. In 2002, he set out to publish a comic book series, Helios, through his own publishing company: Dakuwaka. After working with a writer and artist to produce the first issue, Penny realized his dream in 2004 of seeing his comic for sale in the same shop he'd been buying comics from for 15 years. It sold out in two hours, becoming one of the 300 top-selling comics in the country. (Fall / Winter 2007)
"I never focused on what I couldn't do; I just tried to do the most with what I have." —Michael Penny
Sadly, Penny passed away in 2009. His memory lives on in the many family, friends and colleagues whose lives he touched with his determination and kindness, as well as the stories he worked so hard to share with the world.
For many Rowan alumni who participated in college athletics, taking on the mantle of a high school coach is a perfect fit after graduation. In this feature, we spoke to coaches from a variety of sports: swimming, basketball, lacrosse, softball, field hockey, baseball, soccer, volleyball and football about their experiences coaching at local high schools. (Fall 2008)
"It's very fulfilling when you see the kids become successful, not just in sports but learning life skills like being committed and focused." —Gloria Byard '76
The cover photo shows Byard, a member of the Rowan-GSC Sports Hall of Fame. When this photo was taken, she had just completed her seventh year coaching field hockey at Glassboro High School. She retired from the position in 2013 after 12 years at the helm—finishing out her tenure with the highest win rate of any field hockey coach in the school's history.
In 1969, Glassboro State College opened the Camden Urban Center where a small number of part-time students could earn teacher certifications. Over time, additional academic offerings, pre-college courses and community programs added evidence of Rowan's commitment to its first branch campus. In 2009, we looked back on Rowan's 40-year relationship with the City of Camden while simultaneously announcing two key expansions: the acquisition of a 44,000-sq.-ft. historic bank building to provide more classroom and office space, and the establishment of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University a few blocks east. (Summer 2009)
"Rowan's growing presence in Camden will directly impact youth and families, businesses and employers and the overall Camden economy. ... We anticipate not just an expanded facility in Camden, but eagerly expect to create opportunities and advantages for individuals in the Camden community and beyond." —President Donald Farish
When Rowan played host to "Double-Take: The Works of Seward Johnson," students and faculty took the opportunity to incorporate the art into their lessons and learning. Education students took inspiration from the pieces to draft social studies lessons, geography students built a virtual map of the statues' locations and photography students created portraits using the sculptures. (Fall 2010)
"Ten life-sized bronze sculptures by renowned American sculptor Seward Johnson literally stopped traffic on the Rowan Campus this fall. But the exquisitely detailed sculptures of ordinary people doing everyday things were more than just conversation pieces and tourist attractions." —Barbara Baals
Rowan continues to inspire and intrigue the community with public art installations throughout campus. Our latest piece, Batsto Homestead, can be seen within the new Student Center expansion.
Caitlin Terry '05 initially had doubts about her ability to design and build a water and sanitation project in a remote settlement in Guatemala as she prepared for her trip in 2008. On the flight, she was seated next to a man on his way to check on a similar project. The coincidence reaffirmed her commitment to assisting community members with providing for their families and neighbors. By teaching them how to use local materials, she helped ensure the villagers would have access to clean water. (Summer 2011)
"It took my breath away. I'm not exactly the most confident person. And the idea of going to a foreign country to engineer a water project was overwhelming." —Caitlin Terry '05
Today, Terry manages Hydromissions International, an organization she first worked with in 2010 during a trip to Tajikistan. She has dedicated over 16 years of her life to designing and implementing water and sanitation solutions in under-resourced locations worldwide. In 2024, she was chosen to receive Rowan's Global Impact Award.
Twenty years after Henry Rowan's historic gift, we reflected on just how far the University had come. Enrollment, prestige, fundraising and other metrics rose, along with new facilities: Campbell Library in 1995, Henry M. Rowan Hall in 1998, Science Hall in 2003, Herman D. James Hall in 2006 and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in 2011. (Summer 2012)
"The vigor of Rowan University has contributed to economic development and opportunity in the region. In the past two decades, every donor's decision to invest in Rowan University confirms that Henry Rowan's personal challenge to make a difference has been successful." —Mike Shute '93
Since then, Rowan hasn't slowed down. Recent additions to campus include: Business Hall in 2017 to house William G. Rohrer College of Business, Discovery Hall in 2021, an expansion to the Chamberlain Student Center in 2025, and, soon, New Jersey's first vet school, Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine.
July 1, 2013 was a pivotal day for Rowan. That day, the New Jersey Medical and Health Restructuring Act went into effect. The act, signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie, granted Rowan status as a comprehensive state research university, created Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, and partnered Rowan with Rutgers-Camden to establish a College of Health Sciences in Camden. (Summer 2013)
"As our mission expands, so, too, do our obligations to New Jersey and especially to our home in South Jersey. ... New programs, increased access to higher education, a better-educated workforce, increased support of and working relationships with local businessess—these all are a part of our future." —Linda Rohrer, Board of Trustees chair
No, this list isn't out of order. This feature was our way of looking ahead—nine years into the future! (Summer 2014)
President Ali A. Houshmand set several bold goals for the University in 2013: Grow enrollment from 13,500 to 25,000; increase the number of undergraduate majors from 85 to 100+ and graduate majors from 65 to 80+; bring our annual operating budget from $400 million to $1 billion; and more.
Today, we've surpassed some of those goals—we now offer 104 undergraduate programs and 82 graduate degrees—and we're on track to pass the others. This year, enrollment topped 24,500, just shy of our 10-year goal of 25,000. And since this issue, our annual operating budget has grown 188%, from $400 million to $753 million.
Rowan is still on the rise!
In 2015, we showed off the Virtual Reality Center housed within Jones Innovation Center on the West Campus. There, students, researchers and project partners began conducting cutting-edge studies using state-of-the-art equipment, including a high-definition "data wall" of 10 screens that allowed users to collaborate in real-time by using VR through special 3D goggles (modeled on the cover here by our very own George Lecakes '07, M'10, D'21). (Summer 2015)
"For all its fantastic capabilities, the Virtual Reality Center exists to enable people to collaborate and solve practical problems. It's the kind of innovation that continues to distinguish Rowan University and prove the value of saying, 'What if...?'" —Patricia Quigley '78, M'03
In May, Rowan celebrated another VR milestone when we cut the ribbon on the new Dreamscape Learn Center at Campbell Library. Lecakes, who completed his Ph.D. in 2021, now serves as director for the lab. Rowan will lead the first group of universities to license this new technology and projects are underway to design Rowan-made immersive courses in multiple disciplines, including emergency management, Holocaust Studies and more.
In this issue, we published profiles for 40 amazing recent graduates. Rebekah Marine '09, a self-proclaimed "bionic model," graced the cover. She set the tone for the rest of the alumni standout stories, telling how she became a model despite the challenges she faced. (Summer 2016)
"To me, I'm just living my life, but I love being able to make this statement, to make a difference for people. We're all beautiful. We're all unique. And we should celebrate that." —Rebekah Marine '09
Other profiles included past, present, and future alumni award winners.
Together, Jean '81 and Ric '80 Edelman have left an immense mark on their alma mater. In 2017, we featured a story tracing their lives from Ric's 1977 plea for Project Santa volunteers, through the founding and success of their business, Edelman Financial Services, to the day when they announced their $25 million gift to transform the Rowan Fossil Park in Mantua Township into a world class destination for scientific discovery and and science education. (Winter 2017)
"The Fossil Park is within a day's drive of one-third of the U.S. population. The wonder and experience of pulling something out of the dirt that's 65 million years old is priceless." —Ric Edelman
Edelman Fossil Park & Museum opened in March and includes the chance for visitors to dig for their own fossils.
This issue featured a wide variety of stories from all corners of campus. (Spring 2018)
• Thanks to a $5 million gift from the Rohrer Charitable Foundation, business students would enjoy more challenges and opportunities to excel with Honors curricula.
• Planting and cooking with some of the world's hottest peppers, our entrepreneurial president, Ali A. Houshmand, put his secret hot sauce recipe to work to help students in need.
• A second $1 million award from Robert O. Carr's nonprofit Give Something Back would enable 50 youth facing economic hardship to attend Rowan tuition-free.
• A photo essay detailing Rowan's public art installations featured Light Wave in the Campbell Library, Growth #50 at the Chamberlain Student Center, Sodzo-Compassionate Promise at CMSRU Camden and more. Learn more about Rowan's art at publicart.rowan.edu.
Junior Natalie Morris and Holocaust survivor Alice Kraus '79 were two members of the Rowan community brought together through programs offered by the Rowan Center for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide & Human Rights. In this feature, Rowan community members shared their work and research focused on preserving—for future generations—the stories of those who endured, and those who were lost. (Winter 2019)
"There's incredible strength for them in getting up and continuing on. ... The life that survivors have built outside of their stories is humbling." —Julia Gibbins
Kraus spoke across the tristate area and the broader U.S. to tell her family’s story and to further Holocaust education among young people. Sadly, she passed away in December 2024, but not before leaving an indelible mark on the many people who heard her story.
March 2020 seems like a lifetime ago. (Fall 2021)
"We had no idea then what a global pandemic might mean for us. We thought it would blow through in a matter of weeks, maybe in a few months. Even as cases mounted, we fixed our attention on the future, maintaining our expectations, goals and dreams. We kept on keeping on." —Kim Mulford '94
The Rowan community came together in an unprecedented way. Faculty used technology to pivot to remote instruction. Our doctors, nurses, engineers and chemists stepped up to share designs for a 3D-printable mask, conduct research into the virus's effects on the blood-brain barrier, and analyze the pandemic's effect on society as a whole. President Houshmand urged the University to address food insecurity, with Gourmet Dining's help. Administrators worked with industry partners to address supply shortages for things like hand sanitizer. First responders and newly essential employees took on new risks and responsibilities to keep the world running.
Rowan University, in its last accreditation review, earned the description "a model for institutional transformation" by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. We've maintained that trajectory, sharing our transformative promise with students, professionals and partners. (Summer 2023)
"We know that serving more students and providing more access and educational opportunities benefits all of New Jersey. ... Rowan is the proven leader and catalyst in our state, region and beyond." —President Ali A. Houshmand
What's next? Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine opens this fall—the first vet school in New Jersey. And in 2026, renovations to Campbell Library will be completed, marking a new chapter for our "Library of the Future." On our West Campus, construction is underway for Rowan-Virtua Rita & Larry Salva School of Nursing & Health Professions, also scheduled to open in 2026. Other upcoming projects include: an Advanced Manufacturing Global Solutions Hub, the New Jersey Bioenergy Center at Rowan University, a Wellness Village and more.
© 2026 Rowan University
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