Ted Greenberg on Telling Traditional News in an Untraditional Time

By Kate Rowland

NBC 10’s Jersey Shore reporter Ted Greenberg visited Stockton on March 26th, with the intent to teach a class of digital storytellers how to do just that. Overall, the role of traditional media has changed drastically in the age of the internet-driven, 24-hour news cycle of social media. In a world that moves so fast, not everyone has the time to wait till 4 o’clock to get their news. This is why 7 in 10 Americans use social media to connect with both their colleagues and their daily news. But how has this surge of online users looking for digital news changed how the business is run? As Ted pulls up his Facebook live stream he taped during the previous storm, he comments, “This has definitely changed the game with what we do every day. There’s more pressure to do that [use social media], not only to keep people updated with what is happening right in front of our eyes but also to push people towards watching the news on television.” Essentially, Ted’s use of social media as a news tool works in that he’ll give his audience a slice of cake now while promising the rest if they tune in later.


This switch from traditional to digital has also changed how Greenberg gets his information as well. “I can communicate with people who follow my page way easier than ever before….The other day I had to do a story on medical debt, and I needed to find somebody who’s problems with medical debt had affected their credit. It used to be I would have to reach out to a whole bunch of experts, ask them if they knew anyone….Now I put a post on Facebook, and within 10 minutes 4 or 5 people write back to me with a material I needed for my story.” Engaging with members of the public has helped not only with just getting real stories upfront but also in voicing the previously unheard. Overall, it seems as though the digital train has no scheduled stops, running full steam ahead and taking news along for the ride for as long as it can.

New Campus? More Courses

By Amanda Genovese

Come Fall of 2018, there will be a new campus in Atlantic City, Stockton University is expanding. There are some big changes coming in the Fall and this new campus is one of them, Students of Stockton University who live near the Atlantic City area will have a new change in scenery for their studies. Students who want to take classes here, there are many advantages to doing so. There will be more than one-hundred courses being offered at the Atlantic City Campus. Students who have been heated over parking, this campus will allow more than five-hundred students to have beachfront housing and parking garages, which will soon make the parking issues at the Galloway campus be somewhat resolved.

Students who decide to live in the beachfront apartments on the Atlantic City campus will be able to cook in their apartments or dine in on campus. Atlantic City offers a whole different experience for the average Stockton Student, there will be so much to do inside and outside of campus. There is the Boardwalk, beach, and the casinos if you are twenty-one or over.

The Atlantic City campus will offer a wide-range of courses, internships, service-learning, and engagement. Not only that but if there wasn’t a class offered for your major at the Galloway campus it will probably be at the Atlantic City Campus. Whether you are performing arts major, hospitality major, accounting, the list goes on there will be more selective courses for everyone. “I did not know about a new campus opening, this is great news to me because I live closer to the Atlantic city area so it will make my commute a lot easier and I am happy that the parking situation may be much better now come Fall.” Junior, Alondra Gammara said.

“It was always frustrating for me when I wanted to sign up for a course and I couldn’t because it got easily filled, this will make things a lot easier because there will be more course options.” Freshman, Alaina Rush said. The Atlantic City campus will have courses and new opportunities to offer all of Stockton students. Come Fall 2018, Atlantic City Campus will be making its debut.

Vagina Monologues

By Dominick Tarangelo

As the semester starts to wind down, Stockton University and the Office of Service Learning presents the Vagina Monologues for another year. This year the auditions were held on Friday, March twenty-third. The event will be held on Wednesday, April 25th at 7:30 PM in the Campus Center Theater.

Over the past few years, other facilities on campus have helped create Vagina Monologues for that year, such as the Wellness Center and the Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies Program. The Vagina Monologue was first created by Eve Ensler. Ensler created it to show the struggles that modern face across the globe. As stated in the media release from 2016, “Each monologue deals with an aspect of the feminine experience, touching on matters such as sex, love, rape menstruation and female genital mutilation. A recurring theme throughout the piece is the vagina as a tool of female empowerment and the ultimate embodiment of individuality.”

The money raised from this event is donated to an organization that supports women and has been donated to The Women’s Center and RAINN. At the moment it is unknown where the money will be donated to but it will most likely be The Women’s Center. Tickets can be bought at the Campus Center Information Desk and the price will be five dollars for students, ten dollars for faculty and staff, and twelve dollars for community guests. If anyone has any questions they can call the Office of Service Learning at (609) 652-4256.

March Madness: The Cinderella Story – Love it or Hate it?

By Zach Freihofer


We all have heard of the fairytale “Cinderella.” It’s about an unexpected girl who becomes the leader. Well, wouldn’t you like to know that we have that in our very lives today! Introducing, the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers, the present-day Cinderella’s. If you do not know what I am talking about, well then you must not be a very avid sports person. During the month of March, the NCAA hosts a basketball tournament, called March Madness, where there are 64 teams that enter to become the “top dog.” People can fill out brackets, place bets, and so on. If someone does fill out a bracket all right, they win a ton of money. However, the chances of that are not in your favor, with the odd being at 1 in 9.2 quintillions, that’s a nine with 18 zeros behind it.

This year, there is an 11th seed team that no one has even heard of, unless you live there, or you go there the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers. This team has beaten the odds and has entered the Final Four of the tournament. This team has won the whole thing before, but that was back in 1963, where they won over the two-time defending champions Cincinnati Bearcats 60-58, going into overtime. Now, they can relive that moment again. They will need to get past a hot Michigan team. If they win that, they will face either Villanova or Kansas, both #1 seeds in the tournament.

Many people love the Cinderella stories from the tournament. Everyone loves the underdogs. Well, I wouldn’t want to say, everyone. Earlier today, Stephen A. Smith, an American sports television personality, sports radio host, and sports analyst had this to say about a Cinderella story team possibly being in the championship game. He states, “When it comes time for the National Championship, I want the big boys up in there as appose to a particular team who had a nice, little run.” What he is saying is that he wants to see two teams, who will battle it out and make the game entertaining, rather than a Cinderella team go up against the best team in the nation.

Will There Ever Be a Stockton Football Team?

By Colton Van Cleave and Rishon Bates

It is no question that Stockton was built on the creative minds of those who saw a state college and had the vision of expanding it into the university that we see today. Yet, progression is still looming on the horizon. What is that progression? Is football part of that progression?

The new Athletic Director here at Stockton University, Kevin McHugh, has the responsibility of overseeing all sports here at Stockton; along with those responsibilities is the responsibility of making sure all resources are there for student-athletes, trainers, and coaches. Does that also include being able to think forward for athletics here at Stockton University? Is football part of the question? "I wouldn't count it out. Though, It will always be considered," in the words of Stockton University's Athletic Director. Bringing up part of the reason why Stockton currently does not have a football team is Title 9, which is a federal law that makes schools give both men and women the same opportunities in all aspects of a school. "At Stockton, we are 60% women and 40% men, so we have to match that exactly," said Kevin McHugh. Where we are at now, we are simply just not there. We do not have the financial means to match what a football team would entail, and us being still a university just born and still growing, don’t forget about the Atlantic City expansion as well, Stockton University simply cannot do it.

Operating a football team budget within a university like Stockton, it would cost roughly around "$75,000-$80,000" according to Athletic Director Kevin McHugh. That doesn’t even include other smaller expenses that would go into the team as well. Compared to a Division 1 schools where the expenses to support football programs are roughly around $170M to $120M, considering how big the program is at the time and/or how big the university or college is. Recruiting classes are big as well, and usually, the revenue within a team tends to outset the expenses. Look at a big program like Texas A&M, for example, where their expenses are at $137,101,774 but their program takes in $194,388,450. Their total intake is $57,286,676 and not to mention their growing recruiting class with their recent hire of head coach Jimbo Fisher, there's no doubt they are a program on the rise. Yet, obviously, it is important to remember what is being compared here. Schools who are Division III in the NCAA, the budget for having a football program would be about $1,982,500. Division III athletics provides a well-rounded collegiate experience that involves a balance of rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and the opportunity to pursue the multitude of other co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities offered on Division III campuses.

Although Division III may not be as serious as Division I, athletes still love to compete and give their all to the love of their respected sports. Sure, Stockton has intramural flag football; however, it is not the same as regular football, nor is it considered a Division III sport.

Stockton’s Failed Storm Response

By Stephanie Russell

Two weeks ago on Wednesday, March 7th, Stockton kept their doors open and school in session during a nor’easter and state of emergency. Many other affected colleges and universities like Rutgers, TCNJ, Rowan, and Ocean County College made sure to close for the day as well as cancel any activities happening on their campuses. Stockton persisted normal campus operations until 2pm, far past the time many commuters arrive from all parts of the state. 

The brunt of the storm hit the area from the time classes started until the school shut down. Stockton’s commuters make up an estimated 63% of the school body, this means that a majority of the students drive from all over the state to get to class every day. A nor’easter could cause treacherous driving conditions for thousands of students. Stockton emailed the students and faculty an alert that the school would close at 2pm. The delayed closing forced commuters to drive back home during peak storm hours of heavy rain, snow, and ice. This announcement came a long time after the state of emergency was declared by Governor Murphy at 8pm the day before. 

While many colleges and universities in New Jersey closed due to the impending storm on Tuesday, March 6th, Stockton’s campus surprisingly remained open. A Stockton parent contacted the institution and explained that her daughter spun out on the parkway and had a near-death experience en route from school. A Stockton representative stated that coming to class was at the discretion of the students. The parent of this student said “My daughter had a near-death experience and all Stockton had to say was that they are not liable because she chose to drive to school. Many classes at Stockton require attendance and students get deducted points for not attending.” This is not the first time Stockton has insisted on continuing normal campus operations during hazardous weather conditions, more specifically hurricanes and nor’easters. January 23rd, 2017 and March 2nd, 2018 were two nor’easters that hit the shores of New Jersey hard, leaving thousands out of power and causing severe flooding along the coast. 

Two devastating hurricanes that hit New Jersey were Hurricane Sandy which made landfall on October 29th, 2012, and Hurricane Jose that hit on September 19th, 2017. During all four of these destructive storms, Stockton did not close its campus. A Stockton alumni that lives in Ocean County, explained that during Hurricane Sandy, Stockton remained open. She stated “They had classes during Sandy. I had a test in statistics and told my professor that I lived in an area that got hit particularly hard, had no gas, or electricity and the whole nine. He basically told me to be there regardless. You think they would be more understanding considering a large group of their student's commutes. I love Stockton so much, but that made me so mad when I was there.” 

Stockton should consider taking more precautions during inclement weather and show more regard for the large commuter population.

Stockton Goes to Fox 29

Carly Caporrino & Dominick Tarangelo

On Friday, March 2nd, some of Stockton University’s Communication Studies students headed to Philadelphia for a day trip to Fox 29 studios. The students were able to take a tour of the studios, see some behind the scenes action, and be a part of a live studio audience for a Philly-based talk show, The Q, with host Quincy Harris. It was an experience for students studying media studies, production, or any concentration in communication studies and a great opportunity for students to get to know each other.

The students started the day off early and made their way to Philadelphia, via bus. Once there the students toured the studio, filled seats and the floor director prepared the crowd for when the show was on the air. After the show ended, Host Quincy Harris and FOX 29’s News Director, Jim Driscoll, spoke to the students and gave them some advice that they can take along with them on their future endeavors. The students then proceeded to take a tour of the rest of the studio, led by the interns, allowing the students to observe the interns on the job. The students were able to see behind the scenes of FOX 29 Studios and how it functions.

The students were accompanied by an adjunct faculty member, Professor Toby Rosenthal. Professor Rosenthal teaches the Media Aesthetics course as well as the Ethnicity Through Film course at Stockton. When asked about her experience with students on this trip, she stated, “I’m proud of our inaugural spring trip to Fox 29 in Philadelphia. Being part of a studio show at a television station in the 4th largest market in the country was a huge opportunity for our students. Receiving behind the scenes access to the station’s news department and technical facilities provided amazing insight into the operations of a network-owned major market station.”

International Day of Remembrance: Transatlantic Slave Trade

By Zahirah Pearsall

Stockton University held an event March 20th at the campus center theater that featured a program centered around the horrifying experiences of those Africans ripped from their homes to be sold in the transatlantic slave trade. The program was presented by Dr. Janice Joseph and featured the perspectives of Dr. Kameika Murphy and Dr. Raz Segal. The presentation was offered free and without the need of tickets to the Stockton community as a way of raising awareness of people who have suffered in the past and of those who continue to suffer today because of expulsion and slavery.

The presentation featured clips from HBO's documentary, "Unchained Memories: Readings from the Slave Narratives," where the experiences of slaves are offered with gruesome details. Emotional experiences and physical abuse, as well as day-to-day life for the average slave, are all outlined in the documentary. To enhance the impact that the documentary had on the audience faces and names were given so the viewer could connect with the stories of those who have passed on. Between each of the experiences shown, Dr. Murphy and Dr. Segal gave an in-depth perspective on the circumstances that the slaves had to endure.

The presentation served as an eye opener for those who were not too familiar with the gruesome details of the events of the slave trade. It is one thing to learn and memorize the facts in school, and it is another to see and hear the most detailed accounts of experiences of those who were enslaved. Chelsea Aquino, a student of Dr. Segal, stated, "It was something that made me very uncomfortable. But I guess that was the point, it wasn't meant to be something that was going to make you feel good." The presentation was an open analysis of the working of the transatlantic slave trade, the treatment of the enslaved people, and how it has affected society in its long-term effects.

Spring Break Splashes at The Pool After Dark

Written by: CJ Coyle

       Photo from The Pool 

Spring break took the east coast by storm, as college students from all over rejoiced in their week off to spend time with family, relax, and most importantly, party. Atlantic City was a hot spot this week for Stockton students looking to make the most out of their breaks. From parades on the boardwalk to nightlife, the city has it all. Many gathered to the Pool After Dark at Harrah’s Resort throughout the week to catch acts including Mike Stud, T-Pain, and Machine Gun Kelly.

Rhode Island local Mike Stud started off the break on Wednesday, ringing in the start of Spring Splash at The Pool. Stud performed a few of his hit songs, including “Even Steven,” “Swish,” and “These Days.” Stockton Alumni Cali Watson had this to say about his performance “I lost it when he sang ‘Even Steven.’ Me and my friends used to listen to that song all the time senior year back in high school, so it brought back a lot of memories.”

The week had just started with Stud, as things only got bigger with T-Pain and Machine Gun Kelly, or MGK, on the weekend. T-Pain kicked the weekend off, bringing in a crowd of over 2100, mostly college kids. The revenue from bottle service and cover charges surpassed $70,000, and T-Pain performed quite the show. Wes Hill, Lifeguard at The Pool After Dark, quotes his experience watching the show unfold late Friday night, “the show was full of energy, we had to keep giving him towels so he could wipe his sweat off his face, it was that high energy. He was only contracted to only sing 3 songs, but he ended up singing like 12 songs, dude was a true performer,” Hill stated enthusiastically. Towards the end of the night, T-Pain was found sleeping on the steps of the stage, resting long after his killer performance. Hill goes on “He doesn’t like all of the security and entourage stuff, so it was funny seeing him just lay there alone. He was drinking a lot, and probably had other shows this week.”

MGK ended the weekend with another killer performance, bringing in just over 2,000 spring breakers. The total revenue count for Saturday night was a whopping $107,000, surpassing the amount of both Mike Stud and T-Pain. As pictured above, MGK really knew how to hype up the crowd, as he scaled the set of The Pool, singing into the hearts of his fans from above. When asked MGK’s performance, Stockton Alumni Scarlet Kromer had to say this, “it was so much fun! I’ve only been there once before but it was a really good time, the music was good and he was amazing!!!” Kromer has loved his music for quite some time, so finally being able to see MGK in person was a thrill.

As spring break winds down, students are getting ready to return to school. The next big break will be this summer, as the City will once again offer much to do for those on break.

Michelle Tomko: Comedy That Clicks

By Kate Rowland

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Stand up talent Michelle Tomko visited Stockton University’s Kramer Hall on March 15, spreading her knowledge of comedy with the Hammonton. Despite being Cleveland, Ohio native, Michelle has rocked the house down in Atlantic City, receiving the 2016-2018 Atlantic City Weekly Nightlife Award for “Best Comedian”. Tomko’s comedy has also been featured on TMZ and NPR’s “It’s only a Game.” Most recently though, Michelle was found presenting a comedy workshop for Kramer Hall’s Third Thursday event, where possible stand-up superstars gathered to learn how to enhance their wisecracking talents. This is Tomko’s 3rd consecutive year attending Kramer Hall’s Third Thursday, and when asked why she continually comes back, she states, “I like to teach...I get to combine it, I can do the jokes and then tell everybody why I’m doing whatever joke. I always come here whenever they ask me.” During her workshop, she encourages attendees to brainstorm joke from their unique experiences, draw from the mundane, and follow the rule of thirds.

In addition to encouraging her audience to become personal comedians, she also encourages them to think about comedy in a new light. While stand-up is usually all in good fun, sometimes the medium can be used to express important, topical affairs. “I didn’t do the joke tonight, but I talk about gay marriage and I kind of flip it around. I say that I’m not for it, I say ‘well that’s a perk of that lifestyle that it’s illegal to get married, think of all the hassles you save’...always when I do that joke have people come up to me and say, ‘I never thought about it like that,’ and that makes me happy...you get people’s brain working.” Using comedy as an assessable medium to convey heavy subjects leads to a wider audience understanding, and helps to push certain ideas that other platforms may fail at. Stockton hopes Michelle Tomko comes around for another year and teaches her audience how to laugh again.

Stockton’s Ice Hockey Team is on Thin Ice

By Michael Donne

Stockton University’s ice hockey team is on thin ice. With 25 games this season, and five practice days a week, this team mirrors professional commitment. However, players are frustrated with the team’s lack of funding.Stockton’s ice rink has been in Toms River for the past two years. This 45-minute drive is long compared to the short 22-minute drive of the previous Atlantic City location. On why Stockton changed rinks, Assistant Director of Athletics and Recreation Jeff Haines explained the ice time is earlier at Toms River compared to Atlantic City, which allows students to get home sooner.However, player Jake Mcdonald spoke about how earlier practices don’t make up for distance. He said: “We practice at AC. Practices don't start until 11:00. And even with the 15-minute drive, we’ll still be getting home at the same time. An earlier practice, but more gas. I don’t know what they were thinking.”Along with the new rink being twice as long of a drive, players are given no transportation to the game. Also, athletes are not given parking passes, leaving players to walk from Lot Eight to the housing during late hours. These problems scared away many potential ice hockey players. Freshmen athlete Braden Howcroft explained: “There are so many hockey players in this school, it's crazy, and they just don’t play.” As a result, Stockton’s hockey team consists of only 18 players, 13 of them being freshmen.Away game transportation is also inconvenient, as students often rely on three small vans to get to games. Jake Mcdonald commented on how Stockton does little to help this issue and said: “Again, we’re taking vans and I see shuttles sitting in Lot Nine. That makes no sense.”However, according to Assistant Director of Athletics and Recreation Jeff Haines, the solutions to these problems aren’t “black and white.” For Stockton to consider their hockey team a division III sport, Title IX would require another women's’ sport as well. With ice hockey being one of the most expensive sports, being able to comply with Title IX wouldn’t be feasible for Stockton. Jeff Haines believes there are solutions to the lack of funding, and it comes back to the athletes. He stated: “The ice hockey team hasn't done as much fundraising as some of the other clubs.” While fundraising would not fix the problem entirely, it's the first step the team can make for better opportunities.