Friends of First-Gens
Friends of First-Gens
Contact Information
Share your first-gen story!
Sharing personal experiences helps first-generation students feel connected to their community. Would you like to share your experience being or supporting a first-generation student or faculty member? Submit your story here!
Please email firstgen@rowan.edu with any questions!
The Flying First program is a product of the First-Generation Task Force. The task force is co-chaired by Penny McPherson-Myers and Amy Ruymann. Questions, comments, or suggestions may be submitted to firstgen@rowan.edu.
Connect with us through social media!
Meet the Task Force
Penny McPherson-Meyers, Ed.D.
First-Generation Task Force Co-Chair
Professional Development Sub-committee Co-Chair
Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Vice President
mcphersonp@rowan.edu
856-256-4088
Amy Ruymann, M.S. C.S.
First-Generation Task Force Co-Chair
Professional Development Sub-committee Co-Chair
Student Affairs
Associate Director, University Advising Services
ruymann@rowan.edu
856-256-5563
Altonia Bryant
Parent Outreach Sub-Committee Co-Chair
Academic Affairs
Career Counselor, Office of Career Advancement
bryantal@rowan.edu
856-256-4339
Nikki Colasanti
Data and Research Sub-Committee Chair
Student Affairs
Assistant to the Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students
colasanti@rowan.edu
856-256-4453
Amanda Coltri, MSL, Ed.D. Candidate
Marketing Sub-Committee Chair
Strategic Enrollment Management
Digital Strategist, Strategic Planning and Management
coltria@rowan.edu
856-256-5477
Jess Kanady, M.A.
Alumni Outreach and Advancement Sub-committee Chair
University Advancement
Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, Office of Alumni Engagement
kanady@rowan.edu
856-256-5404
Joe Lizza, Ed.D.
Student Engagement Sub-committee Co-Chair
Student Affairs
Director, Chamberlain Student Center & Campus Activities
lizzaj@rowan.edu
856-256-4696
Melissa Meireles, M.S.Ed.
Logistics Sub-committee Chair
Information Resources and Technology
Technical Trainer and Instructional Designer, Training & Instructional Support
meireles@rowan.edu
856-256-4457
Taylor Mullens
Student Engagement Sub-committee Co-Chair
Student Affairs
Assistant Director of Aquatics, Campus Recreation
mullenst@rowan.edu
856-256-4958
Julie Peterson
Parent Outreach Sub-committee Co-Chair
Student Affairs
Director, Student Enrichment and Family Connections
peterson@rowan.edu
856-256-4596
Chris Taylor
Data and Research Sub-committee Co-Chair
Strategic Enrollment Management
Assessment Coordinator, Strategic Planning and Management
taylorch@rowan.edu
856-256-5763
Jamie Yingst, M.A.
Faculty Sub-committee Chair
Academic Affairs
Full-Time Faculty, Department of Psychology
yingst@rowan.edu
No Office Phone
Sub-Committees
Alumni Outreach and Advancement
- Jess Kanady, Chair
- Sara Borden
- Ron Braxton
- Erica Conway
- Christopher D'Angelo
Data and Research
- Nikki Colasanti, Co-Chair
- Chris Taylor, Co-Chair
- Courtney Fox
- Erin Hannah
- Marisa Israel
- Peter Rattigan
- Nathan Ruhl
- Stephanie Spielmann
Faculty
- Jamie Yingst, Chair
- Gregory Caputo
- Angela Cirucci
- Miles Clinton Coleman
- Nichole Daringer
- Valerie Davis-LaMastro
- Sarah Diorio
- Miek Grove
- Brooke Hoffman
Financial Resources
- Brandi Blanton
- Bob Bullard
- Julius Grayson
- Melcy Jimenez
- Fabio Oliveira
- Josue Velez
Logistics
- Melissa Meireles, Chair
- DeLithea Davis
- Megan Kately
- Lindsay Rosato
- Michalina Zelazny
Marketing
- Amanda Coltri, Chair
- Jaclyn Dankel
- Michael Fromm
- Krystal Mannering
Professional Development
- Penny McPherson-Meyers, Co-Chair
- Amy Ruymann, Co-Chair
- Aly Baker
- Celeste Del Russo
- Bob Eisberg
- Cristine Mason
- Lesley Mateo
- Ambre McKenna
- Carlos Parker
- Joelle Reyes
Student Engagement
- Joe Lizza, Co-Chair
- Taylor Mullens, Co-Chair
- Milan Ahye
- Patricia Dashefshy
- Valerie Davis-LaMastro
- Nancy Demaris
- Israel Lauger
- Rachel Moskowitz
- Britney O'Connor
- Emily Ohlson
- Rosaria Pipitone
- Brian Praetzel
- Julia Richmond
- Mary Schultes
- Atla Wells
