The Rowan Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RCIE) held their second annual Fall Fest on Monday, Sept. 13 at the Business Hall lawn from 3 – 6:30 p.m to kickstart networking with students.

Aunt Martha’s Funnel Cakes supplied free fried Oreos and funnel cakes. The Woodland Ave Band played live music. Festival-goers could also ride a mechanical bull, play corn hole or visit the various tables set up on the lawn. 

Rowan students were granted free admission when they checked into the festival with their student ID and had a chance to win free merchandise. The merch included pens, bags, message boards and T-shirts. 

Jessica Vattima, the outreach & events associate for the RCIE, was stationed at the check-in table.

“The center is a resource for students across campus — of all majors and all minors — to bring their ideas to life. And we offer resources and support, funding, events and networking opportunities to help them do that,” Vattima said. 

Of course, like most, Vattima is excited to attend in-person events again. 

“After Covid I think everyone needs a reason to come out and celebrate,” Vattima said, “but it’s also just another way to welcome all of our student body back to campus and to have students learn a little bit more about us — the RCIE — and what we do for them.”

Stationed next to the check-in area was Karen Teller, the marketing and events coordinator for the College of Business. Teller was there to inform students about the college and its many upcoming events. 

“We are having an event next week for the College of Business students. We’ll have the clubs here, and it’s a similar event, actually. But it’ll be more focused on just the College of Business,” Teller said. 

Amie Ryno, the manager for the Center for Professional Development, and Ann Nitcshe, a career development coach, also had a table at the festival. 

“It feels great to be out in person. We’re excited to be here and just be able to actually interact with the students live again. We’re hoping we get to meet some of our business students out here on the lawn today and tell them about all the great career events,” Ryno said. 

The Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization, a.k.a. The CEO Club, had members James Benavente and Maddie Sloan stationed at a table. 

“We’re trying to connect entrepreneurs around campus to further their ventures and help them out in the process,” Benavente said. 

The CEO Club holds networking events with RCIE and Women in Business, as well as hosting entrepreneurial guest speakers. 

“We just want everyone to get together and do the best they can with their ventures — and help them to strive,” Benavente said. 

Between the great food and music, The Rowan Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s Fall Festival provided real opportunities for students to thrive at Rowan University. 

To learn more about the RCIE, visit them on the second floor of the Business Hall.

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