Across campus, there have been signs all pointing to one thing: Defy Definition. The new brand of the university marks a new identity that highlights the role that students assume when they commit to the university.
On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the Division of Marketing and Communications hosted the “Defy Definition: Live” event in the Chamberlain Student Center Expansion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., combining all areas of the university into one event. After launching in late 2025, this event serves to take that slogan and allow students to immerse themselves in it.
“I’m sure everyone has seen the billboards, online advertisements, and signs around campus, so we’re really in the biggest piece of our launch right now. [The event has] been months in the making, it’s been a lot of creative brain storming and all hands on deck across the Division of Marketing and Communications. Defy Definition is much more than a tagline; it’s an embodiment of what Rowan is. We don’t, as an institution, fit in a box or follow a singular path,” said Maria Slade, the Associate Vice Chancellor of Marketing.
The event featured over 20 interactive events for students to engage in, food trucks, and free Defy Definition merchandise for them to take home. With students flooding the Student Center and going to all the activities at the event for a chance to win a free MacBook, the event saw a significant turnout for this brand launch.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better day or better turnout. A lot of planning went into this, so for it to finally be here, to see so many people here, and to see it all come together in this amazing space has been beautiful. I am completely overwhelmed by the support and involvement by our community. Seeing the turnout and smiling faces just made me so happy. I want students to walk away from this event feeling excited, take a piece of this event with them, and be proud of being part of Defy Definition,” said Carie Markowitz, the Senior Director of Brand and Marketing Strategy.
The event also featured speeches from numerous officials within the university, such as the university’s president, Dr. Ali Houshmand, and chancellor, Dr. Anthony Lowman. In commemorating the event and launching of the Defy Definition brand, these speeches underscored the importance of Rowan students and the impact they can have on the campus, as well as the world beyond it.
“Today is the day where we tell the world how great our university is. Today it’s a Research I university, the highest level of collegiate classification. We did not do this out of the blue; the faculty members have made it what it is. Be proud of where you are, tell everyone you are a graduate of Rowan University,” said Dr. Houshmand.
No matter what major one chooses, the event stressed that anybody at Rowan could defy their own definition through the opportunities available to them on campus.
“Whether you’re a political science student, a biology student, an engineering student, or whatever it is, you’re taking your education with you and changing the world. Roll up your sleeves, thrive, and be there for your community,” said Chancellor Dr. Anthony Lowman.
For students, Defy Definition is much more than the banners on academic buildings or the advertisements they see online. It is what they can fully realize during their time at Rowan, and something they can carry after they graduate.
“Seeing the new brand come to life has been my favorite part. When we’re in marketing and coming up with different ideas as to what the new brand should be, we settled on Defy Definition, and we wanted to have this event to make that tangible and bring it to life. To see it go from the planning stage to living it has been exciting to see. Defy Definition is about the students and their stories, how when they come to Rowan University, they can join different clubs and explore different majors. They’re not limited to a single lane here, so this event is for them, it’s a celebration for you and everything you do for your community,” said Danielle Rosner, an assistant director of Marketing, Planning, and Campaign Strategy who served as the co-chair of the event.
The coordinators of this event wanted students to take the messaging of the event with them and to continue defying their own definition. To Defy Definition, they emphasized the importance of experimenting and involving oneself in activities across campus. To conceptualize how one can actually Defy Definition and bring that into tangible means was the purpose of this event and the desired legacy of it.
“The students, faculty, and staff really showed up for this event. This brand has really resonated with them, and we really wanted it to be student-focused. We had so many academic partners that it became a full-campus event instead of something that only the marketing team did. Secondly, I love the paint-by mural because it’s going to live after the event and sit in the Welcome Center. This brand is all about the students; they’re the heart of this campus, they’re the reason why everyone who works here can work here. We recognize that the brand is really about them being able to determine who they are, try different things, and get involved with clubs and activities during their tenure here,” said Christy Renzulli, an Assistant Director of Marketing, Planning, and Campaign Strategy who served as the other co-chair of the event.
No matter what path one chooses to take at Rowan University, one can Defy Definition no matter what. Whether it be through joining a club or by taking an elective outside one’s major, Rowan University wants to provide this opportunity to Defy Definition to all its students.
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