The leaves begin to turn beautiful shades of oranges and reds on the trees. The air becomes crisp and scents of apple and pumpkin spice fill the air. While the summer is the perfect time to relax away from school and possibly even at the beach, autumn at the University is unlike anything else.
The change of scenery at the University excites freshman Emily-Rose Tau. She also enjoys, “Apple and pumpkin picking with the different shades of color,” while freshman Leann Burns is looking forward to wearing her comfy sweaters again.
“It will finally be sweater weather and I love pumpkin spice lattes,” said Burns, who raved about Java City’s Pumpkin and Apple Cider flavored drinks.
As for sports, freshman Jennifer Ingegno looks forward to the U.S. Opener in the fall. “In the fall, you can play soccer, but also watch football games,” she said.
The University’s homecoming schedule begins Friday, October 18 with a pep rally beginning at 5pm in the MAC.
On Saturday, October 19 many other fun activities will occur before the game at 1pm on Kessler Field.
Freshman Jenna Lally said she enjoys exercising especially in the fall because “the weather is nicer outside to exercise with a group and it is not as uncomfortable as it is in the heat.” Lally recommends strengthening your muscles in the fall before you “pack on the pounds with all the holiday food.”
While freshman Caitie Bitetto enjoys wearing her cardigans and boots again, what she looks forward to most are fall concerts. Many concerts are happening this fall at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, which is only about thirty minutes from campus.
On September 22, Cake will be playing and on September 26, Three Days Grace will also perform. Mayday Parade will be performing October 19, Bullet for My Valentine on October 22, Papa Roach on October 23 and Senses Fail on October 26.
November performances at the Starland Ballroom include Streetlight Manifesto performing on both November 25 and 26, childhood favorite Hanson will be performing on November 19 and the up and coming Hoodie Allen on November 21.
Another concert venue in the area that will be holding performances this fall is the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, only about ten minutes from campus. There will be a book launch party for the Bruce Springsteen in Focus book on Saturday, October 12.
On campus, the University will be hosting its fall play. “The Laramie Project” at Woods Theater on November 7- 9 and 13-16 at 8 pm and again on November 10 at 3 pm
The play focuses on the 1998 murder of University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard near Laramie, Wyoming. The investigation led to the deduction that Shepard had been tortured because he was gay.
Professor Michael Gillette assigned his Honors Music Appreciation class to attend the fall play. He also encourages his students to visit the American Ballet Theater’s fall performances at The David Coke theater at the Lincoln Center in New York. Gillette has played ABT’s second violin section for thirty-three years. “This year I will be playing twelve performances there,” he said.
Music professor Michael Gillette is also a member of the Little Orchestra Society. “I have been with the Society for twenty-five years now. I work October and November performing concerts for children at Hunter College in New York.”
While Gillette passionately loves working with music, he also enjoys engaging in fall activities. “I have a canoe and a carbon fiber bike that I enjoy taking out.”
The fall season at the University brings the excitement of seasonal flavors and the crisp air that students say is “perfect sweater weather.” The weather might even be the perfect opportunity to get in shape or curl up and watch a football game with friends. Additionally, the fall arts at the University, along with the local towns and city venues are never ending outlets for fall activities.
The Homecoming Game will bring even more excitement and school morale to the University.
IMAGE TAKEN from jerseybites.com
