Olivia Barone
Editor in Chief
RICelodeon welcomed Rhode Island College students back to campus this semester with six unforgettable events and a grand finale: a talent show judged by none other than Stephen Glickman, best known for his role as Gustavo Rocque on “Big Time Rush.” Taking inspiration from early 2000s Nickelodeon programs including the seaworthy “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Good Burger,” students unwound after each day of classes watching cartoons, eating Krabby Patties and reconnecting with their inner-child.
Friday’s Talent Show would bring Welcome Week to an end. Featuring contestants from across campus, each brought their best to the stage in hopes of impressing judges Mars Yena, Quinn Nolan and special guest Glickman. Despite the abundance of talent on the RIC stage, the judges were able to choose three winners: Steve Cere, K’Yauri Delgardo and Cassandra Kancel in third, second and first place respectively.
Glickman gave his own performance including a sneak peak of the “Paralyzed” music video: an emo-style cover of the original Big Time Rush song. After meeting with his fans on campus, Glickman sat down with The Anchor to discuss the new cover, his career plans and offer some advice to college students navigating their passions, just as he did.
He remembers meeting our generation with tears in our eyes, afraid of his Gustavo Rocque persona. “Big Time Rush fans were children that were crying in the mall when they saw me. Now, they work for TSA. That’s a big change. When we were in the airport coming here, a guy from TSA patted me down and said ‘you’re good Gustavo,’ Then sent me on my way… It’s wonderful to see everybody growing up and becoming the things they’re inspired by. I’ve met a lot of students who went into music because of the show which is really fascinating. From all over the world.”
Reflecting fondly on his own path, Glickman shared his advice for the graduating college students that he watched grow up. “Something that’s super important is don’t wait… I think, when it comes to students and their careers and the stuff they want to do, don’t go to school for stuff you’re not passionate about,” he encouraged.
Glickman was generous enough to let The Anchor in on his latest passion project: an animated short film in collaboration with team members from the 2016 Warner Bros’ film, “Storks.” The film is in the homestretch and will debut to tell the adventures of Glickman’s beloved dog. Despite dabbling in film, Glickman has continued to navigate his music career as he readies for the release of his live album this coming December. “An Evening with Stephen Kramer Glickman” will feature collaborations with several other musicians.
Aside from making strides in his career, Glickman is passionate about a RIC favorite: The Trevor Project. A charity dedicated to building a more inclusive world for LGBTQ+ youth, the project resonates with Glickman for its suicide prevention efforts. “I had to drop out of junior high school because I was bullied too much… So when I started having a career you start trying to find the charities that mean something to you… Knowing people in the LGBTQ+ family that have been bullied and didn’t have anywhere to turn… Like I at least had my Mom, but some people don’t [have anyone]. So The Trevor Project is really important. They do a great job.”
RIC thanks Glickman for his campus debut and guest-star appearance at RICelodeon. His visit concluded Welcome Week and began the fall semester on a high note as he wished students the best in finding success in their careers.
Begin the semester right and be alert to more upcoming campus events this semester by following Student Activities on Instagram.
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