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TCNJ Magazine Winter 2024

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38 The College of New Jersey Magazine he juggles these responsibilities with his full-time job as a senior account executive at Devine Partners, a boutique public relations firm in Center City, Philadelphia. "I am balancing my passions," he says. " Eagles fans are very much Philly through and through, " Batipps says. Batipps was nervous for the first couple of drumline gigs, as the sheer magnitude of the events weighed on him. "But now we're just having fun out there," he says. "I'm smil- ing from ear to ear and hitting the drum as hard as I can." Eagles fans have heightened Batipps' enthusi- asm. Before the drumline kicks off each home game, they play for Eagles fans at parking lot tail- gates. On any given game day, super- fans are grilling food, cracking open cold beers, and pumping themselves up for a win with chants and dance. It's a sea of kelly green — and the drumline adds the soundtrack. "Eagles fans are very much Philly through and through," Batipps says. "When you come to their stadium, you will feel their passion; they let you know who they are." Batipps is proud to be a part of that fan base. But the ultimate reward is the drumline's charity compo- nent. Aside from playing at games, the drummers get into the community. Whether it's to support the Eagles Autism Foundation or help raise funds for individuals with disabili- ties through Woods Services, the drumline's impact goes beyond the stadium. "We all share a love for giving and uplifting our commu- nity," Batipps says. When the drumline is helping to raise money for an important cause and face-to-face with chil- dren whom they teach to play the drums, that's when they feel their impact the most. "When we see how eager children are to learn from us, it gives us the positivity we need to keep going," says Batipps. "As much as we play for the fans, it's really about giving to the community." — Fabiola Cineas Batipps as a high school percussionist. Plan for the future now — it's free For assistance, please contact Jim Spencer at 609.771.3285 or plannedgifts@tcnj.edu. Find these financial tools at plannedgiving.tcnj.edu and go to the "Resources and More" tab to start today. Do you need a will? A financial power of attorney? A health directive? Or help with a qualified charitable distribution? TCNJ now offers alumni a free, online service to help create these documents for you.

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