The nationwide tradition of homecoming is celebrated both in high schools and colleges alike. Alumni and students come together to show support as well as take pride in their school.

In a joyous celebration, nearly everyone partakes in school spirited events such as the customary homecoming game, tailgating parties and various other events that raise morale amongst the campus. This year’s homecoming theme was Carnival Rio.

On Thursday, October 22, 2015, students kicked off the homecoming weekend with a sensational concert featuring Prince Royce in Wilkins Theatre. The following day maintained the high energy as Hardwood arena was packed with excited students who enjoyed a performance by Kean Dance Team (KDT) and later ventured outside for colorful fireworks, for the homecoming pep-rally. As the night came to an end students gathered in downs hall for the homecoming dance party, and passed the time as they anticipated the Saturday game and tailgating events.

Clubs, sororities and fraternities gathered together before the football game to participate in the student tailgate; the student tailgate took place in the Hardwood arena parking lot. Each table had a different theme and embraced their Kean University spirit. Club, sororities and fraternities got creative with the homecoming theme Carnival Rio. Delta Phi Epsilon and Nu Sigma Phi won tailgating competition with the most creative table of the day.

The winning tailgating table
Photo courtesy of Delta Phi Eplison

Right outside of Harwood arena, the university flourished with numerous games, food and festivities. Student, faculty, alumni and their surrounding community made their way through a maze of different activities. Upon entering, guests were greeted in a harmonious atmosphere featuring a stage performance with dancers and a live band.

Ashley Collins, senior psychology major commented on her experience, “the weather is perfect and everyone is out enjoying themselves…my favorite part is all the different foods.”

Visitors enjoy some delicious cupcakes
Uriel Solis l The Cougar’s Byte

Attendees were surrounded by an abundance of food options such as sausages, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, cheese steaks, fries and pizza. Outside of the traditional foods, they offered candy, caramel apples, funnel cake, zeppolis and kabobs. When visitors weren’t in line for food or enjoying the music, they were taking part in the various activities. Ya’Nick Yamba, senior sociology major was excited by the diversity in the crowd.

She states, “…all students and alumni come together and just have a good time together. I love seeing all the different ages and how family oriented everyone was.”

Amidst the fun, amusement park-styled game booths were lined up with classic carnival games including basketball, water guns and ball toss.
Uriel Solis l The Cougar’s Byte

Children recreationally engaged in inflatable bouncy houses, face painting booths and even a rock climbing experience. Amidst the fun, amusement park-styled game booths were lined up with classic carnival games including basketball, water guns and ball toss.

The entire event suggested an environment of togetherness and school spirit, while succeeding in entertainment for all ages.

Mushah Abdul-Baasit, senior Elementary Education major states, “Homecoming is always fun for me because I can bring my family to my school so they can be a part of my educational experience.”

After the festivities outside of Harwood arena, guests rushed to Kean University’s football stadium for the homecoming game. Paul Fromholtz, senior industrial design major was there supporting the football team as well as his fraternity. He states, “I’m here representing Nu Sigma Phi and showing off my cougar pride!”

Kean University Cougars against the Salisbury University sea gulls
Ojlivis Nunez l The Cougars' Byte

The Kean University Cougars played Salisbury University sea gulls, from Maryland, in what they hope would be a fire game. As the cougars battled the sea gulls for the win, the crowd grew restless as the game grew intense.  While Kean University walked away with a loss, the Kean University spirit was unwavering. During half time, the homecoming queen and king were announced. Jacqueline Rice and Paul Augi walked away with crowns.

Paul Augi and Jacqueline Rice
Ojlivis Nunez l The Cougars' Byte

There are few events that spark memories that last a lifetime. Homecoming at Kean University is always a special event for everyone involved. Alumni are afforded the opportunity to revisit the place where they received their education, students come together and show their school pride and the community is invited into the world of Kean University to support their educational institution.

Jazmine Brooks senior communications public relations major reflected on how her time was coming to an end here at Kean, “…I feel sad that this is my last homecoming.” For everyone that attends, homecoming is a culmination of school spirit, entertainment and comradery that makes for an unforgettable experience. The Carnival Rio sure did not disappoint.

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