After months of planning and preparation, The Leadership Institute of Kean University’s Military Ball, part of the institute’s annual service project, took place in Downs Hall on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Not only was the night filled with people looking their best, but also men and women in uniform – reminding all of the true purpose of this year-long effort: to raise money for the Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System (also known as the VA Hospital) in East Orange.

Hosted by juniors Emily Cubilete, a public administration major, and Andrew Alexis, a business management major, The Leadership Institute’s Military Ball proved to be a success, well passing the goal of $2,000 before the night had even reached its midpoint. After honoring the National Anthem, Cubilete took the time to explain what The Leadership Institute is and why it is important to the Kean University community.

It is a four year program that helps students become one with the university by giving back to the community and encourage others to be the best they can. Since 2011, the program has been doing benefit events as a part of a yearlong campaign for a variety of causes. Coordinator of Student Leadership Development, Sandra Espinal, believes her role is paramount to college students.

“[The Leadership Institute] gives students a sense of belonging,” said Espinal. “They don’t even realize they’re learning transferable skills because [what we do] is so much fun.”

Before the real party could begin, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions, veteran and public speaker Manuel Donelson took the initiative to tell some personal stories about his experience in the military. Recalling memories of his strict and assertive mother, Donelson elaborated on the skills that he learned from his mother and years in service – skills that he carries with him every day into his professional adult life, saying his neighborhood friends already believed he was enlisted. He is thankful for all of the support his mother gave him but also for all the preparation.

“I was nervous about the initial process but not nervous about the military,” said Donelson. “When I started I was a young kid from the mid-west. When I was done, I was 100 percent a patriot.” 

The dance floor was filled to the brim with students dressed to the nines but also a good margin of men and women in uniform were spotted throughout the night.

One girl in particular, Joy Dimaculangan, a sophomore psychology major, was excited to show off her man in uniform: Alex Luis Gutierrez. Guitierrez entered the Marine Corps only last year, when he couldn’t image himself pursuing a college career and now, he knows he did what was ideal for him.

“I wanted to serve my country,” said Gutierrez. “I love it and it was the best decision of my life.”

Rob and Amara Riccio stole the show with their unforgettable dance routine just before 9 p.m. The two siblings had arranged a performance that also displayed pride for one’s country and support of those who risk their lives. Complete will choreographed moves, front flips, push- ups and pantomimed actions of war, the Riccios proved to everyone how much this cause meant to them, not only as leadership students but also as the children of an ex-VA Hospital employee.

“The cause is special to both of us,” said Amara Riccio. “I wanted to represent [the spirit of] America and I love to perform so I took this as a chance to show [the veterans] that you’re here for us, so we’re here for you.”

Another performance that wowed patrons of the evening was by the Perth Amboy High School Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC). The JORTC program offers high school students a look into the lives of those in the navy. It instills values such as discipline, respect, leadership and how to be part of a team, and their well-coordinated step show proved just that. Their stomping, marching, clapping and saluting all in perfect unison expressed just how dedicated these young adults are to their future of serving the United States.

One student, Melissa Damestor, a freshman athletic training major, was touched by the display, saying America should do better to honor its veterans.

“My friend is ex-military and he has a custodial job,” started Damestor. “They save our lives, we should be repaying them the best we possibly can.”

Later on, Julian Kennebrew, a sophomore Leadership Specialist and a member of the Silver Program, announced that they had teamed up with The Cougar’s Byte Creative Media team to create a video for everyone to enjoy. The film starred Kennebrew himself and fellowed Leadership Specialist and junior finance major Orlando Taylor testing the student body about their knowledge of veteran trivia with questions such as “How many veterans are in the United States?” and “How far is the nearest VA Hospital?" and "What does VA stand for?”

Impressively enough, the answers were not far off from the correct answers, provided by Bustamante, whose passion for all things military knows no bounds. The film added a personal touch with contrasting interviews with Nadia Bangora, a junior medical technology major, and Bustamante, who have had two different experiences with serving and supporting a loved one who has chosen to serve.

Another Leadership Specialist, sophomore history major Leanne Manna topped the video off with her knowledge of Nancy Thompson and Ralph Sozio’s war efforts during World War II.

The night was not only filled with fun but also a sense of gratitude hung in the air as everyone danced and enjoyed themselves. The money from the ticket sales and raffle tickets for a variety of baskets, including “date night” and “Netflix and chill” themed packages, all were directly donated to the VA Hospital of East Orange.

In total, The Leadership Institute managed to raise $3,134.11. Before the night was over, many signed a “KEAN UNIVERSITY SUPPORTS OUR VETERANS” card, hammering in the central idea of the night: to support all past, present and future troops.