On Thursday, August 31, President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., welcomed Kean University students, staff and faculty with an opening day address at Wilkins Theater. From 10 - 11 a.m., the opening address would cover many topics including the new and improved Keanu, Kean’s energetic and kind cougar mascot. 

A video was shown to preview what Keanu’s new look would be and as the confetti popped, Keanu came out to the stage to show off the new look. It is well known that it took a while for the Kean community to decide on a name for the hearty mascot and it is only right that the same amount of precision was put into his new look. In response to seeing Keanu, attendees praised and cheered as they audibly gave their joyous approval of Keanu’s makeover.

As everyone took their seats in the auditorium, Repollet walked to the stage and was greeted with cheers and applause from everyone in attendance. He greeted the Kean community and thanked them for trusting him as he continues to lead Kean as the president.

“I thank all of you for your support and for believing in me and the work we do for our students, the Kean community, and the region,” said Repollet.

Attendees also learned about how Kean is expanding in regard to their global outreach and how the number of students attending Kean is the highest that it has ever been.

Repollet proceeded to explain how the university has made tremendous progress during his tenure as president. Repollet highlighted the surge in the number of students attending the university. This fall, there will be over 17,000 students attending the university including students joining from 82 different countries and 35 different states.

Kean continues to provide students with a world-class education that will prepare them to contribute greatly to the global community.