On Monday, April 15, Cougars enjoyed a fun and festive kickoff to this year’s Unity Week with Culture Fest. The event was hosted by the Office of Student Government, the Student Government Association of Kean University, and the Graduate Student Government of Kean University. From 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., students roamed around the Miron Student Center Plaza while enjoying food from stations that served dishes such as rice, shrimp, clams, and sausages.
The music played loudly as students proudly waved flags that represented their culture. There was a stage for performances and a photo booth as well. Students were able to receive a Unity Week T-Shirt once they visited at least 5 tables belonging to the cultural clubs at the university such as the Filipinos Uniting Nations at Kean (FUNK), the Kean Anime Society, First Love Kean Fellowship, and the Ecuadorian Student Association.
Emmiley Taveras, a Freshman Senator explained what the Culture Fest event was about.
“Well, I’m here with Student Government, I’m a Freshman Senator. Basically, this is just to bring awareness, which is the point of Unity Week, for us to celebrate everyone’s culture, not just one or a few, We’re just here for the people,” said Taveras.
Drew Shorey, a Business major and freshman from Hamilton, New Jersey expressed that he enjoyed the food and stated his thoughts about the event overall.
“It’s fire, I’m not gonna lie to you, I actually really like it, “It’s just a really good experience for the Kean community to come together,” said Shorey.
Delali Doe, a Computer Science major and freshman from Hamilton, New Jersey attended the event to recognize various cultures and was interested in the cultural flags.
“There’s so many different cultures out there. And also, I was attracted by the flags. I wanted to find my flag today. I love the different culture food, Learning about everyone’s culture is fun,” said Doe.
La’Sata Jones, a Bio Health Professions major and freshman from East Orange, New Jersey stated why she decided to come to the event and shared what she is looking forward to.
“I just wanted to mingle, there’s a lot of people, and just getting to see all of these different organizations would be interesting, Some of the performances and I kinda want a shirt, things like that,” said Jones.
Culture Fest was a great way to kick off Unity Week. The night was full of excitement, delicious food, dancing, and clubs at the university. Culture Fest celebrated and reflected the diversity present on campus.
