On Friday, August 30, Kean University welcomed its largest Freshman class made up of about 2,000 students. At 9 a.m., students gathered in the Miron Student Center Plaza for small refreshments and check-in sporting khaki bottoms and baby blue Kean t-shirts.
“Good vibes, good times, meeting new people and seeing what connections I can make, said Kayla Exuma, an upcoming mathematics education major when asked what she wanted most from the day.
Shortly after, the students proceeded to proudly marched down Cougar Walk to Harwood Arena as staff, WKU students and student-athletes cheered them on. President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. and the morning’s speakers led the students toward the venue while the local East Orange marching band played along. Onlookers cheered, recorded, and waved pom poms in excitement for the journey ahead.
Vice President of Student Affairs, Kerrin Lyles was first to address the students as they settled in their seats. He gets everyone engaged quickly as he slipped in small jokes with encouraging words and challenged everyone to take as many selfies as they can in 30 seconds. He went on to advise students to get involved, taking advantage of all student groups and organizations on campus.
The next speaker introduced was Provost David Birdsell, the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs.
“Be here and be engaged,” said Provost Birdsell.
He urged students to take risks and seize the day, that their success is just as important as their failure and that’s part of life.
President Repollet then gave a compelling speech that encouraged the freshman class to visualize the end and foster positive relationships. He emphasized that the Class of 2028 was coming into a family, the Cougar Family, and utilized the university’s saying, “Cougars Climb Higher.”
Makenzie Kuntz, President of the Student Government Association, advised the students to journal, not be hard on themselves, and to initiate meaningful conversations. She also stressed that it is up to the individual to make the most out of their college experience. After sharing words of hope and encouragement, Kuntz played a game with the freshman class that tested their Kean knowledge in hopes of winning prizes.
Towards the end of the ceremony, the Class of 2028 was told to hold their keychain and recite the class pledge.
“I hope that they got inspired,” said Celina Luna, a senior speech-language-hearing science major. “A lot of the speakers emphasized being involved and being present so I hope that’s what they took away today.”
At the completion of the assembly, the class was welcomed to refreshments and music at Downs Hall. Many freshmen took advantage of the photo booth and took candid photos with Keanu.
Sania Travis, Biology major and freshman from Edison stated her overall feelings about the event.
“I think it was good, it was a good experience. It’s like an introduction to see how things are gonna go. I think it was fun. I liked it.”
Aliyah Thomas, Criminal Justice major and new freshman from Newark, stated one goal she hopes to complete at the end of her first year.
“I wanna come out at least having a 3.0 GPA.”
Kean University was thrilled to welcome the freshman class to campus and the Cougar Family. The Class of 2028 is filled with promising individuals determined to make a brighter future for themselves and eager to get involved with the Kean community.
