From Wednesday, August 28 to Wednesday, September 4, Kean University was filled with fun and exciting events to welcome new and returning students from summer break. Jump into Kean week featured many activities such as Game Show Night, On the Block BBQ, Carnival Games and Food Trucks, Move-ins, Greek Showcase, Rita’s, Freshman Convocation, and Cougar Kick-off.
The On the Block BBQ was held in the food court of the Miron Student Center and offered dishes like chicken, pulled pork, bean burgers, mac and cheese, cornbread, salad, and brownies.
Many freshmen like Emily Cirelli, a Chemistry Forensic Science major from Saddle Brook, enjoyed the BBQ as it allowed them to meet their fellow classmates.
“So far, I guess seeing all the new people that I haven’t seen yet. And also catching up with old friends that I haven’t seen in a while. That’s what I like.”
After the BBQ, students were able to attend the Game Show and play Cash Attack and The Deal is Right. Some participants were able to walk away with cash prizes and items like the Sharper Image 2-Player Laser Tag set and a Keurig coffee machine.
Chima Marazere, a freshman and Accounting major from West Orange stated why he found the Game Show exciting.
“I think it’s really cool and the fact that it’s live audience but instantaneous is really cool and adds to the credibility. It’s really cool how they’re giving back to the community and everyone’s engaged so it’s pretty amazing.”
On Thursday, August 29th, the festivities continued with the President’s Opening Day Address and ended with the Greek Showcase, food trucks, and carnival games. Kean resident students played games like Hydra Blast and Hoop Shot and made stuffed animals and ate delicious food from food trucks like Hold My Knots, Bro-Ritos, and Scream Truck. At the end, the Greek Showcase featured many members who proudly strolled representing their Greek organizations.
The Freshman Convocation and Reception was held on Friday, August 30th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Class of 2028 happens to be the largest freshman class. President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., gave a welcome speech to the incoming freshmen advising them to visualize the end of their college careers, while Mackenzie Kuntz, President of the Student Government Association, encouraged the class to initiate conversations and not be hard on themselves.
There were beautiful performances by student leader Catherine Anukam, who recited an original poem and Danielle Braithwaite who sang Home from the hit musical The Wiz. All in all, the first annual Freshman Convocation was wholesome and heartfelt leaving students with a new perspective of college life.
The last event to truly kick-off the semester was the Cougar Kick-Off on Wednesday, September 4th from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.. The event was packed and full of life with hot food from Gourmet Dining and giveaways from Cougar Connections, The Student Wellness Center and many other student support services on campus.
“I’m very introverted and this is actually making me more extroverted,” said Gabriela Fletcher, a freshman Psychology major from Pine Hill, NJ. “[I’m enjoying] getting to meet new people and forming new bonds.”
Good food, music and community is all students need to feel the love at Kean University and the Cougar Kick-Off presented just that and gave students an amazing way to start the semester.
Jump Into Kean is a valued cougar tradition and it continues to unify and uplift the Kean body.
