On Tuesday, October 1st the Kean Community showed up in their finest footwear at the President’s Inaugural Sneaker Ball hosted by the President’s Advisory Council and the Kean P.U.L.S.E. Programming Board at Harwood Arena. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., attendees proudly wore their favorite sneakers showcasing their distinctive sense of style. The theme “Rep Every Step” was undoubtedly represented by every student and staff member.  

After students received their Kean merch at check-in, they were welcomed to a Kean Blue Carpet and backdrops on each side of the carpet for picture moments. There was also a section where people could take a picture of their sneakers on a raised platform with the phrase “Rep Every Step” in the background. Once the event started, models were able to walk the sneaker runway in front of a panel of judges for a chance to win prizes.  

President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., shared the significance of the Sneaker Ball.  

“I’m excited about today. I think that today is an example of celebrating our cultural diversity here at Kean University,” stated Repollet. 

“When you wear a sneaker- I'm a sneaker head- it's a demonstration and it shows everyone your style...At Kean University, each individual is different and we’ve created this environment, this ecosystem where people come on campus and feel safe about who they are.”  

The President also shared his favorite pair of sneakers.  

“My favorite pair of sneakers right now might be the ones that I’m wearing today right now. They’re the Equality Sneakers by LeBron James because I’m talking about diversity and they’re black and white. So, it’s a pair, one black, one white shoe. And I think it’s appropriate to wear for today.”  

After the Kean cheer team performed, there was a special guest performance by Zeddy Will and JerseyyJoe. The crowd certainly enjoyed dancing on the runway with them and participating in a dance battle.  

At the end of the night, free Kean branded sneakers were given to students, the winners of the of the Sneaker Ball Contest were named, and each participant was given a gift card.  

On Thursday, October 3rd, Flo Rida performed for this year's Homecoming Concert. Hundreds of students filled Wilkins Theatre highly anticipating a night full of nostalgia and memories.  

Emma Toledo, Mathematics major and freshman from West Orange shared why she came to the concert. 

“I thought it would be fun. My friends are all here, so I thought it was gonna be real nice and yeah, I hope it’s hyped. I like concerts, I like seeing all this stuff live so I’m excited for that.”  

Lia Trenery, a STEM Math Education major and freshman from Port Reading hoped that Flo Rida would perform one of her favorite songs. 

“Definitely Low, because I’m wearing UGG boots tonight for the song.” 

Anthony Dotto, Early Childhood Education major and junior from Woodbridge looked forward to enjoying his first concert. 

“It’s my first ever concert. Flo Rida was always an artist I liked.” 

He also shared his favorite song from Flo Rida. 

“I liked Whistle for a while before it became a massive meme.”  

Flo Rida performed several of his classics like Wild Ones, Move, Shake, Drop, and Low, and he brought another artist, Oya Baby, to perform her songs. He also autographed his sneakers and gave them to some people in the audience.  

Kean students enjoyed their time at the concert, even getting a chance to dance and sing with Flo Rida on stage. Everyone there was able to create fun memories that certainly added to the Kean 2K Homecoming experience!