On Friday October 23 the doors opened to the Harwood Arena as familiar faces and a multitude of generations poured through them anxiously waiting to greet one another. What should have been recognizable as the gym area was particularly unfamiliar. The room was encased in full luau ambiance completed with tikis in floatation, a buffet designed for the Hawaiian pallet with such dishes as mango cilantro mahi-mahi, and best of all, a spirited audience decked in leis to support the theme. The 2009-2010 Greek Alumni Reunion commenced, a venue in celebration of Kean University's alumnus and their appreciation for their alma mater. When the festivities commenced, Kean Greek alumnus and others in attendance were honored with the entertainment performance of the multiple Gold Record awarded music of "The 1910 Fruitgum Company". Among the band members were two of Kean's own alumni - bassist Glenn Lewis of the class of 70', and guitarist Frank Jackell, class of 74' and proud parent to a daughter who is also among the Kean family as a junior student. The band played scores from the year of their main success in 1968, such as famous Bond classics. Among those in attendance were foundation board members, George and Dorothy Hennings, whose name should strike students that venture in the building under their name. The Hennings, proud to be among the returning Greeks and non-Greeks such as they, stressed the importance of alumni support and making bonds.

Edward Esposito, Kean Alumni president and Sigma Beta Tau alumnus of the graduate class of 72', remarks on the initial reaction that most Kean University alumni have when revisiting campus after a long absence. "Mostly the first impression is 'Wow! I remember this place when it was just six buildings and a lot of mud'." Esposito goes on to acknowledge that more than just change that has occurred in the physical plant, Kean University has an interior growth with increasing degree options, a growing graduate program, and an increasing active alumni whose number now exceeds 70,000. Esposito continues, "The single largest gifts in donation stem from alumni support. We love to showcase that support to the current students. We have gone on to high positions and success, but we continue to touch so many lives here."

Another Greek alumni, Nu Delta Pi member and class of 72', Gary Luciano, recalls the days of past Kean life when being affiliated with Greek organization meant to be affiliated with all other aspects of Kean including sports, politics, and close knit peers. Today, Greek students on campus can proudly say that the same holds true. During the reunion, many of those current students had the opportunity to share those stories first-hand. In one section of the banquet, Omega Sigma Psi alumni, Annett Klimerman mingled with active executive board sisters discussing matters like national versus local. In another section, returning alumni members of the fraternity Nu Sigma Phi celebrated their reestablishment on Kean's campus with brothers from their new, successful chapter. Paul Medeiros, a sophomore music major, raves, "It is amazing to have such a strong alumni support. They are so heavily involved in our new membership process and it feels great to have them there for us."

As the night comes to a close, some alumni bid farewell in promise to continue their donations to a place they still consider home, while others planned for an extended stay here on campus. Recent alumni sisters of Sigma Beta Chi showed nothing but eagerness for their planned stay in the New Upperclassman dormitory with intentions to watch the festivities of homecoming the next day. This image, most profoundly, shows the crossing of generations and should leave students with recognition for the extensive and supportive family ties they make here at Kean University.