On Tuesday, April 8, Kean continued Unity Week with Culture Fest.
From 3 to 5 p.m., the Miron Student Center (MSC) drew in Kean students for an afternoon full of community and cultural exchange. The event was hosted by the Graduate Student Government (GSG) and the Student Government Association (SGA) of Kean.
Culture Fest opened with a welcoming statement from Vice President for Student Affairs, Kerrin Lyles, about the origins of Kean University’s Unity Week, how it has since been developed by students to bring the campus community together, and that it has been celebrated annually since April 1998.
Every inch of MSC was decorated with different clubs that represented various cultures, such as NCNW, ASECU, Hindu Yuva, First Love, and NJ Salsa. There were also tables that displayed traditional foods from around the world.
Matisse Rediker, a junior and Early Childhood Education major, with an endorsement in Teachers of Students with Disabilities (TSD) and Music major from Monmouth County, represented Jewish culture with her group Kean Hillel.
“[Being here and sharing my culture] makes me feel really good, especially because it’s not that large of a Jewish population on Kean’s campus… so having the opportunity to really showcase who we are and teach people about the organization and what we’re really for is nice,” she said.
“Not everyone comes from the same way of life, there’s Jews that come from Europe, Jews that come from Africa… no two of us will look or appear the same.”
Students attend Culture Fest each year to indulge in delicious cuisines and observe the various cultural clubs Kean has to offer.
Ziyohn Rogers, a Medical Laboratory Science major and sophomore from Newark, stated why he decided to come to Culture Fest.
“It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and discover new cultures. I’m looking forward to trying the food here.”
Darlin Roca, a Computer Science major and sophomore from Perth Amboy, expressed his love for discovering flavors from other traditions.
“I really like the different food cultures. I’m a big fan of trying food from different cultures. You can find different flavors and different people to explore and learn more about. So far, I really like the mac and cheese.”
There was a variety of foods for students to enjoy at each station such as sesame chicken stir fry, collard greens, curry chicken, and garlic scented rice. After visiting 5 tables from clubs, each student was given a complimentary T-shirt.
Each year Culture Fest successfully captures the values Kean University stands on. The University is committed to showcasing the various backgrounds that make the campus unique and enjoyable for everyone.
