On Friday, September 12, Kean University held its annual Kean Day to showcase the various student groups, departments, and resources it offers.
Students crowded Cougar Walk, seeking a place to belong while enjoying free treats like Rita’s Italian Ice, Monster Energy drinks, The Chippery, and other foods and desserts.
Over 100 clubs and organizations attended, ranging from major-based clubs like the Public Relations Student Society of America, to cultural organizations such as the National Council of Negro Women, and even paid opportunities like The Student Life Media Team. To draw in prospective new members, they offered fun activities including cornhole, mini golf, trivia games with prizes such as free merchandise, and lively challenges like "Say it With Your Chest."
Anisha Ortega, a psychology major and transfer student in her senior year and a member of Lambda Theta Alpha from North Bergen, NJ, shared a little about what tables she found most interesting.
“As a psychology major, a lot of the occupational therapy and recreational therapy, those tables have definitely caught my eye,” she said. “Never can skip my sorority, Lambda Theta Alpha, Latin sorority incorporated […] definitely stopped by the Kean theater, loved theater growing up in high school, and wanted to see what Kean brought.”
Olivia Jannuzzi, a sophomore forensic psychology major from Old Bridge, NJ, and e-board member of the Kean Glam Club, provided a different perspective on the event and shared some advice to students looking to be involved on campus.
“Branch out, put yourself out there, get to know people, and make friends!”
Students loved the energy on campus, the music bringing them together, and their shared interests being a gateway to friendship.
Leevon Simmons, a sophomore finance major from Newark, commented on the liveliness of the day and why it was his favorite part of the event.
“I’m really interested in the management club,” he said. “Other than the clubs, I like to see everyone having fun and enjoying themselves. Everyone just looks so happy.”
Towards the end of the event students came together for line dancing and viral dance challenges, eventually making way for Kean Greeks to stroll and represent their organizations.
Kean Day provides students with a welcoming space to be themselves and find others who are like-minded. It's clear that with the right atmosphere, student involvement is well within reach.
