On Wednesday, August 27, the campus was buzzing with excitement as it prepared to welcome over 1,000 students to Kean for its annual Freshman Convocation.
Students gathered as early as 9 a.m. for check-in at the Miron Student Center Plaza, wearing blue Kean shirts gifted to them during their orientation weeks prior. Between check-in and the official event led by Kean’s professional staff, students were led through a parade by the East Orange Marching Jaguars and APOKalypse Drum line on Cougar Walk, where members of the Kean community cheered them on with pompoms and chants to energize the crowd.
New student Daniel Michelle, an incoming Finance major from Plainfield, NJ, shared his excitement about the event and joining Kean.
“I’m very excited about the whole vibe, you know, living on campus, meeting new people, and just being here,” he said.
The convocation was held in Harwood Arena and began with a brief performance by the Kean Dance Club to enhance the mood.
Shortly after, the emcee of the day, Vice President for Student Affairs Kerrin Lyles, greeted the students with enthusiasm. After a quick temperature check, he encouraged students to live in the moment, even giving them time to take selfies with their friends to capture it. As Vice President of Student Affairs, he emphasized Kean’s message of community by advising students to get involved in clubs and activities and to take full advantage of all available resources.
Drawing from his own experience, Vice President Lyles motivated students to take initiative and to be proud of their accomplishments while staying true to themselves.
“I don’t want you to blend in, I want you to stand out,” he expressed.
The next speaker, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Provost David Birdsell, Ph.D., discussed campus academic resources, staying engaged, and opportunities at Kean, including the many travelearns offered each academic year. Provost Birdsell encouraged students to be adaptable, stay curious, and keep progressing.
“Don’t let change happen to you; make change happen with you,” he urged.
The following speaker, President of Kean University, Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., took to the stage to inspire reflection, quoting the famous gospel song “Never Would Have Made It,” by Marvin Winans.
“I want you to close your eyes and just take a second to think about who in your life you wouldn’t have made it without,” he said. “This is your moment, this is your time… It’s no accident or coincidence that you’re sitting here at Kean University.”
President Repollet invited students to share their own beginnings, and whether they come from migrant families or local communities, President Repollet reaffirmed Kean's message of belonging.
“You are here because you belong.”
He also took the opportunity to award a student with 1,000 flex dollars to support her involvement in campus volunteering and clubs.
After the President’s inspiring speech, SGA Executive President Favor Oyelade shared words of wisdom to prepare students for involvement and about her own experience in SGA.
“Never underestimate yourself… who knows you could be the next SGA President."
As the event wrapped up, students raised their tassels and declared the Kean pledge, affirming their entry into the university.
Sanai Jones, a new Business Marketing major from Trenton, enjoyed the ceremony and said this moment will stay with her for years.
“Just looking at my tassel, this is something I’ll always remember, and it will help me move forward.”
The Class of 2029 felt thrilled to be on campus and eager to experience what it truly means to be part of the Kean community, and Kean is excited to have them.
