From August 26 to September 2, Kean University hosted a series of events and activities for the campus body to enjoy as part of their annual Jump Into Kean Week.
The events began on Tuesday with Freshman Move-In day, the Free Money Game Show, and Recess: Kean P.U.L.S.E. Edition.
Joel Bacchus, a freshman psychology major from Staten Island, shared some thoughts about Move-Ins and the smooth process.
“I feel relieved, I don’t have to worry about any more paperwork or immunizations,” he said, “Today felt like taking a step into a new life, there were good vibes, good people, and if anybody had issues, there were stations to help, and it was really efficient.”
Wednesday hosted the Freshman Convocation, where over 1,700 new students were welcomed to Kean, and the On the Block BBQ and Greek Showcase, where students congregated to enjoy food and music and watch Kean’s Greek life stroll on the Miron Student Center (MSC) Basketball Court.
Isaac Gutierrez, a senior exercise science major from. Harrison, NJ, and a member of the Nu Sigma Phi, discussed what he hoped to gain from the event and what he was most looking forward to during the semester.
“I’m in a fraternity, so meeting people for recruitment is essential to keep the legacy going, but I also want to meet new people overall. I’ve always loved doing that,” he said. “And it’s my last year, so I hope to spend time with my friends and just do good for my fraternity.”
The President’s Opening Day Address took place on Thursday in the Wilkins Theatre with an overflow room in CAS and the reception in the Liberty Hall Academic Center, where attendees could also visit The Galleries at Kean’s newest exhibition, “Pristine Seas: Bringing the Ocean Back In a Drop of Water.
Along with the address, the Back to School Boba Bash, geared to giving students an early showing of clubs and organizations before Kean Day, and a Movie Under the Stars hosted by SGA took place that Thursday afternoon and evening.
Rebecca Tilus, a junior education major from Union and the executive photographer of the Haitian Student Association, shared some advice for students looking to join a student group.
“There’s over 100 clubs and organizations here, just try something new and be open-minded,” she said.
Friday through Sunday, various women’s volleyball games, meetings for residents, Golden Hour by The Tower, where students participated in DIY projects and painting by the clock tower during Golden Hour, and Kean P.U.L.S.E.’s bus trip to Six Flags took place.
All of these events led up to the first day of the semester, Tuesday, September 2, and Kean P.U.L.S.E.’s annual Cougar Kick-Off, this time back with two parts: Goodbye Summer!, on the MSC Patio in the afternoon, and Hello Fall! on the CAS Lawn/Gazebo that night.
Evelyn Boggs, a freshman Political Science major from Port Richey, Florida, shared some comments about how it feels when the campus has such lively events.
“This is a good way to meet people in a kind of low-pressure setting,” they said. “I also really like the sense of community cause I haven’t really felt that, and so I like the feeling of togetherness with all the students here.”
Jump Into Kean Week welcomed the Kean body to Fall 2025 with open arms, bringing them into a semester full of kindness and unity.
