For many Kean Cougars, graduation is fast approaching: a day they will accept their degree representing years of hard work and study. From commencement announcements to gown orders, much is to be prepared for that decisive moment.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Kean University hosted the Grad Expo, where graduating students ordered their regalia, class rings, stoles, and other grad-related merch from the Barnes and Noble bookstore in the Green Lane Academic Building. Cougar’s Byte asked four students to share their experiences and how they felt about graduating.
Thinking back on your journey at Kean, what core memories stand out to you?
Fritz Jean Pierre, Accounting major from Bloomfield, NJ: “I was a commuter, so I didn’t get to dorm... [but] the friends that I’ve made, despite me not dorming, and commuting, I think that was the best part for me.”
Teazha Hinson, HR Management major from Paterson, NJ: “I would say a core memory was living as a freshmen, [it was] the most fun. You have all your friends right next door [or] upstairs. And they have a lot of events [here at Kean].”
David Arosemena, Computer Science major from Linden, NJ: “My friends, they are like all over the world. Diversity is why I chose Kean.”
Jaleefa Quevedo, Psychology major from Elizabeth, NJ: “Well, I was an online student for the most part. I only took one [class] on campus, and that was Spring of 2025. But what stood out to me the most was how helpful all of the students online were. They were willing to make third party platform chats so that we can help each other.”
How do you feel about graduation this May?
Pierre: “I can't wait. I'm counting down the seconds. But no, it is a bittersweet moment, definitely. But I’m definitely glad to get out in the real world and see what’s next.”
Hinson: “I'm a little nervous to start real life, but I'm excited to start a new chapter in my life.”
Arosemena: “Excited, [but nervous since] I don't know if I'm going to get a job right away.”
Quevedo: “I'm very excited, because I took a long break between. I was here when I was 17, I'm now 31.... I decided in July of ‘25 to start that fall, and then I literally had one straight year left, and I banged it out. I went through summer, winter, fall spring, and then I just, I got all A's, straight 4.0 GPA.”
Do you have any plans after graduating?
Pierre: “I'm starting at Grant Thornton Accounting, I’ll be working in the tax department as an associate.”
Hinson: “[I hope to] finish out my summer, and then when the fall comes around, hopefully secure an HR position in my field. Maybe possibly here at Kean... maybe get my Masters. We'll see where life takes me.”
Arosemena: “I'm going to do something else after getting my degree. I want to get into real estate and all that.”
Quevedo: “I actually landed my Human Resource job a week before I graduated [in December]. So I already got my career like in a jiff, thanks to Indeed.”
These graduating students all held fond memories of their past years at Kean, excitement for graduation three months from now, and anticipation for their future lives and careers. If you missed the Expo, no worries—you can still order regalia, have your senior portrait taken, and shop for regalia. You can find more information on the Kean University website.
