On Saturday, October 4, Kean University held its Homecoming tailgate and football game. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., students, staff, alumni, and more gathered in the Kean Hall Lot for rock climbing, face painting, and fun carnival games. With tailgating by Greek organizations and Kean clubs, music, and multiple food vendors, the event brought in hundreds of people part of the Kean community. Jada Brown, a freshman exercise science pre-physical therapy major from Paterson, NJ, enjoyed all the tailgate had to offer and commented on the 'Cougar Grand Prix' F1-inspired theme. "I got chicken tenders. face paint and henna, it's been fun," she said. "I really like the aesthetic […] I see people's outfits, and I think they look really cute. I love it!" The tailgating experience was a great way to show students who's in their community. All orgs and clubs that participated in the tailgate offered snacks, food, and information on what they offer. Marjorie Calle, a senior marketing major from Cuenca. EC, and the Vice President of the Ecuadorian Student Association of Kean University (ASECU) shared a bit about her club's tailgating theme and what she was enjoying about the tailgate. "We just made a cuy, or a guinea pig, in a car for Formula 1," she added. "My favorite part of the tailgate is all the games here and meeting all these new people." 'Cougar Grand Prix' was the talk of the campus; students absolutely loved it, from wearing race jackets to celebrate the aesthetics to the excitement of true car lovers. The tailgate provided a space for students to share their enthusiasm for the week. Connor Newell, a senior public relations major from Hazlet, NJ, and an officer of Nu Sigma Phi Incorporated, shared his thoughts on the theme. "I mess with the theme, I like all the designs, I think the shirts came out good, I think our table came out good, at the end of the day, I can't complain and I'm happy with the result," he said. "I think it was a fitting theme, F1 is definitely on the come up, I feel like it's gotten popular over this past year, especially with the F1 movie coming out, so I'd definitely say it's fitting for this year." Kean's tailgate is always a true show of the unity that exists on campus. With performances from the Kean University Dance Club and the Kean University Top Knotch Majorette Dance Team, as well as strolling from the Kean Greeks and line dancing opportunities for everyone in between, Kean showcased its diverse community and love for celebration. The event ended with one of Kean's biggest Homecoming games against the Montclair State University Red Hawks. It was an exciting and action-packed game ending with a final score of 38-28, the Red Hawks taking the win. Homecoming 2025 successfully kept up the momentum from Jump Into Kean Week, from the Bingo Brunch to one of Kean's most interactive tailgates to date. The week welcomed new students, upperclassmen, alumni, and everyone included in campus life, back to campus in style.

"When did offending someone become the preeminent cardinal sin?." - Hank Gibson Three of the Cougar's Byte managers, Courtney-Joy Breeden, Melody Cadet, and Luis Sanchez-Garcia, were offered the opportunity to attend the New York Film Festival premiere and Roundtable for the upcoming movie 'After the Hunt,' starring Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, and Andrew Garfield in Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center . It was one of the most memorable nights of our lives that partially belongs to the world of cinema and one of its many outstanding directors, Luca Guadagnino. Luca Guadagnino-who is responsible for movies like Challengers (2024) and Call Me by Your Name (2017)-brings to life the complexities and tensions of life in academia, written by rising creative Nora Garett, in a more-than-theatrical way. The film follows Yale philosophy professor Alma Olsson - played by seasoned actress Julia Roberts - who finds herself caught in a twisted turn of events after hosting a teacher-student inclusive soirée at her home.  Although the story centers on Olsson, much of the actual conflict stems from her colleague and prize student, Hank, and Maggie, portrayed by Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri. Maggie accuses Hank of sexually assaulting her after the party, and Alma is unclear on how to go about the situation due to her own experience, which we learn later in the story. It begins like an opening number, with a jumble of academic jargon and wine glasses, and immediately, the relationships between the three lead characters are established. As Hank and Maggie engage in a passionate conversation about generations and sins, Alma moves from being a simple observer to sitting between the two, with Hank on her left and Maggie to her right. Shortly after, when Maggie excuses herself to the restroom, Alma points her in the direction of a bathroom further into the house. The scene foreshadows her actions and choices throughout the remainder of the film, revealing her inner struggle between her desire to maintain her bond with Hank and her obligation to create a space of comfort and support for Maggie. For two hours, the film tiptoes around the characters, leaving the audience wondering what exactly just happened. But that's just it; the movie isn't only about the characters; it's more of an observation of people and how they interact with each other when tragedy strikes. Alma becomes a mess of misery as the plot unravels, always so sure, and then ends up right back on the brink of uncertainty. Her view of reality is terribly skewed, but she's extremely observant and clever. Maggie takes on many of the same characteristics as Alma; that fact is rather unsurprising, as she looks up to Alma and mirrors many aspects of her life. But where Alma is an emotional wreck haunted by her past, Maggie becomes confident and sure of herself, like a baby bird first learning to fly; she soon no longer needs Alma's shoulder to cry on. Julia Roberts as the fierce, adored, and troubled professor reflects the standards society has for women in roles of authority, and Ayo Edebiri leans into the role of an ambitious, approval-seeking young woman struggling to find her place in a less-than-nurturing world. But Andrew Garfield as Hank is a change of pace. Hank is a pretty vague character; we know nothing about him besides where he works, his relationship with Alma, and that he's been accused of sexual assault by Maggie. The charming and confident character is the only solid antagonist of the story, something a bit different for America's neighborhood Spider-Man, and Garfield plays it well. The performances of each are all too reminiscent of the theater rather than the controlled, practiced result of doing take after take on a film set, which is partially due to Guadagnino's affinity for getting scenes done in one intense take. Alma's groaning as she hugs herself in pain, Maggie's hands when she physically tries to map out her words, and Hank's destructive agitation toward the subject of the plot line all resemble the theatrical methodologies of Constantin Stanislavsky, Stella Adler, and Sanford Meisner-techniques that are becoming less apparent in modern film. Perhaps the movie would've done better as a play. It is the creative minds of Guadagnino and cinematographer Malik Hassan Sayeed, combined with the technical performance of the actors, that make the film's purpose clear. The movie is a form of morality play and opens a discussion on what is right and wrong. Alma represents us all, the part that believes victims first, and the other half that clings to a connection with another person, regardless of their wrongdoings. She sets out on a path of self-reflection where she must decipher what is fair and acceptable, and what characteristics decide that. The movie is more than a #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter, DEI film but it explores the concept of identity and pairs it with what is ethical and moral in the face of adversity. What is right or wrong? Do we believe the rich Black and queer scholar or the hardworking and likable White male professor? Check out 'After the Hunt' in theaters this month, starting October 10th and see where your moral compass leads you.

On Wednesday, October 1st, the Human Rights Institute and the Holocaust Resource and Education Center partnered to host Sabor Latino, an event held outside at the Miron Student Center (MSC). The one-hour showcase invited students to connect and get educated on Latinx and Hispanic Culture through food, activities, and conversation. The place was divided into two main sections. On the left, students ate traditional foods such as empanadas, fresh fruit, and cultural drinks. On the right, tables featured trivia games on current events, geographic locations, and features from Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. A prize wheel offered giveaways such as bags, bucket hats, and pens for students who answered correctly. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates and honors the rich traditions, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. The month encourages all, not only those of Hispanic descent, to participate in honoring and learning about the makeup of Latinx. Leila Zeryoh, a freshman, majoring in environmental science from Puerto Rico, who was born in Morocco, reflected on a fear that some people face during the celebration. "I think it shows a lot of people who want to embrace it yet are scared to celebrate it due to fear of things like being disrespectful," Leila said. "As much as we celebrate with our people, we want to share with others; we also want to celebrate our culture with others because our culture and people are worth celebrating." The importance of cultural engagement at Kean is also echoed by event workers. Salma Abdallah, a senior intern with the Human Rights Institute, added her perspective. "As a Hispanic serving institution, I feel like Kean needs to keep hosting events like this, and overall I hope it's a great opportunity and hope students learn a lot today." At Sabor Latino, students were able to learn new information that even connected with themselves. Mohamed Sheriff, a sophomore majoring in psychology from Liberia, spoke about what he learned. "I didn't know a lot of Mexican people made drinks with hibiscus in it like Liberians do, we call it bissap, and here they call it jamaica." Guzman, Cesar, a sports management sophomore from Westfield, NJ, also shared his thoughts. "I think it's great, you know, especially for American people that are unfamiliar, to come to these kinds of events and to see the culture of these countries." In just one hour, Sabor Latino provided learning, celebration, and community, furthering Kean's recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month and the cultures that it honors.

In honor of homecoming week, Wednesday, October 1st marked Kean University's second annual President's Sneaker Ball. The event was hosted by Kean P.U.L.S.E and the Presidents Advisory Council (PAC), in the Harwood Arena. The atmosphere was curated to match a city vibe to align with the homecoming theme, Formula 1. The lobby was styled with black and golden balloons, cityscape posters, restaurant tables, fancy lighting, and a blue carpet where students showcased their flyest and flashiest outfits and shoes. Inside was a runway stage with a city backdrop and unique lighting for a fashion show and performance that happened later in the event. This year's Presidential Sneaker Ball was held for students to showcase an outfit and sneaker of their style that aligns with their identity. President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D spoke life into his sense of style and what the heart of Sneaker Ball is about,. "I don't have a favorite pair of sneakers, but I always buy a pair of sneakers to represent who I am," he said. "Tonight, it's not about what you wear, it's how you wear it." Moments after, the event started with a quick word of thanks from PAC and Kean P.U.L.S.E for everyones attendance and support, followed by a performance from the Kean University dance team. During the wait for the fashion show, students were able to take photos and show off their style. Some discussed the sneakers they wore and how they represented them. Isaiah Miller, a sophomore majoring in psychology from Camden, New Jersey, shared his favorite thing about his everyday shoe. "I got the Nike Waffles, I choose these because they go with anything like me," he expressed. "I'm comfortable, I'm adaptable, you can put me anywhere and I still look and feel good," Students enjoyed the music and free snacks while celebrating freedom of expression and showing pride in their sneakers. Made Pierre, a senior majoring in biology and health professions from Neptune, New Jersey, expressed how her shoes make a statement. "I have green Yeezy 700s, they represent me because everywhere I go, I always leave my mark." Soon after students mingled and took advantage of the various amenities, the main event began, the fashion show. The judges for the activity ranged from First Lady Darlene Repollet, Vice President of Athletic and Recreation, Kelly Williams, Vice President for Student Affairs, Kerrin Lyles and criminal justice major, Samuel Lewis Jac-quay. And the showcase brought together 22 students and Keanu the cougar to present outfits ranging from school aesthetics, Y2K, and cultural-wear. All of them taking pride in their shoegame and outfits. Even staff like Dr. David Jefferson Jr., the acting director of the Center for Africana Studies at Kean weighed in on the topic of having confidence in your sneakers and style. "I got on purple and gold Air Force Ones, and I feel sneakers are about your style and how you want to express yourself, and these shoes are letting people know that I'm bold, I love colors, and I love to stand out." To cap the ending of the event, new hiphop artist from New York, Lola Brooke took the stage to perform many of her various famous hits. Students danced, sang along, took photos, and had a night to remember. With smiling faces and a night full of fun. the President's Sneaker Ball proved to be a great event for the homecoming week and helped set the tone for a lively semester.

On Monday, September 15, the Center for Rising Excellence and Cultural Empowerment (CERCE): The Leadership Center, hosted one of Kean's largest Hispanic Heritage Month events on the Miron Student Center (MSC) Plaza. With free food like empanadas, fried fish, rice, and spam, along with the popular Hispanic music, Hispanic and non-Hispanic students alike unified to celebrate Hispanic culture and its global impact. Dariany Almonte, a junior psychology major from Queens, NY, expressed her love for her Dominican culture. "We got great food, great music, beautiful women, beautiful men, all of it," she said. "[Events like this] are just a great experience to have… to remember your roots." There was also plenty of tabling at the event for clubs and organizations like the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), the Ecuadorian Student Association (ASECU), the Mexican American Student Association (MASA), and many more. Jennifer Santillan, a junior criminal justice major and member of ASECU, currently living in Newark, NJ, shared her favorite part of attending Hispanic Heritage Month events and what she loves most about her culture. "I love being with my friends and people from my country, and being happy here, so I'm grateful for the University," she said. "I love the food! You need to eat Ecuadorian food, it's amazing. My mom is a chef, so it's always good!" Although there were fun activities like basketball and cornhole, the true higlights of the event were the speeches and poetry from Kean faculty, along with the musical performances by the Puerto Rican Folkloric dance and percussion group, Segunda Quimbamba. The group led students into a traditional cultural celebration, guiding them through chants, dance, and even encouraging them to play the bongos themselves. Nicholas Foster, a freshman from Teaneck, NJ, who is currently undecided, spoke briefly about the event and his Cuban heritage. "[Being here] feels very accepting, people are connecting through music, and it's just like we're bonding," he said. "We're rebuilding and becoming a community again after so long, and I love it." Hispanic culture is vast, but it's the things like music, food, and sometimes even language that bring people together. Brianna Pelaez, a freshman psychology major from Old Bridge, NJ, represented her Mexican roots and shared her thoughts on the celebration and Hispanic culture. "It's [the event] exciting because this brings us all together. There's a sense of pride in being Hispanic," she said. "Every country is different, but we all share some of the same traditions and diversity." Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the uniqueness, liberation, and traditions shared among Hispanic cultures. As the month goes on, celebrations across campus continue as well. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!