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.

On Thursday, October 2, Kean's Homecoming week--presented by SGA--reached its peak with 2000s R&B artist Keyshia Cole. Doors opened at 8 p.m., but students began lining up outside the Wilkins Theater before 7 p.m., almost two hours before the show started. As they waited in line, they mingled with friends and took part in a TikTok challenge for Cougar's Byte socials, by belting the singer's hit song, 'Love.' Soleil Walker, a junior psychology major from Neptune, NJ, who participated in the video, mentioned that the song was her favorite, and why some young people may connect with her music so much. "It brings me back to high school when I had my first crush. I played that song over and over again," she said. "I feel like her songs talk about the reality of relationships, especially being a college student, there's a lot of push and pull, you don't know if you're going to be with the person or not, and I feel like her songs really relate to those situations." Not only were students ready to sing along to their favorite songs, but many of them were dressed to impress and on par with the Cougar Grand Prix, Formula 1 (F1) inspired theme. Jania Henderson, a freshman Entrepreneurship major from Carteret, NJ, a student who dressed in her flashiest concert clothes, shared her excitement about the concert and seeing Keyshia Cole. "I listened to her growing up, and I look forward to seeing her on stage and everybody hype singing love probably!" she said. But even though Keyshia Cole writes music from the perspective of a girl looking for love, Kean's men did not neglect to show up; even President Lamont O. Repollet was in attendance. Donell Modley, an undecided freshman also from Carteret, NJ, shared a little bit of his enthusiasm for the concert. "I'm excited, I grew up listening to her, and I'm really ready for the performance and the excitement of everyone around me." The doors opened at around 7:40 p.m. and students cheered in excitement as they entered the theater and soon the building was filled to capacity with Kean students, alumni, and their friends and family. SGA President Favour Oyelade opened the show, giving thanks to the Kean community for their support during the Homecoming week. Minutes later, the lights dimmed as the students chanted 'Keyshia, Keyshia!' and the show began. The singer who was crowned the Princess of Hip-Hop Soul performed her biggest hits, including Love, Caught Up, and Heaven Sent. She was thrilled at the unwavering love she recieved from the crowd. "What y'all know about Keyshia Cole? Y'all too young!" The singer mused. Music brings people together, regardless of language, race, and gender, and Keyshia Cole proved that as her songs settled in the hearts of freshmen on campus, as well as the most seasoned staff members. The concert made for an incredible night for the Kean community, where they made memories of a lifetime Tangela Burnett, a freshman nursing major from Roselle, NJ, who was celebrating her first college Homecoming, shared a concert highlight she'll remember forever. "It was so fun hearing the audience come in during Love, and sing with her, it was just joy," she said. "This is my favorite part of Homecoming so far!" Keyshia Cole's performance was a high moment in the week. Even though many students made up their minds about the best part of Homecoming, with events like the 'F1' (2025), movie screening, and the tailgate and football game, the Homecoming excitement is only up from here.