"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!

On Friday, September 12, Kean University held its annual Kean Day to showcase the various student groups, departments, and resources it offers. Students crowded Cougar Walk, seeking a place to belong while enjoying free treats like Rita's Italian Ice, Monster Energy drinks, The Chippery, and other foods and desserts. Over 100 clubs and organizations attended, ranging from major-based clubs like the Public Relations Student Society of America, to cultural organizations such as the National Council of Negro Women, and even paid opportunities like The Student Life Media Team. To draw in prospective new members, they offered fun activities including cornhole, mini golf, trivia games with prizes such as free merchandise, and lively challenges like "Say it With Your Chest." Anisha Ortega, a psychology major and transfer student in her senior year and a member of Lambda Theta Alpha from North Bergen, NJ, shared a little about what tables she found most interesting. "As a psychology major, a lot of the occupational therapy and recreational therapy, those tables have definitely caught my eye," she said. "Never can skip my sorority, Lambda Theta Alpha, Latin sorority incorporated […] definitely stopped by the Kean theater, loved theater growing up in high school, and wanted to see what Kean brought." Olivia Jannuzzi, a sophomore forensic psychology major from Old Bridge, NJ, and e-board member of the Kean Glam Club, provided a different perspective on the event and shared some advice to students looking to be involved on campus. "Branch out, put yourself out there, get to know people, and make friends!" Students loved the energy on campus, the music bringing them together, and their shared interests being a gateway to friendship. Leevon Simmons, a sophomore finance major from Newark, commented on the liveliness of the day and why it was his favorite part of the event. "I'm really interested in the management club," he said. "Other than the clubs, I like to see everyone having fun and enjoying themselves. Everyone just looks so happy." Towards the end of the event students came together for line dancing and viral dance challenges, eventually making way for Kean Greeks to stroll and represent their organizations. Kean Day provides students with a welcoming space to be themselves and find others who are like-minded. It's clear that with the right atmosphere, student involvement is well within reach.

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.

On Thursday, August 28, President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., took the stage to deliver his sixth Opening Address as President of Kean University for the 2025-26 school year. While many watched the speech in the theater, some attendees were directed to an overflow room in the Center for Academic Success, and others were able to watch live via livestream. From student athletes to members of the Kean Foundation Board of Directors, the President's Opening Day Address stood as a testament to the Kean community's unwavering support for each of its members. "This is no ordinary year," he began, "We're entering year one of what's next." After showcasing an AI-powered video of the previous obstacle Kean faced together-Covid-19-and a quarantine period that left many higher education institutions struggling, the President recognized how the community overcame these challenges, leading to many achievements such as the University's status as an R2 institution and the launch of new academic programs like a B.A. in Science in Artificial Intelligence and a Ph.D. in Computer Science. "So, the question is no longer can we achieve big goals? Cause we've done that - The question now is what will we do with the momentum we've built?" The President continued. The speech also highlighted several of Kean's other achievements, including this year's record enrollment of nearly 1900 students, grants for the College of Education and the Kean Wellness Center totaling almost 900,000 dollars, new initiatives like Elevate 2030 that will support Kean's research goals, and much more. President Repollet even mentioned his family's donation of 1 million dollars to the Kean University Foundation. "These achievements are not isolated milestones; they are stepping-stones," President Repollet concluded. Janessa Chiles, a Freshman Psychology major from Somerset, NJ, shared her enthusiasm for the New Jersey City University (NJCU) and Kean University merger, another highlight of the President's speech. "I'm really interested in the merger with NJCU and there being a campus in Jersey City, I'm excited to see how it turns out," she said. Another key moment of the President's address was the achievements of the athletics department. With the average GPA of Kean athletes rising to 3.2 and various students like Ella Petrosh, who won rookie of the year twice for women's lacrosse and soccer, and Jason Gilman, highly recognized by several sports organizations and conferences including the New Jersey Athletic Conference for his performance in baseball, the successful introduction of women's flag football, Kean's athletes provide a different perspective on Kean's accomplishments. Emeral Neloms, a soccer player and senior Political Science major from Philadelphia, commented on the efforts of Kean to advocate for and encourage student athletes. "It's nice to see all the success we have compared to how it was coming in as a freshman to now being a senior, and how much we've grown as the athletic department," she said. "I've always felt that Kean University does a great job of supporting our athletes." The President's Opening Day Address set the theme of the academic year. "Start here, go anywhere," he asserted. And the Kean community is willing to uplift and support its students to reach new heights. Dr. Abrianna Jete, a lecturer in writing studies and coordinator of the Common Read program, spoke about the influence she hopes the speech had on students. "I hope they [the students] recognize that we're an inclusive, welcoming community that is dedicated to student support." With growing support from students, staff, faculty, and alumni, Kean is prepared to thrive and climb higher. "The goal is for us to grow together," President Repollet concluded.

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.

On Tuesday, August 26, first-year students from across the country arrived on campus with their families to move into Freshman and Cougar Hall, some of Kean's busiest residence halls. From 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., student leaders from all around campus participated in the transition from high school student to university campus resident. They welcomed the Class of '29 with open arms by guiding students to check in, helping them navigate campus, and assisting them in pushing move-in bins and transporting their belongings into their dorm rooms. Andrew David, a sophomore Exercise Science major from Union who volunteered to help students move into Cougar Hall, shared some positive energy and advice. "It's a nice day, and there's a lot of excitement going around," He said. "I hope they get all they can from living on campus. I personally don't dorm, but I still feel and experience the kindness and joy that goes through campus, so just seize the moment, get to know people, and really just make it a home." Many students shared that the campus environment already feels like a second home. As they got to know their residence halls along with the rest of the campus, opportunities for growth and connection seemed easy to find. With communal spaces like kitchens, game rooms, and theater rooms inside their dorm halls, and basketball courts, dining halls, and other lounge areas, students found countless ways to relax, socialize, and build community. New student, Damariz Gallardo, an Interior Design major from Queens, NY, talked a bit about her experience moving onto campus. "It feels really relieving. I mean, I think the campus itself is really like a whole city--a whole other world, you know," she said. "I feel a sense of independence I never felt before." For many, move-in day marked their very first time living away from home. Nathaniel Hughes, a Communications major with a focus on Media and Film from Lyndhurst, NJ, spoke about how scary and unusual the experience felt. "I've never been great at connecting with people, and I'm not incredible at conversations, but I got to learn and get those skills up, " he expressed. "And then [moving onto campus], it's strange... I've been at my house my whole life. I've been to hotels, but nothing like this." Nerves aside, dorm life had many students excited as they expressed themselves through decorating their rooms and formed relationships with their roommates for the next couple of months. For these new kids on campus, move-in day is a step into a new chapter of their lives on their journey to adulthood. Computer Science major, Elijah Romero, from Bayonne, shared his hopes for the school year as he enters this next era. "I'm really looking forward to making new friends, new connections, possibly joining new clubs, and just having overall an amazing time," Romero said. Move-In day presented the great energy the Class of '29 will bring to Kean and what the Kean community can give back in return, as the process allowed for a great first impression for all involved. As students explore their newfound independence, they say a small 'see you later' to their families and a big 'hello' to campus life!

On Tuesday, April 22, Cougar Climb: The First Year Experience, hosted the Cougar Climb Completion Celebration in the Miron Student Center (MSC) Greek Lounge from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This celebration is held to recognize the achievements and hard work of first-year students. Cougar Climb is a program intended for first-year students to encourage them to get involved and discover the resources and organizations available. Students who participate must complete 6 badges which are Academic Engagement, Career Development, Civic Engagement, Global & Cultural Awareness, Health & Wellness, and Social Engagement. At the celebration, there was a variety of sandwiches, pastries, wraps, and bagels for students to eat. Each student earned a certificate and bag filled with Kean Cougar Climb merch. In addition, all students who completed the program were entered into a drawing to win an iPad Pro. Anastasia Grubyak, a Cellular Molecular Bio major and freshman from Jersey City, shared her excitement about the chance to win an Apple product and what she had to do to reach this point. "I completed the Cougar Climb and now I am celebrating because I want the iPad Pro and the Apple pencil because mine broke down. I love the event, the food is great, the music is great. I have my friends and we're just chatting it up. I like being here," shared Grubyak. "I had to complete six badges for Cougar Climb...You just had to go around campus and talk to different offices, do the Career Fair, Major-Minor Fair, and just be actively involved on campus. It's great for a freshman." The Student Life Media Team's (SLMT) very own videographer, Christoly Georges, a Physical Education and Health major, and freshman from Orange, shared his experience in the program. "When I first got here, I already planned to know everyone and everything here on campus, so I said why not just do it. Everywhere I went on campus, I saw QR codes about Cougar Climb, so I scanned it and did all the things they asked me to. I liked it. I completed everything and it's nice seeing a lot of hundreds on my path, so it was lovely," expressed Georges. "I've learned about more places and more opportunities. That's how I even got to learn about Cougar's Byte through Cougar Climb and Connections." There was a considerable number of participants for the Fall 2024/Spring 2025 school year compared to the previous year. The Fall 2023/Spring 2024 school year had 1,881 participants with only 4 students completing the program and 78 badges earned. For the Fall 2024/Spring 2025 academic year, there were 3,224 participants with 21 participants completing all 6 badges and 460 badges earned. The overall response was positive with many students engaging in the program. The Cougar Climb initiative is designed to help first-year students become familiar with the organizations and resources on campus. Many students enjoyed the journey and walked away confidently knowing more about their university.

On Wednesday night, April 9, the Student Government Association (SGA) and Graduate Student Government (GSG) presented their annual Unity Week special, the Unity Week Comedy Show, featuring comedian and television personality Sal Vulcano. Students were lined up inside Wilkins Theater as early as 7:30 p.m., eager to be seated and see the well-known comedian. Zachary Valentin, a sophomore majoring in Mathematical Sciences Education from East Brunswick, came with his partner for his first comedy show experience at Kean. "This is my first time, and it's really my first time seeing Sal. I came here with my partner because they're a super huge fan, they watched the TV show a lot, and so this is really my first time for everything," he said. "I'm looking forward to just a really funny night… I'm excited!" Vulcano, known for his show Impractical Jokers and podcast Hey Babe! provided students with a great night of laughter when telling stories of the various pranks and punishments he's gone through, like having Jaden Smith tattooed on both of his legs. He also told many stories of his personal experiences, from the story of his son's birth to finding weapons for catching an intruder. "I had the machete and well, she's obviously not on board with it, so then went through this conversation of her recommending other weapons, I can catch a hypothetical intruder with," he joked. "So she says, 'How about a boomerang?' and she was dead serious, so I bought it!" The night was also filled with several crowd interactions where students expressed how much of a fan they were, some even dressed as Tanka Jahari and a Pizza. Vulcano also praised Kean for its food services and dedication to its students. "I've heard many good things about Kean," he said. "You guys placed high in good food; I've been to schools where well… you all should be proud of your school!" It was a great night at Kean! Vulcano's set went on for about an hour, and students were satisfied with the entertainment for the night. Maya Cardenas, from Columbia, who is a senior Political Science major at Kean another fan of his, who thoroughly enjoyed the night. "I watched Sal when he was at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, like I loved Impractical Jokers!" Carednas expressed. "The energy that he brought, I loved how interactive he was with the crowd, I really appreciated that he took the time to worry and learn about Kean. I thought he was hilarious!" Kean has been dedicated to providing students with top-tier experiences, this semester alone, being full of interactions with actor Giancarlo Esposito and rapper and mental health advocate G Herbo. Sal Vulcano was a great way to cap off all the semester's activities at Kean, what better to end the academic year than with laughter? Here's to another successful night of comedy at Kean!

On Tuesday, April 22, Gourmet Dining hosted Customer Appreciation Day on the Miron Student Center (MSC) Patio. The day was filled with beautiful, warm weather and fun activities for students to enjoy. As students walked towards the patio, they were greeted by music, a photobooth, and tents of drinks and foods to taste and enjoy. Iman Warachi, an Economics major and freshman from Plainfield, stumbled upon the event and communicated how much she enjoyed the outside celebration. "I heard music playing outside from the academic building, so I thought I might as well come and hear and see what this is about. Everything is really good, and I'm having a good time so far!" Attendees were able to enjoy sweet treats like ice cream to cool down and play games like hula hoops and corn toss. Sprite and Monster Energy were two of the companies that had display tents to give away merchandise to students. Cheyenne Gorman, a Psychology major and sophomore from Hillsborough, expressed her love for Monster Energy drinks. "I love it! I love the free Monsters, I'm a big Monster girl, I love them. The environment is so nice, and it is so nice outside. I'm just loving it all together." Gourmet Dining also offered cheesesteak, chips, and beverages for students to indulge in as they walked around the patio and took pictures, making more memories with their friends and classmates. Camryn Smith, a Criminal Justice major and freshman from Old Bridge, shared her excitement for the warm weather. "It's so fun, and the fact that it's nice outside makes it even better. The cheesesteaks are really good, the ice cream is really good, and the Monsters are really good. It's just a really good vibe outside, and it's a really nice day for this." Gourmet Dining's Nutrition Services was present, offering samples of a delicious Creamsicle Smoothie. Students could also pedal a bike to blend the healthy beverage. Recipe cards of the smoothie and information regarding the dietitian services on campus were also available for students to take. As the event settled down, attendees settled into big groups all along Cougar Walk, dancing, eating, and chatting away. It was a wonderful way to end a busy school day for the majority of Kean students. Ramon Barber, a History major and freshman from Morristown, added his own show of enthusiasm for the event. "I had a great time! It was a beautiful day to do this, and events like these are cool because I like to socialize." Customer Appreciation Day was a great way to enjoy the Kean campus one more time before the end the of the semester. Students had the chance to take pleasure in the moment and make more memories.

What an amazing time Kean University has had celebrating Unity Week 2025. From Monday, April 7th to Monday, April 14th, the campus was filled with fun and exciting activities for all to enjoy. Several clubs and organizations hosted events during this time to celebrate the diverse culture of Kean University and acknowledge its Founders. The featured student events included the Students vs Faculty/Staff Basketball Game, Culture Fest, Unity Week Comedy Show, and the Founders 5K Race. Other events included Empower Hour Series, Pie a Sister, Step Into It Workshop, 2025 KWC Health and Wellness Expo, Careers in Education Job Fair, Kupcakes & Poppi Social, Bubble Tea with God, Zumba Class, First to Climb Higher Celebration, and Founders Day Celebration. Here at Kean University, Unity Week recognizes the many cultures and unique differences the students, faculty, and staff have. This special time during the Spring semester means something different for everyone. Danielle Clark, a Public Administration major and junior from Wharton, shared what this time means to her. "To me, Unity Week just means showing pride for your school and other cultures and people's backgrounds. It's a great way to learn and get involved on campus." The week began with an exciting Students vs Faculty/Staff Basketball Game. With both teams playing competitively, the students walked away with a win with a score of 48-49. But it was Culture Fest that truly kicked off the reason for celebration. What better way to show unity than by sharing your culture? Culture-based student-led organizations gathered in the Miron Student Center (MSC) with games, snacks, and music to display their cultural heritage. Chetana Bidesi, a freshman and Biomedicine major from India, now living in Edison, celebrated Hindu culture with her group, Hindu Youth for Unity, Virtues, and Action (YUVA). "Our goal here [is] to make people aware that Hindu culture is still here in this school, and we want to make people educated on what the Hindu culture is, not just like the basics but the history behind it," she said. "We have here kaju katli, that's a sweet made of cashews, and it's made into like a diamond shape just to make it fun. We also have bracelets here and earrings, just showcasing that Indian culture." Maintaining the Culture Fest hype, Wednesday, April 9, SGA and the Graduate Student Government (GSG) hosted the Unity Week Comedy Show featuring comedian and television personality, Sal Vulcano. Leanny Regalado, from Paterson, and a Psychology major in her senior year, voiced her enthusiasm for the event and showed gratitude to SGA. "I'm really excited for Sal, he's very fun, so I'm looking forward to this! Props to SGA for bringing this event to life, they always kill it with their super, super iconic sell-out shows, so I'm really excited." Unity Walk 2025 was another event that successfully gathered the university together and was hosted by Well Being at Work, the Office of Student Government, and the GSG. Makenzie Kuntz, President of SGA, explained the purpose of the walk. "Today we have the Unity Walk, which is just a collaboration with Well Being at Work with Nicole Klein, who is spearheading this whole initiative. It's just a walk to bring the campus community together to promote health and wellness during Unity Week," stated Kuntz. "We have students, faculty, administration [here] just to get outside, go on a nice walk, forget about the stresses of the day, and just enjoy some quality time together. That's what today means." Rashaad Couloote, a Grad student from Piscataway studying Forensic Psychology appreciated the support from those on campus and enjoyed the peace of mind the walk gave as students approach exam week. "I thought the Unity Walk was very important. It showcased togetherness and it was very calming, since finals are around the corner," expressed Couloote. "Also, it is great to get a lot of people from different departments to show up and do an activity. That's hard for certain organizations to do, so I thought it was very powerful." The events included during Unity Week reflect the diversity of the Kean University campus and give students something to look forward to as the semester comes to an end. Unity Week ended with the Founders Day Celebration at the MSC Patio. As the DJ played music, students took pictures at the photobooth, enjoyed refreshments, and received a complimentary T-shirt. Students were also able to write letters thanking donors who contributed greatly to the school. President Repollet shared that this was the most successful Founders Day in the history of the university. Over $700,000 was raised from 423 generous donors. In addition, the College of Business and Public Management earned the Founders Day trophy for having the highest participation among all the colleges. Unity Week 2025 was nothing short of amazing. Students, faculty, and staff enjoyed the various festivities that united the university. Unity Week showcased the culture and unparalleled experiences that bring us together and strengthen the values of our Kean University.