The Tower - The Independent Voice Of Kean University - September 2022 Issue

President says Kean is growing and on the rise

By Davaughnia Wilson

President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., delivered his Opening Day Address in Wilkins Theatre on Aug. 31 and described Kean University as a “hidden gem” that is on the rise to becoming elite, and an R2 Carnegie designation.

He said Kean is not striving to be elite based on the narrow definition embraced by Ivy League schools.

backgrounds, to give back, to embrace communities across New Jersey.”

Repollet said over the past century Kean has made a name for itself and is on the path to achieving greatness. Many are unaware of Kean’s rich history and the culture that the university has created for its students, faculty and staff.

The university’s regional ranking has risen from 132 to 126 according to the U.S. News and World Report, he noted, and went on to list Kean’s recent accomplishments.

This past summer, Amazon Prime featured Kean on its tour, The College

“No More Mass Shootings & Violence” Panel Addresses Solutions to the Public Health Issue

By Julia Strugala

Kean partnered with The NAACP and The Lesniak Institute to have a panel discussion on the topic of gun violence and how it affects different age groups. The event took place on September 20th

pronounced dead. Another occurred in a park across the street from an elementary school where a seventeen year old boy was shot and killed in broad daylight.

“My experience is that these shootings happen, we push for legislation for a few weeks, and then it goes away until

Kean’s definition of elite is inclusive, expansive, forward thinking, and forward reaching. Repollet said he imagined a world where being elite is not incompatible with inclusivity. Instead a part of what makes Kean elite is centered around how best we uplift the members of our community.

“We’re creating a new definition of elite that is our own, the Kean elite,” Repollet said. “Educating students of all

Tour. The tour featured students from all backgrounds, race and ethnicity, athletes, non-athletes and students from the different colleges to understand what it truly like to be a part of the Kean community.

“They were so impressed they featured us on their tour,” Repollet said.

This fall, Kean welcomed its largest freshman class in history, the largest

from 6-8 p.m. on the 6th Floor of the Kean STEM building.

Politicians, community leaders, and professors who have proposed gun reform legislation joined together to hold an open discussion. Introductory remarks took place for the first hour where each panelist discussed the impact of gun violence and their work to combat it.

Jamel C. Holley opened the discussion by sharing his experience as Mayor of Roselle from 2012-2015. In Holley’s first four months as mayor, two major shootings and deaths took place in the Borough of Roselle.

Roselle lost four young men in 2012, two of which were sitting on a porch when a drive-by occurred. Five gunshots were heard throughout the neighborhood that led to four men being shot, two

“I can't tell you how many times I’ve had to attend a funeral because of senseless gun violence. If my phone rang after 8pm, I would always clench my stomach”

“We’re creating a new definition of elite that is our own, the Kean elite”

Photo

Danny McDonnell

Jamel C. Holley opened the discussion by sharing his experience as Mayor of Roselle

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President Lamont Repollet Ranked #8 By NJBIZ

By Jalen Gaynor

On September 19, President Lamont Repollet, Ed.D., was named #8 on the 2022 NJBIZ Education Power 50 list. In their article, NJBIZ, New Jersey's leading business journal, noted how Repollet has helped to create new and unique opportunities for students.

Under his leadership, Kean was designated New Jersey’s first urban research university, in a bill signed by Gov. Phil Murphy. This move acknowledged the university’s research in urban areas statewide and raised its status nationwide.

Repollet understands the importance of this acknowledgement and wants to help make a difference in communities all around the state.

“As the state’s only urban research university, we can also make a real difference in the lives of New Jerseyans living in urban communities as we help urban centers build stronger futures,” Repollet said. “We take responsibility for not just identifying the challenges in our cities but finding the solutions that are replicable, scalable and sustainable to move us forward.”

The university believes this distinction can help to recruit students and faculty as well as boost its ability to gain

research grants. Kean recently projected this semester’s freshman class as the largest in school history with more than 2,000 students and Kean online has had increased enrollment. Kean’s campus in China also continues to grow as more than 4,000 students will be studying in

Kean University Introduces New Online System and Faculty

By Tyra Watts

The Fall 2022 semester has started in full swing as Kean University welcomes its students back for the academic year, as well as welcoming new incoming freshmen.

Plenty of new things have occurred within the past year, such as a new online system, Okta.

Oktawill replace the university’s current online system, ClearLogin. Okta makes it easier for Kean students to log in and access Kean-related resources. Currently, Kean is working on replacing ClearLogin with Okta for other Kean applications such as KeanGoogle.

Before coming to Kean University, Ojeh had a tenure track at the University of Louisville and taught there for three years.

“The University of Louisville was a research-intensive institution,” Ojeh said.

“At the time, I was in the Department of Pan-African Studies, so I was asked to teach courses in the research methods section of Pan-African Studies. I would teach the senior seminars in Pan-African Studies and statistics and qualitative methods at the graduate level.”

Wenzhou.

Kean has also announced multi-year partnerships with both the New York Jets and New York Red Bulls. Both of these teams are high profile and have provided numerous opportunities for students.

Students were able to participate in a course co-facilitated by the NY Jets during the Spring 2022 semester which tasked them with making presentations in front of team officials at MetLife Stadium.

Repollet previewed a bright future due to the connection during the Jets deal’s announcement.

"This connection offers wonderful opportunities for our students to study the business of professional sports, to conduct research, and to obtain internships and other professional opportunities that can lead to truly exciting futures," Repollet said.

Repollet established several initiatives and programs including the Division

According to Kean University’s OCIS Knowledge base, students can enroll in Okta by downloading the OktaVerify app onto their mobile device. Students can log in using their Kean NetID/ password on https://sso.kean. edu By scanning the QR code, their mobile device will pair to the Okta account.

If students have any issues with the sign-up process, they can contact the OCIS Help Desk at 908-737-6000.

Meanwhile, there has been an increase in faculty members. This semester, Kean University has welcomed 53 new faculty members with the goal of the university becoming an R2 Research Institution.

The faculty members are excited to start their research, including Kalasia Ojeh, Ph.D., an assistant professor of sociology and Africana studies.

What inspired Ojeh to come to Kean University and continue her research was that she viewed the university as a school that serves the population of Kean students.

“I want to support, help to develop, help to prepare for the labor market and graduate school,” she said.

“Compared to the University of Louisville, Kean is way more diverse and provides opportunities to not only give back but support the type of students that I want to support.”

Ojeh also mentions how she is a scholar of sociology and black studies. She explains the national conversation on Critical Race Theory, and how Kentucky State Senate has a bill that does not allow Critical Race Theory, gender, and sexual orientation to be taught in classrooms from kindergarten to college.

“Being in a space that does not support

“One of the things that I want to do is be present, and I want to be a part of and familiar with what Kean has to offer,”

Photo by Kean University OCIS OKTA Verify App

Photo by Kean University George Hennings Research Building

Photo by Kean Website

Kean Campus

Photo by Kean Website President Repollet during opening address

“Our success will be defined by our ability to cultivate the next generation of academics.”

KeanPlaylist: Kean’s Newest Music Club

By Justin McDaniel

As the Fall semester starts and new and returning students look for new groups, the KeanPlaylist club has emerged as a new wave for students on campus.

The KeanPlaylist club, founded by Lilliana Carredo, a junior, majoring in communication media and film is a brand new student group at Kean created for all music listeners and appreciators.

“It’s a safe space for people to share their hot takes on music, a way for artists and producers to collaborate with one another and share their work, a place to meet new people who have similar music tastes, and a place to learn about new music,” Carredo said.

Carredo was inspired in creating KeanPlaylist after reflecting on her own love and appreciation for music.

“Music has brought a lot of important people into my life,” Carredo said.

She thought that by creating an

organization that connects individuals through their love for music while creating a sense of community that is comfortable

other's perspectives.

“No matter what, I can always talk about music to someone who shares

Carredo said.

The club has been gathering members throughout the first few weeks of the semester. They have hosted a few meetings and they’re still going through the process of getting fully settled in. While they don’t have any major events planned just yet, they hope to host an Open Mic Night for their members to show off their musical talents.

The club has also been active on its Instagram page, @ KeanPlaylist, getting students engaged on campus by going around asking students about their music taste, what they listen to, and why they listen to it.

Some of the creative ideas include describing the first day of school with a song and randomly asking students around campus what song they are currently listening to at that moment. The club meets every Monday at 3:30 p.m. in the Center for Academic Success room 245

and safe they could all share their love and passion for the craft. Here they can learn about different types of music from each

similar music interests, and I wanted Playlist to simply be a platform where members can do just so with one another,”

By Steven-Ross Bugayong

At Kean University, Greek life is a vibrant place where students learn and grow, and joining them for the first time ever is the Beta Theta chapter of Kappa Beta Gamma.

When you think about the term Greek life, what comes to mind? The hazing scandals? The parties? You may have even heard of the term ‘buying friends’. But Greek life is more than that. It's a place where students find and build a form of community.

Kappa Beta Gamma was founded on January 22, 1917, by 12 women at Marquette University who preached sisterhood and friendship. Since then, the sorority has spread to different universities across the United States and Canada, with the Beta Theta chapter of

Kappa Beta Gamma being the newest one at Kean since April 9, 2022.

The sorority headquarters have been reaching out to Kean students since fall 2021. By the following spring semester, six members were recruited. They became the founding members of the Beta Theta chapter, making Kappa Beta Gamma the newest face of Greek life at Kean, with plans to expand membership.

Robyn Hadyu, a junior psychology major and Kappa Beta Gamma Secretary said prior to joining Kappa Beta Gamma, she hated sororities.

“It wasn't until the Greek day in the spring that Kappa Beta Gamma DM me,” Hadyu said. “At first, I was confused because I don't fit the mold for sororities, but I figured why not and went to all five recruitment days, and here I am."

Haydu was not the only founding recruit who continued the sentiment of being afraid of sororities. Gya Perez, a senior biology major and Kappa Beta Gamma President, was also scared and misinformed about Greek life.

Perez said she wasn’t passionate about sorority life because of how it is portrayed in the media.

“At first, I thought the whole process would be nerve-racking,” Perez said. “But once I joined Greek Life at Kean, I learned that it's not as intense or ridiculous as the media makes it seem. It's like a close-knit family, and I wish more people would see that."

As Perez mentioned, the stereotype is the main sentiment that comes to mind when individuals all hear the term Greek life. However, like all Greek

“Anyone from any background and with any music taste can join our club!”

Kean’s newest sorority: the Beta Theta chapter of Kappa Beta Gamma

Photo by Lilliana Carredo

The flyer for KeanPlaylist.

Photo by Justin McDaniel KeanPlaylist in the middle of some activities.

Photo by Robyn Hadyu

Sorority

Kean Ocean’s Take on The Biden-Harris Administration's Student Debt Relief Plan

By Elaine Amico

In August, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris announced the

Biden-Harris Administration's Student Debt Relief Plan, aiming to help middle and lower-class Americans pay off their student loans.

For anyone making less than $125,000 yearly, the plan will forgive up

to $10,000 in federal student loans and $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients.

While many across the nation are pleased that student loan forgiveness is becoming a priority, there are still many people who don’t feel it’s necessary.

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A Thousand Backpacks with A Thousand Stories

By Keyon B. Gardner

More than a thousand lives were cut short as a result of suicide caused by mental health illnesses that plague our country today.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of suicides worldwide are related to mental health disorders; depression, substance use, and psychosis are the biggest risk factors.

To honor and remember the lives lost due to suicide and to prevent future suicides, The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), partnered with

Active Minds program “Send Silence Packing”.

Active Minds is a non-profit organization that has for more than a decade traveled across the country to end the silence that surrounds mental health and suicide.

The Send Silence Packing program brought their display of 1000 backpacks to Kean University’s Downs Hall Sept. 13. Stories that exemplified the harsh reality of what most people go through who haven’t received the proper help they needed were linked to each backpack.

Erin Lester, Program Coordinator for Student Affairs in The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion said, “Each of the backpacks is in connection to someone’s

story that died by suicide.”

Lester and The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion worked together diligently to bring suicide awareness to the students at Kean because of the lack of recognition it has among teenagers and young adults.

“I think it would be important for our students to realize the magnitude of the problem because mental health problems in general are often dismissive,” Lester said.

The stories at Visiting the Send Silence Packing event had spectators empathizing for those who never got to

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By Josephine Carrillo

To recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness month, Kean Programing for unique and lively Student Experience (Pulse), hosted their annual “Building Hope” event in the Miron Student Center Atrium.

“The event held on Sept. 12, had students lined up 30 minutes before the event started to participate in building their very own cougar, which just so

happens to be the university’s mascot.”

“This year, Kean Pulse joined forces with the “#BeThe1To” campaign, which encourages all students to take action and “Be the one to help save a life”. Their page informs students step by step on how to help someone in crisis and spread the message that everyone can help save a life.

Tatiana del Valle, senior and Kean Pulse

Jacklyn Mazzarisa, a senior at Kean

Ocean, has mixed feelings regarding the debt relief plan, as she will be graduating without any student loans.

“I have mixed thoughts about it,

“Just knowing that I’m able to help someone else in need or even make them smile, gives me a great feeling.”

Photo by Keyon B. Gardner

Photo

Students Reflect On Taking Kean Classes At The Jersey Shore

By Logan Germano

Kean Ocean, home to over 40 undergraduate and seven graduate degree program options, has made the transition from community college to an undergraduate degree program a lot easier.

Students who reside in the Ocean County area have the opportunity to enroll and attend classes at the Ocean campus located in Toms River to complete their graduate and undergraduate degree without commuting to Kean’s Union campus.

The commuter program which began as a partnership in 2006 between Ocean County College (OCC) and Kean University is a one-stop shop for getting a college degree closer to home.

“It’s all here for students,” Maureen Bryne, Associate Director of Kean Ocean said. “From the affordability of the program and overall cost of the degree, to the resources both local and international, the career preparation and research initiatives, not to mention the location.”

The program started with only three Ocean County College classrooms that

were used for Kean classes; the campus has grown over the last 16 years and now takes up half of Ocean County College’s Gateway Building.

They are constantly connecting with their advisors, completing and submitting countless application forms, and keeping an eye on tuition in order to transfer to a

at Kean Ocean, expressed how easy it was to transfer in from Ocean County College.

“To transfer to Kean Ocean, it was a quick and efficient process where I barely had to fill anything out,” Pita said. “I would recommend this to any current Ocean County College students because the way courses are set up at Kean is similar to OCC.”

Although most students deal with the stress of going away to live at a fouryear university, some take the road less traveled and stay local. Robert Goodall, a communication major who transferred from Ocean County College, chose Kean Ocean because of how convenient it is for someone who lives in town.

“It is nice to have all of my classes in one building,” Goodall said. “Although I am missing out on living in a dorm and life at the main campus, Kean Ocean is very convenient for me because I live five minutes away. Moneywise you can’t beat it.”

By Lenny K. Mata Cuevas

The Exhibition Hall at Liberty Hall Museum welcomed students, faculty/staff, and the general public to the National Geographic exhibit “Rarely Seen Photographs of the Extraordinary” collection. A total of 50 astounding, timely images graced the hall’s walls, since the reception and opening day on Sept.15, as part of Galleries at Kean’s promotional theme for academic year 20222023.

There are a variety of reasons for students to visit the gallery and learn of the extraordinary images and the stories behind it. But for freshman Imani, Shahad, and Shawn Lennon it can be for personal, entertainment, or educational purposes. Reasons that perfectly aligned with the characteristics of this show.

As students approach the end of their community college experience, choosing where they want to further their education can be a difficult process.

university that is not only affordable, but best fits their interests.

Anselmo Martinez Pita, a criminal justice major who is in his first semester

Despite being in one building, the Kean Ocean campus has a lot to offer. The campus has several clubs for student involvement such as the Education

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Psychology major Imani explained her interest in the show is mainly based on her love for museums and her curiosity about Kean’s artistic programs.

“I’ve always enjoyed going to museums growing up with my mom and my grandma,” she said.“I wanted to see the different kinds of art pieces that Kean has continued

to offer while I’m here and take advantage while I can, of all of the different museums.”

On the other hand, Shahad, a business major, who initially visited just for entertainment and because his friend Imani convinced him, said he ended up having an amazing time.

“She said it’s really cool in here so I [gave] it a chance,” Shahad continued. “I really am inspired by everything in here. It’s really nice, it’s an experience I will cherish.”

The images clearly highlight the relationship between humans and nature. How we affect it but also how it magnificently grows and stands around us.

According to an open letter from President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., the “exquisite”

“I wanted to see the different kinds of art pieces that Kean has to offer while I’m here…”

NatGeo at Liberty Hall, Friendship, Nature and Conservation

“It is nice to have all of my classes in one building.”

Photo by Lenny Mata

Image of a Syberian Tiger

Photo by Lenny Mata

From left to right: Imani, Shawn, and Shahad

Photo by Logan Germano Kean Ocean Administrative Office and Lobby

Photo by Logan Germano Phil Peters, a senior Business major

9/11 Through The Eyes of a Non-American

By Andrey Nalbantov

I’ve been staring at the blank page of my laptop for a while now, wondering how I should tackle this topic. As a nonAmerican, talking or writing about topics that are rooted so deeply in American culture always came as a challenge to me.

9/11 is one of those topics. As someone who was not born in the United States, and learned about the tragic event through

that the reason why so many people from different countries mourned the tragic event of 9/11 was because it brought a lot of people together through compassion.

“We all let down our individual identities,” Farrell said. “We all came down together as human beings.”

Of course, in the following years my empathy and respect for America about 9/11 grew even stronger because I decided to gather more knowledge. Yet still, I could

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EDITOR IN CHIEF: DAVAUGHNIA WILSON

NEWS EDITOR:

JULIA STRUGALA

the two-part miniseries “The Path to 9/11” when I was 14, I was barely able to fathom the disaster that occured on that day.

A mixture of my youth and a 6,000 mile distance between my home country and the U.S. added to my little knowledge of 9/11. Yet, I could not help but feel an overwhelming sense of sadness throughout the movie, almost as if I were there to witness it .

I was barely 1-years-old when 9/11 happened and I wasn’t even born in the country, so why did I feel such emotions and respect?

Doctor Lauretta A. Farrell, director of the Human Rights Institute at Kean, believes

not grasp it fully by being so far away.

When I immigrated to the U.S., I got to visit the 9/11 memorial. I felt chills going down my spine, and sadness filling my heart while reading the names of all the victims and looking at the Memorial Monument at Ground Zero where the frighteningly tall South and North Tower once stood.

“I think September 11 will always be a day that evokes sadness and tragedy,” Farrell said.

While 9/11 is an event that can gather many of us to collectively grieve , it is also an event that led to racial and religious division, an event that, according to Farrell, created the assumption in the U.S. that all Muslims are bad in the eyes of a lot of

CAMRYN AURIEMMA

HECTOR MORALES

LENNY MATA CUEVAS

KERVIN COLEMAN

EDIZ MONROY

ANTHONY REYNA

KEYON GARDNER

VICTORIA CIFELLI

BRITTANY FUENTES

JA'BRIA LASTER

TYRA WATTS

FEATURES EDITOR: ELAINE AMICO

EDITOR:

NIEVES

ONLINE EDITOR:

NALBANTOV

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: VICTORIA CIFELLI

STAFF WRITERS

STEVEN-ROSS BUGAYONG WAYNE DAWES

JUSTIN MCDANIEL

JALEN GAYNOR

ISAIAH JOSEPH

LOGAN GERMANO

JOSEPHINE CARRILLO

ADAORA NNAKWE

OPINION PIECES AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Tower welcomes guest columns and letters to the editor from any source.

Such material should be submitted to thetower@kean.edu or left at The Tower’s offices. To verify sources of written material, submissions must include the writer’s name and contact information. Students should include their class (sophomore, graduate, etc.) and major. Faculty and staff should include campus title or position. On request, names may be withheld from publication if The Tower staff determines there is a legitimate reason to do so, but no anonymous letters will be accepted for publication. The Tower reserves the right to edit, and refuse publication of any submission.

“We all let down our individual identities,” Farrell said.

“We all came down together as human beings.”

Kean University welcomes the largest freshman class in history

By Victoria Cifelli

Kean University has accepted and enrolled over 3000 freshman students this Fall making the class of 2026 the largest class in history.

“Kean University had an almost 8.5 percent increase in accepted freshman students and a 28.5 percent increase in the number of accepted students placing deposits to guarantee their place in the Class of 2026, compared to last year. This demonstrates that Kean is growing

U.S.A with 1,815 students registered for classes, according to university officials. The current Fall semester’s enrollment has seen 1976 new students at the campuses in the United States.

“At first I chose Kean University to stay close to my highschool sweetheart, sadly it ended before summer ended; also the architecture program here is one of a kind. Kean so far is amazing. It’s exactly what I dreamed college would be since eighth grade,” Kaleb Jackson, a freshman architecture major said.

spiking as a result of winter break travels.

“Kean offered additional course sections of many freshmen classes but did not systematically increase the size of any of those courses,” McCorry said.

With the increase in freshman students, the university must accommodate the increase of population on campus.

“Freshman students are housed in Cougar Hall and Freshman Hall. Residential housing for freshmen is more than 90% of capacity this year,”

to campus, dorm halls are being filled and parking is still being used around campus.

“Kean University takes care of students through academic and financial aid support services that help them realize their dream of earning a college degree,” Marsha McCarthy, the vice president for enrollment services said. “Kean seeks to maximize students’ return on that investment by providing an exceptional college experience that is affordable, accessible and takes students to where they want to be.”

as a first-choice university for incoming students,” Margaret McCorry, Associate Vice President of University Relations said.

The 2018 freshman class was the biggest freshman enrollment at Kean

Students this year will have a full first year on campus, compared to previous years that got cut short by the pandemic. In the spring 2022 semester, the university went remote for the first two weeks due to the pandemic possibly

McCorry said. “Each year, at the start of the Fall semester, we remind students, faculty and staff that additional parking is available on East Campus. We followed the same practice this year.”

As Kean students continue to come on

Kean has been known as one of the cheapest public universities in the state of New Jersey, and is continuing this promise into the 2022-2023 school year.

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By Isaiah Joseph

The longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, passed on Sept. 8 after seven decades on the throne.

When a great leader’s time is up, they are grieved by individuals who loved them and watched them positively evolve and serve their country throughout their reign. But some individuals opposed their decisions and wished for their time to end.

The British monarch, now headed by King Charles III.

When thinking about the word monarch, some people immediately think about a King or Queen ruling a kingdom, while others think about an authoritarian system.

According to Britannica, the term

monarch applies to states in which supreme authority is vested in the monarch. This individual ruler functions as the head of state and achieves their position through heredity.

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, famously known as Queen Elizabeth II, rose to the throne in 1952 after the passing of her father, King George VI.

During her reign, Queen Elizabeth II

passed bills like the Murder (Abolition of Death Penalty) Act, prohibiting capital punishment in 1965, and passed

legislation to legalize abortion and homosexuality in the United Kingdom in 1967.

These deeds can assist individuals in understanding why Queen Elizabeth II was adored by many and why they mourned her death.

When the news about the Queen’s passing struck the United States, many were shocked that the seven-decade longreigning monarch was dead.

Social media went into a frenzy as the Queen's death became a trending topic. Members of the public Rejoiced and celebrated her death as if it was a spring break party in Miami.

Memes and viral videos started circulating on the internet, and jokes

“People align to love her aimlessly without knowing how problematic she is,”

The Queen Has Fallen: Many Grieve as Many Rejoice

“Kean was super close to home and cheaper, and I really liked the campus,” Krystel Martinez

Photo by Tinker Sailor Soldier Spy

most recognizable person in the world

Photo by @go2kean Instagram

Students at orientation with a ‘Welcome Future Cougars’ banner, and Keanu the Kean mascot

Photo by @keanuniversity Instagram Students at New Student Orientation for the Class of 2026

Photo by @keanuniversity Instagram Class of 2026 students posing with the Kean mascot, Keanu

Give Chance a Chance

By Isaiah Joseph

The giggles and laughter echoed through the lobby when I entered the Miron Student Center (MSC) building.

Students were lined up and peeked through the windows as they were eager to see what all the commotion was about and that's when I heard a bark.

The month of September represents National Suicide Prevention and Awareness.

When we talk about Suicide Prevention and Awareness it brings up the conversations about how and what we can do to bring attention to individuals who decide to commit suicide due to mental illness and depression.

Throughout the month Kean University has been hosting a variety of events for students to participate in. But out of all the events, one stood out above them all. Pet therapy.

Inside the MSC building, Kean’s Department of Counseling, Disability, Alcohol, and other Drugs hosted the pet therapy session for Kean University’s students.

Vidal Annan is a licensed clinical psychologist in New Jersey and New York who specializes in helping people address clinical concerns such as moods, anxiety, and other forms of mental illness.

Annan explains that during the month this event

specifically is something students enjoy interacting with.

“This is one of the resources that students enjoy to destress,” Annan said

When I entered the room I was met with laughter, joyful smiles, and a beautiful golden retriever sitting calmly with his tongue out.

Melanie Savulich and her five-year-old golden retriever Chance are volunteers from Creature Comfort.

Creature Comfort Pet Therapy differs from other organizations providing similar services in that they embrace a hands-on approach with their therapy teams

and the places they visit. They work with each facility to help structure the visit to make it as effective and productive as possible.

Savulich and Chance have been a part of the group

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Kean Scholar Academy

By Brittany Fuentes

The Kean Scholar Academy, a program meant to engage students in a college setting prior to attending college, was initiated by Kean University President, Dr. Lamont O. Repollet Ed.D. in 2021.

The purpose of this program is to ensure that high-achieving students are given the opportunity to continue their education with few obstacles preventing them from doing so.

Designed to support the participants

and prepare them for college, students are given an educational plan that aligns with their academic goals, and allows them to start acquiring college credit.

However, this program not only allows for students to attend college classes. It also provides them with counseling sessions, workshops, precollege internship opportunities, and mentorships all personalized specifically for each student.

According to Jason Lester, the executive director of the Kean Scholar Academy

and assistant to the president, “The Kean Scholar Academy is an initiative that upholds the mission of Kean University as well as meets the needs greater of the communities in which we serve.”

The program selects high school students from nearby counties to participate based on their academic standings giving them a head start on a higher education. They enter the program at the start of high school and continue until they graduate.

The program starts off with a two

week on-campus summer orientation for students to learn more about the college experience and familiarize themselves with the other students. Following the orientation, students will begin taking college courses during the fall, as they attend their high school classes simultaneously.

The Kean Scholar Academy program aims to push students to graduate with their high school diploma, but also to continue onto their post-secondary degrees and succeed in obtaining them.

“The Kean Scholar Academy is an initiative that upholds the mission of Kean University as well as meets the needs greater of the communities in which we serve”

- Jason Lester

“Most rewarding thing is coming to see and interacting with the students here as they get to know Chance and his story on why we do what we do”

Photo by Isaiah Joseph Chance sitting waiting for his treat

Photo by Isaiah Joseph Chance the Golden Retriever

Photo by Lawrence Cortes/ Kean Media Kean Scholar students sitting in a lecture hall

Photo by Lawrence Cortes/ Kean Media Kean Scholar Academy students are seen walking around campus

President says Kean is growing and on the rise

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enrollment for Kean online and a total of over 4000 new students to the university. Kean is also celebrating the largest student body at Wenzhou Kean with an enrollment of over 4000 students and growing.

“We will continue improving on this number to ensure that every student persists to graduation,” Repollet said.

Kean has always been committed to access and affordability. The university awarded more than $1 million in new housing scholarships for the academic year, a 540 percent increase.

The Freshman Merit Scholarship awarded increased by 80 percent, Transfer Merit Scholarship increased by 17 percent and the Kean Foundation scholarship increased by 14 percent over the last two years.

“We have maintained a steadfast focus on providing access to higher education, respective of students who are historically excluded,” Repollet said. “We are making sure we keep the education we offer affordable, for our students from all kinds of backgrounds.”

Kean is growing and on track to acquiring R2 Carnegie status. Repollet was proud to announce that graduation and retention rates are higher than the national average. He added that 75 percent of the last freshman class returns to Kean as sophomores, a 5 percent increase from the previous year.

In September 2021, Kean welcomed 55 new tenure-track faculty members and this year, welcomed an additional 53 new tenure-track faculty members.

Repollet said the faculty is the backbone of the institution. They play a crucial role in assisting students at Kean to achieve great success and to reach new heights.

The university’s focus on safety and wellness has allowed them to draft a new policy on remote work. In October, the university will enhance flexibility while preserving its commitment to students.

“We will offer one day a week of remote

work to those whose responsibility can be fulfilled at a distance,” Repollet said. “I am excited about this new flexibility, but let me be clear, our students will always come first.”

He pledged to students that they, the faculty and staff, will prioritize students and remain accessible at all times.

During his first year as president, Repollet focused on infrastructure and his second year was dedicated to academics. The next two years, Repollet promises to focus on culture.

He added that the Kean community must ensure that the university’s mission statement aligns with the core values they possess.

“We will not always see eye to eye but we will work together collegiately and collaboratively to coalesce around a set of shared values to guide us,” Repollet said.

This past spring, Repollet joined a group of students on a transformative experience to Georgia and Alabama on the civil rights journey. The Travel Learn was organized to empower students to become more actively involved in current social justice movements.

Those who attended the Opening Day Address were urged to visit the Human Rights Gallery to view a special exhibit created by Kean students during last spring's Travel Learn that highlights the civil rights journey.

Repollet described the experience as

bringing “our history to life in a powerful way.”

On Sept. 30, the university will host the first ever President's Alumni Ball to recognize some of the university's most distinguished alumni and announce the winners of this year's Presidential awards.

Twelve faculty and staff members along with five students will be honored at the award ceremony. From the Kean University Foundation, they will receive monetary awards and recognition of outstanding achievement in areas such as teaching, scholarship and service in alignment with the university’s three pillars of safety, equity, and academic excellence.

Repollet mentioned his monthly Town Hall meetings and some of the concerns students raised such as feeling stigmatized by the dorms in the quad and the dining halls closing relatively early.

He took the initiative to revitalize the quad, both inside and outside, soon making the quad the “place to be” as well as extending the hours of the dining hall from 7 a.m. to 12 midnight. The university also added six electric vehicle charging stations across campus.

“We must make these essential changes to our ways of operating,” Repollet said. “We are evolving quickly and we can't operate like we did in the past. All the pieces are coming together and we must challenge ourselves and each other.” n

Kean’s newest sorority: the Beta Theta chapter of Kappa Beta Gamma

organizations, Kappa Beta Gamma also follows philanthropy by aiding the Special Olympics. But here at Kean, the Beta Theta sisters are also passionate about pediatric cancer.

"All the different chapters around the U.S. and Canada all make events and fundraisers to help with the Special Olympics," Perez said. "But on top of our overall philanthropy, every chapter has its philanthropy, and for us at Kean, it's pediatric cancer.”

Perez, who plans to be a labor and delivery nurse after graduating, said the Beta Theta chapter of Kappa Beta Gamma focused on pediatric cancer to help the families and children affected by the

disease.

"Anyway, we can help by giving them

money or even putting a smile on their faces makes it worth it," Perez said.

Currently, the Beta Theta chapter only has five members. But they look forward to expanding among the Kean community. After a great turnout at Kean Day, the future seems bright.

"We welcome anyone who identifies in the nine binaries," Haydu said. "To anyone afraid of the stereotypes, give it a try, and if you don't like it, that's fine at least you gave it a shot. But I know for me it was worth it."

“But once I joined Greek Life at Kean, I learned that it's not as intense or ridiculous as the media makes it seem. It's like a close-knit family, and I wish more people would see that."

Photo by Gya Perez

KBG president Gya Perez

Photo by Kean University’s instagram page @keanuniversity

Opening Day Address inside Wilkins Theatre

President Lamont Repollet Ranked #8 By NJBIZ

continued from page 2

of Student Success and Retention which provides support to students on their path to graduation, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Equity in Action Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship. The presidential fellowship was founded to diversify the faculty and boost research at Kean.

“We are seeking scholars who reflect the rich diversity of our student body, whether based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, neurodiversity, disability or otherwise,” Repollet said.

Repollet has shown his dedication and commitment to ensuring that students have every opportunity necessary to

KeanPlaylist: Kean’s Newest Music Club

continued from page 3 and is still looking for new members.

“Anyone from any background and with any music taste can join our club,” Alex Pinckney, a junior and Secretary of KeanPlaylist said. “Having different tastes help us learn more about music and that’s what we're trying to do.”

KeanPlaylist has shown a real commitment to becoming the next big program on music at Kean and is still taking on new members. If interested, email Liliana Carredo, the President of the club if you wish to join. @carredol@ kean.edu

succeed regardless of their background. He vowed to elevate the University to Carnegie R2 research status within five years and has made great strides in accomplishing this. He believes that this fellowship will help the university obtain this status.

Kean Ocean’s Take on The Biden-Harris Administration's Student Debt Relief Plan

continued from page 4

especially considering this is going to affect taxpayers. I worked very hard to get my education paid for by scholarships,” Mazzarisa said. “If I was in the position, I probably would sign up for it, but it’s a really tough discussion as it affects so many people.”

While for some it is a “tough” discussion, others have been going a step further and advocating for free college tuition for quite some time now.

Kylie Clark, a junior at Kean Ocean believes there needs to be a point where everyone has the opportunity for reduced-cost college tuition, and eventually free college.

who leave college with student loans on average spend an additional 21 years paying them off.

“College is so expensive, I just don’t understand why people are so against others getting a little help,. and when I say little, I do mean little,”

Jasmine

Zatie, senior at Kean Ocean said “$10,000 is nothing compared to the amount of money I am going to owe back when I graduate in May.”

“As Kean strives to achieve R2 Carnegie classification, our success will be defined by our ability to cultivate the next generation of academics,” Repollet said. “To innovate through research and scholarship, inspire and be inspired by their students, and promote inclusion and belonging as key components of the academic experience.” n

“We have to start somewhere. I understand some people have already paid them off, but wouldn’t you want people to not have to go through what you went through,” Clark said. “Everyone could use some help, especially those who have already been paying their student loans off for quite some time.”

According to the National Center for Education, the average cost of college has more than doubled in the 21st century, with 55 percent of bachelor's degree recipients choosing to take out loans to pay for their education. Students

The United States Education Department indicated that 8 million federal student loan borrowers will be receiving student loan forgiveness automatically, with no application necessary.

For the other 32 million people who qualify, they should be looking for an application to be released in the first few weeks of October. More information is soon to be released on how to apply, and who will be receiving student loan forgiveness automatically.

For more information on how to apply for “The Biden-Harris Administration's Student Debt Relief Plan” visit: https://studentaid.gov/debt-reliefannouncement/ n

continued from page 7

“Kean was super close to home and cheaper, and I really liked the campus,” Krystel Martinez, an exercise science freshman said. “I actually love being on campus, it’s so relaxing and it’s so fun. The teachers are super chill and everyone around is so much fun.”

The class of 2026 is in for a full year at Kean University, with no mentions of switching back to temporary remote

learning.

“My experience so far at Kean is great. I met many more friends than I thought I would in my first month here,” Adrian Cedeno, a freshman graphic design major said.

Kean freshmen will continue to get the same world-class education that has been given at the university for previous years.

Kean University welcomes the largest freshman class in history

Photo by KeanPlaylist Instagram

President of KeanPlaylist Liliana Carredo

Photo by Kean Website

Repollet with gov. Murphy

“No More Mass Shootings & Violence” Panel Addresses Solutions to the Public Health Issue

another shooting,” Holley said, who began to advocate for Common-sense gun legislation.

Holley joined Mayors Against Illegal Guns, a non-profit alliance group, to push legislation across the country. At the time, there were few mayors in Union who were a part of the alliance. Today, there are mayors from over fifteen Union counties who have signed a Statement of Principles against illegal guns.

“Almost every mass shooting that we had, someone knew something about it beforehand. If just one person picked up the phone to call the police, those lives could have been saved. I think it's time to start to bring these bills to life,” said panelist Shawn McClain, Elizabeth Branch President of the NAACP.

“Can you imagine finding out it was your child? You're going to want to do something. You're going to want to make it better for the next person,” He said. He added that we the people “decide what bills are passed. We need to work together to find strategies to stop gun violence.”

Dr. Sancha Gray took to the podium to express her outlook on the impact of gun violence on children. As Senior Vice President of Entrepreneurial Education Initiatives at Kean University, Gray strives to ensure schools are safe places for children.

“I can't tell you how many times I’ve had to attend a funeral because of senseless gun violence. If my phone rang after 8pm, I would always clench my stomach,” Gray said. “I heard about a situation where a four year old student was shot on a playground.”

Gray said that students are never too young to speak out and say something. She advises everyone to connect with a staff member in the school environment to build a close relationship. If a student feels something is off, it is worth informing someone.

Students are the most critical group of people in preventing gun violence because they are privy to things in classroom settings that adults are not. Gray is working to expand the safe space pipeline from Preschool to College to ensure students of all ages feel safe and heard.

Dr. Liza Chowdhury brought solutions to the podium with her non profit organization launched in 2017 entitled Reimagining Justice. The charity advocates for creating healing center solutions such as The Paterson Healing Collective, the first Hospital-based Intervention Program in Passaic County.

The non-profit offers accredited training & victim advocacy, educating families on compensation they can receive on losing

work time due to grief. They also help with housing and medical bills.

The Paterson Healing Collective has helped more than 200 victims of shootings and stabbings. Paterson is a town of eight square miles where shootings happen between the same 3-4 blocks. Chowdhury is working to change the narrative of calling these blocks ‘hot spots’ to healing centers, providing case management for victims, walking them through the process of peace.

Five survivors of gun violence have been employed by the Paterson Healing Collective as High-Risk Interventionists. They work towards restoring the community in Paterson with guidance and mentoring.

The Director of Field Operations for the nonprofit, Casey Melvin, discussed the overwhelming participation in a Paterson anti-gun violence event. Casey teaches barbering courses to inmates at Passaic County Jail in his freetime.

In June 2022, Governor Murphy signed seven new bills, making this his third gun safety package since taking office in

Thousand Backpacks with A Thousand Stories

recognize their struggle and offer them a helping hand?

see and experience their son or daughter grow up, all because they were bullied, or misunderstood.

Everyone knows somebody who is struggling, but when does the world

When do we stop to notice the change in attitude, and the change in character. Many people suffer in silence and it should be a combined effort to take the initiative to end that silence and speak up.

The children who never got to experience their eighteenth birthday, the children who never got to drive their first car, the children who never got to

experience their first love. The children who never even had a chance because their struggle wasn’t recognized.

“You might read a letter of someone whose best friend, or someone’s nephew, or niece, or someone they’re in relation to reflecting on their life in a positive way. We wanted to showcase those stories because sometimes it might feel like you're unloved. You have no idea the amount of love that people are trying to show you and you certainly are not alone in that experience,” Lester said.

Erin Flatus, a Send Silence Packing

2018. Multiple state requirements have been put in place since such as training for anyone who wants to obtain a gun license in New Jersey. There is also a state requirement for people to register out of state guns in New Jersey and the ban of .50 caliber rifles n

tour coordinator, expressed his concern for the population of people who suffer with mental health but don’t have the knowledge or resources to reach out for help.

“At the end of the day what we really want to get out of this, is leaving people feeling more confident and able to be there for the people in their life that they care about. It’s important to empower them to reach out when they feel alone and isolated to friends and professionals when they need it,” Flatus said.

“Sometimes it may feel like you're unloved but you have no idea the amount of love those people have to show you”

Photo by Keyon B. Gardner

A student viewing the backpacks

Photo by Danny McDonnell

Casey Melvin, Director of Field Operations for The Paterson Collective.

NatGeo at Liberty Hall, Friendship, Nature and Conservation

photographs are called to take personal responsibility to protect and preserve our environment. “‘Rarely Seen’ underscores the relationship between art and sustainability” reads the reception’s pamphlets.

But one could say they also show the arts within the art. Many of the images selected showed a variety of dramatic and at times extreme images shot in nature, sea, and urban areas around the globe.

Like pictures of sculptures by Jaison deCaires Taylor at Cancún Underwater Museum or famous personalities like Pope Francis or former President Barack Obama. Even the event’s promotional image “Supercell Storm Cloud” by Marko Korosec gives a fantastic view of the force of nature.

But for Psychology major Lennon, the most shocking was “Dangle if you dare” by

Ivan Kuznetsov where the photographer’s feet dangled 80 floors up.

“All these pictures and stuff that I like I’ve always found fascinating,”Lennon

that really beautiful with the lights and all that infrastructure.”

Like his friends, Lennon was certainly inspired and happy for the experience,

“I really like taking pictures,” he said. “I’d really like, [] to have one of my own pictures in here one day.”

The places where these moments were captured were at different points around the world, from Nebraska to Costa Rica. While the authors of these images are all united and recognized not only as photographers or artists but as National Geographic Explores “who use the power of science, exploration, education, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world,” reads the Galleries at Kean website.

said. “Especially the one where the guy is hanging over, I think is Hong Kong. I find

but he confessed that his main inspiration to visit was his passion for photography.

The Queen Has Fallen: Many Grieve as Many Rejoice

about her passing emerged on social media platforms.

Kean University senior Maria Irvin, who majors in communication media and film, gave her thoughts and reactions to the Queen’s passing in a melancholic tone.

Irvin explained that she has always been fascinated by the Royal Family. When she heard Queen Elizabeth had passed away, she was shocked and saddened by the news.

Irvin spoke about the Queen's significance in the world and highlighted how she outlived many influential leaders such as Nelson Mandela and John F. Kennedy.

“People align to love her aimlessly without knowing how problematic she is,” Irvin said.

The Queen has received many other unexpected reactions outside of social media. Why are people happy about the Queen no longer holding the throne? What bad has she done for people to have these types of reactions?

Another Kean student expressed how the Queen’s death didn’t affect him.

Norman Ayala, a senior majoring in communication media and film. Had an opposite reaction to the end of the Queen. Ayala expressed that he was not affected by the end of the Queen. However, he understands why people are mourning

such an influential figure.

“How would we react if one of our favorite leaders died?” Ayala said. “She was part of their culture, so I understand their grief.”

in my life,” Ayala said.

Queen Elizabeth II was the head of state for 14 independent colonies. Several colonies, such as Jamaica, Ireland, and Grenada, are considering breaking ties

The Galleries partnered with National Geographic Society to bring the exhibition show inspired by the book of the same name to Kean. The exhibit will continue until November 23, 2022, every week Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. n

The Queen's death has little to no effect on the lives of most Americans and nations that the monarch does not head.

This means that life will still go on generally for many people that have not been affected by her reign.

“She isn’t much of a prominent figure

with Britain now that her reign is over. These countries are self-governing and rely on the U.K. for defense and foreign relations.

Citizens in these colonies view the British monarchy as authoritative because of their history of imperialism.

England and its monarch was racist colonizer that enslaved many. They fought with countries like Ghana for years and refused to grant them and other nations independence.

Dr. Lauretta Farrel, director of the Human Rights Institute at Kean, l, helps give a clear breakdown and her reaction to the death of the Queen.

“I believe it is sad when any human being dies,” Farrel said. “People shouldn’t rejoice in the death of another person.”

Farrel shared her Northern Irish background and how Ireland being part of the U.K created conflict within the country.

Northern Ireland joined Great Britain to establish the U.K through the Act of Union of 1801. This legislative agreement demolished Ireland's parliament.

Now that the Queen has passed, Northern Ireland wants to vote to leave the U.K. Many colonies, such as…, disagree with Northern Ireland as they believe it is just not the right time. They enjoy the benefits they receive from the U.K., such as protection and foreign relations.

Queen Elizabeth’s death throughout her colonies showed a gathering among many citizens.

“When there is a huge loss, people rejoice,” Farrel said. n

Photo by Lenny Mata

From left to right: Imani, Shahad, and Shawn

Photo by Lenny Mata Audience at the exhibit.

Photo by Mukoma Wa Ngugi Twitter reacts to the Queen’s death

Kean University Introduces New Online System and Faculty

diversity, does not support conversations talking about race and inequities, racial culture and joy, you know, was not a space for me,” Ojeh said. “So Kean having an initiative in both jobs that I applied for was in Africana studies and sociology, it kind of meets the need that I, or the pull, for what I wanted to come here.”

In terms of what to achieve during her time at Kean, Ojeh hopes to revitalize both Africana studies and sociology programs, and wants students to get excited about learning these topics.

“I hope to inspire students to know that they, like me, could do work that they find valuable in a scientific way and ask questions and do research that could answer questions,” She said.

Ojeh provides an example of this by asking the question of why inequality exists between Elizabeth, Hillside, and Union. She also asks why the educational outcome looks different in those spaces and how we see investments in infrastructure improving the lives of people in Elizabeth, Union, and Hillside.

“I’m here to show the importance of research, and you know, a lot of my students before would say, ‘Oh we don’t need to know statistics,’ but knowing research is very important, knowing statistics is very important for people of a considered minority or non-white backgrounds,” She said.

Ojeh chose sociology and Africana studies as her focus. She explained how when trying to choose a major in college, she wanted to find a way to express what was happening in her life. She grew up in Harlem and noticed some kids would get to school on time with the ability to focus, whereas other kids could not. She saw a similar trend when she entered college, more particularly in her classical sociology theory course.

“When I got to my classical sociology theory course, I did not find any people of African descent in the theory building. So I said, “Why is there not one person in the eternity of human existence of this displicine that contributed to sociology theoretical development that is black?” She explained.

Ojeh went on to explain that she had to find black studies and came acrossa scholar by the name of W.E.B DuBois.

“He wrote so many scholarly works that many of his works were sociological, so now there’s a push within sociology to make DuBois a founder of the field, like a

classic theorist as well,” She said. “So I’ve been a part of that research lineage now.”

In terms of getting used to Kean life, Ojeh states how she took part in Kean Day and will be a part of the Open House event.

“One of the things that I want to do is be present, and I want to be a part of and familiar with what Kean has to offer,” She said.

Meanwhile, Amir Bhochhibhoya, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics.

He works at Kean with his wife, Pragya Charma Ghimire, Ph.D., who is an assistant professor of exercise science.

They are both from Nepal and have previously worked at Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina.

Bhochhibhoya has taught for nearly ten years, spending the first 5 years beinga teaching assistant. The last five have been spent as a professor.

When asked what made him decide to go to Kean University, Bhochhibhoya explained how he worked at Lander University and how small it was compared to Kean, and that it was their fifth year, which means he and his wife would get tenure.

They were comfortable at Lander University, but they wanted to grow and challenge themselves.

“We started looking for jobs, and at Kean University we both applied for the job, and when I came here I realized that Kean University is trying to become from R3 to R2, so that was an opportunity for us,” He began.

“When the change is happening, it is easier to join during that change rather than when it already happened or doesn’t happen.”

Bhochhibhoya also tells a story about going in for the interview, and how they asked questions and he asked questions as well. He found out that a faculty member went through a similar situation that was going through of having a five-year experience individually and moved to Kean five years ago.

“I asked him what he liked about Kean after five years, and he said “The students,” He stated. “So when someone says that, you just feel like probably we have the better interest here. The reasons were in my mind, but when I came in for the interview, I think that question like the interest in that, helped me to decide that “Okay, let’s do it”

As stated earlier, Bhochhibhoya is an assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics. Epidemiology is the study and analysis of the distribution, patterns, and determinants of health and disease conditions in a defined population, and biostatistics is the development and application of statistical methods to a wide range of topics in biology.

Bhochhibhoya explains how both work, and uses COVID-19 as an example.

“It is about how you quantify health,” He began. “Before you know the problem is, you need to know how big the problem is. With COVID-19, in the beginning, we had two cases so we need to worry, and when we saw how quickly it was spreading, we can quantify that, as well as how worse it could be and how many people are going to die.”

In terms of what to hope to achieve at Kean, Bhochhibhoya hopes to be able to challenge himself more.

“If you don’t challenge yourself, then you won’t have fun,” He began. “At this time, I think when you have the energy, you just want to be more productive and challenge yourself. And at Kean, so far, it has been two weeks, and I’m in the department but I see a lot of opportunities for me to grow.”

When asked how he would incorporate epidemiology and biostatistics in his research, Bhochhibhoya states that he always starts with what is the problem and brings up his take on vaping as an example.

“Like, how big is vaping? In 2011, less than 2% of high school students are vaping, and now in 2020, more than 27% of high school students vape,” He began.

”Quantifying those numbers and finding the data from different credible sources helps me to not only inform myself but inform the rest of the people who are reading my paper about how big the problem is and also try to see where in the problem there is some effectiveness and then incorporate that into my research.”

When asked about the possibility of him and his wife collaborating on research in the future, Bhochhibhoya states that they do so all the time.

“We have done a couple of research together, and she’s kind of like a second eye for me when I write the paperand I help her in the same way,” He said.

Bhochhibhoya then mentions how he is excited for the semester and enjoys talking to the students because he sees a lot of hope in terms of what they can achieve.

“Kean students have lots of things going on in their lifelike their family and their workhey are trying very hard to be successful academically and in their life too,” Bhochhibhoya said. “Being able to help someone in that position, I feel blessed.”

In terms of the four-day orientation that Bhochhibhoya, Ojeh, and the rest of the new faculty went through, Bhochhibhoya says that it was very helpful.

“When you go to a new place, you try to see what kind of environment it is and Kean University is very welcoming,” He said. “I look around, and it is a very diverse population, and very talented people all around. That excites you as you begin your career in a new institution.”

Overall, Kean University has seen a lot of improvement within the last year or so in terms of faculty and new online campus features.

The university is working towards its goal to be the premier university for students to excel in their studies.

Photo by Kean University OCIS

OKTA Sign In Page

Photo by Kean News

New Faculty Members

Give Chance a Chance

since July as they visit hospitals, schools, and senior homes to provide comfort and joy to the people there.

Savulich has trained Chance to become a therapy dog because how he likes to socialize with humans and other dogs.

The first year of Chance’s basic training

involves him learning how to be obedient, calm, and controlled in social settings with people and other pets.

Chance is drawn to people and is the dog that is strictly for comfort, and love, and reacts to emotional responses from people.

Kean Scholar Academy

Students have the opportunity to earn between 48 to 60 college credits while being enrolled in the program, and upon graduating high school. These credits allow students to take the next steps towards a college degree, in accordance with the academic path they choose to fulfill. Of those 48 to 60 credits, students are able to earn 15-18 credits in courses of their selected major.

The program is funded by federal grants, ensuring that students complete at least half of their college career’s debt free.

It is also meant to open up connections for the students as well as prepare them for the workforce. These are just some of the many ways in which students benefit academically from participating in the

Savulich encourages introducing more people to pet therapy where having a four-legged companion can help people heal through many harsh moments in their lives,

Chance’s favorite food is peanut butter, his favorite pastime hobbies are

swimming and walking and his favorite trick is to retrieve a ball.

“Most rewarding thing is coming to see and interacting with the students here as they get to know Chance and his story on why we do what we do,” Savulich said n

Students Reflect On Taking Kean Classes At The Jersey Shore

Club, History Club, Psychology Club, Accounting Club, and STEM Club.

Kean Ocean also hosts events throughout the year. A few upcoming events include the start of Community Yoga sessions and a Roe v. Wade/ Dobbs v. Jackson discussion panel being hosted by two Kean Ocean alumni on Oct. 3.

Students at Kean Ocean are eager to see the campus expand. Kevin Woodworth, a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America, Kean Chapter, said that he would like for more material to be available for students in the communications field.

“I want to see more reporting and media production to be brought to Kean Ocean for students going into Journalism,” Woodworth said. “As for Public Relations, our PRSSA chapter is being converted to an overall Communication Club where everyone can be in one facility.”

As the semester progresses, Pita envisions a fitness club being put together at Kean Ocean.

“I would like to see a weight lifting or some type of fitness club come about,” Pita said. “Although OCC’s weight room is kind of limited, it is still something I would be interested in, even better if Kean Ocean had their own.”

The convenience of the location, simple transfer process, and tight-knit campus atmosphere are all what make Kean students seek higher education from their own backyard.

Kean Scholar Academy program.

In addition, after completing high school and the Kean Scholar Academy program, students will get a chance to visit Kean’s campus in China, Wenzhou Kean. There they can discover a different cultural setting, while still learning about the different opportunities provided by the campus.

This continues to meet the goals of the program, “The Kean Scholar Academy provides all stakeholders an opportunity and the resources to engage in a culturally diverse student population and their communities in a financially sustainable manner to meet the challenges of the future,” Lester said. n

Photo by Logan Germano

Kevin Woodworth, a senior Communication major

Photo by Logan Germano Gateway Building at sunset

Photo by Josephine Carrillo Building Hope, Build a cougar event on Sept. 12

Photo by Josephine Carrillo

“You never walk alone”

SPORTS

Kean Men’s Soccer Team Look to Defend Conference Championship Win from Last Season

By Ruben Nieves

Men’s soccer season has officially begun here at Kean University. Coming off of a NJAC championship and an appearance in the NCAA tournament, Kean looks to defend their conference championship win from last season.

When preparing for this season, head coach Peter-John Falloon did say there were some hurdles getting ready for the season and ensured that this team will have a target on their back following the conference championship win.

“It’s another year, what we did last year doesn’t matter,” Falloon said. “Everybody will be coming for you.”

The season started with the Tony Ochrimenko Classic, where Kean won their

first game against Centenary University 1-0 and defeated Brooklyn College 7-0 to start their season at 2-0. In their first road trip of the season, they would tie with Franklin and Marshall College and lose to the University of Scranton 1-0.

The team would lose one more game to Swarthmore College before going on a two-game win streak with wins over Misericordia University and John Jay College and losing a game to Drew University.

“It has been inconsistent, it needs to be more consistent, we need to focus and concentrate more,” Falloon said. “We need to score more goals; we’re not scoring goals.”

Despite losing their game against Swarthmore College, Falloon thought that

was their best performance since the start of the season. .

“They showed character, fight, and determination and even though we didn’t get the result we wanted, we also created the most chances for the season,” Falloon said.

With conference play set to begin Sept. 24 on the road against Rowan University, Falloon wants to take the season one day at a time and win the next game.

With ten games left in the season, nine of the last ten games are conference opponents for Kean’s men’s soccer team.

“They showed character, fight, and determination and even though we didn’t get the result we wanted; we also created the most chances for the season”

Photo by Kean Athletics Head Coach Peter-John Falloon

Photo by Kean Athletics

By Hector Morales

For the first time since 2007, cross country has returned to Kean University with Danielle Todman as head coach of the men’s and women's team. Todman, a current military member in the United States Air Force since 2006 was hired by Kean Athletics to coach the team last October. The leadership qualities she possesses and how she navigates teamwork allows her to contribute to her time to cross country.

“It’s the biggest blessing that you can build something from the ground up,” Todman said.

To recap the season, the Cougars’ men and women teams finished the top 10 in the first two races.

In the first race held at Panthers XC invitational hosted by Adelphi University, freshman runner William Mitchell led the men’s side with 27 minutes and 40 seconds and finished 17 place in the race in the top 100. Mitchell is from Howell,

New Jersey and is majoring in finance.

“It’s exciting,” Mitchell said. “The program is new and so there’s not a lot of expectation and it’s fun to surprise people.”

Sophomore runner Sam Murri led the

“You would think it would be very difficult to balance your social life with both teams, team dynamics on both sides, but being here at Kean the faculty and the administration make it a lot easier and I enjoy it so much so far,” Murri said.

36 place finish but improved his time to 28 minutes and 38 seconds.

“I’m happy with my times,” Mitchell said. “I know that there are a lot of various things to work on and the coach is helping me with that. She knows what I need to be strong and the areas of strengths that I’m lacking in so she really helps me capitalize on using time and practice to improve what I already have, but also work on what I’ve been missing and that is going to help me in the future.”

Todman was impressed with Mitchell and Murri and looks forward to what they are going to give and hopes they will have a successful season.

In the second race held at Jasper Fall XC invitational and hosted by Manhattan College, the women’s team finished 7 out of the eight teams and Murri led the runners with a 56 place finish out of the 75 runners. She ran for 28 minutes and five seconds.

“Watching their talent and the hard work continuing to improve from these two is just going to get better and it’s an honor that they trust me as their coach,” Todman said.

women’s team with 23 minutes and 15 seconds and finished 28 place in the top 75. Murri is from Fair Lawn, New Jersey and she is majoring in Physical Education with a minor in coaching. She is also a multi-sport athlete as she plays for the women’s lacrosse team at Kean.

“I think I did well,” Murri said. “I think there is a lot to improve now, and college running is a lot different from high school than I realized. So, I’m just getting used to it and I’m really excited for what has to come.”

Mitchell also led the men’s team with a

Through The Eyes of a Non-American

The Cougars have three more races to go until The New Jersey Athletics Conference on Oct. 29. Mitchell, Murri and the other runners will give everything they got and hope to achieve their goal at the end of this season.

“I’m going to make some noise in NJAC, and I can’t wait to watch this team do well throughout the years,” Murri said. n

Cross Country Cougars Returns for the First Time in 15 Years people.

Dr. Xurong Kong, a Chinese-born associate professor here at Kean, recalled when she found out about the tragic event for the first time. She was taking a French class in Wisconsin when a classmate came

into class, and said someone attacked the World Trade Center.

“We thought, ‘oh yes, right, he was making an excuse for his tardiness,’” Kong said. “After that class we saw the burning and smoking images; we were all shocked

and tried very hard to understand what was going on.”

The event pushed Kong to think even harder about many different social issues, such as religious and cultural conflicts, she said.

9/11 will forever remain cemented in our history books as one of the most tragic events that not only shook the U.S., but the entire world – an event that made us gather and mourn together no matter where we live.

“It’s the biggest blessing that you can build something from the ground up.”

Photo by Kean Athletics Sam Murri

Photo by Kean Athletics William Mitchell

Photo by Kean Athletics Danielle Todman

Photo by Kean Athletics

Women’s Cross Country finishing 7th

Kean Athletics Announce Two New Coaching Hires

By Ruben Nieves

Kean athletics has announced two new coaching hires. Bez Arslani as the new head coach for the men’s volleyball team and professor Joe Sarnorski as the coach for the Esports Rocket League team.

Arslani was called by Athletic Director Kelly Williams about taking the position of head coach.

“I knew that after playing for Kean University that this would be a good steppingstone for what I want to do,” Arslani said. “I took it and ran with it.”

Arslani, who before playing with Kean, played for NJCU for a year where in 31 matches he had 108 sets played, 432 kills, 221 digs, and 48 block assists. In his two years with Kean, Arslani played in 61 matches where he had 188 sets played, 667 kills, 253 digs, and 108 block assists.

Arslani also played in the National Volleyball League, a professional men’s

environmental science, sustainability science and geology, first heard about Kean’s Esports team when having students introduce themselves a year ago.

“One of my students mentioned she was a part of the Esports club and that they were starting a competitive esports program,” Sarnorski said.

volleyball league, for the New Jersey Freedom.

When he officially became head coach, Arslani felt satisfied. As the new head coach, he is excited to still be a part of the sport he loves. He is able to provide the players with the knowledge he gained from his coaches over the years.

“I was a little stressed out before I got the phone call,” Arslani said. “After I got the call, I definitely had an angel looking over me and that angel was my mom who recently passed away and after getting the call I immediately said thank you to her.”

Sarnorski, a Kean professor of

Build a Cougar: Suicide Prevention Awareness

from page 4

staff member said, “I believe people are still scared to be open about their feelings so I think it is important to have these types of events, to encourage people, and send the message that it is okay to talk about your feelings and it is okay to check up on your friends regularly.”

The event was not only to build cougars but it also featured an exhibit. The exhibit was based on three different stations. The first station consisted of giving pamphlets to all students with all the information they need on the matter and how to take action when in need of help or when someone they know may need it.

The second station had flyers explaining and spreading #BeThe1To message, and students were also given white shirts for their little cougars. Last but not least, the third station was for students to put up colorful posts, spread love, and share meaningful messages to their classmates.

The five main steps that one should take in order to help someone in need are, Asking questions, be open about your concern; Being there, whether you’re physically present or through a phone call; Keep them safe and away from scenarios where they could harm themselves; Help them contact

“I immediately said you got to tell me more about it because I want to be a part of it. Anything I can do to help Kean. I really do think Kean does amazing things.”

Sarnorski says it was an immediate yes when Athletic Director Williams presented him with the opportunity to coach.

“I love Kean University, I think they’re doing amazing things and if it's something I think is going to help students there’s no way I would say no,” Sarnorski said. “Now that he is a coach for the Esports Rocket League team and a professor here at Kean, Sarnorski is able to balance both really well. He informs students about the

Esports team and informs members of the team about the courses he teaches.

“I’ll do some of my professor work in the arena while my players are playing,” Sarnorski said. “I get to recruit students both ways.”

You can attend Kean’s Esports matches on the second floor of the Green Lane Academic Building or watch from home on Twitch at Kean_Esports. Kean’s men’s volleyball season will begin in the Spring. n

professionals and lastly Follow up.

“These types of events are helpful because many people have mental health issues, but don't talk about them and just suffer alone, in silence,” Mayra Gonzalez, a sophomore majoring in education said. “In these types of events we learn about resources that are set in place to get the help we need and reassure those in need that they are not alone.”

Hannah Tull, Kean Pulse manager said, “Seeing how almost every student left compliments for each other in order to make them smile and support them made me so emotional.People connecting

with others, and socializing with others, is so important to have events like this for students.”

While walking around the atrium, you could see students in groups, stuffing their cougars together, playing around with each other and smiling.

“Just knowing that I can provide experiences, and resources for whatever they need, is one of the most rewarding and satisfying feelings one can feel,” Tull said.“It was definitely a great outcome, people had a great time.”

“I’m excited that I can still be a part of the game and that I am able to give back the knowledge that given to me from all my coaches in the past”

Photo by Kean Athletics

Men’s Volleyball Head Coach Bez Arlslani

Photo by Kean Athletics Kean Esports Team’s Rocket League Playoff Game

Kean University Hosts Second AnnualJazz and Roots Music Festival

By Adaora Nnakwe

In the festive season of homecoming, Kean University hosted its second annual Jazz and Roots Music Festival on Sept. 24 on the lawn at Enlow Hall from 4 p.m to 8 p.m.

The free outdoor public event featured Dianne Reeves, a five-time Grammy Award winning, jazz vocalist; John Beasley, a jazz pianist; Romeo Lubambo, a jazz guitarist; Itaiguara Brandao, a recording artist and bassist; and Rafael Barata, a drummer.

Performers also included Blues People, a blues band based in New Jersey; Big Fun(k), a band with Don Braden and Karl Latham was also in attendance as well as Judah Tribe with Josh David.

Four thousand people formed the crowd on a breezy, sunny evening before the start of the show and sat in their lawn chairs and blankets waiting for the headliner to perform on stage.

Reeves performed at 5 p.m and rocked the crowd with her soulful jazz melodies including popular songs like “Better Days”, “Nine” and a cover by Pat Metheny called “Minuano.”

Her rhythmic melodies and scats brought the audience to life and sent love

and positivity on stage into the crowd. Reeves included a solo segment of her band members including her pianist, guitarist, bassist, and drummer along with an inspirational speech about her grandmother that had the crowd cheering

entertaining. Dianne Reeves' performance was phenomenal,” Hoskins said.

There were performances followed by Blues People, Big Fun(k) and Judah Tribe with Josh David with melodies of blues and reggae continuously living up the

and thanked those who were involved in the preparation as well as the people who attended.

Dr. Colleen Hawthorne, mental health physician; speaker and author, delivered a speech on the importance of recognizing wellness and spoke on her new self-help book titled “Vibrant Life Success” for those interested in reading about bettering their lives and achieving success.

and laughing with their heart-warming reactions.

Jamelle Hoskins, of Piscataway, attended the event with her daughter just to see Dianne Reeves' performance. Hoskins is a longtime jazz listener and a fan of Reeves. She was excited to watch Reeves and her band members perform.

“I thought the show was lively and

crowd. It sent a positive message to the people of Union and all across New Jersey that traveled to this event and to know that music brings people together and heals the soul.

During intermission, Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet Ed.D. spoke on behalf of the university to celebrate the second-year music event

The festival had multiple food trucks and vendors. Food trucks included Bell John’s, Halal R US, Hadez Food Truck, and Amara’s Caribbean BBQ. The vendors included small business shops like BeYOUtiful Creations, a massage vendor and Kean’s own vendor selling festival t- shirts for guests to purchase. Joshua Hennings, from Union, attended the event with two of his friends from Kean. The festival brought positive and cheerful energy throughout the evening bringing another successful event to Kean University.

The Jazz and Music Festival is expected to return next year.

“This event was definitely a good way for me to get out of the house and have a great concert experience since the pandemic,” Hennings said.

Photo by Adaora Nnakwe Crowd before start of the show at Kean’s Jazz & Roots Music Festival

Photo by Adaora Nnakwe Kean University’s Jazz Ensemble

“I thought the show was lively and entertaining. Dianne Reeves' performance was phenomenal,” Jamelle Hoskins said.

Photo by Adaora Nnakwe Dianne Reeves and Romeo Lubambo performing on stage at Jazz & Roots Music Festival

Photo by Adaora Nnakwe Dianne Reeves and Romeo Lubambo

Photo by Adaora Nnakwe Dianne Reeves and Romeo Lubambo