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Impending Winter Storm

Due to the impending storm, all classes and activities at Kean’s main campus in Union, Kean Ocean and Kean Skylands will operate remotely on Sunday, January 25, and Monday, January 26. 

The University will observe a Winter Wellness Day on Tuesday, January 27, following the storm. Classes and activities will not run, and employees are not expected to work. 

Due to ongoing power problems at the Kean Ocean Gateway Building, all classes and activities at Kean Ocean will also be conducted remotely on Friday, January 23, and Saturday, January 24. This only applies to Kean Ocean. 

Only essential personnel should report to work as scheduled during the remote period or on Tuesday. Employees with questions about their status should consult their supervisor. 

Keanu’s Kitchen will remain open for residential students on the Union campus from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday. 

All vehicles parked on the Union campus must be relocated to the Vaughn-Eames overnight parking lot by 6 p.m. on Saturday to allow for storm cleanup. Vehicles parked elsewhere on campus are subject to relocation. 

Actor Giancarlo Esposito to Discuss ‘Breaking Barriers’ in Kean’s President’s Distinguished Lecture Series

Jan 13, 2025
Head and shoulders photo of actor Giancarlo Esposito

Emmy-nominated actor Giancarlo Esposito will share insight into the entertainment industry and his career journey as a biracial actor when Kean’s President’s Distinguished Lecture Series returns on Tuesday, March 4. 

A prolific actor in film, theatre and television who starred in the AMC hit Breaking Bad, Esposito will help kick off the University’s Black History Month celebrations with his message Breaking Barriers: Giancarlo Esposito on Art, Identity, and Redefining Success. The lecture begins at 4:30 p.m. in North Avenue Academic Building. 

"The President's Distinguished Lecture Series brings to our campus transformative voices who share unique perspectives on today's most relevant issues," said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. "Giancarlo Esposito's remarkable journey and achievements will resonate deeply with our students and community, inspiring them to pursue their own paths to success." 

Kean’s First Lady Darlene Repollet, a former corporate human resources executive who helps advance the University's mission of equity and excellence, will moderate a question-and-answer session with Esposito. 

Known for playing both villains and inspirational characters, Esposito received an Emmy nomination and won a Critic’s Choice Award for his portrayal of kingpin Gustavo “Gus” Fring in Breaking Bad. He recently appeared in the Netflix hit The Gentlemen. His upcoming appearances include Captain America: Brave New World, Electric State, and The Residence. 

Esposito was born in Europe, the second child of a Black American opera singer and an Italian theatrical set builder. He moved with his family to the United States and was cast in his first Broadway production at age 8.  

At Kean he will speak candidly about learning to embrace his racial identity as an integral part of his acting identity and will encourage those in the audience to find what they love to do and work toward success.  

Esposito is also expected to tell his story in a to-be-published memoir. 

The President’s Distinguished Lecture Series brings a range of prestigious speakers to campus. During the 2024-2025 school year, speakers have included former U.S. Senator Al Franken; human rights leader Ndaba Mandela, the grandson of the late Nelson Mandela; and autism advocate and animal scientist Temple Grandin, Ph.D.  

In April, Kean will welcome technology writer and podcaster Kara Swisher for a Distinguished Lecture on Monday, April 28. 

Tickets are $20 for Kean alumni and the public and must be reserved in advance.

January 24 Update: Due to a scheduling conflict from the speaker, the President's Distinguished Lecture event with Giancarlo Esposito is rescheduled for Tuesday, March 4 at 4:30 p.m. in the North Avenue Academic Building at Kean University. All tickets previously reserved for February 4 will be honored and automatically transferred to March 4, 2025. The event is sold out. Anyone who is unable to attend on the new date is asked to email ticket@kean.edu to cancel their reservation. Those who have purchased tickets will be eligible for a full refund. Anyone who wishes to be added to the waitlist for the new date should email ticket@kean.edu.

For further information, visit www.kean.edu/lectureseries. 

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