From Classics to Customs: Kean University’s First ‘Rep Your Ride’ Show Celebrates Cars and Community

Kean University hosted its inaugural “Rep Your Ride” car show on May 17, welcoming more than 150 vehicles and hundreds of car enthusiasts, families and community members to the Union campus. 

The Kean Hall parking lot was transformed into a vibrant display of automotive pride, featuring everything from vintage classics and antiques to sleek, custom-painted models. Attendees enjoyed music, food trucks, photo opportunities with Keanu the Cougar mascot, and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. 

Trophies and prizes were awarded to standout entries, including cash awards and scholarship support for student participants. The event raised over $100,000 for student scholarships through sponsorships and vehicle registrations. 

“Car culture brings people together, and at Kean, we are proud to harness that power to support our students,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “This incredible day filled with sunshine, generosity and school spirit reflects our commitment to equity and student success. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and participants for helping us to raise more than $100,000 through this event.” 

Vehicles on display ranged from a 1930 Ford Model A, which was crowned Best in Show, to a limited-edition SOLO three-wheeled car. The prize-winning Ford Model A was shown by Richard William Swick, whose granddaughter is a Kean graduate and vice president of the Kean University Alumni Board. 

“It’s great to be named the winner of the first ever Kean Car Show,” said Swick -- who donated his winnings back to the Kean University Foundation for student scholarships. 

The show also featured unique entries like a Chrysler 300 Hellcat swap with a “Hello Kitty” theme, which won the student prize. Its owner, Briana Aviles of Newark, a senior at New Jersey City University, said the event exceeded her expectations. 

“It was really fun,” she said. “I've seen cars today that I've never seen in person before. I've seen them on video games but not in real life.” 

For Navy veteran Wes Peterson of Montclair, the event was a chance to showcase his 1979 blue Cadillac Coupe DeVille. A member of the Historic Automobile Society of Montclair, Peterson frequently participates in parades and fundraising events. 

“We love classic cars,” he said. 

Children attending the show enjoyed interactive activities and even had a hand in the judging process. Chimaobi Odumuko, who works at Kean Wellness Center, brought his two sons to the event. 

“We’re having a great time,” he said. “This is the first car show they've been to, and they love cars. They have a lot of toy cars, so you can imagine when we get home, they will be trying to figure out which ones they saw today.” 

Proceeds from the event benefited the Foundation, supporting its mission to fund scholarships and academic initiatives. William Miller, president and CEO of the Foundation, highlighted the dual benefit of the event. 

“At Kean, not only are we redoubling our efforts to support our students, faculty, research and programmatic initiatives, we're partnering with the community externally,” he said. “Today's car show is a wonderful example of how Kean University is really moving in lockstep with the larger community in New Jersey.” 

More than 13 sponsors participated, helping to make the event a resounding success. Edward Ahart, chief development officer for the Foundation, emphasized its role in building community connections. 

“One of Dr. Repollet's visions is being an anchor institution and having a big presence in our community,” he said. “The community came out today, and it helps us raise awareness of the University brand and all the things that we’re doing.” 

Jason Lester, one of the event’s organizers, confirmed that planning is already underway to grow the event in coming years. 

“It was a great show that provided a lot of support for our students,” Lester said.