Generations of Cougars Unite for Homecoming 2026

Cougar pride filled Kean University’s main campus in Union on Saturday, October 24 as more than 3,000 alumni, families and students gathered for Homecoming 2026.

The daylong celebration featured carnival games, food trucks, inflatable attractions and tailgates hosted by student organizations, fraternities and sororities. At Alumni Stadium, the Cougars football team defeated William Paterson University, 30-15, adding to the day's celebrations.

"There is something special about welcoming our Kean family back to campus for Homecoming," said Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. "Seeing our alumni, students and families celebrate together reminds us that the connections made at Kean extend far beyond graduation and continue to strengthen our University."

New this year, the Office of Alumni Engagement partnered with Kean Galleries and Collections to offer Kean Then and Now, a guided trolley tour highlighting campus landmarks and the University’s history. The tour gave alumni a chance to revisit familiar places and learn more about how Kean has evolved over the years. Kean alumni from as far back as 1974 and as recently as 2026 had the opportunity to connect, share memories of their time at Kean and explore campus together.

Homecoming also introduced a sensory room, offering children and adults a quiet space to take a break from the crowds and activities. Staffed by Kean occupational therapy students, the room featured sensory kits provided by Together We Bloom, a local nonprofit. The kits included ear defenders, sunglasses, communication boards and fidgets to help visitors navigate the day's activities.

For returning alumni, the celebration was an opportunity to reconnect with classmates and campus traditions.

“It’s nice to come back with my old college roommates and enjoy the tailgating, the games and the food,” said Adrienne Middleton ’16, a member of Omega Phi Chi sorority. “I wear my letters every year and it’s great to see the current generation of our sorority and answer any of their questions.”

Current students also embraced the opportunity to connect with members of other campus organizations.

“Homecoming is a great day on campus because we have an opportunity to connect with other students and groups,” said freshman Dellano Sutherland. “It’s beautiful to see everyone out here and enjoying Kean’s festivities.”

Carol Ann Koert, director of alumni engagement, said Homecoming continues to strengthen the connection between alumni and the University.

“Seeing so many generations come together to share in the excitement and pride of being part of Kean is what makes this tradition so important,” she said.

For Elizabeth Rodriguez ’04, the celebration was also a chance to share her Kean experience with her children.

“My classmates and I are always happy to return to our home to see friends and bring our kids and families,” Rodriguez said. “It’s important for my kids to come see where I studied, and hopefully they can come here one day as well.”