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Kean University

Return of the Cougars for Homecoming

The Kean University community came together for a day of fun and school spirit at Kean’s Star Wars-themed Homecoming, Return of the Cougars.

 

Enthusiastic crowds of students, alumni, faculty, staff and their families, many wearing Kean sweatshirts, T-shirts and other garb, enjoyed rides, music, food and games that took over several Kean parking lots. Afterward, attendees headed to Alumni Stadium to watch the Kean Cougars take on The College of New Jersey Lions.

 

The Homecoming halftime festivities included the announcement of winners in a host of contests, including the Kean Expedition Semester on Us contest. Ashley Coates, an English/special education major from Jersey City, was awarded the grand prize, a tuition-free semester. Adam Casper, a freshman physical education student from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania won a MacBook Pro; Ainsley Stephens, a junior early childhood education major from Clinton, won a $500 Barnes & Noble gift card; and Julia Saladino from Springfield, a sophomore math education major in the STEM program, won expanded parking privileges for a year.

 

A new Homecoming queen and king were also elected: Gabriella Lapointe from Howell, a history and special education major, and Kyle Kreske from Hawthorne, a psychology major. Kreske, who is visually impaired, accepted his crown and scepter with his seeing eye dog, Bob, who wore a bowtie on his collar matching Kreske’s vest.

 

“I got shivers down my spine when I heard my name get called,” Kreske said. “Winning Homecoming king was probably one of the happiest moments in my life.”

 

The halftime announcements also included names of the winners of the tailgating competition. Results were as follows:

  • First place (tie) – Delta Phi Epsilon and Nu Sigma Phi

  • First place (tie) – Theta Phi Alpha and Nu Delta Pi

  • Second place – Omega Sigma Psi and Sigma Beta Tau

  • Third place (tie) – Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)

  • Third place (tie) – Catholic Newman Club

 

At least one part of Homecoming continues this week. Kean is selecting a new Cougar spirit logo, and seeking input from students, staff, faculty, alumni and all members of the Kean community via online voting.