Rey Cruz Jr., a Kean University alumnus, has taken his education and career experiences to heart, using them to guide inner-city youth both on and off the baseball field. Cruz pursued a degree in bilingual elementary education/history at Kean University, where he received advice from a professor that profoundly impacted his approach: “In order to know the community you serve, you must walk the streets your students walk.”
Cruz applied this philosophy during his tenure as an Elizabeth middle school teacher. His classroom featured a poster of Mahatma Gandhi with the quote: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” This mindset carried over when Cruz transitioned from teaching to law enforcement as a New Jersey State Police trooper.
Despite leaving education, Cruz continues to embody his professor’s advice by engaging deeply with his community. Residing in Elizabeth with his wife Diana and their two sons, Cruz serves as director of community relations for Troopers United Foundation Inc. (TUF), a nonprofit linked with the State Police. He also volunteers as head coach for the Union County Troopers baseball team.
The team, named in honor of Trooper Thomas J. Hanratty #4971—a fellow Kean graduate who died on duty—provides opportunities for middle and high school boys across the region. Occasionally practicing on Kean University’s fields, this initiative aligns well with Cruz’s commitment to empowering youth.
“Rey is a good person with a big heart who gives so much back to the community,” said Associate Athletic Director Jason Sgaramella. “There’s a huge benefit to helping the athletic youth in the communities surrounding Kean University.”
State Police Lt. Robert Davis also commended Cruz’s dedication: “Reinaldo Cruz’s commitment to his community is evident in his active involvement.”
Cruz aims to help children understand that law enforcement exists to serve rather than instill fear. Reflecting on his time at Kean and working at Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center, he noted many kids lacked positive male role models: “I wanted to make a bigger impact.”
Through collaboration with community outreach partners, Cruz supports various initiatives including anti-hunger efforts like Kean’s Cougar Pantry, educational programs about law enforcement, aid for shelters, sports initiatives, and organized events such as coat drives.
“Rey embodies the finest traits of our amazing state troopers,” said Matthew Caruso, Kean’s chief advancement officer.
Cruz attributes much of his success to faith, family, and his education at Kean University: “That one piece of paper has opened up doors for so much.”
