Union County Review

Kean University recently held a celebratory Honors Convocation to recognize the highest-achieving members of its undergraduate Class of 2024. The event saw 1,100 students from Kean’s six undergraduate colleges being recognized for their academic distinction.

The attendees, which included proud family and friends, gathered at Harwood Arena to celebrate as each of the honors graduates crossed the stage. Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., in his welcoming remarks, lauded the students saying, “You are the cream of the crop of Kean University.” He further encouraged them to continue striving for success and excellence.

David Birdsell, Ph.D., Kean Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs also addressed the graduates, acknowledging their hard work and sacrifices made by them and their families. He reassured them that they would graduate with a "shining seal of honor" on their diplomas.

The undergraduates will receive their diplomas at Kean University Commencement on May 16, at the Prudential Center in Newark. The Honors Convocation recognizes students who achieved three levels of honors: summa cum laude (GPA of 3.85-4.0), magna cum laude (GPA of 3.65-3.84), and cum laude (GPA of 3.45-3.64).

This year's graduates faced unique challenges as most started college in Fall 2020 during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite these hurdles, many have excelled academically while juggling jobs, raising families and other responsibilities.

Steve Fastook ’06H, Chair of Kean Board of Trustees congratulated the students and welcomed them into alumni ranks expressing that they will always be part of the Kean family.

Undergraduate Commencement Salutatorian Amanda Coyne highlighted how they overcame demanding assignments, personal setbacks and moments of doubt. Alison Griffiths, Ph.D., a distinguished professor of film and media studies at Baruch College, also addressed the graduates on the power of images in today's social media age.

The convocation was filled with pride and joy as families celebrated their children's achievements. Among them were Julio Rodriguez and his wife, Helene, who were there to celebrate their daughter Gianna Rodriguez's summa cum laude achievement in speech-language-hearing sciences.