Homecoming 2017 recap
By Jennifer Padilla | Published Oct. 21, 2017
Superheroes, greeks, athletes, alumni and students came together last weekend for a lively and animated celebration of Homecoming 2017.
“The atmosphere was festive and fun,” said Danielle Ford, a member of the Homecoming organizing committee. “Many greek organizations participated.”
Kean Expedition contest winners; Hailey Perez, Daniella Marinan, Joseph Laurino and Katrine Germain Credit: KU Twitter
Tents with children’s activities, food, and games filled Kean Hall lot. Meanwhile, the tailgate event, the scene of superheroes taking photos with attendees, screaming greek life members, and NJ101.5 entertained Hardwood lot promoting school spirit.
“Great crowd, great campus,” said Bill Spadea, Host of NJ101.5. “Outstanding student and alumni participation.”
In the tailgate competition— in which judges choose the best or most school spirited greek organization set-ups— OMEGA SIGMA PSI & SIGMA BETA TAU received third place, NU DELTA PI & THETA PHI ALPHA second place, and NU SIGMA PHI & DELTA PHI EPSON won the $200 first place prize.
Fatizenebu Oyibo, a Psychology and Public Administration double major and member of the Epsilon Epsilon Omega Honor Society, was named the 2017 Homecoming Queen.
“What I hadn’t expected was the outpour of support from the crowd,” said Oyibo. “I was looking for a way to make African- American and Muslim women more visible on campus.”
Senior Representative of the Student Government, Kevin-Roenian Macalos, was named 2017 Homecoming King. Macalos is also a member of the Portuguese American Club, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Lambda Alpha Sigma Honor society.
“It was very emotional when I was at the center of the football field and heard the host announce that I was Homecoming king”, said Macalos. “Even now, I still can’t believe it.”
Students and alumni at Homecoming 2017 Credit: Jennifer Padilla
Kean Expedition stationed its booth at Hardwood lot, which read “Win a free semester on us!” in large, bold, yellow writing. Hailey Perez took home the $500 Barnes and Noble gift card; Joseph Laurino walked away with the MacBook pro; Danielle Marinan got a reserved parking space; while Katrine Germain won the grand prize of a free semester.
“I was surprised and shocked,’ said Laurino. “The odds of winning the MacBook were not great in my mind. Luckily, I did win and I am grateful for it.”
With parking being an aged issue at Kean, Marinan sees the convenience of winning a reserved parking space.
“I travel home a lot on the weekends and come back with more stuff than when I left,” said Marinan. “It’s always hard to find a parking spot that is close. I’m super excited to have won!”
Winning athletic teams kept students and alumni cheering in school spirit. Kean’s Women’s Soccer team defeated William Paterson, 2-1, after the football team’s big win, 56-0.
“A large crowd of students, alumni, family, and friends cheered for the football team,” said Ford. “The Cougar’s first shutout since 2009.”
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