Kean Homecoming 2023 Preview: What to Expect

By Tyra Watts | Published October 12, 2023

At this month’s homecoming weekend, a new Homecoming Royals couple will be crowned for the first time, a gender-neutral title, replacing king and queen.

“In an effort to embrace diversity and inclusivity within the campus community, we can have two malesor two females,” said Senior Class President Glynnis Tan. “The winners will be receiving a $250 Visa Gift card and two complimentary tickets to the 2024 Senior Formal.”

The royals are selected from student applications. The Homecoming Royals application deadline was Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. 

Kean University has a lot planned for the big event. This year’s homecoming is from Oct. 13 to Oct. 15. Kean is introducing a new event called the Alumni Homecoming Kickoff on Oct. 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Suspenders Restaurant and Pub in Union.

“The event is free, but registration is required. Each guest will receive one drink ticket, light appetizers, and an exclusive Kean Homecoming gift,” according to the Kean website. 

Makenzie Kuntz, president of Kean’s Student Government Association, said they have some wonderful events planned for homecoming this year.

“On October 11, we will be hosting a Hypnotist Show, and as per tradition, we will have our Homecoming Concert on October 12 in Wilkins Theatre.”

This year’s performer for the Homecoming Concert is Flo Milli, an Alabama-born rapper who is best known for hits such as “In The Party,” “Conceited,” “Beef FloMix,” and others.

 Kuntz presents the weekend also features (but they are not hosting) the Homecoming Pep Rally and Tailgate.

Kuntz added that students can refer to the Kean University website or CougarLink for more information regarding Homecoming events.

This year’s homecoming theme is “Barbie.” Kean students voted for the Barbie theme at Kean Day at the Center for Leadership and Service table.

Tan said it has been a fun experience and likes how diverse Homecoming is and how it opens the doors for everyone else. 

“Hearing the fun stories that other people are saying about it, it pumps me up,” Tan said. “I’m really excited, and I love the team that I’m working with and how everyone has amazing ideas.”

Tan, who has never attended homecoming, has always wanted to go since her first year at Kean but couldn’t due to her work schedule. She thanks SGA because she now has an actual reason to go homecoming.

Homecoming is not complete without naming the annual king and queen. Last year’s homecoming king and queen was Alexander Salazar and Tamaya Upchurch. This year, however, to eliminate traditional gender titles, the event is renamed The Homecoming Royals. SGA decided on the name change.

According to an email sent on Sept. 26, the Homecoming Royals Elections will occur on Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on CougarLink. Finalists will be notified after the election and must be at the Homecoming Pep Rally and Homecoming Football Game.

Kuntz said she will not participate in the Homecoming Royals but will be present at the events and looking forward to engaging with the student body. She also encourages all students to get involved and to make memories.

“It is a week of tremendous fun where students, faculty, staff, and alumni get together to celebrate Kean University and all it has to offer. It’s something I look forward to every year!” Kuntz stated.

The announcement of the nominees for the Homecoming Royals will take place during the pep rally, which will occur on Oct. 13 at Harwood Arena from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the same day as the Homecoming Activation with the Red Bull Gaming Hub at the Harwood Parking Lot from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Also new to Kean this year is the Kean Cougar Kidzone on Oct. 4, with fun activities provided at the Miron Student Center (MSC) Plaza for ages 5 to 13 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a family-friendly movie at the Little Theatre in the Miron Student Center at 1 p.m.

Student registration will be available soon via CougarLink. Faculty and Staff must not register but must show their Kean University ID when picking up their tickets at the Welcome Tent.

Meanwhile, Kean’s Football, Field Hockey, and Women’s Soccer teams will play during homecoming weekend.

The Kean Football Cougars will be versing The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) at home at the Alumni Stadium on Oct. 14 at 1 p.m.

 On the same day, Kean’s Field Hockey team will be up against Lynchburg at the Union campus at 5 p.m., and Kean’s Women’s Soccer Team will be versing William Paterson at 7:30 p.m. at the Alumni Stadium.

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