By: Kevin Modeszto I Published: April 24, 2025
A student leaves the food court in the Miron Student Center with a tuna fish sandwich from Jersey Mikes. As far as he knows, that is one of the only things on campus he could get because he maintains a Kosher diet. That is, however, until he came to CULTUREFEST.
The student walked in and heard Hillel President Matisse Redicker, explaining that the organization always has Kosher options for Kean students to eat. Hillel is the only Jewish organization on Kean’s campus.
“I’ve met so many people, and obviously from the reaction we just had, people don’t know that we are here,” Redicker, a junior at Kean majoring in special early childhood education, said.
CULTUREFEST is an annual tradition at Kean University. This year, it was held on Tuesday, April 8, as a collaboration between the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Graduate Student Government (GSG).
“Ultimately, one of the goals of CULTUREFEST is to unite people from all different types of backgrounds. This is a big kickoff event during our annual UnityWeek and just have a good time,” said SGA President and senior Makenzie Kuntz.
Hillel was one of 12 student groups with tables at CULTUREFEST. The organizations had a variety of different cultural backgrounds. Also at CULTUREFEST were a DJ, a photobooth, five food stations, and a free t-shirt station.
When students received stamps in their passport from five tables, they were allowed to go to the SGA office to receive a free Unity Week t-shirt.
Every organization that attends CULTUREFEST comes with the goal of educating Kean’s students about their club and their culture.
“We want people to know what we do and who we are,” said NJ Salsa member, senior Braulio Lora.
“We’re here to answer any questions regarding our club or our religion or any misconceptions they may have, just engaging with the people,” Muslim Student Association Vice President Habeeba Kattaria said.
CULTUREFEST is popular amongst Kean’s students and organizations.
“I don’t have exact figures right now on how many people are attending, but it has always been a successful event. Students really enjoy being able to network with other students, the free food and shirts are a plus as well,” said Kuntz.
“I feel like a lot of different universities don’t emphasize every culture in their school, so having Kean host one of these really shows [our different culture clubs]. I’m glad we’re showcasing [them],” said Filipinos Uniting Nations at Kean (FUNK)’s president, Kean junior Alexis Orallo.
“I think it’s a really great idea because it lets everyone from a whole bunch of different communities come together and learn about each other,” Redicker said.
CULTUREFEST was restarted by Kuntz two years ago, and the demand is there for it to continue for years to come.
“We gotta keep doing this,” Redicker said.
“This is the first time I attended, and I’m enjoying it. I think we will always come here,” Kattaria said.
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