Keanu The Cougar’s New Look And The Questions Surrounding It

By Colin Ward | Published December 7, 2023

When it comes to representing a specific group, mascots are very important. Professional sports teams have mascots. Colleges and universities have mascots. Even car insurance companies have mascots. Mascots represent what these organizations stand for and believe in and are a reminder of who they are. Kean University is no exception to this.

The Kean Cougar has become a beloved symbol of the university. Kean’s original mascot name was the Squires, butit was changed to the Cougars in 1985. Fornearly 40 years, this fluffy and furry cougar would appear at sporting events and major gatherings throughout campus. The Cougar, just recently named Keanu (Kean U), has become loved by students and faculty alike. 

Jordan Belle, a football player and student at Kean University, is quite fond of Keanu the Cougar.

“As an athlete, Keanu represents the 12th man,” Belle said. “Not only is he like this for my sport, but for all sports at Kean.”

Along with Keanu’s new name comes a new look. In previous years, Keanu came off almost as cute and cuddly. He looked too approachable and unthreatening. But this semester, Keanu received a complete facelift.

“He is stronger, bigger, and faster,” Belle said, regardingKeanu’s new look.“ [Keanu] embodies all the things we represent at Kean.” 

Kean University has become the first urban research university in New Jersey. This is an honor that the university is extremely proud of. They now feel strongerthan they ever have. With this, their mascot should represent their accomplishments. 

Keanu is more confident now. His eyes symbolize focus and determination. His muscles show how powerfulhe has become. Keanu is now seen as a force to be reckoned with. He is certainly a cougar you would not want to challenge. He now looks like he can conquer anything with the utmost determination, just like Kean University.

But all of this recent attention that Keanu has been receiving is raising some questions around campus. Who is Keanu? Unfortunately, no one knows. The identity of the mascot is hidden. 

“It is a tradition at colleges and universities to keep the identities of their mascots secret,” Margaret McCorry, VP for University Relations, said. “Keanu the Cougar has a unique, personal character that is expressed through movement, action, and openness to all people. Sharing Keanu’s identity would take away from the character’s persona.”

Simply put, Keanu is Keanu. He isn’t a person in a costume. He represents KeanUniversity as a whole. Keanu is a constant reminder of everything that our university has accomplished and what will be accomplished in the future. Although it is very hard not to wonder who is in the costume, it is a respectable tradition.

Keanu the Cougar has been showing off his new look all over the Union campusat large gatherings and sporting events. The new Keanu has yet to make an appearance at the Kean Ocean campus, though.

“Kean Ocean will be getting a new Keanu in the coming weeks,” McCorry said, a reassuringmessage to all Kean Ocean students.

It is important to understand the symbolism of Keanu. The mascot represents Kean University in a very powerful way. Now, seeing that representation with his new look is much easier.

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