Kean University Celebrates ‘Kean Day at the Beach’

By:  | August 28, 2024 |  |  Monmouth County

By Emma Sylvia

On August 1, more than 300 staff, faculty, students, friends and family packed the beach in Long Branch to celebrate Kean University’s first ever “Kean Day at the Beach.” Dedicated to the wellness of those that make Kean University one of Forbes Magazine’s top ranked workplaces in New Jersey, school President Lamont Repollet said, “The vibe is incredible. We talk about a sense of belonging and community, and nothing says that more than being able to bring your family to your workplace. We have numerous activities throughout the year that support wellness. The work gets done. Why not have a day at the beach?”

The sun high and the breeze light, Kean employees lined up for a day of fun, food, and community. Assistant Vice Principal and University Registrar, Scott Snowden said, “I get to see people around campus I don’t normally see and build those connections. It’s so great to see them and their families.” Additionally, he lauded that Kean “makes extensive strides” to reaffirm that the staff of Kean University isn’t just a workforce, but a team and a family, working for the betterment of not just the educational standard of the school, but the mental health of every person on campus.

Kean University champions a vibrant community, boasting more than 17,000 undergraduates. When asked about Kean's commitment to the wellness of its students and its Day at the Beach, Vice President of University Relations, Karen Smith, elaborated, “It’s a busy place, and we have a lot going on. We’re gearing up for the busiest time of year. It’s a great opportunity to bring out staff and faculty and recharge for the coming year.” A pioneer in NJ in terms of education, business and more, Kean is the first university in the country to partner with EY, the global professional services firm, to create the Vitality Index, a measurement of wellness on campus for faculty, staff and students. Smith praised, “It’s tremendous for Kean to be a leader in this space across the country.”

Not many workplaces are as dedicated to the wellness and motivation of its employees as Kean University. Kellie Ledet, Chief Government Affairs Officer and Special Assistant to the President for Government Affairs and Community Partnerships, said that the decision to spend the day in Long Branch was an easy one. She said, “We work across the university with multiple divisions and (we) talked about, ‘How can we put together a day like this for our staff and faculty?’ And of course, it was Long Branch beach. It’s the place to be.”

With the event a massive success, the university looks forward to making Kean Day at the Beach an annual event, celebrating and encouraging the team that, from a distance, might just be mistaken for a family reunion.