Toms river student among top grads at kean university

Kean University Honors Top Graduates at Convocation Ceremony

UNION, NJ — Kean University recently hosted its Honors Convocation, celebrating the highest achievers of the undergraduate Class of 2024. The event took place at Harwood Arena, where 1,100 students were recognized for their academic excellence across six undergraduate colleges.

During the ceremony, Kean President Lamont O. Repollet praised the students for their accomplishments. “You are the cream of the crop of Kean University,” he remarked, highlighting the graduates’ talent and dedication. Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David Birdsell also commended the graduates for their efforts and sacrifices made along their educational journey.

Waiting outside Harwood before the ceremony began, Olivia Katz of Toms River, a Kean Ocean graduate in mathematical sciences education, held the “summa cum laude” sign and smiled as her mother, Renee, took pictures.

Katz, who is entering Teach for America – and will teach at an U.S. Air Force base in Hawaii – seemed to speak for all the graduates.

“It’s a beautiful day. Everybody feels proud of themselves, and I’m proud of myself,” she said. “I’m happy to be here.”

The honorees, who will officially graduate at the Commencement on May 16 at the Prudential Center in Newark, achieved honors distinctions of summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude. This cohort notably began their studies in Fall 2020 amid the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, adding a significant layer of achievement to their accolades.

Graduates shared personal stories of their academic paths. Michael Fonte, a summa cum laude honoree from Monroe Township, acknowledged the importance of hard work and supportive relationships in reaching his goals. Lechante Browne, who overcame early setbacks in her college career, expressed gratitude for her cum laude achievement and looks forward to furthering her education in speech-language-hearing sciences.

The convocation was a moment of pride and joy for families and friends, who captured the event’s memorable moments as their loved ones crossed the stage.

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