Kean University Celebrates Graduates at 2025 Commencement Ceremony

Kean University held its first unified Commencement ceremony for graduate and undergraduate students on Tuesday, May 13, awarding degrees to thousands of Class of 2025 graduates in a joyful event at the Prudential Center in Newark.  

Nearly 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students earned degrees from Kean this year. 

Laurie Hernandez, a New Jersey native and twice-decorated member of the 2016 U.S. Olympic women’s gymnastics team, served as Commencement speaker and urged the students to “say yes to new opportunities, explore without reservation and keep that spark of curiosity alive.”  

With the Prudential Center awash in Kean’s signature blue, graduates, family members and other guests reveled in the celebration.  

Hailey Belmont of Old Bridge, who earned a degree in English education, wore a decorated cap and a stole autographed by the high school students she taught as a student teacher. “I wanted to carry all their names,” she said. “I feel great.”  

The University presented an honorary Doctorate of Laws degree to New Jersey Senate President Nicholas Scutari ’89, a Kean alumnus. 

Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., addressed the crowd, following a welcome by Kean University Board of Trustees Chair Steve Fastook ’06H. Repollet called the Class of 2025 a “unified family” celebrating a shared journey “of resilience, of community and of climbing higher, together.” 

“Your degrees are more than credentials. They are instruments of change,” he told the graduates. “The arc of history is long, but it leans toward justice. Not by accident or inertia, but because people like you guide it forward. Graduates, that calling now belongs to you.” 

Repollet also added a personal touch to this year's celebration, noting that his daughter, Lauryn, graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in architectural studies. 

“To every parent, partner, child, friend and champion out there – this is your victory, too,” he said. 

Hernandez, now studying at New York University, shared stories of success and setbacks from her gymnastics career and emphasized the importance of remembering the little moments.  

“You might remember how much you hated Intro to Sociology and how annoying those discussion posts were. You might remember what you got on the exam, or didn’t get,” Hernandez said. “But you will remember the times where you laughed with your friends. In the midst of your success, you will remember the laughter. And that will be your favorite part.” 

Class Valedictorian Sophia Sacewicz of Toms River, a Kean Ocean student who earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication, urged her classmates to pursue their passions and not worry about fitting “the mold.” 

“No matter what your journey has been, or what may lie ahead, I urge you all to make this defining moment the first step in pursuing your passions,” she said. “Class of 2025, don’t be afraid to step outside of the mold and never stop following your dreams.” 

Student Government President Makenzie Kuntz of Linden, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in speech and hearing, and Graduate Student with Distinction Jeffrey Brooks of Rahway, who earned a Master of Public Administration, offered additional student reflections. 

The highlight of the ceremony was the conferral of degrees. Each graduate was called by name and crossed the stage one-by-one to shake hands with their respective deans. 

“I feel very accomplished and filled with so much gratitude to be a part of something so special,” said Bianca Nuñez of Millburn. She plans to use her Master of Communication Studies “to help those with healthcare disparities.” 

Greg Seeger carried a huge bouquet – with flowers and a stuffed teddy bear – to give to his daughter, Sian Seeger ’23, who earned her master’s degree in global business.  

“I’m excited,” he said, beaming. “It’s been a long journey for her.” 

Leonardo DeSouza of Springfield, who earned his degree in criminal justice, said his next step will be applying to law school. 

“It feels like this chapter is done and a new one is starting,” said DeSouza, who was accompanied by his girlfriend, Kean sophomore Valeria Zambrano, and his parents, Lara and Fabio DeSouza. 

DeSouza’s mother summed up the spirit of the day.  

“It’s so emotional,” she said. “I’m very proud.” 

Kean University also celebrated its first Doctoral Hooding Ceremony on Thursday, May 8.