‘Cultivating Justice,’ Former NJ Senator Gives Distinguished Lecture at Kean

Former state Senator Raymond Lesniak shared anecdotes and accomplishments from his storied 40-year career in New Jersey politics in a President’s Distinguished Lecture at Kean University on April 12.

Meeting first with a group of students in a classroom, then speaking to a crowd in the theater at Miron Student Center, Lesniak spoke about issues he fought for during his career – from the environment to marriage equality – and offered advice to students and others desiring to follow his lead.

“The way to get involved is to get involved,” he said. “Establish yourself as someone who wants to make a difference.”

The President’s Distinguished Lecture Series brings thought leaders and newsmakers to the Kean campus. Past lecturers have included civil rights leader Martin Luther King III, Pulitzer prize winning presidential historian Jon Meacham and CNN anchor Abby Phillip.

“Throughout his career, Senator Lesniak has been a champion of social justice and a friend to Kean University,” said President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “With his words and actions, he lights a path for every Kean student who seeks to contribute through public service or advocacy.”

Lesniak, who recently released his memoir, Cultivating Justice in the Garden State: My Life in the Colorful World of New Jersey Politics, brought a Jersey flair to the President’s Distinguished Lecture Series. He is a lifelong Elizabeth resident, served in both state Assembly and Senate, and is continuing his advocacy work at Kean, where he established the Lesniak Institute for American Leadership.

Elizabeth Mayor Christian Bollwage served as moderator of the event and Kean Senior Vice President for Planning and Special Counsel to the President Felice Vazquez introduced Lesniak.

“Changemaker – if that word doesn’t apply to our speaker today, I don’t know what does,” Vazquez said.

The former Senator did not pull punches when detailing his own background. He said he dropped out of Rutgers University twice before he ultimately graduated and went on to St. John’s University Law School. He became interested in politics when his mother, a Democratic Committeewoman, brought him to a party meeting in Elizabeth.

He explained that his political career ended when he left the Senate to run for governor, but lost in the Democratic primary to Gov. Phil Murphy. 

“I have no regrets about running,” Lesniak said. “If you try and don’t succeed, you shouldn’t have regrets.”

Along the way, he met people in power such as President Bill Clinton. Lesniak rode on Air Force One with Clinton, played golf with him, and hosted him at his house for fundraisers numerous times. Clinton wrote the foreword to Lesniak’s book.

But Lesniak’s legacy is his advocacy work. He led the fight to abolish the death penalty in New Jersey; pushed for environmental safeguards and animal rights; and supported LGBTQ rights. He co-sponsored the same sex marriage bill, then held the state’s first gay wedding in his home.

Kean’s students said they were impressed.

“Senator Lesniak seems like a good man,” said Ejikeme Obi, a graduate student in public administration. “I see his drive and his motivation to do better, to make sure whatever you’re doing in life, you make it a goal and try to achieve it “

Freshman public administration major Mansi Patel called Lesniak’s speech interesting.“I think it’s important that he’s worked to tackle all the issues,” she said.

Lesniak, who sat down and autographed copies of his book for students who attended his classroom event, most studying public administration, said he was impressed by their questions and pleased to see they were engaged in the issues. 

“I don’t find that always the case,” he said.

As for himself, when asked what he will do next, Lesniak he is “happy with what I’m doing right now” and will continue his work through the Lesniak Institute at Kean.

“I will continue my advocacy for all the issues I worked on as a senator,” he said. “I enjoy the fight, man. And, sometimes you win.”