Union County Review

The solar eclipse that dazzled crowds across the country on Monday, April 8 became an impromptu event at Kean, drawing students and employees outside to don protective glasses and look up at the sky.

Ava Camargo, an English writing senior from Union, called watching the eclipse a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity.

“I watched the sun almost completely disappear and then reappear a few seconds later, and I was grateful to see that moment,” Carmago said. “It’s a great experience to see an eclipse that has a pathway from coast to coast. It’s something that everyone will remember.”

President Lamont O. Repollet expressed his delight at seeing the university community come together to witness the celestial event.

“It’s great to see our University enjoying a natural, astronomical event that captures the imagination and draws the community together,” he said. “Today, Kean Cougars climbed higher and looked skyward.”

Anaya Milian-Cruz, an environmental science junior from Roselle, highlighted the importance of the eclipse for her field of study.

“I'm out here today because I'm an environmental science major. This is really important for me—I love all things having to do with the environment,” Cruz said.

Sadeishy Garcia Ventura, a junior criminal justice major from Jersey City, shared her excitement about experiencing her first solar eclipse with friends.

“The fact that I could see the eclipse with my friends was my favorite part of it. Being able to explore it, see it for the first time, and learn about it was a lot of fun,” she said.

Jarenin Plasencia of Perth Amboy, a junior biology education major, captured the moment with her friends outside Miron Student Center.

“I got the glasses from him,” referring to her boyfriend, who joined her. “We’re probably going to be here for about 15 minutes, until the sun gets covered.”

David Birdsell, Ph.D., Kean's Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, reflected on the eclipse as a humbling experience that united people in awe of the universe.

“The eclipse was a spectacular reminder that we are all part of a much, much larger universe,” Birdsell said. “At Kean and across the country, it was wonderful to see people coming together to share their sense of wonder at the solar system's majesty.”