To commemorate the day, share your Cougar pride by making a gift in support of Kean students and joining us for our 5K.

Register for the 5K   

2 Day Schedule

Kean University Founders 5K

Click Here to Register
Campus Course, Vaughn-Eames

Check in: 7:30 a.m.

Race Start: 9:00 a.m.

Sunday, April 12, 2026 

Founders Day Giving Day and On-Campus Celebration for Students, Faculty, Staff and Administration

Click Here to Donate

 

Monday, April 13, 2026
 
 

On April 14, 1855 the Newark Normal School, now Kean University held its first day of classes. We celebrate this day as Founders Day and host our annual day of giving and Founders 5K in celebration of this momentous occasion.

This year, our annual day of giving falls on April 13th. This day is the University's annual day of gratitude and a special time to show our pride, honor our mission, and raise crucial funds to support Kean University.

How can you participate? Join the 5K on April 12th, or make a gift anytime between now and midnight on April 14th to count towards Founders Day.

Giving matters! From strengthening programs, supporting scholarships and ensuring current and future Cougars have a world-class education, each gift, in any amount, is vital to enhancing Kean's world-class education.

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