Student Spotlight: Ryan Marino
December 2024
“I couldn’t be happier with my decision. Kean is home to such a tight-knit and welcoming faculty, campus and community.”
Ryan Marino, a junior Music Education major who resides in Roselle Park, has found a welcoming community that inspires his academic and musical journey at Kean.
Inspired by family ties -- his mother, brother and uncle are all proud Kean alumni -- and encouraged by a high school friend in the music program, Ryan joined Kean for its strong sense of community and warm environment.
“I couldn’t be happier with my decision,” Ryan said. “Kean is home to such a tight-knit and welcoming faculty, campus and community.”
In his two years at Kean, Ryan has built lasting friendships, both old and new, forming a supportive network he describes as a “family of friends.” Ryan’s peers and professors have created a space where he feels valued and included.
“My professors are not just mentors but friends I can rely on,” he said. “They see the best in me, even when I’m struggling.”
A key part of Ryan’s journey has been his involvement with the Saxsations, a saxophone quartet he plays in with friends. Playing a mix of jazz, pop and rock, the Saxsations have performed at local events and on-campus functions, including Kean’s Jazz and Roots Music Festival.
Ryan and the group were also invited to play at President Dr. Lamont O. Repollet’s residence for a faculty event, a proud moment that allowed him to represent the growing music department he loves. “Being part of this community has become such a big part of who I am,” he said.
Ryan credits his saxophone instructor, Kenneth Ellison, for helping him grow as a musician. A selftaught saxophonist before college, Ryan notes that Professor Ellison’s personalized guidance has been transformative. “Our weekly lessons allow him to push me in ways that I need, and I’ve progressed faster than I ever thought possible,” he said.
Ryan is also a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, the national honors band fraternity. Last year, he and his fraternity brothers hosted a concert with Community Access Unlimited, a nonprofit that supports people with disabilities.
“Helping others showcase their talent is an amazing feeling,” he said.
Reflecting on his time at Kean, Ryan feels assured he made the right choice. He values Kean’s vibrant campus life and friendly atmosphere, from events at the Miron Student Center to gatherings at Wilkins Theatre. “Every day, I’m satisfied knowing I made the right choice coming to Kean,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier with my decision. Kean is home to such a tight-knit and welcoming faculty, campus and community.”
