February 2023

The following was published in “Show Your Love for Kean” and demonstrates Pat’s commitment to Service, Brotherhood and Trust.

Patrick Ippolito ’62 ’65

EBT Class Delta

Associate Professor and Faculty Athletics Representative

“I have been associated with Kean University for 65 years. 

Despite the many changes, the great mission has remained the same.”

Pat Ippolito was a student when he first stepped foot on campus in 1958. He had been undecided about attending college and, at that time, was also considering joining the air force. However, thanks to words of encouragement from his brother, Pat took a chance and enrolled at Kean, which was then Newark State College.

Pat decided to major in elementary education for his undergraduate degree, largely because his high school guidance counselor said he would make a great teacher. He continued his education at Kean and earned a master’s degree in behavioral science while working as a teacher in Parsippany. Pat later left his position in Parsippany after being offered an administrative role at Kean. That fall, he began his tenure at Kean as an assistant professor. Pat eventually moved into the role of special assistant in the office of then-President Nathan Weiss. He then served Kean as Dean of Students in 1975 before being named Vice President of Student Affairs in 1982, a title he held through 2002.

Pat knows that, despite its many changes, the Kean of today stands for the same ideals it did in 1958. “The people at Kean who work with students are all very caring and always have been,” he said. “It’s what attracted me to Kean in the first place, the way I was treated by faculty and administrators, people I came to know very well, who wanted to help me achieve my goals. The administration makes a difference and invests in our students. Everyone wants to see our students succeed and graduate.”

As the longest-tenured faculty member at Kean, Pat appreciates receiving communications from former students – whether they are updating him on their life or affirming and thanking him for being their teacher. One of his proudest moments at the University was carrying the ceremonial mace at commencement.

When asked to state the first three words that come to mind when thinking about Kean, Pat responded, “opportunity, excellence and diversity.” Pride is another word that followed shortly thereafter. Pat stated, “Kean University affords our students the opportunity to succeed and an abundance of support to be able to do so. You don’t have to go out of state for a good education, you can find it right here.”

To show your love for Kean University during the month of February, make a gift by visiting www.keanfoundation.org/showurlovekean and stay tuned for more Kean University love stories throughout the month!