When you think of college events, you might envision traditional fare like lectures, seminars, or even a campus fair. But Kean University shattered that mold by delivering a fall event that was as entertaining as it was innovative. How did they pull it off? By partnering with us at Interactive Entertainment Group to bring next-level entertainment to their campus.
Forget Sociology 101; the real social experiment took place on the rubberized floor of Kean’s athletic facilities, courtesy of Portable Bumper Cars. These aren’t just pint-sized cars for bumper-to-bumper fun; they’re a genius way to break the social ice without needing to dig for conversation starters like, “What’s your major?”
Students hopped into these vehicles of camaraderie, bouncing off one another in the most literal sense. It turns out you can learn a lot about your classmates when the conversation starter is a gentle collision.
Who said you need a passport and a semester off to experience new worlds? Kean University brought the world—or, multiple worlds—to their athletic facilities with the immersive VR 360. Students could dive deep into the Mariana Trench or explore Mars, all while keeping their campus parking spot.
Offered alongside free weights and treadmills, VR 360 provided another form of escapism, one that doesn’t involve staring at textbook pages or lecture slides. A chance for students to unplug from stress, without actually unplugging.
There’s a new sport in the Kean athletic facilities, and it doesn’t require dribbling or a game plan. Enter Double Pop-A-Shot, the basketball arcade game that turns friends into friendly rivals in a battle for bragging rights—or at least a year’s worth of cafeteria lunch swaps.
Double Pop-A-Shot offered the students an outlet for their pent-up midterm stress. With each basketball shot, you could practically see stress evaporate, replaced by pure, unfiltered competition.
Wrapping it Up
By transforming its athletic facilities into a playground of innovation and imagination, Kean University gave its students more than just a break from the usual. From navigating social circles in Portable Bumper Cars, to globetrotting in a VR headset, to shooting hoops without breaking a collegiate-level sweat, the event was a master class in student engagement. And let’s be honest, it set the bar pretty high for what a college event can—and should—be.
Kean University is not your run-of-the-mill educational institution. Nestled in Union, New Jersey, this dynamic university has long been dedicated to not only scholarly excellence but also remarkable student experiences. Committed to innovation, Kean offers a vast array of academic programs and extracurricular activities, serving as a springboard for future leaders, thinkers, and doers. Beyond the classroom, the university sets itself apart by hosting exceptionally engaging events, such as their recent fall gathering which took the concept of student engagement to entirely new dimensions. With a penchant for breaking the mold, Kean University provides its students with an environment where academic growth is seamlessly blended with memorable life experiences.
