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KEANmag
editor’s note
This year we are all witnessing a historic Presidential Election in the United
States and, regardless of whom you support, women command a great
deal of the discussion and attention this election cycle. This edition of
Kean Magazine also has its share of girl power, including the stories of two
incredible women whose contributions to Kean will benefit generations of
students to come.
First, our cover story features the generosity, intelligence and spirit of Mrs.
Diane Goldblatt Miron, Class of 1961. Diane is the consummate Kean story—
an accomplished educator with roots in nearby Elizabeth, New Jersey who
felt most at home in the classroom helping students. She taught in school
districts throughout the country, relocating with her husband Bob as he
built his successful career in communications. Diane and Bob eventually
settled in Syracuse, New York where their philanthropy and community
support are legendary.
Though hundreds of miles away from Kean, Diane’s love of education and
her connection to her alma mater were always in her heart. For years she
supported the Kean Foundation, although her travels never brought her
back to campus. Finally, President Farahi coaxed her into a visit, and Diane
was so amazed by what she saw that she was inspired to make a donation
to help transform the campus student center. A commuter student in the
1960s, Diane wanted to make sure Kean students have a place to relax, catch
up and feel part of the campus community. Today, the Miron Center does all
that and more.
We also pay respects to the beautiful and compassionate Maxine Lane, Class
of 1978, who passed away earlier this year after a brief illness. Maxine graced
the cover of Kean Magazine a few years ago, shortly after she and her late
husband Jack celebrated the naming of the Jack and Maxine Lane Center for
Academic Success on Kean’s Union campus. The Lanes are the most generous
benefactors in Kean’s history.
Maxine was an indomitable spirit. She loved Kean and the hundreds
of students she supported through scholarships and other donations.
She received an honorary doctorate from Kean in 2014 and her moving
acceptance speech will be remembered for years to come for its joy and its
sincerity. Even in death, Maxine remembered her beloved Kean students. Her
generosity to Kean only increased with her passing. It was an honor and a
pleasure to spend time with Maxine; she will be missed.
These are just two stories in a magazine that celebrates where Kean is today
and where it’s headed tomorrow.
Enjoy the read!
Audrey M. Kelly
Editor in Chief
KEAN UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT
Dawood Farahi, Ph.D.
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Audrey M. Kelly
MANAGING EDITOR
Katherine Roba
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Joey Moran ‘01
ART & DESIGN
Kyla Paolucci
WR ITERS & CONTR IBUTORS
Elizabeth Scott
Matt Caruso ‘99
Margaret McCorry
Kimberly DeRitter
Danielle Ford
Milagros “Millie” Conzalez ‘02 ‘07
Justine Henderson ’12
Emily Renkert
John Marchese
Heather Kelley
Steve Cochran
John Wooten
Stella Maher
Jennifer Brooks
Jessica Perez ’10 ‘12 MA
Seunghyun Shon ’10 MA
Brian Treanor ’97 MPA
James Gurland
Leanne Templeton
PHOTOGRAPHY
Patti Banks
Jerry Casciano
Ricardo Fonseca
Ben Gancsos
Joey Moran ‘01
Kean Magazine is produced by University
Relations and is distributed to Kean alumni
and community members.
To contact Kean Magazine, send an email to:
or write to:
Editor, Kean Magazine
Office of University Relations
Kean University
1000 Morris Avenue
Union, NJ 07083
KEAN MAGAZINE
FALL 2016
volume 13, issue 1
