THOMAS H. KEAN – 48TH GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

ABOUT THE KEAN LEGACY EVENT

No one in our state’s modern history has contributed more to elevate our state’s stature than our 48th Governor, the Honorable Thomas H. Kean. Born in 1935, Thomas H. Kean’s journey from a dedicated educator to a transformative political leader is a testament to his unwavering commitment to bipartisan problem solving for more than five decades. His enduring impact on our national and state’s policies guiding environmental protection, educational integrity, and economic growth is unmatched. Tom Kean serves as a beacon of inspiration for everyone in public service, particularly in this era so wanting of greater civil and constructive political collaboration.

Through this award, New Jersey will constantly be reminded that there are honorable leaders among us, and by recognizing those qualities with this award, we will motivate others to follow in Governor Kean’s footsteps.

At a location befitting his soaring achievements, we will gather at the amazing Hudson House, perched at the water’s edge in Jersey City with unsurpassed panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Verrazano Bridges, and of course the NYC Skyline. We will have special tributes from notable luminaries who have known Tom his entire life to acknowledge his long-lasting contributions in education, environment and economic prosperity of New Jersey. National leaders will also recognize that, among other successes under Kean’s leadership, the “911 Commission” navigated significant bureaucratic resistance to produce a comprehensive report that reshaped US counter-terrorism policies. This remarkable evening will also inspire our younger, next generation of political leaders who will be our guests so they can carry on Governor Kean’s steadfast allegiance to creating collaborative, meaningful public policy.

THE GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL AT DREW UNIVERSITY

As a former teacher, education policy was of special importance to Governor Kean. The Kean Administration established a series of Governor’s Schools created through funds raised from private donations and foundation grants. One of these programs, the Governor’s School in the Sciences at Drew University, will receive part of your Sponsorship funds raised at this event, acknowledging Governor Kean’s contributions as President of Drew University (1990-2005). The program provides an enriched educational opportunity for gifted and talented high school students to benefit them as individuals as well as the State economically by preparing students to enter high-demand fields including environmental sciences.

THE KEAN LEGACY VIDEO

The premier showing of this unique short film will capture the breath and enduring impact of Tom Kean both during and after his two terms as Governor of New Jersey. It will feature the broad scope of his devotion to philanthropic organizations, including Chairing the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of NY, and continues today with JerseyCAN and as Vice Chairman of the Environmental Defense Fund.