Honors Day, April 15, 2025, at Rosse Hall. (Photo by Graham Stokes)
Jaden “JStew” Stewart ’25 has made his mark on campus as a student athlete and leader. He is a dual-sport athlete in football and track and field, an English major, the president of Men of Color, and a co-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer for the Kenyon Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. And Stewart’s supportive and cheerful nickname-turned-public personality, “JStew,” has brought life to campus through his interactions with students and appearances on Kenyon’s social media.
On April 15, Stewart was awarded the prestigious E. Malcolm Anderson Cup for his impact on Kenyon’s campus culture and his dedication to the College.
Besides Gambier, where is your favorite place in the world to be?
Back at home in Chicago. Being with family. That’s where the “JStew” personality all started.
Why did you come to Kenyon?
They chose me, actually. I was recruited for football, but looking back on it, I think my purpose here is bigger than football. I came in for football, but I’ve developed so many connections.
Fill in the blank: My experience at Kenyon would not be the same without ______.
The people. The people are what make Kenyon Kenyon. Obviously, seniors leave after their final year, but throughout the Kenyon experience, you’re learning, growing, and planting seeds for the next leaders on campus.
What is your favorite Kenyon tradition?
Ooh. Honors Day? (Laughs) Peircegiving? I like seeing everyone interact, talk and enjoy good food. I also have to mention the New Student Sing. That is your first time interacting with everybody in one setting. It’s a solid tradition.
What Kenyon class would you love to take — again or for the first time?
I have to say “Digital Imaging.” I took it the fall of my junior year. I was at the peak of being “JStew” but I was still trying to find myself. I created this video for my mother that she didn’t know about until I posted it, and she loved it. Just the moments of editing and late-night grinding are what made that class fun to be in.
If there was a soundtrack to your Kenyon experience, what song would be on repeat?
I’m gonna go with “Timeless” by The Weeknd. I was just listening to it this morning.
Where do you find satisfaction outside of your work?
I work out, hang out with my friends, and be in the moment. I call my family when I can to listen to their voices and catch up with them about life.
What is something interesting that you have read recently?
I’ve read a lot of books lately, but I’m currently reading “A Passage North” by Anuk Arudpragasam. It’s about finding identity and life after war in Sri Lanka.
What new skill would you like to learn?
There is always room for growth and room for learning. I want to learn to be mindful and reflective in my endeavors and successes, and more present in the moment for myself and others around me. I’m always planning my next move or step towards success, so moving forward, growing and graduating from college, I want to be mindful of my future goals by reflecting on how far I’ve progressed over the years. I’m still learning.
What is the best piece of advice that you've ever been given?
Stay disciplined. It is easy to get sidetracked, to overcommit yourself. Once you find what you really want to do in life, what you really have a passion for, that is going to ground you. I keep God first and trust that everything is going to work out the way it is supposed to.
The Kenyon Ten is an occasional question-and-answer feature that highlights students, faculty and staff.