Keene honors Keene State College athletes and Dr. Amit at council meeting

Keene — The Keene City Council paused its regular agenda to celebrate Keene State College athletics and faculty achievements.

Mayor Jay Khan invited members of the Keene State men's basketball team and coach to the microphone to recognize a season that exceeded expectations: the team finished 20–11, reached the Little East Championship game and won the Eastern College Athletic Conference title. The mayor noted that the team’s late‑season run included five playoff wins at Keene State and singled out sophomore center Dennis Wana for league defensive player of the year honors; the transcript records that Wana finished the season with 109 blocked shots, a single‑season program mark.

The council also honored Jordan Cooper (named to the All‑Little East first team and all‑region honors), Mitch Shuttles, Ryan Blakeley and senior Leo Chaken for scoring and leadership milestones. Coach and college representatives emphasized athletes’ academic success and community service: the athletic department reported multiple champions and noted that student athletes contributed an estimated 2,700 hours of community service this year.

In addition, the mayor presented Dr. Leo Amit, an associate professor at Keene State College, with recognition after the New Hampshire Union Leader named him to its 40 Under 40 list. Dr. Amit described arriving to the college during the pandemic, expressed gratitude for the college and community, and said he aims to continue mentoring students and contributing to research in occupational safety and ergonomics.

The recognitions were celebratory and informational; there was no council action required beyond the formal acknowledgment. The council then returned to its regular agenda.