Farewell Celebration for Laing Kennedy, May 23

The Blue and Gold Athletic Fund at Kent State University will celebrate Kent State Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Laing Kennedy’s retirement on Sunday, May 23, in the Kent Student Center Ballroom.

The celebration will include a complimentary reception in the balcony of the ballroom at 5 p.m. A dinner will follow the reception in the lower level of the ballroom at 6:30 p.m. The dinner costs $50 per person, and the Kent State community is welcome to attend both events.

The event honors Kennedy’s outstanding legacy and dedication to Kent State’s athletics in the 16 years he served as director of intercollegiate athletics.

Matt Geis, Kent State’s associate athletic director and director of athletic advancement, said Kennedy’s impact on Kent State athletics stretches beyond intercollegiate athletics into the university and community.

“Laing’s leadership style is inviting to administrators, coaches and student-athletes,” Geis said. “An open-door policy promotes collegiality throughout our department and does not go unnoticed by our student-athletes that Laing is in attendance at most competitions.”

Among his many accomplishments was his ability to hire great coaches, including 10 of 13 head coaches, who served as role models to student-athletes. Kennedy also led Kent State to 87 MAC regular season wins and tournament championships.

To submit a memory or a farewell for Kennedy, e-mail information to alongst1@kent.edu.

Contact Alicia Gaffney, the university’s athletics assistant director advancement, at 330-672-8399 or by e-mail at alongst1@kent.edu to RSVP.

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Photo Caption:
Laing Kennedy (left) with Kent State University President Lester A. Lefton

Media Contacts:
Alicia Gaffney, alongst1@kent.edu, 330-672-8399
Alan Ashby, aashby2@kent.edu, 330-672-8419