Gerald Tinker, Sherman Oaks, CA, was recently honored by having The City of Miami officially name a street after the Kent State legend and Varsity K Hall of Famer, co-designating a portion of Charles Terrace in Coconut Grove as Gerald Tinker Way. The honor recognizes the Olympic gold medalist, former NFL wide receiver and Golden Flash for his extraordinary athletic achievements and lasting impact on his hometown community. At Kent State, Gerald was a two-sport standout, excelling in football and track and field.

After a happy 40-year career as a librarian, Stella Herzig, '85, of Davenport, IA, will be retiring in January 2026 from St. Ambrose University, where she was a reference and instruction librarian. She recently gained a new officemate who is a recent MLIS grad from Kent State, and Stella is thrilled come full circle as she spends her last semester with a fellow Kent Stater! Stella credits Kent State University for giving her a great beginning in her career, especially former Library School dean, A.

Dee Flower, Nashville, TN, is a Kent State graduate with a Bachelor of Science in education. Her career as a park ranger sparked her love of adventure. She began traveling around the world trekking in the Himalayas to celebrate the Millennium. A safari to Kenya and a one-year stay initiated her love affair with Africa. In ""Where the Wind Wills,"" Dee ventures into the wild unknown – through remote villages, bustling cities and unforgiving landscapes. One of her most unpredictable experiences was flirting with death on Ethiopia’s Omo River.

Michelle Park Lazette, '05, Lakewood, OH, published "The Descended", her debut apocalyptic fantasy, in September 2025. "The Descended" takes place in Ohio and appeals to those who enjoy imagining how they would survive "The Walking Dead" and "I Am Legend," as well as fans of Penn Cole’s "Spark of the Everflame." Rated 4.5 stars on Amazon, it's available in eBook, paperback and audiobook. Find it at flyingsnakepress.com or Amazon/Audible, then tell this Golden Flash what you thought!

Taylor Corpening, '17, Wilmington, NC, is a creative director, writer and designer. As the founder of The Tayllure Company, she explores “The Art of Living Beautifully” through artistry, community and self-expression. With a background in fashion merchandising and journalism, her work lives at the intersection of fashion, storytelling and culture. Her first venture, Auriette Activewear, redefines luxury performance wear through handmade craftsmanship and timeless, romantic design.

Cecilia Donohue, MA '89, Ph.D. '96, Crossville, TN, contributed articles to two anthologies of literary critical essays published in 2025. "Inspiring Travels with Charley: John Steinbeck and the Millennial Multitiered Quest" appeared in "Steinbeck's Uneasy America: Rereading Travels with Charley" published by the University of Alabama Press.