Impact

Graphic image for 2023 Day of Giving

On May 18-19, the university community will celebrate Kent State University’s 113th birthday with its annual Day of Giving. 

Roe Green, MA ’80, who will be awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters from Kent State University, is pictured in the lobby of the Roe Green Center for the School of Theatre and Dance at Kent State.

The Kent State University Board of Trustees has approved awarding Roe Green, MA ’80, a Doctor of Humane Letters, an honorary degree recognizing her contributions to the university and her advocacy for the arts not only in Northeast Ohio, but also across the nation and around the world.

Gift and Estate Planning
Barbara Andreas, ’68, M.A. ’70, Ph.D. ’80, Sarah Faber, Denny Cooke, ’59, and Samuel Large

Gift and Estate Planning
Raymond DeMattia ’49

Alumna pays it forward in honor of an influential teacher and inspires others to give back.

2022 Giving Tuesday results graphic

This November, members of the Kent State University community joined together to shine their light on philanthropy. During the November campaign, Kent State’s Giving Tuesday raised $3.6 million, marking the sixth year it has brought in more than $1 million to support scholarships and programs across Kent State’s eight-campus system.

Kent State Vice President Valoree Vargo, presents alumnus Earl Miller with the Founders Award, In appreciation for his $2 million commitment to Kent State, with Michael Lehman, director of Kent State's Brain Health Research Institute.

Kent State University alumnus Earl Miller, Ph.D., a leading cognitive neuroscientist, and his wife Marlene Wicherski were recognized at the university’s 10th Annual Neuroscience Symposium, for their $2 million commitment to support research programs and students in Kent State’s Brain Health Research Institute. 

Kent State University students celebrate their graduation at May 2022 Commencement as blue and gold confetti falls on them.

Kent State University launched the public phase of its $350 million Forever Brighter comprehensive fundraising campaign in October 2021, and during the first year of the public campaign, a record-breaking $77.6 million was raised. This philanthropic feat was made possible with the support of 10,687 donors, 3,753 of whom made a gift to Kent State for the first time.

Gina and George Jenkins

George L. Jenkins, a 1963 graduate of Kent State University, and his wife, Gina, of Scottsdale, Arizona, have pledged $1 million to create the Gina and George Jenkins Student-Athlete Scholarship Fund that will support student-athletes in any varsity athletics program or team sponsored by Kent State’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. 

Kent State University President Todd Diacon and Rob Risman

Most people who have spent time on Kent State University’s campus in Kent, Ohio, recognize the name Risman. It is connected to the popular Risman Plaza and Risman Drive, but they may not realize that for the Risman family, educating and supporting students has been a family affair for almost 40 years.