The Kent State University alumni family will grow by more than 1,200 new graduates as the university holds its summer commencement ceremonies. The accomplishments of the Summer Class of 2022 will be recognized with in-person, outdoor commencement ceremonies and a virtual commencement ceremony on Aug. 20.

Dhruba Panthi, Ph.D., assistant professor of Engineering Technology at Kent State University at Tuscarawas, is this year’s winner of the Farris Family Innovation Award. His research focuses on hydrogen fuel because its only byproduct is water, which is harmless to the environment, unlike other fuels that result in carbon dioxide emissions that pose a great environmental threat.

Kent State University is excited to be a part of the Ohio College Comeback Compact, an innovative program to help students who left college with debt but without a degree to continue their education. Kent State is collaborating with seven public colleges and universities in Northeast Ohio to reach out to these students and provide a path back to higher education while reducing or eliminating their debt.

Alvacir Wesley Kalatai Alberti of Imbituva, Brazil, is the first student to graduate from the American Academy, a dual-enrollment program offered jointly at Kent State and the Pontifical Catholic University of Parana, located in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil.

Turmoil from recent wars and tragedies causes millions to be displaced from their homes every year. This year is no exception with the intensifying conflict in Ukraine, forcing millions of refugees to find safety elsewhere. Not only do these refugees need shelter, but they also need education and the opportunity to have new life experiences in different countries. 

On Monday, June 27, the Kent State University College of Aeronautics and Engineering community welcomed Team 52, the Flying Flashes, back from the 45th Annual Air Race Classic. The Flying Flashes, Laura Wilson of New Richmond, Ohio, and Alex Johnson of Canton, Michigan, returned to the FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center at the Kent State University Airport with three first-place prizes.