Inspiring Stories
I Give Back Because Others Have Given Forward to Me
Jan. 6, 2020
Tom Serwatka started his master's program at Kent State during the summer of 1970, a time of great social change. As a result, he says he enjoyed many life-affirming experiences during his time at the university while working toward both his master's and Ph.D. degrees in…
Read More »Why I Made a Bequest to Kent State
Jan. 6, 2020
Charles Harker's decision to create a scholarship to aid future students was easy. He found that he could create a scholarship with its intent now, and fund it through his will.
Read More »Bill and Margaret Clark - Creating an Educational Legacy
Jan. 6, 2020
The Clarks spent many years supporting various programs and renovations at Kent State Geauga, including updates to the library, the main entrance and parking lot, and the complete renovation of the commons area, which was named the William T. and Margaret R. Clark Commons…
Read More »Martin and Susan Goetz
Jan. 6, 2020
It was love at first sight for Marty Goetz. The 18-year-old Long Island native and recent high school graduate was simply visiting a friend who attended Kent State when the campus worked its magic on him. To help honor Hoobler, Andra Polasky, director of planned giving,…
Read More »David and Patricia Grutzmacher Keep the Giving Circle Growing
Jan. 6, 2020
If you've ever been a "band nerd," you have a lot in common with David and Pat Grutzmacher. When the two met in college, they shared a love of music (he played trumpet and she the oboe) and went on to share their lives as well. Today, David is a vice president at a small…
Read More »Ed and Peg Hall - All Roads Lead to a Giving Legacy
Jan. 6, 2020
Inspired by late faculty colleagues Jim Rinier (geology) and Art Herrick (biology) who designated Kent State in their estate plans, Ed and his wife, Peg, have funded a gift annuity, which at maturity will benefit the Map Library in the Kent State University Libraries.
Read More »Why I'm Leaving a Legacy: Randall Keller, '08
Jan. 6, 2020
What's your motivation to give back? Randall Keller, '08, feels Kent State is a vital part of Northeast Ohio, and has chosen to boost its regional impact through his estate plan. Randall's gift will support students of Kent State University's College of Business, and also the…
Read More »Why I'm Leaving a Legacy: Patricia Grutzmacher, '85
Jan. 6, 2020
Patricia Grutzmacher, '85, professor emerita of music education, remembers that as a student it was important for her to have time to study, reflect, philosophize and actually learn. Now, it's important to Patricia to give back to help future students have those same…
Read More »Why I'm Leaving A Legacy: Marilyn Seifert Flower, B.S. '61, M.E '86
Jan. 6, 2020
Marilyn Flower and her late husband, Don, were passionate supporters of the men's basketball and wrestling programs at Kent State, and Marilyn loves Porthouse Theater as well.
Read More »Why We're Leaving a Legacy: Andy, '73 and Micheal, '72 Sonderman
Jan. 6, 2020
Andy and Micheal Sonderman have fond memories of their time as students at both the Trumbull and Kent campuses. That's why they decided to make a planned gift that will benefit both.
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