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President Todd Diacon, dressed in graduation regalia
Message from the President

Message from the President

An Undeniable Strength

 

As we look toward the future, we celebrate the success of Kent State University’s Forever Brighter comprehensive fundraising campaign thus far. We are consistently recognized nationally for our success in ensuring access and fostering completion, and our graduation rate is the highest in northern Ohio and the fourth highest in the state. We are committed to doing everything we can to help all students we enroll graduate and succeed in their first jobs after college or in their graduate programs. This successful campaign is already making a notable difference for our university and our students.

 

Dear Golden Flash Alumni, Supporters and Friends,

I am pleased to provide this update about the success of our Forever Brighter comprehensive fundraising campaign that began the public phase in October 2021.

Thanks to the generosity of our Kent State community, more than $$$$ has been raised to date in support of our three campaign priorities - Prioritizing Student Success, Expanding University Initiatives and Building the Future. Our initial $100 million goal for Prioritizing Student Success was reached and exceeded in 2022, and we anticipate raising an additional $$$ for this important priority that provides scholarship support for access, achievement, experiences and completion for our remarkable and hardworking students.

Buildings are being built. Scholarships are being awarded. And… Kent State is being noticed! Our rankings are increasing, while our graduation rates are soaring and more people are uncovering the hidden jewel of Kent State.

There is a lot to accomplish and yet, much to celebrate already. We are firmly grounded in our commitment to putting Students First, and with your support - nothing is impossible. I look forward to sharing the campaign's highlights and successes with you along the way as we light this path together.

Go Flashes!

Todd Diacon, Ph.D.
President

—November, 2023

 

 

Dear Golden Flash Alumni, Supporters and Friends,

When I began my presidency at Kent State University, I already knew this community was special - different from others - and with so much potential to be even more notable. Our increasing graduation rates, strength in athletics, growing caliber of research, the best places to work awards and the common description of “feeling like home” have all set the stage for our collective vision of Kent State’s future.

Never before in the history of our university have the needs of our students been greater and this makes the importance of philanthropic support more urgent than it has ever been. We have truly embodied the spirit of “Flashes Taking Care of Flashes” during the pandemic and deeply appreciate the support that donors have provided to enable our students to stay in school despite financial and health challenges.

But now, we are turning an eye to the future and it is my great pleasure to announce the public phase of Kent State University’s Forever Brighter comprehensive fundraising campaign. We have been successfully raising funds to lay the foundation for this -  our most ambitious campaign -  and I am delighted to announce that to date, we are more than 78 percent of the way to our overall goal of $350 million.

The three primary objectives of Forever Brighter are Prioritizing Student Success, Expanding University Initiatives and Building the Future. Within each of these priorities are a number of important programs and projects that all focus on the goal of improving experiences for our students.

During the next few years, we will share stories about our students that demonstrate the power of philanthropy to change their lives. I hope you will be moved by their incredible passion, dedication and commitment to making a difference in our community.

There are many ways for you to be part of the Forever Brighter Campaign, and I look forward to you joining us in this transformative undertaking. At Kent State University, what sets us apart is how we come together. 

Todd Diacon, Ph.D.
President

—October, 2021