Kent State University unexpectedly lost one of its most dedicated and longtime employees in July 2020. John Granny, director of Business Affairs for Kent State Geauga and the Twinsburg Academic Center, passed away suddenly after more than 30 years of service to the university.
“John’s genuine smile and welcoming demeanor made him a beloved member of our campus for the many years he called the Geauga Campus home,” said Angela Spalsbury, dean and chief administrative officer at Kent State University Geauga and the Twinsburg Academic Center
Granny’s career at Kent State University included serving in various roles at several campuses where his dedication, infectious smile, and laughter impacted his coworkers and students. The Kent State Geauga Campus in Burton is building a new Memorial Patio to honor Granny’s memory. “The installation of the John Granny Memorial Patio is one small way for the campus community to remember him and honor his Kent State spirit,” said Spalsbury.
The patio will be a place for Granny’s friends and family and the campus community to gather, meet or study. The outdoor space will have a hint of blue and gold (which John wore proudly) and will overlook the new Berkshire School complex – a project John enthusiastically supported.
Donations of any size will be accepted to support this project. Personalized paving bricks will become part of the space, and donors may choose to personalize two different brick sizes with engraved messages.
For more information or to donate, please visit the website.
Kent State University Geauga and the Twinsburg Academic Center offer more than 20 complete associate and bachelor’s degree programs in career-oriented fields, including nursing, business, English, information technology, and psychology. Students experience small class sizes and personalized interaction with faculty, as well as flexible, student-centered learning platforms.