Inspiring Stories
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CREATING A MEANINGFUL LEGACY THROUGH PHILANTHROPY
Dr. James L. Raper, ’79 is giving back as an alumna because he realizes the important role his Kent State experience played in his career... knows that innovation at Kent State can change the future. Read More -
ALUMNA’S SCHOLARSHIP MEANT TO INSPIRE EDUCATORS WHO WILL IMPACT HIGH POVERTY SETTINGS
Michele M. Stoffan, ’72, MAT ’75, Ph.D. ’81 wants to not only have a positive impact on her students, but to also have a positive impact on future educators where she felt it was needed most. Read More -
MINDY AND GARY ALEMAN – A LIFETIME OF GIVING
“We appreciate the opportunity to leave this legacy as we believe in Kent State,” Mindy added. Everything good in our lives happened because of Kent State, so investing in Kent State’s mission through our estate plan feels right.” Read More -
Jay and Joanie Solomon Provide Immediate and Future Support for Students
“Dollars were always short for me. I was fortunate to be able to find jobs to take care of that, but that doesn’t always happen," said Jay Solomon, ’61. Read More -
I Give Back Because Others Have Given Forward to Me
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... Read More -
Legacies Change Lives: Tricia Reed
Second-year graduate student Tricia Reed typically works 20 to 30 hours per week while also working on her M.Ed/Ed.S. in school psychology... Read More -
Rebecca Herr, '71, and Husband, Eric, Founded and Endowed the Undergraduate Nursing Study Abroad Fund
"Although they can't be an expert at everything, they need to remain curious." That is Rebecca Herr's advice for students, and... Read More 
Couple's Scholarship Benefits Students Studying in Two Different Programs
Joe, B.S.B.A '59, M.B.A. '65, and Judy, '60, Tirpak are proud Kent State University alumni. "We met and became engaged while at... Read More
Jack and Dora Tippens Give Back
Jack and Dora enhance opportunities for Kent State students while cutting down on IRA tax burden. Read More
Small Steps Add Up to Big Impact
A faculty member at Kent State since 1995, David Kessler has had an insider's perspective on the unique needs of the university for many years. Read More
A Quiet Life, Accentuated by a Passion for Education
Phil and Mary Lou Herbert were like many couples who grew up in Ashtabula after World War II. They met in high school, got married after... Read More
Nancy Baird is "All In" at WKSU
Nancy Baird is probably one of the most enthusiastic supporters and believers in public radio you'll ever meet. Read More
Legacies Change Lives: Sarah Mull
Sarah Mull loves animals. She's a zoology major, and her dream has always been to become a veterinarian. Read More
A Fast Friendship Takes Flight
Mac McFarland and his son, David, formed a bond over aviation and service. Years later, that bond is honored by a scholarship endowed to honor David and make an impact for students. Read More
Legacies Change Lives: Brittany Caldwell
Even though he passed away in 2011, Brittany Caldwell, a sophomore at the East Liverpool campus, feels like she knows Gus Markanton well. Read More
His Charitable Trust Gifts the MPA Program
When Jim Tinnin came to Kent State in 1978 from Michigan, he only planned to be here for two years to complete a federal grant project. Read More
Her Gifts Keep the Music Coming at WKSU
Lovers of classical music and all other things NPR will find a friend in Sandie Kramer. Read More
A Heart for First-Generation Students
Rick and Janis Krumel remember well what it was like to be the first in their families to attend college. Jan's hard-working parents paid for most of her education. Read More
Why We're Leaving a Legacy: Andy, '73, and Micheal, '72, Sonderman
Andy and Micheal Sonderman have fond memories of their time as students at both the Trumbull and Kent campuses. Read More
Why I'm Leaving a Legacy: Marilyn Seifert Flower, B.S. '61, M.E. '86
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 Theatre as well. Read More
Why I'm Leaving a Legacy: Patricia Grutzmacher, '85
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. Read More
Why I'm Leaving a Legacy: Randall Keller, '08
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. Read More
Ed and Peg Hall—All Roads Lead to a Giving Legacy
Ed Hall and his wife, Peg, have funded a gift annuity which will benefit the Map Library in the Kent State University Libraries. Read More
David and Patricia Grutzmacher Keep the Giving Circle Growing
If you've ever been a "band nerd," you have a lot in common with David and Pat Grutzmacher. Read More
WKSU Legacy Gift Keeps Window on the World Open
The fact that Richard III's remains were recently found in England would have been a complete delight to Sondra Constant. Read More
Martin and Susan Goetz
Keeping the Beacon Shining for Students. Read More
Bill and Margaret Clark — Creating an Educational Legacy
Growing up together in the small town of Mesopotamia, Ohio, Bill Clark and Margaret Reynolds appreciated the benefits of country living. Read More
Why I Made a Bequest to Kent State
By: Charles Harker, emeritus professor Architecture Prior to coming to Kent State University, I was principal of my own architectural design/build firm in Austin, Texas. Read More