Kent State Magazine: Fall/Winter 2019-20

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ON THE COVER:

History Lessons: As Kent State continues its yearlong 50th commemoration of May 4, 1970, President Todd Diacon wants you to reflect on the dangers of polarization and the power of reconciliation.

Cover Photo: Rami Daud

FEATURES

Picture This

A selection of student photos from recent Kent State study away/study abroad programs and internships.

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Together We Rise

How the Rising Scholars Program at Kent State helps promising students from low socioeconomic backgrounds get on track for a productive future.

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Comeback Champ

Antwan Dixon beat a rare disease. Now he does the heavy lifting for others in need.

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A Dialogue with President Diacon

Kent State's newest president answers questions about his past, his present and his vision for the university's future.

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Wi-Fi Whiz

Where would we be without Wi-Fi? Jerry Pohmurski, BS ’88, helped pioneer wireless devices, but he never figured the technology would be so widely used today.

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Check it Off!

The top things Kent State students think everyone should do before they graduate. How many have you done?

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Future Forecast

Torsten Hegmann, PhD, new director of the Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, talks about new frontiers in the field.

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DEPARTMENTS

Readers Respond

Readers respond to magazine content or comment on KSU–related topics.

President's Perspective

President Diacon on making a difference.

Quiz: "So You Think You Know Kent State?"

Let's see how well you know Kent State!

Flash Forward

Alumni Life

Flashback

Jill Veleba Sell, BS '72, looks back on her one-woman campaign to eliminate the "drape" requirement for female student yearbook photos.

Giving Voice

"Testimonial" by Rita Dove

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Featured Videos

Highlights from President Diacon's inauguration on Nov. 1, 2019:

President Diacon’s complete inaugural address:

An introduction to Kent State's Rising Scholars program:

Overview of the Voices for Change Educators Summit, July 31–Aug. 2, 2019:

Kent State celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Studio Glass program:

Every rep carries weight #FlashFAST #WeTackleRare @upliftingathletes pic.twitter.com/adpROxhmew
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) July 15, 2019

Kent State’s football team participates in Antwan Dixon’s inaugural Lift for Life fundraiser:

Take Note

Kent State is a university on the rise, as is evidenced on almost every page of this issue. As former provost Todd Diacon has taken over his new role as Kent State’s 13th president, he says he’s been gaining an even greater appreciation for Kent State’s potential to impact Ohio and the world.

Students are taking advantage of exciting research opportunities and study-away/study-abroad programs that expand their horizons, boost their growth and propel their career prospects.

Rising Scholars, a program first started at Kent State’s Columbiana County campuses, is being rolled out to all regional campuses to help promising middle school students reach their full potential—and lift up their communities for generations to come.

The new FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center is accelerating the university’s commitment to graduate increased numbers of aviation professionals who will soar to greater achievements.

And speaking of things on the rise, recent news reports have noted that Kent State’s iconic black squirrels are increasing their range and becoming more common in the greater Cleveland area.

However, Greg Smith, Ph.D., an assistant professor of biological sciences at Kent State at Stark, says squirrels typically don’t travel that far. It’s more plausible that small pockets of black squirrels naturally arose in Cleveland due to a genetic mutation in the gray or fox squirrel and their numbers are slowly growing.

Smith also says the minimal research available suggests that the squirrels’ dark color could make them more resistant to cold, increasing the population farther north.

In any event, they’re still hanging out on the pages of this magazine!