Winter hit hard with snow and subzero temperatures this year, making even a short walk to class feel brutal.
Kent State University first-year finance major Mason Pranevich quickly realized just how cold it could get.
“I was walking back from class one of the days when it felt around negative 15 degrees outside, and I took my hand out of my glove in order to pick up a call,” Pranevich told Kent State Today. “Within five minutes, I was like ‘this is unbelievable.’”
But the cold was not the only surprise. He noticed students walking to class without gloves. Were they not cold? Why wouldn’t they dress appropriately for the weather? Suddenly, it struck him. It’s possible some of these students were simply not prepared. Pranevich felt compelled to act.
He used $85 of his own savings to purchase 200 pairs of winter gloves to help keep his fellow Flashes warm. Now he just had to get them literally into the hands of those who needed them.
At first, Pranevich tried to distribute the gloves himself, but students were hesitant to take them from him. Pranevich knew about Kent State’s CARES Center, so he took them there. Staff members welcomed the donation and helped him distribute the gloves.
“When I heard the story, it gave me goosebumps,” Ken Ditlevson, assistant dean of students and director of the CARES Center at Kent State, said, “I just thought it was such a thoughtful, generous offer that is just uncharacteristic of busy students.”
Ditlevson had noticed the huge box of gloves in the CARES Center and made sure he found out where they came from.
Ditlevson was extremely grateful and touched by Pranevichs’ generosity.
“It made me happy to know that something I did helped other people,” Pranevich said.
Pranevich was overwhelmed with the response of Kent State staff, reaching out to thank him.
“I felt like I had done the right thing at that point, even though the immediate response was not to be noticed for what I did,” Pranevich said. “It felt nice to be noticed.”
Pranevich, who’s from Pittsburgh, said he was inspired by his best friend back home who relies on government and federal aid to attend college. Thinking about his friend's experience, Pranevich reflected on his fellow Flashes and who may not be able to acquire winter essentials during the harsh season, which reinforces the foundation of respect and kindness that defines the Kent State community.
Ditlevson emphasized how this winter has been exceptionally brutal, and many students are not equipped for this kind of weather, especially students coming from other states or international students.
Donations are common at the CARES Center, but one of this magnitude is a welcome surprise.
“Students donate or one or two items, so to see this huge bin with it looked to be about 200 gloves, was just really impressive and something out of the ordinary,” Ditelvson said.
Pranevich’s benevolence is an inspiration. He turned the “Flashes Take Care of Flashes” mantra found on Kent State banners and in hallways into real-life action.
“I am so incredibly proud of Mason, I am so impressed with him, this says a ton about his character, beliefs, and philosophy of life,” said Ditlevson, “It definitely aligns with Kent State’s philosophy, students helping out other students.”
Pranevich said the experience did not change his role on campus; it reinforced it.
“It should be something that all students, if they see something happening, should try and help out the best they can,” Pranevich said. “The simplest way to help other students on campus is to keep the environment on campus, a kind place,” Pranevich said.
Pranevich's donation has kept the hands of many students warm.
Students in need of basic resources such as winter clothing, food or other essential items can reach out to the Kent State CARES Center for support.
Learn more about resources offered at or donating to the CARES Center.