Submit Memories of Homecoming Celebrations at Ray’s Place by July 31

Do you have any fun memories of Kent State University’s Homecoming celebration at Ray’s Place in downtown Kent? Author and associate professor in the School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies Patrick O’Connor wants you to share your stories for a book that celebrates the 75th anniversary of Ray’s Place.

“I marvel at how popular Ray’s Place is, especially during Homecoming, and the tremendous loyalty of its customers. Sharing the stories of the restaurant’s employees and customers for the past 75 years is something unique and worth celebrating,” O’Connor says.

The bulk of the book will feature fond, funny, sentimental or weird memories of Ray’s Place shared by employees and customers. Submissions for the book can be made by July 31 via the Ray’s Place website. An option to submit memories anonymously is also available on the website.

“We are in the final stages of producing the book, but we want to give past employees and customers of Ray’s Place the opportunity to submit and share their stories, especially those related to Homecoming, to be considered for the book,” O’Connor says.

Charles Thomas, owner of Ray’s Place and Kent State College of Business Administration alumnus, says the restaurant and pub has been a place for students to come back to after graduation. Thomas says whenever Kent State officials travel around the country to meet alumni, often times, one of the first questions they get is ‘How is Ray’s Place?’

For more information about the book, email O’Connor at poconnor@kent.edu.