A Week of Welcoming and Celebration

Our students are back! Many events were held during KSU Kickoff 2023 to begin the fall semester. Let's break down the week’s fun.

To kick off the week, we welcomed members of the Class of 2027 to campus as they moved into their residence halls. Housing staff along with many student volunteers helped the first-year students get moved into their new homes. 

 

The Office of Global Education held its annual Block Party to welcome international students! Free t-shirts were given out, along with a designated area where students could “tie-dye” their shirts. 

Block party from KSU Kickoff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tie Dyeing at the block party

The Department of Africana Studies hosted its 50th Annual New Student Reception and Cookout. Students had the opportunity to meet the faculty and staff and enjoy some great food and music. 

Cookout

 

Convocation took place on Friday, Aug. 18. First-year students were energetic and excited during their first academic ceremony.  Following Convocation, the Class of 2027 made their way to Manchester Field to take their “K” class photo.

 

 

The “This Is Kent State” pep rally and BlastOff events rounded out KSU Kickoff 2023! First-year students learned all about student organizations and resources. The BlastOff event featured food trucks, student organization booths, giveaways, music by DJ Smillz and much more! 

Blastoff Instagram Story

 

In addition to welcoming the first-year students, we also celebrated nearly 1,200 new graduates as the university held its summer commencement ceremonies. The accomplishments of the Summer Class of 2023 were recognized with outdoor commencement ceremonies on Aug. 19. In total, 1,185 degrees were conferred consisting of 179 associate degrees, 584 bachelor’s degrees, 354 master’s degrees, 67 doctoral degrees and one educational specialist degree. 

Summer commencement 2023
Commencement Summer 2023
POSTED: Monday, August 21, 2023 03:47 PM
Updated: Tuesday, August 22, 2023 08:44 AM