Keri Hope Richmond, a 2017 graduate of Kent State University’s public relations program with a minor in marketing, knew after her first semester that she wanted to do more for communities, especially foster children. In a recent op-ed in The Columbus Dispatch, Richmond connected her experience in foster care to Simone Biles in light of her Olympic comeback.“Born three years apart in Columbus, Simone Biles and I experienced the same foster care system,” Richmond wrote.Richmond reflected on Biles’ mental strength and prioritization of mental health as an Olympian.  “After Simone’s withdrawa...

Robert Slade said that instead of walking his normal path across the Eastway Dining Hall during his shift one day, he abruptly took a different route, and that small decision put him in the right place to save a life.Slade, a cook at Kent State University’s Culinary Services who has been running the Choolaah station, used his quick thinking to assist a young visitor who began to choke in the cafeteria.After 15 years of experience in the culinary industry, Slade said that his training prepared him to be ready for this moment. When he turned the corner, he witnessed a young girl choking and the ...