Gary Fincke, Ph.D. ’74, Selinsgrove, PA, published "The Necessary Going On: Selected Poems" (Press 53) and "After Arson: New and Selected Essays" (Madville) in 2025. His forthcoming book, "The Comfort of Taboos: More Selected Stories," will be published in 2026 by Braddock Avenue Books. Recently, Susquehanna University honored him with an endowed fund established in his name to support an annual visiting writer series.
David Murray, ’91, Chicago, IL, is the author of "Soccer Dad" (Disruption Books), a memoir about raising his daughter through the pressures and challenges of the youth sports system while striving to maintain balance and perspective. The book, released April 14, 2026, reflects on the experience of navigating competitive athletics as a parent, culminating in his daughter’s collegiate soccer career at Ohio University, where she scored a MAC Tournament–winning goal in 2023 against Kent State University.
Tara Jefferson, ’07, MA '13, Stow, OH, released her first traditionally published book, "Bloom How You Must," in December 2025. The work blends research, personal storytelling and interviews with more than 100 Black women ranging in age from 19 to 99. Framed as an instruction manual for building new generational legacies, the book focuses on healing, wellness and self-care. "Bloom How You Must" received the 2025 Book of the Year award from the Living Now Awards, which recognizes excellence in personal development and lifestyle publishing.
Michael Lebowitz, ’99, Arlington, VA, combined his experience in law and journalism to write "Second Wave: Inside al Qaeda’s Post-9/11 Attack Plan and America’s Secret Effort to Stop It" (Diversion Books). Marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the book examines al Qaeda’s plans for a potential follow-up attack on the United States, including efforts to obtain a nuclear weapon, as well as a previously unreported account of these threats.
Trish Stukbauer, ’91, Mooresville, NC, is a writer and communicator who has applied her journalism background to author two devotional books, "God, Give Me Today" and "Kindred Spirits." Her work focuses on supporting readers through difficult life experiences, including anxiety, depression and coping with a loved one’s addiction. Drawing on her experience in writing, editing and communications, Stukbauer brings a reflective and storytelling approach that emphasizes honesty, understanding and emotional support.
Scott Armstrong, Ph.D. ’92, Reynoldsburg, OH, is the author of "The Pole Maker," his second novel, which is available on Amazon.
Dr. Mary (Riess) LaPlante, ’86, Broadview Heights, OH, received the Charles L. Hudson, M.D. Distinguished Service Award from the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland & Northern Ohio in recognition of distinguished service and meaningful contributions to the medical and professional community.
Elizabeth Quinn, ’92, Los Angeles, CA, is the writer, cocreator and executive producer of "Going Reno," a new historical fiction audio drama cocreated and directed by Laura Knight, who also serves as executive producer. Starring Bonnie Hunt and Joelle Carter, the series transports listeners to Reno, Nevada, in 1932, when the state became central to America’s migratory divorce market. The story follows a widowed divorced ranch owner striving to sustain her business and family while hosting women who travel to Reno to challenge restrictive divorce laws and begin new independent lives.
In a quiet, wooded area in front of Taylor Hall on the Kent Campus sits the May 4 Memorial. Made of carnelian granite to symbolize strength and time, the memorial overlooks Blanket Hill, the site of unexpected violence that forever transformed the university, the state and the nation. Keeping its own silent vigil, it welcomes visitors and challenges them to contemplate the gravity of the tragic events of May 4, 1970, with three engraved words: “Inquire, Reflect, Learn.” Over the years, Kent State University has sought to preserve the legacy of the four students who were killed that day, t...
The Master’s Plan of Study allows students to lay out their coursework throughout their time at the university. While in the program, students are required to take 9 core courses (27 credit hours), along with 6 electives (18 credit hours), totaling 45 credit hours. During the first semester in the program, students are required to plan out when courses will be taken, as well as choose electives.
