It took a few Kent State history classes for Cathy Gorn, ’82, National History Day Executive Director, to discover her passion for history. However, her journey to get there was unexpected.In her younger years, Cathy was interested in science so biology seemed like a fitting major for her. When she started taking biology courses, she found math was not her forte. “I didn't see myself going down the biology/pre-med path anymore, but I always loved literature and to read, so I chose English as my major and picked up a history minor,” Cathy said.With her new major and minor, Cathy found seve...

Emma Troyer is a senior music education major from Sandusky, Ohio. As a student in the Kent State Glauser School of Music, she has found a strong sense of community while preparing for a career in music education.“Kent State was always my top school, but I didn’t know if I could afford to come here,” Emma said. “These scholarships have really made that dream a reality and allowed me to attend.”Emma is a recipient of several scholarships, including The Dr. Rosemarie B. Manganello Music Education Scholarship, the Sara Stone Miller Endowment for Music Education and the Irene Beamer Scholarship, w...

As you consider your long-term philanthropic goals, changes in federal tax law beginning in 2026 may influence how you structure your charitable giving. If you’re thinking of including Kent State in your estate or financial plans, understanding these updates can help you maximize both your impact and potential tax benefits.While many of the 2026 changes affect annual charitable giving, they also reinforce the importance of thoughtful, strategic planning, particularly for donors interested in legacy gifts.One notable update is the reintroduction of a charitable deduction for non-itemizers, allo...