Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Kent State University is Northeast Ohio’s No. 1 choice among public universities. With state support of the university providing less than 20% of its budget, the university relies on private support to ensure student success, enhance academic excellence and innovation, expand breakthrough research, and provide contemporary, high-tech facilities for learning, study and research.

Your choices of where and how to support Kent State students, our vision and our mission are endless, and include areas such as scholarships; Study Abroad and Study Away programs; numerous facilities initiatives such as our efforts to improve, enhance and expand our Aerospace and Engineering facilities; a specific college or program close to your heart; or even the general "Area of Greatest Need" fund. No matter which area you choose to support, your gift will make an immediate and lasting impact on the people and potential of Kent State. See the stories below to read more about the impact philanthropy has on Kent State and our students.

Kent State University students celebrate their graduation at May 2022 Commencement as blue and gold confetti falls on them.

Kent State Achieves Unprecedented Fundraising Success During First Year of Forever Brighter Campaign

Sep 01, 2022

Kent State University launched the public phase of its $350 million Forever Brighter comprehensive fundraising campaign in October 2021, and during the first year of the public campaign, a record-breaking $77.6 million was raised. This philanthropic feat was made possible with the support of 10,687 donors, 3,753 of whom made a gift to Kent State for the first time.

George L. Jenkins, ’63, and Gina Jenkins Impact Student Access and Honor a Mentor

Apr 23, 2022

George L. Jenkins’ generosity spans three decades and continues to support first-generation students and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

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William B. Risman Family Receives Prestigious University Medallion During Kent State’s Spring Commencement Ceremony

May 19, 2022

Most people who have spent time on Kent State University’s campus in Kent, Ohio, recognize the name Risman. It is connected to the popular Risman Plaza and Risman Drive, but they may not realize that for the Risman family, educating and supporting students has been a family affair for almost 40 years.

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Kent State Breaks Ground for Future Home of the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship

Mar 11, 2022

Kent State University officially broke ground on Crawford Hall, the future home of the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, on March 8 in a ceremony attended by more than 400 people, including university officials, donors, alumni, students, elected officials and special guests.

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Earl K. Miller, Ph.D., and Marlene M. Wicherski Pledge $2 Million to Support Brain Health Research at Kent State

Mar 02, 2022

Kent State University alumnus Earl K. Miller, Ph.D., and his wife, Marlene M. Wicherski, have pledged $2 million to support research programs and students in Kent State’s Brain Health Research Institute. The Brain Health Research Institute is a recently established, cross-disciplinary institute that focuses on research and education of brain health across the lifespan.

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