THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021
Dear Kent State University Faculty and Staff,
We are Blue, Gold and Grateful that we will have everyone together on our campuses beginning Aug. 2. I am so pleased to welcome back those returning from remote work and extend my thank you to those who continued to work on our campuses during the pandemic. Throughout August, our Blue, Gold and Grateful events and activities will celebrate you, will honor your commitment to Kent State and will reignite the in-person community that makes our university the special place that it is.
Blue, Gold and Grateful celebrates YOU, and to start things off right, the week of Aug. 2-6 is full of events and activities planned to show appreciation for your dedication and service to our students and each other.
Look for special announcements for faculty and staff throughout the week. In fact, I am happy to share the first special announcement now. All eligible staff will receive a 2% raise beginning with the payroll period that includes Oct. 1, 2021.
You are highly valued, and we are committed to retaining our place as a top employer in Ohio. Thank you for your continued dedication to our university and to the success of our students.
To kick off our Blue, Gold and Grateful activities, please join me at our Blue and Gold Out faculty and staff appreciation cookout on Monday, Aug. 2, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Risman Plaza. We’ll have local food trucks for your free lunch along with music and a special Flashes Take Care of Flashes T-shirt giveaway.
Also, let’s renew our Golden Flashes pride by wearing blue and gold casual attire the entire month of August! I will do the same, and I look forward to seeing you, decked in my casual blue and gold attire, at numerous events and gatherings.
Our Regional Campuses will be celebrating with events as well. Watch your email next week for daily Blue, Gold and Grateful updates with the day’s activities and events.
I look forward to seeing everyone together on our campuses as we celebrate our Kent State family. The energy you bring to our campuses helps create the dynamic atmosphere and vibrant university life that make Kent State such a special place to live, learn and work.
Sincerely,
Todd Diacon
President