COVID-19 HUB

Lianna Fertig

As a young girl, the pink slip Lianna Fertig held tightly in her small hands guaranteed her a free lunch at school. Today, the pink truck she drives carries that same promise to kids in the inner-city neighborhood where she grew up: Free Lunch Fridays.

Preparing ready-to-eat lunches from her food truck, EntICING Cakes, was a way for Fertig to help local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nursing graduate Marissa Stelluto

Even as a preschooler, Marissa Stelluto knew she wanted to be a nurse. When her teddy bears got the sniffles, and her Barbies suffered the occasional broken leg, Stelluto was there to fix them. 

Her brother and sister played along, and she learned early that not every superhero wears a cape. But they do wear a mask.

Stelluto is one of 21 Kent State University at Stark nursing students entering the field early to serve on the front lines of the COVID-19 health crisis.

Lester Sanders meets virtually with a Rising Scholars student.

Imagine being in high school and having no plan for your future…

Imagine being told that college is not an option for you because of finances…

Imagine no one in your family ever attending college and being discouraged at the thought…

Then, imagine hearing that Kent State University at Stark’s Rising Scholars Program could change your life.

Flashes in the Field: Finding the Silver Lining

A Target customer attempts to check out with nearly 10 gallons of milk. He becomes irate and leaves the store without purchasing anything after the cashier gently reminds him that there is a limit of two gallons per customer.

This is a new reality for Kent State University at Stark’s working students – now essential employees – with jobs in food service, retail and more during the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Kent State University’s Class of 2025 form a K on campus.

Kent State University’s Class of 2025 arrives with a strong record of classroom success, boasting an all-time high GPA of 3.5. These newest Golden Flashes arrive 3,982 strong, an increase of more than 4% from a year ago.

2020 Flashes Fighting Hunger Contactless Food Drive

Kent State University’s Flashes Fighting Hunger Contactless Food Drive will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 25, from 1-4 p.m. at the intersection of Lincoln Street and Hilltop Drive. The collection station will be located on Hilltop Drive in front of Cartwright Hall.

New Kent State graduates smile while holding their degrees after their commencement ceremony in August 2021.

The Kent State University alumni family grew by nearly 1,300 new graduates as the university held its summer commencement. The accomplishments of the Summer Class of 2021 were recognized with in-person, outdoor commencement ceremonies and a virtual commencement ceremony for all colleges and degrees on Aug. 21.