Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement
Kent State Celebrates Newest Graduates
The Kent State University alumni family grew by nearly 5,200 new graduates as the university held its 2024 Spring Commencement ceremonies. During a number of ceremonies, 5,182 degrees were conferred, consisting of 1,011 associate degrees, 3,092 bachelor’s degrees, 903 master’s degrees, 164 doctoral degrees and 12 educational specialist degrees.
From Passion to Purpose
Drawn to healthcare as a child, Athalia James pursued that passion all the way to a fulfilling career in nursing.
The Power of a Phone Call
The Kent State University Engagement Center, located in the Center for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, has undergone a significant transformation, now focusing more on creating connections and relationships with alumni, friends and family through phone outreach from current Kent State students.
Rising Scholars Compete in NASA Challenge
A team of Columbiana County Rising Scholars students recently participated in the finals of the NASA HUNCH culinary competition at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to determine if their culinary creation would be a future meal for International Space Station astronauts.
Institute Explores Peace and Conflict
LaKaleb Bowen, ’24, is a criminology and justice studies major who admits to becoming captivated by Kent State’s education-abroad programs, noting that his most recent trip to Kigali, Rwanda, was an extraordinary experience focused on peace and conflict in the country.
Kent State Secures Two $1 Million Gifts in Support of Global Education
Kent State University has announced two substantial philanthropic gifts in support of the Global Education Endowment, which was established in 2022 in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Kent State’s education-abroad presence in Florence, Italy.
Sharing Their Love of Education with Future Generations
Kent State University has held a special place in the hearts of Lynda Grieves and her husband George “Bill” Grieves Jr., ’58, who passed away in 2019. For their 60th wedding anniversary, Bill and Lynda chose to create a scholarship through a charitable gift annuity instead of having a party.
Rollie, ’64, and Frances Layfield Help Students Build Skills for Success
Hard work and discipline are a driving force for Rollie Layfield, ’64, and they have served him well throughout his life and his career in business. He credits both his degree program in business administration and his time in the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program at Kent State University for helping him develop the leadership, entrepreneurship and organizational skills to thrive after graduation.
Legacies Change Lives: Dylan Cahill
The moment Dylan Cahill stepped foot on the Kent Campus, he knew that Kent State University was the place for him. Born and raised in Texas, Dylan visited Northeast Ohio for family gatherings and always felt a connection.After his mother passed away in 2020, he wasn’t sure how he could afford a coll…
Modern Humans Using Ancient Tools
Kent State anthropology professor Metin Eren, Ph.D., has a hands-on approach when teaching students about prehistoric stone tools that involves immersing themselves in a specially equipped lab in Lowry Hall that features everything from flint arrowheads to a ballistics station.