Impact
As a large, eight-campus system with more than 41,000 students and offering more than 280 degrees from the associate to doctoral levels, Kent State is distinctively poised to serve as an example of a re-imagined American research university – one that produces cutting-edge knowledge and new ideas while offering access to a high-quality education....
Patricia Grutzmacher, ’85, professor emerita of music education, remembers that as a student it was important for her to have time to study, reflect, philosophize and actually learn. Now, it’s important to Patricia to give back to help future students have those same opportunities. Watch the video below to hear Patricia explain how easy it was...
Andy and Micheal Sonderman have fond memories of their time as students at both the Trumbull and Kent campuses. That’s why they decided to make a planned gift that will benefit both. The video below explains why they hope their bequest will be an example to other alumni who are proud to be called Golden Flashes. (Ed. Note: Sadly, Micheal Sue...
Marilyn Flower and her late husband, Don, were passionate supporters of the men’s basketball and wrestling programs at Kent State, and Marilyn loves Porthouse Theater as well. Watch this video to see how the scholarships they endowed will help students compete on the court and entertain on stage for many years to come.
On Sept. 7 of this year, Dr. Mildred K. Dixon, D.P.M., ’44, celebrated her 100th birthday. That same day, her alma mater, the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (KSUCPM), celebrated its 100th anniversary. As with KSUCPM, Dixon’s history is impactful. At Kent State, we empower students to break the mold and shape the world. More...
(Pictured above: Three generations of Flashes: Nicholas’ grandfather, Robert Giardina, M.Ed. ’67; Nicholas; and Nicholas’ father, Paul Giardina, ‘80.) “All of my family has done very well in their lives with a degree from Kent State University.” So says Nicholas Giardina, ’06, a third-generation Kent State alumnus. His grandfather...
Matthew Toro, ’15, had a simple yet daunting goal: to graduate from college, debt-free. “There were two reasons for this,” Matthew says. “First, my older brother was in his second year of college when I started, and I recognized that a second child in college would be a lot for my parents. It was important to me that they not have the...
Gerald (Jerry) Payto’s father taught him an important lesson early on in life. “He used to say, ‘You really don’t receive until you give,’” Jerry said. “That has stuck in my mind my whole life." Gerald (Jerry) ’68, and his wife, Christie, have been involved in numerous Kent State University endeavors, including establishing The...