May 4

Dean Kahler (left), one of the nine Kent State University students wounded in the May 4, 1970, shootings by the Ohio National Guard, will return to campus on May 9 to serve as speaker for the One University Commencement.

Dean Kahler, one of the nine Kent State University students wounded in the May 4, 1970, shootings by the Ohio National Guard, will return to campus on Saturday, May 9, to serve as speaker for the One University Commencement. Thomas Grace, Ph.D., another of the nine wounded students, will serve as speaker for the Advanced Degree Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8.

Logo for May 4 50 Years

Kent State University has outlined planned events for the month of March related to the 50th commemoration of May 4. For the latest updates on events, visit www.kent.edu/may4kentstate50/event-schedule.

Joe Walsh will perform with his band Barnstorm on May 2 at Kent State University for the May 4 50th Commemoration Benefit Concert. (Photo credit: Myriam Santos)

Kent State University is proud to announce the May 4 50th Commemoration Benefit Concert featuring Joe Walsh (with Barnstorm – Joe Vitale and Kenny Passarelli) and David Crosby (with his touring band), two Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members with strong musical connections to the events of May 4, 1970.

Alan Canfora (far right), who was shot on May 4, 1970, leads a guided tour of the historic May 4 site.

Kent State University invites educators of students in grades 6-12 to apply by March 1 for its Landmarks of American History and Culture workshop, “Making Meaning of May 4: The 1970 Kent State Shootings in U.S. History.” Co-directors Laura Davis, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of English and former founding director of the May 4 Visitors Center, and Todd Hawley, Ph.D., associate professor of social studies teacher education, were awarded $170,000 in funding by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to create this workshop.

Kent State University students stand vigil where one of four slain Kent State students was shot on May 4, 1970.

After months of planning, Kent State University’s May 4 50th Commemoration Advisory Committee has released details of programs scheduled for the 50th Commemoration of the May 4, 1970, shootings at Kent State. The commemoration represents a significant milestone in the history and legacy of May 4, 1970.

Ohio National Guard soldiers move near Taylor Hall on May 4, 1970

In an era that has seen the number of podcasts grow exponentially, the debate over May 4 is well-suited for those who wish to share their views and memories, often uninterrupted via a longer format than traditional storytelling.