Alumni News
Kent State University isn’t just the highest-ranked public university in northern Ohio — it’s where more than 280,000 alumni earned degrees that propelled them forward on pathways to success.
From boardrooms and creative studios to nonprofits and the skies above, Golden Flashes are leading with purpose and passion. Their stories of innovation, leadership and impact showcase a boldness of spirit that is undeniably Kent State — where education transforms lives and values like respect and compassion are more than ideals; they are core values to live by. Read on for stories of Golden Flashes around the globe who are doing extraordinary things.
Why I'm Leaving a Legacy: Randall Keller, '08
Jan. 6, 2020
What's your motivation to give back? Randall Keller, '08, feels Kent State is a vital part of Northeast Ohio, and has chosen to boost its regional impact through his estate plan. Randall's gift will support students of Kent State University's College of Business, and also the…
Read More »Why I'm Leaving a Legacy: Patricia Grutzmacher, '85
Jan. 6, 2020
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…
Read More »Why I'm Leaving A Legacy: Marilyn Seifert Flower, B.S. '61, M.E '86
Jan. 6, 2020
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.
Read More »Why We're Leaving a Legacy: Andy, '73 and Micheal, '72 Sonderman
Jan. 6, 2020
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.
Read More »Alumna Named Small Business Champion of Ohio
Dec. 20, 2019
Claudia Kovach, ’03, M.A. ’09, has been part of her family business, City Machine Technologies, Inc since 2006. Her time and dedication to the company has proven successful, as Claudia was recently named the National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Champion of…
Read More »Alumna to be Featured on Food Network’s “Christmas Cookie Challenge” for a Chance to Win $10,000
Dec. 5, 2019
Leslie Srodek-Johnson, ’01, a Kent State University journalism graduate, mother of two and lead decorator and baker at Stan’s Northfield Bakery, received the call of a lifetime in December 2018. It was from the Food Network asking her to be a part of the “Christmas Cookie…
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