History and Mission

The Intersection of Education and Philanthropy (and E. Main Street)

When the passage of the Lowry Bill in May 1910 authorized the creation of two new schools in northern Ohio to train urgently needed elementary school teachers, the city of Kent actively sought to be the northeastern Ohio site. When he learned about the city's interest, businessman William S. Kent offered to donate his picturesque 53-acre farm as a possible location for the school. This philanthropic gift and its “magnificent” panoramic view of the town and countryside, as well as a now infamous lunch of fried chicken and bluegill, helped secure Kent as the location for the state’s newest normal school.

The Kent State Normal School, named in honor of William S. Kent’s gift, held classes in more than 20 northeast Ohio communities through mid-1913 and began its first full academic year on the Kent campus in September 1913.

Recognizing the Importance of Alumni

John E. McGilvrey, Kent State’s first president, recognized the importance of alumni before the first full academic year even began on the Kent campus. Understanding that Ohio needed more than just elementary-level teachers, McGilvrey planned for the school’s growth into a college and, later, university by establishing the Kent State University Alumni Association (KSUAA) in 1911.

Following the graduation of the first class in 1914, the school formed a faculty committee for alumni relations and several alumni clubs throughout Northeast Ohio. In 1933, the alumni association successfully lobbied Ohio state legislators, preventing the closure of the now Kent Normal College and its transformation into an in-patient mental health facility. The involvement and lobbying power of alumni continued as the college evolved into a university in 1935 and the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, now NEOMED, was established in 1971.

Establishing the Kent State University Foundation

Fundraising was an integral part of Kent State’s success through the first half of the 20th century and was initially spearheaded through the Alumni Association’s Kent State University Development Fund. Founded in 1954, the fund sought to encourage Kent State alumni to give back to their alma mater and was modeled on similar annual giving campaigns being undertaken at other universities at the time.

Following research compiled by the university underscoring the need for private donations, the Kent State University Foundation was established in 1965 as the university’s formal fundraising division. Its goal, when approved by the Board of Trustees, was to “aid, support, advance, augment and assist in the development of the University” by seeking funds outside of federal and state appropriations.

The foundation completed its first formal period of fundraising between July 1, 1967 and Dec. 31, 1968 with an 18-month fundraising drive that brought in donations from 3,108 of Kent State’s then 38,000 alumni. By 1973, the foundation reached a record $1 million in contributions and its successes continued to grow steadily with annual contributions reaching more than $4.8 million in 1983.

The Campaign for Kent State University and a Centennial Celebration

Despite growing contributions and increased alumni engagement, a more comprehensive and strategic approach to fundraising was needed for Kent State’s ongoing success. Upon her arrival as Kent State’s 10th president, Carol A. Cartwright, Ph.D. was directed by the Board of Trustees to work to develop organized efforts to support external relations and fundraising. Under her leadership, Kent State embarked on the creation of a robust and effective fundraising infrastructure. The Campaign for Kent State University, which took place from 1997-2003, was the university’s first major fundraising campaign and raised $122 million. Additionally, Cartwright spearheaded the initiation of the Founders Scholars Program in 1991 to provide scholarships to outstanding incoming students.

While Kent State’s first major fundraising campaign was coming to an end, plans were already underway for the next – a campaign fitting for the university’s upcoming 100th birthday. The Centennial Campaign was publicly launched in advance of with a goal of $200 million.

Kent State Alumni Now

Alumni continue to support Kent State University. With nearly 300,000 alumni, Kent State Alumni enriches lives, encourages loyalty and partners in shaping the university’s future. We strengthen our relationships with alumni each day by:

• Serving as a gateway: Through professional networking, social programs and alumni communications - Kent State Alumni is your point of access to Kent State and fellow alumni.
• Connecting alumni and students: Alumni support student success through student leadership organizations, career mentoring programs and student scholarships.
• Promoting alumni success: Your success is our strength. Alumni accomplishments elevate the university’s reputation while increasing the value of a Kent State degree. We are proud to promote and celebrate alumni achievements.
• Making Kent State strong through programming initiatives: We cultivate alumni and student volunteers who give their time and talent to make Kent State strong.

Keeping the Golden Flash Spirit Alive

In addition, our alumni chapters and area representatives keep the Golden Flash spirit alive throughout the country. Following the formation of our first alumni chapter in 1965, the Kent State Alumni Association has grown into more than 30 alumni chapters and area representatives.

The Kent State Alumni Association National Board of Directors, a leadership board representing Kent State University alumni, is committed to serving the university as well. This dynamic and exciting group of alumni help strengthen the bond between alumni and Kent State University.

Kent State Alumni makes its home at the Center of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement at 350 S. Lincoln in Kent.