Photo of alumni from early in Kent State's history

History and Mission

Philanthropy and alumni engagement have been at the heart of Kent State since the very beginning.

Timeline

May 1910
Lowry Bill authorizes the creation of two new schools in northern Ohio to train elementary school teachers

1910
William S. Kent donates 53 acres to establish the Kent State Normal School, which is named in his honor

1911
Kent State’s first president, John E. McGilvrey, establishes the Kent State University Alumni Association (KSUAA)

September 1913
The Kent State Normal School begins its first full academic year on the Kent Campus

1914
First class graduates; a faculty committee for alumni relations and several alumni clubs are formed

1933
The KSUAA petitions Ohio state legislators to prevent the closing of Kent Normal College and its transformation into an in-patient health facility

1935
Kent Normal College evolves into a university

1954
The Kent State State University Development Fund is created to encourage alumni to give back to their alma mater

1965
The Kent State University Foundation is established as the university formal fundraising division

1965
First alumni chapter is established

July 1, 1967-Dec. 31, 1968
18-month fundraising drive brings in gifts from 3,108 alumni (38,000 total alumni at the time)

1971
The Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (now NEOMED) is established

1973
The foundation reaches a record $1 million in contributions

1983
Annual contributions exceed $4.8 million

1988
Renovations begin on the historical Curtiss House, residence of Kent State presidents since the 1940s, to transform it into the Williamson Alumni Center

1991
Carol Cartwright joins Kent State as the university’s 10th president and spearheads the initiation of the Founders Scholars Program

1997
The Campaign for Kent State begins under President Carol Cartwright

2003
The Campaign for Kent State concludes, bringing in $122 million in support

2009
The Centennial Campaign is launched with a goal of $200 million

2010
The Centennial Campaign concludes, with a total of $265 million

2016
The Center for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement is constructed at 350 South Lincoln

2021
The Forever Brighter Campaign is launched with a goal of $350 million

2023
The Forever Brighter Campaign concludes, raising $380+ million

Kent State Alumni Today

With nearly 300,000 alumni, Kent State's alumni are in shaping the university’s future in partnership with the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement and the Ken State University Alumni Association.

Serving as a gateway

Through professional networking, social programs and alumni communications - we are 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 nearly 20 alumni chapters and groups.

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 and Alumni Engagement at 350 S. Lincoln in Kent.