Impact Stories

Your Gift Causes an Effect that Reaches Far Beyond Kent State

At Kent State University, what sets us apart is how we come together: to cause discoveries, achievements, sensations and breakthroughs that change the world. When you give through Kent State to an area that matters personally to you, your support becomes a long-term investment in curing diseases, advancing sustainable technologies, enriching vibrant arts communities and ensuring the future of a skilled workforce ready to impact society.

Gifts made through Kent State support scholarships and programs that allow students to pursue their dreams and enter careers that shape our world. With more than 1,100 donor-funded scholarships and programs supported each year, every gift causes an effect – for both the donor and the recipient.

Donors choose exactly where they want their contributions to go. Each and every gift made through Kent State has an impact, no matter the size.

Read on to learn about the effect our generous donors have on our Kent State community and beyond.

Professor Gives Back By Supporting Students In Need

This Giving Tuesday season, Daniel E. Palmer, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy at Kent State University, has pledged a matching gift for the Trumbull Campus Last Dollar Scholarship as a symbol of his appreciation for the people who work and study at Kent State Trumbull.

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Kent State and Cleveland Clinic Enter Multiyear Partnership to Support Student-Athlete Health and Wellness

Kent State University and Cleveland Clinic have announced a multiyear partnership in which Cleveland Clinic becomes the official healthcare provider for Kent State Athletics. Cleveland Clinic will serve as the medical services provider to support Kent State student-athlete…

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Kent State Alumna D’Andra Mull, Ph.D., on Giving Back to the University that Gave So Much to Her

“Were it not for what I learned from a student affairs professional at Kent State, this journey would not be the path I’m on today.”

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Kent State Celebrates Newest Graduates

The Kent State University alumni family grew by nearly 5,200 new graduates as the university held its 2024 Spring Commencement ceremonies.  During a number of ceremonies, 5,182 degrees were conferred, consisting of 1,011 associate degrees, 3,092 bachelor’s degrees, 903…

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From Passion to Purpose

Drawn to healthcare as a child, Athalia James pursued that passion all the way to a fulfilling career in nursing. 

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The Power of a Phone Call

The Kent State University Engagement Center, located in the Center for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, has undergone a significant transformation, now focusing more on creating connections and relationships with alumni, friends and family through phone outreach from current…

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Rising Scholars Compete in NASA Challenge

A team of Columbiana County Rising Scholars students recently participated in the finals of the NASA HUNCH culinary competition at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to determine if their culinary creation would be a future meal for International Space Station astronauts.

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Institute Explores Peace and Conflict

LaKaleb Bowen, ’24, is a criminology and justice studies major who admits to becoming captivated by Kent State’s education-abroad programs, noting that his most recent trip to Kigali, Rwanda, was an extraordinary experience focused on peace and conflict in the country.

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Sharing Their Love of Education with Future Generations

Kent State University has held a special place in the hearts of Lynda Grieves and her husband George “Bill” Grieves Jr., ’58, who passed away in 2019. In 1957, Lynda’s mother was taking continuing education courses at Kent State for work, so Lynda decided to take a class as well…

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Rollie, ’64, and Frances Layfield Help Students Build Skills for Success

Hard work and discipline are a driving force for Rollie Layfield, ’64, and they have served him well throughout his life and his career in business. He credits both his degree program in business administration and his time in the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)…

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