Message from Leadership
Message from the Vice President, Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement
At Kent State University, what sets us apart is how we come together. Together, through the purposeful philanthropy of others, we propel our students on a path to a focused and fulfilling life. Together, we help these students open their minds and shape the world. Together, we ensure the impact of Golden Flashes is transformational and immeasurable, and that it illuminates every corner of the globe. Philanthropy supports Kent State’s mission to put our remarkable students first in all we do, from the moment they receive their acceptance letter until the moment they receive their diploma.
Philanthropy supports Kent State’s mission to put our remarkable students first in all we do, from the moment they receive their acceptance letter until the moment they receive their diploma.
Under the steady leadership of President Todd Diacon, an investment in Kent State, whether it is for student scholarships, academic program support, intercollegiate athletics or enhanced facilities, will ensure the university honors its commitment to providing the highest quality education to the many talented students it serves across all our campuses.
From the initial donation of land provided by William Stewart Kent that was the basis for the establishment of Kent State, private support has impacted this remarkable institution for more than 110 years. Today, there are many ways for our alumni and friends to lend your support. We welcome the opportunity to talk with you about how you can help us ensure a brighter future for our students, our university and the greater global community.
I encourage you to learn more about Forever Brighter, the most ambitious fundraising effort in Kent State’s history, with a goal of raising $350 million to support student success, university initiatives and capital improvements. As of October 2021, more than $272 million has been raised for these important programs and initiatives, as the campaign continues on. More information is available at
On behalf of our students, faculty and staff, I invite you to join us in coming together to make a lasting difference in the lives of many. Together, we are a force for the future.
Valoree Vargo
Vice President, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement and
CEO, Kent State University Foundation Board
Message from the President
Dear Golden Flashes Family –
First and foremost, my hope is that this message finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. During these unprecedented times, Kent State’s administration has been working tirelessly to protect our entire Golden Flash community. With eight campuses, hundreds of study abroad programs, and wide array of community-based internships and clinicals, there have been many details to manage. But, without hesitation, every decision we’ve made has been to protect the health of our students and employees. As you know, at Kent State, Flashes take care of Flashes.
In that spirit, I write to you today with an opportunity to help us support our students who are unexpectedly finding themselves in financial need as the result of the pandemic. Along with the uncertainty we are all facing, students and families are dealing with unexpected costs including travel, food and housing, technology needs and, in some cases, lost wages of the student and parents. A gift to the Pay it Flash Forward Emergency Fund will help our most vulnerable students stay on track for graduation.
Without hesitation, every decision we’ve made has been to protect the health of our students and employees. As you know, at Kent State, Flashes take care of Flashes.
Across our campuses, we are doing everything in our control to offer a safe and productive path for our students to successfully complete their semester. We ceased face-to-face classes on the evening of March 10 and were able to transfer 9,279 courses to remote instruction by March 16. Though our faculty and staff have been working remotely since March 16, the services offered to our students have remained robust, proactive and flexible. We’ve hosted Facebook Live Q&A sessions, maintained our One Stop for Student Services, now called the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center to answer student and family questions, and moved 6,400 students out of the residence halls in less than two weeks, with refunds coming soon.
In addition to caring for our students and employees, Golden Flashes have been helping the communities we serve as well. Several of our Nursing and Allied Health programs, as well as faculty in the College of Public Health, have provided campus lab supplies, biosafety suits and protective equipment to local hospitals during this time of need. Our food pantries have offered meals to neighbors in need. And though our College of Podiatric Medicine has also moved to remote instruction, as future medical professionals, students are participating in this public health crisis in ways that benefit their medical education and the world around them.
I can proudly say that this community has pulled together in nearly every way possible to ensure that our talented and diligent students can stay healthy as well as on track to earn their degrees. Though we must delay commencement this year, rest assured, those eligible to graduate will earn their diplomas. Students will have earned the accolades coming their way, and I look forward to congratulating them in person at a future date.
Finally, I want to acknowledge our Kent State alumni around the world who are serving on the front lines of this global crisis. From health care professionals and first responders, to retailers and grocers, to media professionals and more, Golden Flashes are making this world better in meaningful ways. Please know how proud we are of your service.
On behalf of everyone across our Kent State campuses, I wish you safety, health and some moments of peace.
#FlashesForever
Todd Diacon
President
Message from Our Leaders
Dear Golden Flashes Family –
At Kent State University, what sets us apart is how we come together. When Golden Flashes join forces, our impact is immeasurable and transformational, touching every corner of the globe.
Purposeful philanthropy is a critical piece of Kent State’s mission to put our remarkable students first in all we do. We propel our students along a path to a focused, fulfilling life. We help students tap into their potential, creating a better and brighter tomorrow for all of us.
By giving through Kent State, your support is an investment in the future that supports the scholarships, academic programs, intercollegiate athletics, and enhanced facilities that allow students to pursue their dreams and enter careers that shape our world.
Our alumni around the world are transforming their industries and communities, and we celebrate them for making this world better in meaningful ways. This is a legacy rooted in hard work, commitment, and purpose, one that the next generations of Golden Flashes will continue to build upon.
Today, there are many opportunities for our alumni and friends to support and engage with Kent State in ways that matter personally to you. By giving through Kent State, your support is an investment in the future that supports the scholarships, academic programs, intercollegiate athletics, and enhanced facilities that allow students to pursue their dreams and enter careers that shape our world. We welcome you to explore the different ways you can engage, learn and network with us to become more connected to our community and to contact us to discuss how you can help ensure a brighter future for our students, our university and the greater global community.
On behalf of our students, faculty, and staff, we invite you to join us in coming together to make a lasting difference in the lives of many. Together, we are a force for the future.
#FlashesForever
Todd Diacon
President
Valoree Vargo
Vice President, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement and
CEO, Kent State University Foundation Board