Alumni Success
![The new Signal Akron newsroom in Akron, Ohio is brimming with Kent State journalism graduates. The new Signal Akron newsroom in Akron, Ohio is brimming with Kent State journalism graduates.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/20240613_BC_SignalAkron_017.jpg?VersionId=c6muJUgo9p3Fb5j15IMecK9i_5cpRsJe&itok=SEkX3toi)
When longtime Kent State University journalism professor Susan Zake decided to pursue a new career with the non-profit online news source, Signal Akron, she made a hiring list from the many Kent State graduates she had mentored over her 17-year career.
![Anthony Claytor raises his diploma during his Commencement ceremony at Kent State University. Anthony Claytor raises his diploma during his Commencement ceremony at Kent State University.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/I%20PROMISE%20Scholar%20Anthony%20Claytor%20graduating%20from%20Kent%20State%20-%204%20-%20web.jpg?VersionId=FE7gwMPyBFpoR5m8yNIP0vUfdP13em1y&itok=B1q78pa3)
In 2020, Kent State University President Todd Diacon announced to a group of high school juniors and their families that Kent State would cover four years of tuition costs and one year of room and board. Now, for the LeBron James Family Foundation’s first I PROMISE class, the hard work these students had put in since third grade is paying off.
![commencement](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/240511-commencement_RD-04764.jpg?VersionId=QOMzg1aorpBsEIuYhnvauem4A2v8GM_L&itok=w3oOyUDD)
The Kent State University alumni family grew by nearly 5,200 new graduates as the university held its 2024 Spring Commencement ceremonies.
![Kent State graduate Athalia James is now a nurse at Summa. Kent State graduate Athalia James is now a nurse at Summa](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/athalia%20high%20res.jpg?VersionId=VcAEiml6CeI3LKpAdd8R8W4cPaq3bGLO&itok=w50HJpQC)
Drawn to healthcare as a child, Athalia James pursued that passion all the way to a fulfilling career in nursing.
![Valoree Vargo (far left), Kent State University vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement, and Kent State President Todd Diacon (far right) stand with university donors Larry and Sandy Armstrong (center). Valoree Vargo (far left), Kent State University vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement, and Kent State President Todd Diacon (far right) stand with university donors Larry and Sandy Armstrong (center).](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/Larry%20and%20Sandy%20Armstrong%20with%20Kent%20State%20administrators-web.jpg?VersionId=bJf8OGbeO3MOcmnr3fJzAPqs0A5cNzE1&itok=2RjTAjK9)
Kent State University has announced two substantial philanthropic gifts in support of the Global Education Endowment, which was established in 2022 in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Kent State’s education-abroad presence in Florence, Italy.
![Kahler on campus two](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/24ALR269_Kahler_Header3_3000x800.jpg?VersionId=XXWlF6ZHaBBY7I7aWGs.QljcXU2lPoGB&itok=AG9XHY__)
![Illustration of five lit birthday candles with phrase "A Birthday Wish for Kent State"](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/24IAG046_Birthday_Drupal_KentHomepage_1500x600.jpg?VersionId=gTf1ur4LPPlqC8.1hXSFGTZ5J0zx4f.G&itok=DpQo19I7)
Kent State is turning 114, and we are celebrating by raising funds for Kent State scholarships and programs.
![a photo of Judge Kani H. Hightower](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/20240215_BC_KS-Wo-rks-Judge_0332.jpg?VersionId=uE8m4hJ5SGOWkU2a5b1pdgKwSr03lbgI&itok=EnPHGQZT)
Summit County Domestic Relations Court Judge Kani H. Hightower is on a mission to make the justice system in Summit County, Ohio, more accessible for underprivileged and underrepresented citizens. Whether it’s related to transportation challenges or helping them sort through the red tape of documentation, Hightower, a Kent State University graduate, is creating solutions to streamline the process for Summit County residents.
![Dexter Shreve banner portrait](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/Dexter%20Shreve%20Banner.jpg?VersionId=ml996mKn3CrABTf4HP1KKFYVGofD_7Mc&itok=ZFLCdjL7)
Dexter credits the hands-on learning experiences for preparing him for the real-world challenges of his career. In particular, the Materials and Processes class provided him with essential skills in machining, welding, and casting, which he later applied in various engineering roles.