Alumni Success
![Andy and Abby Wyatt](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/24ALR242_DrupalArticle_Wyatt.jpg?VersionId=P7JsvCTDOFlI8ITPC_I6BgHgM7UrEb85&itok=-n-UWszM)
Despite living in the same residence hall on the Kent Campus, Andrew “Andy” Wyatt, ’16, had to travel nearly 4,500 miles to get to know the love of his life.
![Tiffany Roper, ’07, M.Ed. ’12](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/24ALR238_TiffanyRoper_Article.jpg?VersionId=zr_GfrutOKL9hTJfi1_oh0FL678Hl395&itok=tQ6ldItX)
Tiffany Roper, ’07, M.Ed. ’12, is a two-time alumna and recipient of one of the microgrants for Snap & Flair, her events, personal styling and public speaking business.
![McKenzie](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/24UNC003_Mckenzie_1500x600.jpg?VersionId=yFw2Tp6GG6WPiujIgvbVewJkxfXKJvZ5&itok=WzV9pFG7)
Each November, the Kent State University College hosts I AM FIRST Week to celebrate not only the students who will soon be the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree, but also alumni, faculty, staff and advocates for their a
![Late Kent State University President Michael Schwartz on campus posing with students Late Kent State University President Michael Schwartz on campus posing with students](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/Schwartz%20with%20Students.jpg?VersionId=._U6fY4_05asMOisBsOsv0cnnInoh.9L&itok=FmHLG5Hr)
Cleveland State University and Kent State University will co-host a celebration of life for Dr. Michael Schwartz on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 3 p.m. in the Glasscock Family Foundation Ballroom. Schwartz served as president of both universities.
Thirty years ago, Kent State University alumna Elizabeth Bartz had a big decision to make.
![Terrie Harris rejoices in receiving her bachelor's degree after studying off and on for 27 years. Terrie Harris rejoices in receiving her bachelor's degree after studying off and on for 27 years.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/20231216_BC_Dec_2023_Commencement_654.jpg?VersionId=n_RSvMvmF60HQusk73C1U5JBWlpHvXko&itok=eTOC8fuR)
When she walked across the stage at commencement on Dec. 16, Terrie Harris realized a dream more than 25 years in the making. Life intervened often during Harris’ educational journey, but thanks to Kent State University’s regional campus system a diploma was finally hers in December.
![Mariah Moorer](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/24ALR186_Moorer_ARTICLE_1500x600.jpg?VersionId=wW_uBoBzu50fhRJyVzbySaGf3_U7GNOe&itok=xxKHczcy)
When in kindergarten, Mariah Moorer, ’20, was asked what she wanted to do when she grew up.
![Students volunteering](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/R_ZrGc4m3li05qnM5_IMG_7528.jpeg?VersionId=q8Qb1SzmaALy4Ef25ukUby1Ic5awaXT2&itok=3Wzrbq0a)
During the 2023 Giving Tuesday campaign, the Kent Student Ambassadors, a Kent State University professional and service oriented student organization, found new ways of giving back to the community.
![Lewis and President Diacon](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/24IFL004_Drupal_1500x600.jpg?VersionId=oC8uJTI4exeo7xVh4gXcWA9XI2EF8_Is&itok=wqoNW_lA)
In a special meeting on Dec. 4, digital media production student Saida Lewis, was invited to meet with Kent State President Todd Diacon to discuss the creative inspiration for her winning design selected in a recent holiday card design competition.
![A new Kent State graduate smiles as she holds her diploma during her commencement ceremony. A new Kent State graduate smiles as she holds her diploma during her commencement ceremony.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/Fall%202023%20Commencement%20-%20new%20graduate%20with%20diploma%20-%20web.jpg?VersionId=QmUr6cwQroUii_Zql5MDOXybyxTHDwza&itok=nOu0Dyw7)
The Kent State University alumni family grew by more than 2,300 new graduates as the university held its fall commencement ceremonies. The accomplishments of the Fall Class of 2023 were recognized with in-person commencement ceremonies for all colleges and degrees on Dec. 15-16.