Kent State University at Salem held its annual awards ceremony Thursday at the Salem Golf Club. More than 100 students were honored for their academic excellence and scholastic achievements. Top students in computer technology, communication studies, early childhood education, human services, psychology, nursing, radiology and undergraduate research received awards.
Several scholarships were awarded. These included: the Kent State Salem Advisory Board Scholarship, the Kent State Salem Alumni Scholarship, the Joseph P. and Donna J. Sedzmak Accounting and Business Scholarship, the Donna J. Sedzmak Student Survivor and Caregiver Scholarship, the Richard T. Cunningham Scholarship, the Home Savings Business Scholarship, the James Cooney Scholarship, the John Roncone Scholarship, and the Professional Promise Scholarship. Those earning academic scholarships through the campus’ honors program were also named. The amount of scholarship dollars awarded, including funds made available through the Salem Community Foundation, exceeded $36,000.
Student worker Ryan Weikart received the Campus Service Award.
In addition to celebrating the achievements of its student body, Dr. Wanda Thomas, interim dean, presented the campus’ highest honor, its Friend of the Campus Award. The award celebrates community members and institutions that have worked to better the campus through their time and talents over the years. The Salem Community Hospital was this year’s award winner.
Director of Institutional Advancement Matt Butts said that the Salem Community Hospital provides Kent State Salem students with the opportunity to learn at a state-of-the-art facility. “Students in both nursing and radiology are wowed by the quality and commitment to patient care at the SCH,” he said. “The hospital is also a community organization that highlights how a career in healthcare requires a commitment to outstanding patient care, but also a commitment to creating a healthier community.”
Butts continued to say that during the last 20 years, the hospital has always engaged Kent State in countless grants that promote a healthier community. “We thank you for including us in your efforts,” he said. “We also thank you for the nearly $300.000 in scholarship and capital support. The hospital was a leader in helping Kent State Salem’s Health and Sciences wing become a reality.”
Salem Community Hospital CEO Howard Rohleder accepted the award on the hospital’s behalf.
“The hospital has a long history of working with area organizations, like KSU-Salem, to meet the health care and quality of life needs of local residents. Through careful stewardship of the resources available to the hospital, we are able to support curriculums like KSU-Salem’s nursing, radiology and other related programs to benefit individual students, the University and the patients of Salem Community Hospital,” he said. “We are being recognized tonight for what is truly a win-win situation.”
Rohleder went on to say Kent State Salem is instrumental in educating local residents, which has allowed them to qualify for many of the skilled positions needed to staff the hospital.
“Many of the people employed at Salem Community Hospital today, may not have pursued their dream of a health care career had they not had the opportunity to complete their education locally at KSU-Salem,” Rohleder said. “And from the hospital’s perspective, the University has supplied a steady stream of qualified graduates to fill openings on the hospital staff, helping us to avoid shortages of skilled patient care providers.”
Rohleder then challenged the graduates in the room to remember three things as they move into their new roles: to never stop learning, to serve their community and to recognize that they are among the brightest and the best of their generation.
“In the years to come, it will fall upon your shoulders to lead the community through your positions in businesses, hospitals, churches and schools,” he said. “Seize these opportunities whenever you can for you are tomorrow’s ‘Friend of the Campus.’”
Check Out More Photos on Facebook!!At the Kent State Columbiana County campuses, students can earn more than 20 different degrees, including 12 bachelor’s degrees. The Kent State Columbiana County campuses, which include Kent State East Liverpool and Kent State Salem, are home to more than 3,400 students. For more information please visit www.col.kent.edu or call 330-332-0361 for the Salem Campus or 330-385-3805 for the East Liverpool Campus.
Photo Captions
Sandra Anderson, a Kent State Salem student, received the James Cooney Scholarship, which is awarded to a non-traditional female student attending the campus.
Kent State Salem student Marc Sabino was awarded the Donna J. Sedzmak Student Survivor and Caregiver Scholarship during Kent State Salem's annual awards ceremony.