Kent State Student Goes from Homeless to Helping Others

Kent State University at Salem recently presented John Tonti the Friend of the Campus award, the highest honor presented annually to non-students. It recognizes community members, businesses and organizations that support increasing access to higher education in Salem and surrounding communities.

Tonti is the president of the Salem Community Foundation, a position he has held since 1992. He began his tenure with the organization in 1981 as its treasurer.

Kent State University at Salem recognized the academic achievements of several students during its annual Student Awards Ceremony, while also honoring the service of faculty, staff and its Friend of the Campus.

The awards and recipients are:

Kent State East Liverpool Observing Earth Day 

The 2026 Kent State East Liverpool Earth Day observance will be held April 25, from 9 a.m. to noon in Purinton Hall, located at 400 E. Fourth St. The free event is open to the public. 

This year’s theme is Our Power, Our Planet. Featured speakers are Zihan Lin Ph.D. from Cleveland State University and Kelli Pastore, parks director with the Salem Parks and Recreation Department.