"When I let myself really think about it, I'm moved to tears," Katie Ramunni said about receiving the Outstanding Young Professional award presented by the School of Communication Studies. "It's definitely both a professional and personal highlight of my life."
Ramunni will receive the award, honoring alumni who have demonstrated success in their field for more than five years after graduation, at the annual Homecoming Centennial Awards and Reception on Friday, October 17 at 5 p.m. in the Kent Student Center Ballroom Balcony.
Ramunni, who received her Bachelors in Public Communication in 2009, is a marketing assistant at Cogswell Hall, a Cleveland nonprofit that fights against the isolation of poverty by providing a home and supportive services to individuals with disabilities.
"I work to persuade people to make room in their lives to help others whether as a volunteer, a donor or an advocate." Ramunni said. "Kent State University's School of Communication Studies prepared me to live and participate in this world as a critical thinker."
Ramunni is a board member for The Warren A. Sill Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the establishment and continuation of scholarship at Kent State University. She has also served as AmeriCorps VISTA and ReStore Program Specialist at Habitat for Humanity MidOhio.
Ramunni explored several options before choosing to major in Communication Studies. Courses in rhetoric and persuasion attracted her to the major. "I developed an understanding of society and how people communicate and interact with others," Ramunni said. "Our discipline has everything to do with human relationships."
Ramunni, who was involved in peer mentoring, tutoring and Kent Communications Society (KCS) as a student, said everyone in the school shares in the learning process. "From first year students to professors, and emeriti, everyone respects one another." Ramunni said. "Students have a voice. The classes are small. I don't know what better an environment to foster growth."
Ramunni recommends that incoming Communication Studies majors stay focused and help one another to move forward. "Remember that life is about understanding one another as people," Ramunni said.
If you plan to attend the Homecoming Centennial Awards and Reception, please R.S.V.P. to comm@kent.edu or by phone at 330-672-2659.
