Ambassador Edward F. Crawford Names College and New Building
The largest single gift in Kent State University history, by Ambassador Edward F. Crawford, will complete the capital campaign to enable the construction of a new building for the college on the university’s Kent Campus. The Kent State Board of Trustees approved the construction of a new, state-of-the-art building on behalf of the college in a special meeting held Friday, Oct. 22.
In recognition of the generosity of Ambassador Crawford and his family, the new building will be named Crawford Hall and the college will be named the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship. The Crawford family gift is an important cornerstone of the recently announced Forever Brighter $350 million comprehensive campaign.
Read More | Crawford Hall Gift Learn More About Ambassador Crawford
Crawford Hall in the News
Crawford Hall Grand Opening
Kent State University celebrated the grand opening of Crawford Hall on Sept. 27, attended by more than 700 guests, including university leadership, faculty, students, donors, alumni and dignitaries.
Crawford Hall Is Open for Business
Kent State University's new Crawford Hall officially opened its doors this week, welcoming students, faculty and staff to a cutting-edge academic facility for the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship.
New Ambassador Crawford Statue Unveiled
As students prepare for the start of the Fall 2024 Semester at Kent State University, one man who has contributed greatly to the future success of Kent State and its students is being honored this week.
Crawford Hall Nears Completion
Anticipation grows as construction on the new home of Kent State's Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship nears completion. The university's newest and largest building will house innovative, state-of-the-art spaces for learning, collaboration and engaging in valuable, hands on business experiences.
Kent State’s Crawford Hall Set to Welcome Students in August
Eight months since the beam topping off ceremony for Crawford Hall on Kent State’s front campus, remarkable progress has been made on the building. Earlier this month, black lettering with the college name – “The Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship” - was installed atop the Main Street-facing wall.
Construction Timelapse
Beam Topping Ceremony - Summer 2023
Groundbreaking Ceremony - Spring 2022
Educating the Business Leaders of Tomorrow
Crawford Hall is designed to facilitate interaction among students, faculty and the business community from all over the world. The technology in the building will enable speakers to join a class from any nation or time zone. Such interaction broadens opportunities for students to gain a global perspective. Students will learn in the classroom, as well as in labs and study spaces throughout the building, as they master new skills and prepare for their careers.
“Crawford Hall will be instrumental in how we prepare students for modern business careers,” said Deborah Spake, Ph.D., dean of the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Kent State. “This new building and its enhanced technology will continue to bolster our reputation for both international business and entrepreneurship education. We anticipate a continued increase not only in domestic enrollment but also for international students seeking a top-tier education. With this gift, the future is indeed bright for the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship.”
– Deborah Spake, Ph.D., Dean, Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Discuss a gift to the new building
To discuss naming opportunities, contact:
Tom Hoffman, Senior Director of Philanthropy
330-672-7807 or thoffm17@kent.edu
