Kent Blossom Music Festival to Hold Virtual Concert Season in July
The Kent Blossom Music Festival and the Kent State University Glauser School of Music announce the launch of a five-concert rebroadcast series in July featuring performances 
recorded over the past three seasons. All concerts will be streamed free of charge on our Facebook page, YouTube channel and website.
Every Wednesday during the month of July (July, 1, July 8, July 15, July 22 and July 29) at 7:30 p.m. will feature a different concert. Featured musicians include past Kulas Guest Artists violinist Jennifer Koh, the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio and the Emerson String Quartet with cellist Jerry Grossman. Another concert will feature faculty artists-in-residence the Miami String Quartet with pianist Spencer Myer. Finally, two concerts will feature a variety of performances by our faculty artists from The Cleveland Orchestra and visiting young artists. Music performed will range from Bach to some of today’s best-known living composers.
“I’m so pleased that the Kent Blossom Music Festival team has been able to put this virtual concert experience together and 
that we can offer some incredibly special performances to the community,” said Ricardo Sepúlveda, festival director. “We believe in the transformative power of music; and even in these extreme times, music is a profound tool that unites people and permeates every part of our lives.”
Though watching is free, a link will be provided where viewers can give to support the festival. Each tax-deductible gift will be used to ensure the longevity of the now 52-year festival and partnership with The Cleveland Orchestra, supporting the many talented young artists who spend future summers with us.
A final schedule and more information will be available at www.kent.edu/blossom.
Cleveland Foundation Grant Ensures Promising Future for Rising Scholars
More Geauga County Middle Schoolers Gain Access to Intervention Program
By Estelle R. Brown
Silver spoon or plastic fork? Every child is born with certain economic advantages and disadvantages that shape their futures.
The fledgling Rising Scholars program was initiated last year to level the playing field for at-risk Geauga County students who face uncertain outcomes after high school graduation. Thanks to a $14,079 grant from the Lake-Geauga Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, this intervention program administered by Kent State University Geauga and Twinsburg Academic Center will expand opportunities for even more local students throughout the 2020 calendar year.
Generational poverty, lack of role models and insufficient academic preparation for success in college or at work are common risk factors among students at Kent State regional campuses, where 81 percent receive financial aid and most require remediation to bring their academic skills up to college-level standards. In order to better equip future first-generation college students in Geauga County, the Rising Scholars program was established to identify at-risk sixth graders and to support them as Rising Scholars while progressing from middle school through high school and on to college.
In its first year, the program was facilitated by two KSU-Geauga student mentors — Abby Clarke and Carmen Robinson — who provided one-on-one guidance for eight seventh-graders, two each from four local school districts. Grant support from the Lake-Geauga Fund of the Cleveland Foundation supported students from Berkshire and Cardinal districts in Geauga County while KSU-Geauga funded the mentorship of students from Twinsburg and Nordonia in Summit County, with funding support supplied by the Kent State Foundation, Middlefield Bank and individual donations ($6,349 was raised for Rising Scholars on Giving Tuesday).
With the start of fall term 2020, an additional KSU-Geauga student mentor will be hired to support two additional students from Kenston Local Schools and two from Chagrin Falls Park (both in Geauga County). The addition of these four to the Rising Scholars roster will be funded by the new grant award.
“I am so thankful for the Cleveland Foundation and their faith in our program and the contributions we’re making in the Geauga County community,” says Robin Dever, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of the Middle Childhood Education Program.
“I am very excited to continue to work with the school districts as we build the program. It’s been a wonderful experience to watch the students form bonds with their mentors as they grow academically, socially and emotionally.”
The Kent State-Geauga Rising Scholars Program can become a model for increasing the number of rural, low-income students who pursue higher education and graduate from college. From seventh grade through senior year, a KSU student mentor will meet with the Rising Scholars every month to work on skills to ensure their success in college, the workforce, or military options after high school graduation. Also, Rising Scholars participate in a summer workshop focusing on academic skills, and attend biannual workshops emphasizing the connection between education and local career paths. Recently, the Rising Scholars cohort toured the Twinsburg Fitness Center to explore future career options, including the qualifications, skills and academics needed to pursue different career pathways.
Beyond equipping students with hard skills related to time management, project completion and attention to detail, Dr. Dever explains that mentors focus on helping these middle-schoolers to think beyond the present and to contemplate higher aspirations for the future. In order for them to pursue rewarding careers after high school, now is the time to identify their personal strengths, attach those strengths to future goals, and expand their visions for successful livelihoods.
“They have strengths now they can turn into a future success,” says Dr. Dever. “We want them to be aware of all their options when the time comes.”
As the Rising Scholars program builds each year, it will serve 20 students next year and will eventually reach its full capacity with 72 students (12 students per grade ranging from seventh grade through twelfth grade). The expanding program will require a full-time program director who will dedicate half of their time to managing Rising Scholars and the other half to career services. With a new director eventually taking over the role, Dr. Dever will still serve in an advisory capacity and work closely with the new director during the transition period.
She says, “I’m deeply invested in this program and I hope to guide the developmental appropriateness of activities as the program grows.”
Long-term investments are being made to level the playing field for a growing number of young students with promising futures. It takes $1,875 to support one Rising Scholar for one year. Anyone interested in contributing to the Rising Scholars fund may do so by contacting Associate Director of Advancement Molly Smith at msmit68@kent.edu.
Stephanie Starks-Anderson Retiring Following 41 Years of Service
By Madalynne Stanic
It is with warmest wishes that Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM) announces the retirement of Stephanie Starks-Anderson, business manager of its teaching facility, the Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic (CFAC).
Following 41 dedicated years of service, Stephanie’s retirement is effective June 30, 2020, leaving thousands of alumni and many staff members better for having worked under her guidance at CFAC.
In February 1979, Stephanie was hired as a jack of all trades by the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine prior to its acquisition by Kent State in 2012. Over the course of her first 21 years at the college, Stephanie served as a clinical receptionist, working in the mail room, medical records, and even as a library assistant. In 2000, Stephanie rose to the challenge of becoming the office manager at Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic, the position she currently holds. As office manager, Stephanie has been at the helm of Clinic Operations, managing staff, resolving patient problems, monitoring physician schedules and overseeing daily office operations to ensure that the clinic runs smoothly.
For several of our faculty and administration, Stephanie has played a unique role in their journey: as students, they worked under her, and as physicians and faculty, they have worked alongside her. One such colleague is CPM Dean, Dr. Allan Boike, a class of 1982 alumnus himself.
“I am so proud to have worked with Stephanie in several capacities during her time at CPM,” Dr. Boike says. “Whether it was learning in clinic during my time as a student, or in recent years. Stephanie has proven to be a dedicated colleague that creates a wonderful working and learning environment for our community.”
Another expert on Stephanie’s career with the College is CPM’s former Assistant Dean of Clinical Education and Operations, Dr. Bryan Caldwell, a class of 1989 CPM graduate. He says it’s difficult to describe in a few words how much he treasures Stephanie as her former supervisor and a true friend.
“She was the ultimate team player with a desire to do what was right even when it was unpopular,” Caldwell recalls of his nearly 20 years supervising Stephanie. “She was always willing to help students, and I can speak first-hand as I was a student when I first met her.”
As she approaches her separation from the college and its clinic, Stephanie reminisces fondly on her journey with CPM.
“During my time at CPM I have been able to master my skills in many different areas,” she said. “Through levels of achievement, I have fostered skills that have helped me become more than an employee, and hopefully a significant addition to this company. The biggest accomplishment of my 41 years here has been the many friends and associates that I’ve made. I will surely miss my time at CPM.”
The feeling is mutual as Dr. Boike wholeheartedly echoes her sentiments. “Stephanie’s long-time appointment makes her an extremely valuable member of our family. We will surely feel her absence and miss her expertise when she retires and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
The entire CPM community expresses their sincerest gratitude to Stephanie Starks-Anderson for her years of dedicated service. There is no doubt that no matter where her next adventure takes her, Stephanie will continue to make an impact on the world around her.
--Photo courtesy of AReddQueen, Public Relations and Photography, LLC
Virtual Total Body Toning Extended Through August
Register for your spot!
Recreational Services and Employee Wellness will continue offering live virtual workouts from 12:15 to 1 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday through August 13. Join Recreation Program Coordinator, Beth Michel, for a 45-minute total body workout that incorporates cardio, strength and flexibility and can be completed in the comfort of your own home. 
This version of Total Body Toning focuses on bodyweight exercises, so no equipment is required, and all fitness levels are welcome. All you need is comfortable clothing (shoes optional), a bottle of water, and an internet connection to participate. If you do have weights or other household items, you may choose to incorporate them - it's your workout!
The sessions are live streamed via Zoom. Since these are Zoom events, you may choose to open your webcam so other participants can see you, but you can keep it closed if you prefer not to be seen. Zoom also offers a chat feature, so you can interact with your fellow Flashes while breaking a sweat.
The classes are open to all full and part time faculty and staff. Employees participating in the Wellness Your Way Rewards Program will earn 10 Tier 2 points for each class. Pre-registration is required. Visit our digital wellness calendar to register for each session you'd like to attend. The link to join will come via email. Make sure your Zoom display name includes your first and last name to ensure we can capture your attendance and award your Tier 2 points!
Recreational Services and Employee Wellness plan to offer a hybrid model of in-person and virtual classes this fall semester, so stay tuned for more details!
“Know Your Numbers” Health Screenings Resume
Screenings Begin with Added Safety Measures
Don't leave your 2020 wellness reward dollars on the table! There is still time to schedule your "Know Your Numbers" health screening* to put you on track for your $300 wellness reward.
Participation in an annual "Know Your Numbers" health screening is incentivized under Tier 1 of the Wellness Your Way Rewards Program. For the 2020 reward program, your screening must be completed between September 1, 2019 - August 31, 2020 (Tier 1 deadline extended due to COVID-19). You can take advantage of the convenient and free onsite screenings provided by our wellness partner, Be Well Solutions* or have one completed with your primary care physician and have the results populated on the Tier 1 Physician Screening Form available on the Be Well portal. The choice is yours.
In adherence with CDC, state and local government guidelines, Employee Wellness and Be Well Solutions have enhanced and updated our protocols to safely deliver onsite screenings to Kent State faculty and staff. Please click here to learn about these enhanced safety measures, participant expectations, and general flow prior to attending your screening.
How to Schedule Your Appointment
- Login to your private Be Well portal at portal.bewelldata.com. If you have never logged into the portal, click here for first-time login instructions.
- Click on "Worksite Screening" under "My Appointments".
- Choose the date that best fits your schedule. Available dates include July 24, July 30, and August 12.
While You're Signed In...
- Complete your online health risk assessment for 2020. Click on "Health Risk Assessment" under "My Wellness"
- Check your Tier 1 and Tier 2 progress and/or download verification forms. Click on "Wellness Reward Program" under "My Wellness"
- Schedule a telephonic health coaching appointment. Click on "Telephonic Coaching" under "My Appointments"
*Health screenings provided by Be Well Solutions are complimentary for full-time, benefits-eligible employees only. You do NOT have to be enrolled in the university-sponsored health plan to take advantage. For question, contact Employee Wellness at 330-672-7505 or wellness@kent.edu.
Faculty Contemplating COVID-19
Cindy Widuck, Public Health lecturer, sounds off about her experiences traversing the current COVID-19 pandemic for the Faculty Contemplating COVID-19 series. Learn more.