Kent State University is proud to announce its 2020 Alumni Award recipients. Recipients are chosen based on their exceptional contributions in their chosen profession, in their communities and at Kent State. Sponsored by the alumni association, the Alumni Awards are the university’s most prestigious honors given to alumni.
“We were once again delighted with the overwhelming number of outstanding nominations we received for this year’s awards,” said Meg May, president of Kent State’s National Alumni Board of Directors. “These nominations remind us of the diversity and success of our graduates and shine a brilliant light on the impact they have in their professions, their communities and around the globe.”
The following six alumni and one student are being recognized in each of the six categories:
Annalisa Stubbs Williams, municipal court judge and resident of Akron, Ohio, has been awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award. Williams, who was part of Kent State’s Upward Bound Program, graduated from Kent State in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. The Distinguished Alumni Award honors a Kent State graduate who has made outstanding contributions in their chosen profession, demonstrating extraordinary service to Kent State as well as their community, state and nation.
Nicholas E. Phillips, attorney and retired colonel with the U.S. Air Force/JAG and resident of North Royalton, Ohio, has been awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award. Phillips graduated from Kent State in 1970, earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science. The Distinguished Citizen Award honors a Kent State graduate who has accomplished extraordinary service to the public through a nonprofit organization or exceptional community service. This award recognizes individuals who have unselfishly and generously contributed their time and talents for the enrichment of others and the betterment of their community.
Timothy F. Feltes, M.D., former pediatric professor and senior vice chair at the Ohio State University and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and resident of Columbus, Ohio, has been awarded the Professional Achievement Award. Feltes graduated from Kent State in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in zoology/pre-med.
Terese Volk Tuohey, Ph.D., Associate Professor Emerita of Music Education at Wayne State University, and resident of Detroit, Michigan, has also been awarded the Professional Achievement Award. She graduated from Kent State in 1993 with a doctorate in music education. The Professional Achievement Award pays tribute to the superior achievements of alumni in their chosen profession. This award showcases a record of distinguished career achievements, complemented by a history of outstanding contributions.
Stephanie Sweany, assistant director of the Stark County Hunger Task Force and resident of Canton, Ohio, has been awarded the Kent State Advocacy Award. Sweany graduated from Kent State in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies. The Kent State Advocacy Award honors Kent State graduates who have contributed significant time and talent to Kent State or the alumni association on a consistent basis, bringing favorable attention to the university.
Justin Rudy Gleason, director of operations of DS Architecture and a resident of Lakewood, Ohio, has been awarded the Outstanding New Professional Award. Gleason earned three degrees from Kent State: a Bachelor of Science in architecture in 2016, a Master of Architecture in 2018 and a Master of Business Administration in 2018. The Outstanding New Professional Award honors a recent Kent State graduate who shows outstanding achievement in their chosen profession and in their community. This award spotlights future leaders among Kent State alumni who show continued dedication to their community, profession and the university.
Kayla Marker, a current Kent State student with a double major in psychology and criminology with a concentration in criminology and deviance, and a minor in forensic anthropology, has been awarded the Golden Flash Award. Marker, whose hometown is Palmyra, New York, is on track to graduate in spring 2021. The Golden Flash Award honors a Kent State student who promotes Kent State spirit, pride and tradition.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will not be an in-person ceremony this year. However, all award recipients will be honored through special university communications and will be mailed their awards.
For more information on each of this year’s recipients, visit www.kent.edu/alumni/alumni-awards.
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Media Contacts:
Melanie Secre, msecre1@kent.edu, 330-672-5368
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595