Class Notes
Here’s the latest news from the last century of Golden Flashes. Catch up on what fellow alumni have been doing over the years and be sure to share your update with us as well.
Sue Leimgruber, '61, M.Ed '68, Mentor, OH, is enjoying the good life after having taught school for 30 years and played golf for more.
On Oct. 17-18, 2024, the Architecture Class of 1979 celebrated our 45th Reunion with a gathering at Ray's Place, a walking tour of campus, a reception at the CAED Building and a dinner Bistro on Main. More than 30 classmates from all over the country met once again in Kent to celebrate our graduation class in 1979.
Kathleen Hohl, MA '91, Franklin, WI, was named manager of presidential communication at Marquette University in Milwaukee in September 2023. She prepares and reviews a wide variety of communications materials and staffs the university president at internal and external events. Hohl previously served as Marquette's sports information director from 1991-2000.
Adam Parton, '96, Greenville, OH, lives with his wife, Shannon, and their five teenagers: Kent, Sam, Parker, Addy, and Cate. Adam is the president/CEO at Friends Fellowship Community, where he serves more than 300 seniors in independent living homes, assisted living apartments, skilled nursing suites, and memory care suites. He spends most of his free time focused on family activities, whether at a wrestling match, swim meet, lacrosse tournament, or football game. His wife, a fellow MAC graduate (Ball State), shares his passion for serving seniors and is currently the executive director at Briarwood Village, a large campus in Coldwater, OH.
The couple attends one away Buckeye game each year and loves traveling together when they can. They are scheduled for an upcoming cruise to the Caribbean. Adam has fond memories of Kent State, including great friendships, incredible stories, and lots of laughs with his dorm mates in Terrace Hall and his KSU Rugby brothers. Now gone, but not forgotten, are The Brass Rail and The Robin Hood! He was recently back on campus for Homecoming Weekend and reconnected with some old friends. They are looking forward to another reunion on Main Street over the holidays.
Dionne (Redmond) Hill, M.Ed. '01, Ed.D., Houston, TX, is proud to announce the successful completion of a Doctorate of Education, Counselor Education.
For the past 14 years, Kellie (Brookhart) Pendley, '08, MA '10, Bluffton, SC, has dedicated her career to K-12 education, working in both public and private sectors as an ESOL director, teacher and district administrator overseeing assessment. Having also lived in Long Island, NY, and the Greater Boston area, she moved to the Lowcountry of South Carolina in 2020. In August 2024, Kellie transitioned to nonprofit work as the director of education programs at Bluffton Self Help in Bluffton, SC. In this role, she and her team support more than 300 adult learners, helping them advance their English skills, prepare for U.S. citizenship exams and interviews, work toward their GED and create pathways to personal success. Currently, Kellie is nearing completion of her Ed.D. through Kent State University, focusing her research on engaging parents from diverse backgrounds in special education processes to address disparities in educational access and outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse students.
Jaime L. Schmitt-Shuster, '08, MPH '12, Ph.D. '18, Twinsburg, OH, has recently accepted a promotion to research program manager in Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine at Cleveland Clinic. She continues to teach psychology and public health courses for Kent State and Cleveland State Universities as an adjunct faculty member.
"Radhika Cruz, MA '15, announces the release of ""Made for More: Overcoming Challenges and Disappointments to Live Confidently and with Purpose."" This empowering guide provides readers with strategies to navigate life’s setbacks, embrace their strengths and build lasting self-confidence. Through personal stories and actionable steps, ""Made for More"" helps readers transform adversity into growth opportunities. Whether tackling career challenges or personal struggles, this book equips readers to take bold actions and make confident decisions. “Everyone faces challenges, but what defines us is how we rise from them,” says Radhika Cruz. “'Made for More' shows that setbacks are just stepping stones to greater success.” ""Made for More"" is available in paperback format on Amazon. Learn more at Radhikacruz.com. "
recently reach a professional milestone, embark on a memorable adventure, or expand your family? Whether you got married, had a child, or met a grandchild, we want to celebrate with you! Share your updates and stories with us —we can't wait to hear what you've been up to!
recently reach a professional milestone, embark on a memorable adventure, or expand your family? Whether you got married, had a child, or met a grandchild, we want to celebrate with you! Share your updates and stories with us —we can't wait to hear what you've been up to!