Class Notes for November 2025

Dee Flower, Nashville, TN, is a Kent State graduate with a Bachelor of Science in education. Her career as a park ranger sparked her love of adventure. She began traveling around the world trekking in the Himalayas to celebrate the Millennium. A safari to Kenya and a one-year stay initiated her love affair with Africa. In ""Where the Wind Wills,"" Dee ventures into the wild unknown – through remote villages, bustling cities and unforgiving landscapes. One of her most unpredictable experiences was flirting with death on Ethiopia’s Omo River. Since then, the wind has taken Dee to more than 40 countries on six continents. Dee is co-hosting the Narrative Travel Writing Retreat in Kenya June 5-13, 2026, with Cindy McCain. If you are interested, you can learn more about this event on her website at: https://southerngirlgoneglobal.com/2025/10/24/writing-retreat-in-kenya-how-to-make-2026-your-wildest-chapter-yet/ 

Gerald Tinker, Sherman Oaks, CA, was recently honored by having The City of Miami officially name a street after the Kent State legend and Varsity K Hall of Famer, co-designating a portion of Charles Terrace in Coconut Grove as Gerald Tinker Way. The honor recognizes the Olympic gold medalist, former NFL wide receiver and Golden Flash for his extraordinary athletic achievements and lasting impact on his hometown community. At Kent State, Gerald was a two-sport standout, excelling in football and track and field. He earned All-America honors in track, won the 1973 NCAA Indoor Championship in the 60-yard dash and set multiple Mid-American Conference records. On the football field, he was a dynamic wide receiver and kick returner, helping the Golden Flashes to their first-ever bowl appearance in the 1972 Tangerine Bowl. His speed carried him to Olympic glory at the 1972 Munich Games, where he ran the third leg of the U.S. 4x100-meter relay to capture gold and tie the world record. After college, Gerald was drafted in the second round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons and later played for the Green Bay Packers. Gerald Tinker Way now stands as a lasting reminder of what you can achieve through hard work, perseverance and excellence. It's a fitting tribute to a Golden Flash who was determined to succeed.

Joseph Milczewski, '83, Spartanburg, SC, was hired as an assistant professor of Supply Chain Management at New Mexico Highlands University. He is responsible for developing concentration, certificate, bachelor's degree and master's degree programs in Supply Chain Management.

After a happy 40-year career as a librarian, Stella Herzig, '85, of Davenport, IA, will be retiring in January 2026 from St. Ambrose University, where she was a reference and instruction librarian. She recently gained a new officemate who is a recent MLIS grad from Kent State, and Stella is thrilled come full circle as she spends her last semester with a fellow Kent Stater! Stella credits Kent State University for giving her a great beginning in her career, especially former Library School dean, A. Robert Rogers, for providing mentorship and fostering enthusiasm for this ancient field of endeavor. Providing access to the world's knowledge has been a rewarding career. To her alma mater, Stella says: "Thanks, Kent State University! It went by in a Golden Flash!"

Cecilia Donohue, MA '89, Ph.D. '96, Crossville, TN, contributed articles to two anthologies of literary critical essays published in 2025. "Inspiring Travels with Charley: John Steinbeck and the Millennial Multitiered Quest" appeared in "Steinbeck's Uneasy America: Rereading Travels with Charley" published by the University of Alabama Press. In addition, her essay "Scaling the 'Ladder of Years': Anne Tyler's Trilogy of Aging" was among the essays in Palgrave Press's "Fiction and Poetry to Help Us Age: Criticism and Reflections by Professors of Literature." Retired from university teaching since 2013, Cecilia currently serves as an associate editor of "The Steinbeck Review."

Michelle Park Lazette, '05, Lakewood, OH, published "The Descended", her debut apocalyptic fantasy, in September 2025. "The Descended" takes place in Ohio and appeals to those who enjoy imagining how they would survive "The Walking Dead" and "I Am Legend," as well as fans of Penn Cole’s "Spark of the Everflame." Rated 4.5 stars on Amazon, it's available in eBook, paperback and audiobook. Find it at flyingsnakepress.com or Amazon/Audible, then tell this Golden Flash what you thought!

Taylor Corpening, '17, Wilmington, NC, is a creative director, writer and designer. As the founder of The Tayllure Company, she explores “The Art of Living Beautifully” through artistry, community and self-expression. With a background in fashion merchandising and journalism, her work lives at the intersection of fashion, storytelling and culture. Her first venture, Auriette Activewear, redefines luxury performance wear through handmade craftsmanship and timeless, romantic design. Each collection reflects Taylor’s belief that beauty and femininity don't have to come at the expense of strength, comfort and performance. Through her work, she strives to empower women to feel confident, beautiful and powerful. The inaugural collection debuted at Wilmington Fashion Week 2025. Photos available at aurietteactivewear.com