Executive Director for the Center for Adult and Veterans Services Joshua Rider has been named the Committee Member of the Year by Main Street Kent (MSK). Rider, who serves as the chair of the Business Enhancement Committee, was honored for his excellent work and leadership and for creating connections with the university and downtown businesses. He also volunteers at events including Oktoberfest, Wizardly World, Adopt-A-Spot, and many more throughout the year. “I am honored,” he said of receiving the award. “There are so many folks that give so much of their time, [and] for me to be recogniz...

Despite a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, First Star Kent State Academy not only survived but thrived due to the power and passion of the program’s members. In addition to transitioning remarkably well, it also gave its students a summer and school year to remember. First Star Kent State Academy is a free, comprehensive four-year college access program for youth in foster care. The program engages a cohort of up to 30 students in a variety of learning opportunities, including academic support, career exploration, social and cultural activities and more. “We have in-person activities here on...

More than 3,000 donors came together to make the world Forever Brighter for Kent State students This year, Kent State University donors demonstrated the power of philanthropy by giving at unprecedented levels. The 2021 Giving Tuesday campaign shattered the previous records, more than tripling last year’s record of $2.2 million. The university has been participating in Giving Tuesday for the past seven years, and in that time, it has become Kent State’s most generous annual tradition and a point of pride for the entire Golden Flashes community. The 2021 Giving Tuesday campaign is no excep...