Connecting the Story of May 4 to Today’s Headlines The May 4 Visitors Center (M4VC) is observing its 10th anniversary this spring. Following a “soft” opening in fall 2012, the center was officially dedicated as part of the May 4 Commemoration in 2013. The center was created through the efforts and passion of Laura Davis, BA ’73, MA ’76, PhD ’87, Professor Emerita of English, and Carole Barbato, BS ’71, MA ’75, PhD ’94, professor of communication studies, who both were Kent State students in spring 1970. Davis was an eyewitness to the May 4 shootings. Barbato, who died in 2014, wrot...

Former nursing student makes his way to public health and found his passion. After a bit of a windy road and some key helping hands, Elton Sunnyway has a smile on his face as he contemplates his future. “I feel excited. I’m so happy I made the switch to the Kent State University College of Public Health and I found my confidence and I have patience with myself,” said Sunnyway.  A first-generation college student, Sunnyway came to Kent as a transfer student from Bowling Green and is originally from Liberia. According to him, some critical changes happened after first meeting Shaunte ...

New Exhibit Offers Fresh Context for May 4, 1970 In 1969, at least 2 million Americans joined in nationwide protests against the Vietnam War, including Moratorium Day (Oct. 15), the March Against Death (Nov. 14) and the March on Washington (Nov. 15). This spring, a temporary exhibit at the May 4 Visitors Center, The Vocal Majority: 1969, depicts the anti-war demonstrations that led to the events of May 4, 1970. It highlights an assortment of anti-war artifacts from that era, including posters, photos, videos and other memorabilia such as buttons and armbands. “The title contradict...