The Herrick Society Luncheon is an annual event held by Kent State University to recognize and express appreciation for donors who have chosen to include Kent State University in their legacy. The donations received from Herrick Society members are essential in continuing the growth of Kent State University. This year, the luncheon was held at the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center and highlighted the Division of Research and Economic Development.
The event included a speech by Vice President for Research and Economic Development, Douglas Delahanty, titled “Unleashing Potential: Fueling Innovation through Undergrad Research Investment.” The speech focused on the benefits of undergraduate research and how the skills students develop through undergraduate research directly translate to the skills employers most desire. Dr. Delahanty emphasized how undergraduate research at Kent State University prepares students for their future careers.
Dr. Delahanty’s speech was accompanied by presentations from undergraduate student researchers who participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program, which is an eight-week program that provides students with the opportunity to conduct research with guidance from a faculty mentor.
One of the students who gave a presentation at the Herrick Society Luncheon was David Dreyer, an Aerospace Engineering major who has been working closely with Dr. Ali Abdul-Aziz as an undergraduate student researcher for SURE 2023 and SURE 2024. Dreyer’s research has been centered on 3D printing and how the strength of printed objects correlates to the level of hollowness within. The research examines how wall thickness, infill, and infill patterns relate to the overall integrity of a 3D printed object. Dreyer immensely enjoys being a student researcher, and highly recommends that all students seek out undergraduate research opportunities.
When asked about his experience at the Herrick Society Luncheon, Dreyer explained that it was an honor to represent both the SURE program and Kent State University at such an important event. Dreyer believes that members of the Herrick Society are contributing to a noble cause by providing funding to Kent State University and stated that the event was a great opportunity for Kent State University to showcase the “bright young minds that are paving the way for future generations.”
The student presenters also had the opportunity to mingle with members of the Herrick Society during the luncheon, and Dreyer noted that it was fascinating to be able to sit down with members and talk about research and life at Kent State University. Dreyer was even able to meet Herrick Society members who had once studied Aeronautics at Kent State University, and he said it was great to discuss how both the Aeronautics program and the university as a whole have evolved over time.
Kent State University is tremendously grateful to all Herrick Society members. Your donations allow the university to continue growing and expanding to provide the best education possible for future generations of Golden Flashes.