alumni-news

Terrie Harris rejoices in receiving her bachelor's degree after studying off and on for 27 years.

When she walked across the stage at commencement on Dec. 16, Terrie Harris realized a dream more than 25 years in the making. Life intervened often during Harris’ educational journey, but thanks to Kent State University’s regional campus system a diploma was finally hers in December. 

A new Kent State graduate smiles as she holds her diploma during her commencement ceremony.

The Kent State University alumni family grew by more than 2,300 new graduates as the university held its fall commencement ceremonies. The accomplishments of the Fall Class of 2023 were recognized with in-person commencement ceremonies for all colleges and degrees on Dec. 15-16.

Giving Tuesday graphic that indicates $2,867,333+ were raised to impact Kent State University students.

Kent State University supporters once again joined together during the university’s Giving Tuesday campaign to raise more than $2.8 million to support a variety of student scholarships and programs.

Caplan, Dellinger, Prufer, and Giffels review material in the May 4 Visitors Center

New Wave ’80s band Devo isn’t just from Ohio. Devo wasn’t just created in Akron. Devo was forged at Kent State University under the pressure of the turmoil of the late ’60s and the events surrounding May 4, 1970. Authors David Giffels and Jade Dellinger brought their book “The Beginning Was the End: Devo in Ohio” to Kent State for a book signing and discussion.

The 2023 Kent State University Alumni Award winners smile after the Alumni Awards ceremony. Pictured (from left to right) are Sonia Karkare, Danita Brown Young, Ph.D., Scott Haws, Garret Ferrara, Morgan Dawson, Thomas Iivari, Isobel Day, Haley Dees, Avery Hall and John Van Alstine.

Kent State University recognizes alumni who, through leadership, character and hard work, are making a difference. During Homecoming Weekend, 10 Golden Flashes were presented with Alumni Awards, and nine alumni received Lifetime Achievement recognitions from the university’s Black Alumni Chapter.

Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement
Students carry out research in a laboratory at Kent State.

When we come together, Golden Flashes create a legacy of brilliance that makes the world Forever Brighter.

At Kent State University, we are continuing the proud tradition of giving back during the Giving Tuesday campaign this November. This monthlong celebration of giving brings the Kent State community together to support student success and build a brighter future for the blue and gold.

Homecoming Parade at Kent State

The streets of Kent, Ohio, will be filled with blue and gold as Kent State University alumni, students, parents, employees and community members gather for this year’s Homecoming, with a full slate of events Oct. 20-21.

Kristin Stasiowski (far right), assistant dean of international programs and education abroad for the College of Arts and Sciences at Kent State University, leads a group of Kent State students as they discover the art, architecture and history of Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence, Italy.

Kent State University leadership and donors known as the Renaissance Scholars Society will gather to commemorate 50 years of education abroad in Florence, Italy, during the first week of October.

The following new members have been appointed to the Kent State Alumni Association National Board of Directors for a three-year term, which began July 1: Jeff Guritza, of Brecksville, Ohio, is the vice president of marketing at SOPREMA USA. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Kent State in 1994.