alumni-news

Kent State University students walk through Florence, Italy, as they receive a tour.

Kent State University will be equipped to offer more financial assistance to students in need thanks to donors to a key area of the university’s ongoing comprehensive fundraising campaign. The Forever Brighter campaign includes a scholarship-support component, Prioritizing Student Success, that now stands at $142 million, surpassing the $100 million goal set at the campaign’s outset in October 2021.

Image of Alumni at Skate Night

What a night it was at this winter wonderland! Sparkling lights lit up the ice rink as alumni and friends glided by. An acapella group and the spirit of Golden Flashes added to the magic of this winter night.

New Kent State graduates smile for a group photo before their commencement ceremony.

The Kent State University alumni family grew by more than 2,500 new graduates as the university held its fall Commencement ceremonies. The accomplishments of the Fall Class of 2022 were recognized with in-person ceremonies for all colleges and degrees on Dec. 17.

2022 Giving Tuesday results graphic

This November, members of the Kent State University community joined together to shine their light on philanthropy. During the November campaign, Kent State’s Giving Tuesday raised $3.6 million, marking the sixth year it has brought in more than $1 million to support scholarships and programs across Kent State’s eight-campus system.

Stephanie Johnson Gestures at Airport Advertisement Featuring Her Daughter Alex Johnson (left) and  Laura Wilson

Delta Captain Stephanie Johnson is all smiles seeing her daughter, Alex Johnson, and Laura Wilson featured in a Kent State advertisement at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. 

First-generation alumni are part of this week's "I Am First' celebration.

Kent State University is celebrating its first-generation students this week with a series of events and programs to spotlight and encourage current students who will be the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree. 

Kent State Vice President Valoree Vargo, presents alumnus Earl Miller with the Founders Award, In appreciation for his $2 million commitment to Kent State, with Michael Lehman, director of Kent State's Brain Health Research Institute.

Kent State University alumnus Earl Miller, Ph.D., a leading cognitive neuroscientist, and his wife Marlene Wicherski were recognized at the university’s 10th Annual Neuroscience Symposium, for their $2 million commitment to support research programs and students in Kent State’s Brain Health Research Institute. 

Morgan Dawson launched Dawson Workwear construction pants in July 2022.

Alumna Morgan Dawson created Dawson Workwear, a line of pants specifically for women in construction, to provide comfort and an appropriate fit for the female body.

Kent State University's 2022 Alumni Award Recipients

Sponsored by the Kent State University Alumni Association, the Alumni Awards are the university’s highest alumni honors. Recipients are selected based on their exceptional professional and civic contributions and for their outstanding support of the university. The 2022 Alumni Award recipients include six alumni and one student.