Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Legacies Change Lives: Emily Butz

George L. Jenkins, ’63, and Gina Jenkins Impact Student Access and Honor a Mentor
George L. Jenkins’ generosity spans three decades and continues to support first-generation students and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Kent State’s Spirit of Motherhood Program for Pregnant Black Women Receives $100,000 Grant
Infant mortality rates in Northeast Ohio are three to five times higher for Black babies than white babies, an alarming statistic that is an issue across the country but particularly prevalent in this part of the state. A new $100,000 grant from the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation will support innovative work being undertaken at Kent State, an elite research university with the esteemed R1 designation, to address this important issue.

Kent State and KeyBank Foundation to Continue Key Connections Program for Underserved Students
KeyBank Foundation has awarded a new $200,000 gift to Kent State University to continue KeyBank Foundation’s support for the successful Key Connections program offered by University College at Kent State. The Key Connections program will continue to support student success initiatives for underserved students, including first-generation students and students from limited income backgrounds who will enroll in Fall Semester 2022.

Kent State Breaks Ground for Future Home of the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Kent State University officially broke ground on Crawford Hall, the future home of the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, on March 8 in a ceremony attended by more than 400 people, including university officials, donors, alumni, students, elected officials and special guests.

PNC Foundation Awards $75,000 to Kent State
The PNC Foundation has awarded $75,000 to Kent State University to help ensure success among students who commonly face barriers in college. This grant aligns with PNC’s focus on addressing economic inequality among Black American and low- to moderate-income communities, and it will provide resources for students that will help them complete college and establish a strong foundation on which to build their careers.

Sally Kirkland Turns a Personal Tragedy into a Blessing for Others
Establishing a scholarship in honor and memory of her daughter and granddaughter has helped Sally Kirkland heal some of her pain while providing support for generations of students to come.

Kent State Approves 26 Named Spaces in New Crawford Hall in Recognition of $10.7 Million in Philanthropic Gifts
During its regular quarterly meeting held Wednesday, Dec. 15, the Kent State University Board of Trustees approved naming resolutions for 17 spaces to be located in the future Crawford Hall based on philanthropic gifts of $100,000 or more. An additional nine named spaces were approved by Kent State President Todd Diacon that were below the required Board approval threshold.

Kent State Approves 26 Named Spaces in New Crawford Hall in Recognition of $10.7 Million in Philanthropic Gifts
During its regular quarterly meeting held Wednesday, Dec. 15, the Kent State University Board of Trustees approved naming resolutions for 17 spaces to be located in the future Crawford Hall based on philanthropic gifts of $100,000 or more. An additional nine named spaces were approved by Kent State President Todd Diacon that were below the required Board approval threshold.

Kent State’s Giving Tuesday Brings in Record-Breaking $7.7 Million
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.