Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement
Black United Student Leader Thrives
Julian Grimes, a Kent State junior, is president of Black United Students (BUS) and is working to keep the organization thriving. BUS is one of Kent State’s oldest student organizations and is credited with starting the formal observance of Black History Month in 1970.
Community of Caring Supports Student
Shane Reese found a network of support and a community of caring at Kent State that surrounded him after his mother passed away during his freshman year. As a result, Reese became a resilient leader who is committed to giving back.
LaunchNET Supports Student Radio Program
Kent State architecture student Joel Semancik is the creator of Gulp Radio, a program and podcast that airs on Kent State’s Black Squirrel Radio. He and his guests discuss songs that have had an impact on their lives and discuss their favorite Kent State memories and life stories.
Will Matthews, ’19
Will Matthews, ’19, adds some flavor to Northeast Ohio’s food scene with Southern Comfort Kitchen, his New Orleans-inspired restaurant and food truck.
Alumni Spotlight - Dexter Shreve, '13
Dexter credits the hands-on learning experiences for preparing him for the real-world challenges of his career. In particular, the Materials and Processes class provided him with essential skills in machining, welding, and casting, which he later applied in various engineering roles.
Adventures in Italy: A Kent State Love Story
Global Experience Transforms Student’s Future
When Kent State alumnus Carlton “CeeJay” Scott Jr., ’23, returned from his 2023 Spring Semester abroad as an exchange student in Cairo, he brought with him a transformed vision for his future as a filmmaker.
Kent State Alumna Tiffany Roper Has a "Flair" for Entrepreneurship
Tiffany Roper, ’07, M.Ed. ’12, is a two-time alumna and recipient of one of the microgrants for Snap & Flair, her events, personal styling and public speaking business.
Danny Pellegrino, ’07
For Danny Pellegrino, ’07, being an author and comedian has allowed him to meld his love of storytelling with making others laugh. Whether he’s on stage, on screen, behind the mic or at his computer, Danny is following his “true North,” as he says, by celebrating the things he loves and sharing them with others.
