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![David Kaplan (Center), professor in the Department of Geography, is one of three educators honored with the Distinguished Teaching Award, the highest teaching award a tenured or tenure-track professor can receive. David Kaplan (center), professor in the Department of Geography, is one of three educators honored with the Distinguished Teaching Award, the highest teaching award a tenured or tenure-track professor can receive.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article_thumbnail/PROFILE%20Kaplan.jpg?VersionId=rPkwUo6Ev7x6PTwxtMw3aUdvTufS0h3R&h=e6f36a9c&itok=BcjlKPx9)
Many professors have certain influences that inspire them to teach. For David Kaplan, Ph.D., professor in Kent State University's Department of Geography, that inspiration comes from his father.
![Daisy Smith discovered her purpose at Kent State University. Daisy Smith discovered her purpose at Kent State University.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article_thumbnail/video%20photo%2011.5.jpg?VersionId=GfOqMdJ4g4JqXKmwDNQRCBz1xYI4AMk8&h=b89a053a&itok=3bDbWIXk)
Hear how Kent State University student Daisy Smith discovered her purpose at Kent State.
![“I definitely had a purpose going into my college career, and Kent State Stark helped me achieve it,” says Kent State graduate Kent Weaver. “I definitely had a purpose going into my college career, and Kent State Stark helped me achieve it,” says Kent State graduate Kent Weaver.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/KENT-WEAVER-1500.jpg?VersionId=rdBAqHWGfS25SJ3jVLaOCfDs4sURzmF9&h=e6f36a9c&itok=HgIfKT7t)
Armed with a biology degree, completed entirely at Kent State University at Stark, Kent Weaver says he is more than ready to pursue his calling to become a doctor of veterinary medicine.
![The Kent State University women’s rugby team took matters into their own hands when they encountered a tree blocking the road on their way to a match. (Photo credit: Tina Miller) The Kent State University women’s rugby team took matters into their own hands when they encountered a tree blocking the road on their way to a match. (Photo credit: Tina Miller)](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article_thumbnail/04SPEC%20FEAT%20-%20WomensRugby%20MAIN.jpg?VersionId=1GJgtylKvpDzF6Zk9_yHEBI12EcdvC6S&h=e6f36a9c&itok=5ZX2uD9W)
The Kent State University women’s rugby team found themselves facing a literal bump in the road on their way to a rugby match on Oct. 7.