Inspiring Stories

Photo of Phillip Ridgley

Opening Doors for Future Nurses

When Phillip R. Ridgley thought back on his career and considered how he could help the next generation of medical professionals, he decided he wanted to open doors for Kent State students pursuing a career in nursing. He decided to start an endowment so that he could continue to support nursing students into the future and help them focus on their studies in a way that he couldn’t when he was a student.

Tags: Legacy, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, Inspiring Stories

Alumni and Giving

Photo of Chip Bahn.

Helping Others Realize Their Potential

When Terrence J. “Chip” Bahn, ’75, M.Ed. ’77, Ed.D., was a high school senior he wanted to attend Kent State University after graduation, but he wasn’t ready and his counselor encouraged him to start at the local community college before moving on to Kent State. This experience inspired him to create the Dr. Terrence J. Bahn Endowed Scholarship to help students who studied at a Northeast Ohio community college to attend Kent State. 

Tags: Legacy, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, Inspiring Stories

Alumni and Giving

Lynda Grieves and George “Bill” Grieves Jr., ’58

Sharing Their Love of Education with Future Generations

Kent State University has held a special place in the hearts of Lynda Grieves and her husband George “Bill” Grieves Jr., ’58, who passed away in 2019. For their 60th wedding anniversary, Bill and Lynda chose to create a scholarship through a charitable gift annuity instead of having a party.

Tags: Inspiring Stories, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, alumni-news

Alumni and Giving

Rollie, ’64, and Frances Layfield visit Kent State’s Army ROTC

Rollie, ’64, and Frances Layfield Help Students Build Skills for Success

Hard work and discipline are a driving force for Rollie Layfield, ’64, and they have served him well throughout his life and his career in business. He credits both his degree program in business administration and his time in the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program at Kent State University for helping him develop the leadership, entrepreneurship and organizational skills to thrive after graduation.

Tags: Inspiring Stories, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, alumni-news

Alumni and Giving