Inspiring Stories
![Gina and George Jenkins](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/22IPG012_DrupalHeader_Cornerstone_Jenkins_3000x800_0.jpg?VersionId=Neb603DG.Qjp8.eMYg5uxFt8VGl8IhWb&h=4a7d1ed4&itok=jbq8PmGU)
George L. Jenkins’ generosity spans three decades and continues to support first-generation students and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
![Sally Kirkland (right), with daughter Jan (left) and granddaughter Hannah (center). Sally Kirkland (right), with daughter Jan (left) and granddaughter Hannah (center).](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/22IPG001_SallyKirklandFeature_3000x800_NEW_0.jpg?VersionId=2GkXfIg_CFMVpUCehJEbL3i6Iw9ZAImY&h=9291dbca&itok=H3-A7xiO)
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.
![Dr. Joyce A. Baugh (right) with Drs. Gargan (left) and Hensley (center) at Dr. Hensley’s retirement dinner. Baugh](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/22IPG004_DrupalHeader_MakingTheWorldFB_3000x800_0.jpg?VersionId=rHvdPsfTrXuFNrl8.S6wrAMaB8qrLs8p&h=9291dbca&itok=X28quHJe)
![Dean Denise A. Seachrist and Charlie Wentz at daughter Katie's wedding. Dean Denise A. Seachrist and Charlie Wentz at daughter Katie's wedding.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/22IPG002_Seachrist_1500x400_0.jpg?VersionId=uWIa8Gs1dw98f7zxb26pv0en551MtWle&h=96cb6d4a&itok=640OU4rv)
“If you have money to give, you want to touch as many lives as you can.” - Denise A. Seachrist, Ph.D., '93
![Kathleen Rydar](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/22IPG005_Rydar_1500x400_3.jpg?VersionId=BjuN7_YNt7SLEbwsEzTR7tt65T7K_CB7&h=96cb6d4a&itok=GY67S_gZ)
For Kathleen Rydar, '67, '80 MA, receiving support while a student herself sparked a lifetime of giving back. “These investments tucked away during working years present a remarkable opportunity in retirement to give generously to my alma mater while reducing my tax burdens."
![Dr. James L. Raper, ’79](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/21IPG009_Cornerstone_Raper_3000x800_0.jpg?VersionId=dRm3cQFgVfYWHXwnqm_NHNEJ_s0aMKS5&h=9291dbca&itok=rn5cAa8H)
Dr. James L. Raper, ’79, chose to support Kent State students with a planned gift that includes an endowed fund and endowed professorship that support nursing research and education.
![Mindy and Gary Aleman with with former Flashes running back and and 2019 Kent State alumnus, Will Matthews, April 2019](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/21IPG004_DrupalHeader_Cornerstone_Aleman_3000x800_1.jpg?VersionId=0.PZksn72bqMyB3JRamF03vFNcPfkLL9&h=9291dbca&itok=3AbNAKhO)
“It really is all about Kent State’s wonderful students,” Mindy said. “Gary and I were able to pursue our dreams. These students deserve the opportunity to pursue their dreams and need help right now to do that.”
![Jay and Joanie Solomon on a tiny island in Scotland's Inner Hebrides 2018](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/21IPG004_DrupalHeader_Cornerstone_Solomon_3000x800_0.jpg?VersionId=lsqCh85zWphMtkeN8N7jFJ40V_j.a31g&h=9291dbca&itok=QQlhkrr7)
“I know how hard it is when you’re worried about being able to pay for whatever is coming up,” said Jay Solomon, ’61. “Dollars were always short for me. I was fortunate to be able to find jobs to take care of that, but that doesn’t always happen. I identify with the ‘Last Dollar Scholarship’ idea – to be able to help students who have the kind of pressure like I did.”
![Michele M. Stoffan, ’72, MAT ’75, Ph.D. ’81](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/page/21IPG009_Cornerstone_Stoffan_3000x800.jpg?VersionId=5nCNQa3avLURYN9D76kJ6o3yJZjLdA9t&h=9291dbca&itok=gTdNyrbH)
The Michele M. Stoffan Endowed Scholarship inspires and supports future teachers interested in providing the highest quality of instruction in high poverty settings.