Kent State University, which continues to be recognized among the Top Public Schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, among other recognitions in its 2025 Best Colleges rankings, has cemented its place as a hub for research and innovation.
Part of those rankings reflect the Kent State education that has propelled its alumni forward to successful careers, leading in industries from business and nonprofits to arts and aviation. The university recognizes alumni who, through leadership, character and hard work, are making a difference with its Alumni Awards. Sponsored by the Kent State Alumni Association, these awards are the university’s most prestigious alumni honors. Recipients are selected based on their exceptional professional and civic contributions and for their outstanding support of the university.
“These award winners represent the best of Kent State,” said Andrea Gauding, a 1987 Kent State graduate who serves as president of the Kent State Alumni Association National Board of Directors. “Whether they are just starting their career or have served their profession and community for the past several decades, each of them is making a true impact.”
The 2024 Alumni Award recipients include seven alumni, two recent graduates, one staff member and one current student who were honored during Kent State’s Homecoming weekend in the following categories:
Bea Shaheen McPherson of Hartville, Ohio, is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. It is the most prestigious award given by the Kent State Alumni Association, honoring highly exceptional alumni who have made outstanding contributions to Kent State and their chosen profession, community, state, nation or the world. McPherson graduated from Kent State in 1943 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and has dedicated her life to service and education. During World War II, she contributed to the U.S. Army Map Service by creating maps for key military operations, including the Normandy invasion and Battle of the Bulge, as part of the Military Mapping Maidens. In 2016, the group was inducted into the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Hall of Fame for their pioneering contributions, and there is currently a display on the first floor of the Kent State University Library featuring McPherson’s work with the Military Mapping Maidens. Following the war, McPherson taught elementary school, served as a paralegal to her husband and remained deeply involved with the university, supporting the Kent State University Museum and fashion school, as well as contributing to various other charitable organizations.
Cindy Kerr of Wayne, Pennsylvania, is the recipient of the Distinguished Citizen Award, which honors alumni for their extraordinary service to the public through a nonprofit organization or community service. Kerr graduated from Kent State with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising in 1979 and a Master of Business Administration in 1981. She spent most of her life as a mother, caregiver and volunteer. But in 2002, her life was turned upside down when her 12-year-old son Ryan was diagnosed with aggressive bone cancer. Kerr began sewing cheerful pillowcases to comfort him during treatment. This led her to found Ryan’s Case for Smiles, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing hospital experiences for children with cancer and life-threatening conditions. Under her leadership, it has distributed more than 2.8 million pillowcases and expanded its support to address the psychological needs of patients and families, helping them through some of their darkest times.
Four recipients were honored in the Professional Achievement Award category, recognizing alumni with a record of significant professional achievements, complemented by a history of outstanding contributions in their chosen field:
Vanessa Dianna Johnson, Ed.D. of Providence, Rhode Island, is an associate professor in the Department of Applied Psychology at Northeastern University. She is a two-time Kent State alumna with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism and Master of Education in Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel Services, earned in 1979 and 1981, respectively. She also has a Doctor of Education from Western Michigan University and has dedicated her career to cultural understanding and service learning. With 26 years of teaching experience, Johnson’s work spans college student development, mental health counseling and global education, particularly in Ghana. Johnson leads global education courses there, helping students build cultural competencies. Her commitment to education and service was honored in 2023 when she was named Queen Mother of Development for Bonwire Village in Ghana.
Lillian Kuri of Cleveland, Ohio, is the president and CEO of the Cleveland Foundation, overseeing $3 billion in assets and driving transformative change in Cleveland. With a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Bachelor of Architecture from Kent State, earned in 1993 and 1994, respectively, and a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University, Kuri applies her 25 years of expertise to enhance urban design and cultural enrichment. Her significant contributions include the Greater University Circle Initiative and the revitalization of Cleveland’s MidTown and Hough neighborhoods. As an advocate for the arts and community development, she also fosters emerging leaders in Northeast Ohio. Through her unique blend of expertise in architecture, philanthropy and community development, she continues to position Cleveland and its residents for success.
Lauren Luna of Houston, Texas, is a professional artist and a prominent advocate for diversity in the arts. As the founder of the D.R.E.A.M. Affect Foundation, she organizes annual art shows and raises funds for minority art students, promoting inclusivity in the arts. Luna graduated from Kent State in 2000 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She is currently an adjunct professor at Lone Star College and San Jacinto College. Luna inspires her students with real-time professional experiences, guiding their artistic development. Her public art has earned her the honor of “Lauren Luna Day” in Houston, recognizing her contributions to the city’s cultural landscape. Luna’s commitment to art education, community engagement and diversity makes her a transformative force in the art world.
Patricia Roberts-McDaniel, Ph.D., of Suffolk, Virginia, stands as one of the highest-ranking senior executive scientists in the U.S. government, with a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. As the chief scientist for chemistry in the U.S. Army, she leads initiatives in polymeric materials and threat detection systems, significantly enhancing national and international security. Roberts-McDaniel has developed critical sensors used by the Department of Defense and law enforcement. She also mentors young scientists and engages with historically Black colleges and universities to promote research opportunities. As a Kent State graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry earned in 1983, plus a Master of Science from Old Dominion University and Doctor of Philosophy from the College of William & Mary, she has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the 2023 Women of Color STEM Award.
Jim Sebastian of Stow, Ohio, is the recipient of the Kent State Advocacy Award, which honors alumni who contribute significant time and talent to Kent State or the alumni association on a consistent basis, bringing favorable attention to the university. Sebastian has turned his childhood dream of flying into a distinguished career as a Southwest Airlines pilot and captain, a role he has excelled in for 20 years. As a 1991 Kent State graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Technology, Sebastian also serves as an adjunct professor and flight check instructor at Kent State’s College of Aeronautics and Engineering, where he mentors students through the Southwest Career Pilot Pathway Program. Beyond aviation, Sebastian co-founded Props-4-Paws, a nonprofit aiding shelter animals in partnership with the Kent State University Airport, and has been recognized with the Humane Society of Summit County Volunteer of the Year Award. His enduring connection to Kent State is marked by his philanthropic support and dedication to his community.
Two awards were presented in the Outstanding New Professional Award category, which honors the achievements of recent graduates who show continued potential in their profession, commitment to their community and dedication to Kent State:
Erica Dovin of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, graduated from Kent State in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies and has swiftly advanced in her career at Akron Children’s Hospital. Starting as a part-time child passenger safety technician, Dovin has been promoted twice within three years, currently serving as the regional advocacy, community outreach and education coordinator. Her notable initiatives include leading the Safe Mobility Project and actively contributing to community health education. Dovin is also deeply involved with Delta Zeta Sorority at Kent State, where she has successfully led fundraising and community service efforts. Her dedication, proactive approach and passion for helping children and families make her a standout professional.
Aysia Kemp of Cleveland, Ohio, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management and graduated with honors from Kent State in 2020, began her career during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and has since excelled in human resources as the senior people and culture coordinator for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group. She oversees company-wide events, and onboarding and leads the Team Member Resource Group for the Black and African American community. Kemp also impacts youth as a varsity girls basketball assistant coach and through her church’s young adult ministry. Recognized with the inaugural EmpowHER Gamechanger Award, she remains deeply connected to Kent State as a mentor and active alumna. Kemp’s commitment to her profession and community will continue to make a significant impact.
Andrew M. Snyder of Stow, Ohio, is the recipient of the Outstanding Staff Member Award, which recognizes Kent State alumni who are currently serving in full-time staff roles at the university and contribute significantly to the success of Kent State and its programs, as well as the community and their profession. Snyder has dedicated much of his career to Kent State, serving as an outreach program director, adjunct faculty, research coordinator and academic advisor. He graduated from Kent State with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2014 and a Master of Public Health in 2017, and he is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Health. Snyder’s work emphasizes health equity, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. He played a key role in developing Kent State’s LGBTQ+ public health graduate certificate and leading the LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment. His innovative approach and commitment to service have significantly impacted both the university and broader community.
Vivian Hawk of Mount Vernon, Ohio, is the Golden Flash Award recipient, which is presented to current students who promote Kent State spirit, pride and tradition. Hawk excelled as president of the Honors College Residential Engagement Council, served on the Undergraduate Student Government’s allocations committee and contributed to Kent State’s TV2 Student Media. As an academic coach at the Academic Success Center, she supported and inspired undergraduates, fostering a positive learning environment. Her proudest achievement was founding and leading the mock trial team, significantly enhancing its growth. After graduating from Kent State summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies and minors in Japanese and design this past spring, Hawk is committed to making an impact as she begins a career in the legal profession. Hawk is currently in Japan where she will be teaching for the next year.
A special reception honoring the award recipients was held at the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center on Sept. 27 during Homecoming weekend.
For more information about each of this year’s Alumni Award recipients, visit www.kent.edu/alumniawards.
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Photo Caption:
Pictured are the 2024 Kent State University Alumni Award winners at the awards ceremony, held Sept. 27 during Homecoming weekend at the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center in Kent, Ohio. (Photo credit: Andrea Hallgren)
First row (from left to right): Cindy Kerr, Patricia Robets-McDaniel, Bea Shaheen McPherson and Andrew M. Snyder.
Second row (from left to right): Vanessa Dianna Johnson, Lauren Luna, Jim Sebastian, Erica Dovin and Aysia Kemp.
Not pictured: Lillian Kuri and Vivian Hawk.
Media Contact:
Leigh Greenfelder, lgreenfe@kent.edu, 330-672-7108