ºÚÁÏÍø

alumni-news

Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement
graduating student

ºÚÁÏÍø recently concluded its most successful fundraising campaign in its 114-year history. Forever Brighter  was a comprehensive fundraising campaign that launched its public phase in 2021 with a goal of raising $350 million to support student scholarships, university initiatives, capital building projects and global education. 

The new Signal Akron newsroom in Akron, Ohio is brimming with Kent State journalism graduates.

When longtime ºÚÁÏÍø journalism professor Susan Zake decided to pursue a new career with the non-profit online news source, Signal Akron, she made a hiring list from the many Kent State graduates she had mentored over her 17-year career.

Anthony Claytor raises his diploma during his Commencement ceremony at ºÚÁÏÍø.

In 2020, ºÚÁÏÍø President Todd Diacon announced to a group of high school juniors and their families that Kent State would cover four years of tuition costs and one year of room and board. Now, for the LeBron James Family Foundation’s first I PROMISE class, the hard work these students had put in since third grade is paying off. 

Kent State graduate Athalia James is now a nurse at Summa

Drawn to healthcare as a child, Athalia James pursued that passion all the way to a fulfilling career in nursing. 

Valoree Vargo (far left), ºÚÁÏÍø vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement, and Kent State President Todd Diacon (far right) stand with university donors Larry and Sandy Armstrong (center).

ºÚÁÏÍø has announced two substantial philanthropic gifts in support of the Global Education Endowment, which was established in 2022 in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Kent State’s education-abroad presence in Florence, Italy.

Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement
Illustration of five lit birthday candles with phrase "A Birthday Wish for Kent State"

a photo of Judge Kani H. Hightower

Summit County Domestic Relations Court Judge Kani H. Hightower is on a mission to make the justice system in Summit County, Ohio, more accessible for underprivileged and underrepresented citizens. Whether it’s related to transportation challenges or helping them sort through the red tape of documentation, Hightower, a ºÚÁÏÍø graduate, is creating solutions to streamline the process for Summit County residents.

Dexter Shreve banner portrait

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.