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On Aug. 3, ������’s Kent Campus was “alive with excitement,” said Jasmine Pennino, events manager for Kent State’s Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, as the university welcomed canines of all sizes and their human companions for the annual “Dog Days of Summer.”

This alumni event was sponsored by Kent State’s Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement and included an evening dog walk around campus to show off all that’s new at Kent State. One of the highlights was a walk around the exterior of Crawford Hall, the largest and newest building on campus. It will welcome students for the first time this fall as the new home of the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

Alumni and their canines could attend in-person or virtually. People attending the event were invited to share photos of their furry friends on social media. Participating canines were recognized with honorary degrees in “Barketing,” “Barkology,” “Furshion Design,” “Pawlitical Science,” “Pawspitality Management,” “Puplic Relations” or “Meowology,” for feline participants.

In all, 169 human alumni and 146 canine alumni attended the event. There were fun games, canine treats and water stations to help animal companions beat the summer heat. The ticket price for the event included a $5 donation to the ������ Police Services

The event included a lively "Yappy Hour," featuring delicious treats and beverages, as well as engaging activities for all at our “bark park,” said Pennino. “We are also proud to announce that we raised over $1,600 for the Kent State Police K-9 fund, thanks to the generous contributions of our participants and supporters. We are thrilled with the turnout and the positive feedback from attendees.”

This is one of the most beloved alumni events of the year and Pennino said that Kent State’s Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement is already looking forward to the Dog Days of Summer 2025.