KENTFALL/WINTER 2018-19 | Listening to the Deaf Community | BeyondSTATE Borders | Change Maker | Remembering Robin Hood Inn MAGAZINE

The Innovators Kent State students are coming together to find creative solutions to real-world problems. SEE PAGE 12 CONTENTS Take Note FALL/WINTER 2018-19 On the cover: Case.MD team Samuel Graska, BS ’17, At Kent State, diversity and inclusion MBA ’18; Ariella Yager, BBA ’17; and Justin Gleason, BS ’16, are not words used to sound politically MArch ’18, MBA ’18, are creating smartphone cases to dispense correct—they are ways of being, various medications. See page 16. fundamental values the university strives to embody in every educational encounter. COVER PHOTO: BOB CHRISTY, BS ’95 It’s no wonder that so many Kent FEATURES State students, faculty, staff and alumni 18 encompass those values in their lives and 12 Design Innovation for the 21st Century 6 careers, and are known for standing up for Kent State’s new Design Innovation Initiative is promoting equal rights, being a voice for the voiceless interdisciplinary collaboration to prepare the next and speaking truth to power. generation of problem solvers. We highlight several in this issue— including deaf and hard-of-hearing 18 Beyond Borders individuals, many of whom are part of Pakistani-born artist and 2017 Guggenheim Fellow a growing Deaf community, an LGBTQ+ Mahwish Chishty connects across cultures to call activist who changed a global company’s attention to the human cost of border conflicts. equal employment policy, an artist who Listening to the Deaf Community is connecting across cultures and calling 22 attention to the cost of border conflicts, What deaf and hard-of-hearing students want the hearing plus innovative entrepreneurs, researchers world to know about who they are and what they’re and educators—all of whom are purpose- capable of—and how Kent State is helping them succeed. driven people making a difference on Kent 28 Change Maker State campuses and in the world at large. “Change isn’t easy, it takes time!” says Michael Chanak Jr., BS ’71. It took him five years to get an EEO policy changed Squirrel Search to protect the rights of gay people against discrimination at Those tricky black squirrels are at it again! his workplace. Then 25 years later, the company made an In each issue, we hide an image of a black award-winning short film that chronicled his persistence. squirrel on three pages (not counting the Table of Contents). If you find all three you qualify for a drawing to win a squirrel- themed prize. Each squirrel will appear like DEPARTMENTS this: (shown actual size and will not be distorted or rotated). 02 Feedback When you find them, send us an email at 03 Presidential Perspectives [email protected], listing the three page numbers and places they appear, plus your 04 Flash Forward name and mailing address. For rules and 30 Alumni Life eligibility requirements see www.kent.edu/ magazine/rules. Good luck! 36 Flashback 37 Giving Voice 28 EDITOR WEBSITE Jan Senn www.kent.edu/magazine [email protected] CORRESPONDENCE DESIGN Kent State Magazine, 160 ASB UCM Creative Team P.O. Box 5190, Kent, Ohio 44242 [email protected] STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT 330-672-2727 Ralph Della Ratta FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Bob Christy, BS ’95 AND PROVOST Jeff Glidden, BS 87’ Kent State Magazine is published PRESIDENT by Kent State University Todd A. Diacon, PhD STAFF CONTRIBUTORS Beverly J. Warren, EdD, PhD Communications and Marketing. SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Lisa Abraham It is mailed free to faculty, staff, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR FOR FINANCE AND April McClellan-Copeland alumni, donors and friends of STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS ADMINISTRATION Susan Menassa |the university two times a year AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Mark M. Polatajko, PhD Bethany Sava, BS ’12 (fall/winter, spring/summer). Karen B. Clarke Ashley Whaley, BS ’06, MEd ’12 Printed by Angstrom Graphics, Cleveland, Ohio 2 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE 12 22 FEEDBACK presidential PERSPECTIVES

And the WINNER is... package—filled with black squirrel swag Enduring Community from Black Squirrel Gifts in downtown When Chuck Straub, BS ’72, Columbiana, n my final State of the University Address, I talked Kent—he packed it up and sent it on to his Ohio, visited his grandkids in Maplewood, about how I am filled with great optimism for Kent helper. So congratulations to contest New Jersey, he brought the latest Kent State’s future, because this community—and its powerful co-winners Chuck and Evan Straub! I State Magazine with him to “have some and uplifting sense of heart and home—will endure far The black squirrels can be found in fun” and get some help hunting for hidden beyond any presidency. We see Kent State’s strength in the spring/summer 2018 issue on pages squirrels. “Evan (age 9) found the third its thriving Deaf community, including recent graduates 19 (on the picnic blanket), 25 (in the glass squirrel very quickly,” he writes. “Apparently Elexis Blake, BA ’18, and Nebeyat Mamay, BA ’18, who doorway—this one required good lighting my eyes are getting old!” created the Deaf Power Organization in 2016 to bring or young eyes to see!) and 34 (under the The strength of this After we drew Mr. Straub’s name in the together deaf and hard-of-hearing students and friends to egg in photo 11). random drawing and sent him the prize engage, advocate and raise awareness. Their passion and Thanks to all who entered! university COMMUNITY commitment, and that of other students, faculty and staff via EMAIL However, I was both surprised and past, paired with featured in this issue, serve as an inspiring example of how transcends any disappointed that one of the most a glimpse into the the power for positive change comes from within. significant homecomings—that of1970 — university’s future We see Kent State’s inner drive in the projects of the program, initiative or was not mentioned. (“Transforming problem solvers leading our design innovation revolution. That year, just a few months after the Kent State”). I feel motivated to come back They bring together diverse talents and perspectives to administration and is infamous shootings on May 4, the halftime and visit the campus for the first time in solve real-world issues, such as the team behind Case.MD, show was something I’ll never forget. An many years! Thank you for a high-quality, who create smartphone cases that dispense medication. enormous flag was rolled out onto the field, informative publication with content that Their efforts show the vast potential waiting to be rooted in the VALUES practically covering the entire space. There resonates with alumni. fulfilled through collaborations within our wide-ranging was a moment of silence for the lives that JANICE (HAIDET) HISLE, BA ’86 community of students, faculty, staff and alumni. AND IDEALS that define had been lost and for those whose lives Morrow, Ohio Without these passionate, forward-thinking were forever changed—ravaged by what individuals, the Design Innovation Hub is just a building. Kent State. we had foolishly thought to be only blanks Timeless Tradition Our creative community provides the internal spark that or rubber bullets—and then the university After 65 years, I was surprised to see the ignites innovation and learning across our eight-campus chorus sang “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” photo of an activity that I did while living system. This deep, personal engagement of our entire To this day, it remains one of the most in Moulton Hall my freshman year and the university community elevates the trajectory of Kent moving, meaningful and powerful times of newly built Terrace Hall my sophomore State ever higher. Programs such as Summer Advantage my entire life. I never felt more a part of KSU year. [Flashback,“Slide On,” winter 2018]. and the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience or more united to my fellow students than I We used to sneak out baking trays from motivate students to finish their college degrees and did on that October afternoon. the kitchen and slide down the steep hill channel their creativity to make a difference in the world. NANCY MENALDI-SCANLAN, BFA ’72 outside Moulton Hall. So much fun on cold From our student success initiative to the Gateway From Vision to Reality Naples, Fla. snowy days. Master Plan and planning for the 50th Commemoration Loved the piece on the 50th anniversary I am thrilled to show my children and of May 4, Kent State demonstrates how our EDITOR’S NOTE: Thank you for sharing that of Blossom [“Kent Blossom Celebrates 50 granddaughter a picture of that wonderful transformational rise is always the result of the grassroots special memory. The halftime show was not Years,” spring/summer 2018]. Back in the memory, which I have been describing to engagement of our people. The strength of this university included in the 1970 Homecoming coverage ’60s, when I was an undergraduate at Kent them for years. And I am happy that this community transcends any program, initiative or in either the Daily Kent Stater or the 1971 State and Blossom was still an empty field tradition has continued. administration and is rooted in the values and ideals that Chestnut Burr (which covers the previous and a vision, I had the privilege of being part MARILYN HAMILL, BS ’57 define Kent State. year’s homecoming)—the two main digital of the first ad campaign to raise money to Clearwater, Fla. I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving sources we used to compile the “100 Years make that vision come true. Thought you this outstanding university as its 12th president. The of Homecoming” story. (See the Kent State might like to see the ad, recently sent to me We want to hear from you! experiences we shared, the friendships forged and all the University Special Collections and Archives by another alum (see above). It appeared in Respond to magazine content learning that took place along the way have made for five Digital Collections at https://omeka.library. a number of national publications, including or comment on topics related to amazing years. I am forever thankful to have called Kent kent.edu/special-collections.) Time magazine. Kent State by writing: State my home. Though I will be stepping down in July, Beverly Warren @PresBWarren • 8 Sep 2018 CATHERINE DOWNES BOWER, BA ’69 Kent State Magazine Kent State always will remain close in my heart. This is a Motivated to Visit Reppin’ in the rain. That has a nice ring to it. Go Flashes!! West River, Md. P.O. Box 5190, university like no other—a distinctive community fueled by As a graduate of Kent State’s journalism Kent, Ohio 44242-0001 passion and purpose—and I am confident its greatest days Jiovanni Lieggi @lieggiji 8 Sep 2018 program, I tend to be a pretty discerning Memorable Homecoming or [email protected]. are still ahead. It might be pouring rain, but Bev and I are still out here reppin’ the I was delighted to read how things have critic of publications. Yet I’m always Responses may be edited for style, Flashes. @PresBWarren @KentState changed with homecoming celebrations impressed with the quality of Kent length, clarity and civility. over the years—it has really been a State Magazine. In the spring/summer reflection of the times [“100 Years of 2018 issue, I especially appreciated the Visit us online Homecoming,” spring/summer 2018]. 100-year retrospective on Kent State www.kent.edu/magazine homecomings—a nod to Kent State’s Beverly J. Warren, President Email: [email protected], Twitter: @PresBWarren 2 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2018-19 | 3 flash FORWARD Rising Together Together, we made a big difference. Kent State had record- FISCAL 2018 FUNDRAISING: Kent State Style setting fundraising during fiscal year 2018. The university received support from more than 20,000 alumni and 2018 RECORD SUPPORT FROM friends for scholarships, programs and capital projects that FUNDRAISING 20,000+ ALUMNI totaled a record of $44.9 million in philanthropic gifts. FISCAL YEAR AND FRIENDS Supporters helped us prioritize student success as we offer ways to help students stay on track to graduation, propelling them into their future as engaged world $44.9 citizens. Life-changing scholarships were funded with MILLION DOLLARS MILLION $4.27 million in generous private support last year. IN LIFECHANGING IN GIFTS For ourselves and And for the second year in a row, philanthropic SCHOLARSHIPS momentum continues to build in Kent State’s Giving MORE THAN the world, we are Tuesday campaign. In November, giving again surpassed 2017’s record million-dollar mark and exceeded last year’s $1 MIL. called to assume grand total—setting an inspiring trend of broad and growing community support. the role of the The month-long campaign featured more than 40 giving options across the Kent State system, each wounded healer.” with a matching gift in place, in addition to the KSU RAISED IN 28 DAYS THE CHAUTAUQUAN DAILY Foundation’s boosts and matches. Nearly $300,000 was ’19 BFA CARMEN DOTTERER, —PRESIDENT BEVERLY J. WARREN, available in matching funds for gifts made throughout “Kent State Beyond the Shootings: Journey of the Wounded Healer,” Chautauqua Institution in the month of November. Plus students, faculty, staff and How can you make an impact for fellow Golden Flashes? BRIAN HAYES, New York, August 15, 2018 supporters created individual peer-to-peer fundraising Visit www.Kent.edu/GiveNow to support a Kent State Kent State Partners with Chautauqua pages for the cause of their choice. cause that means the most to you! Visitors this year to the Chautauqua Institution in southwestern New York—a To Respond through Poetry historic community that offers nine weeks of programs, classes and community The Traveling Stanzas exhibit from Kent Milestones events each summer to advance understanding—were able to experience State’s Wick Poetry Center, was featured Three cheers for some of the anniversaries Kent State celebrated in 2018! firsthand the contemplative and creative engagement of Kent State University. at the Chautauqua Institution’s new Poetry Makerspace this summer. YEAR CELEBRANT EVENTS THEN/NOW To Remember, Reflect and Renew and the bestowing of Voices of Change During the exhibit’s nine-week stay at 5 Kent State University Hotel Happy Hour on the Terrace, with complementary Then: opened doors June 14, 2013 On August 15, President Beverly J. Warren awards to honor some exceptional Chautauqua, visitors were able to create and Conference Center appetizers and drink specials Now: 100,000+ reservations, nearly was a featured lecturer at the institution’s individuals who affect positive and poetry in response to the institution’s 146,000 guests, 2,000+ events, 89 weeklong investigation on the theme of peaceful change in the world. weekly themes. Participants used a variety weddings booked “The Forgotten: History and Memory in “Kent State will not merely remember of prompts and strategies in the interactive the 21st Century.” May 4, 1970, in an endless loop that never exhibit to share their poems digitally, 5 Sexual and Relationship Expanded Green Dot movement, continued Kent Now: Became an official center— In a moving speech about Kent satisfies, the wound rubbed raw over through videos and in print, explains Violence Support Services State Stands Up awareness campaign, started the Center for Sexual and State’s campus shootings on May 4, and over again. We choose to remember, David Hassler, director of the Wick Poetry (SRVSS) emergency fund for survivors Relationship Violence Support 1970—to an estimated crowd of 2,000, reflect and renew. We will remember Center. Postcards of the poetry, printed Services—as of July 1, 2018 including KSU alumni, witnesses, and vividly, but not live in the past; we will on location, were displayed on the 50 Student Multicultural Cultural Cook-Off, African drumming/dance, Office of Minority Affairs (1968) victims of the shootings—President honor the emotions that forever resound gallery wall. Center (SMC) history of SMC game night, discussion on SMC’s Office of Cultural Diversity (1991) Warren recounted the events and around us, but be consumed no more Kent State students, who served as next 50 years, commemorative quilt, raising Student Multicultural Center (1998) aftermath of that tragic day. She spoke by anger or grief; and we will raise our interns and fellows at the exhibit, also led money for student emergency fund of the university’s desire to serve as the voices—using the lessons of 50 years writing groups and participated in creative 50 Black United Students (BUS) “BUS at 50 Reloaded” photo exhibit at the Then: Formed in April 1968 to facilitator of national conversations that to convene people, heal conflict and writing workshops with Chautauqua’s Uumbaji Gallery from 10/5/18 to 11/14/18; advocate for black students can broker more civil and productive create a more inclusive, more peaceful featured authors. commemorative display of photos and video in Now: Creating platform for black social discourse. “For ourselves and the future. If we do that, we and Kent State “We are grateful for the opportunity partnership with Student Multicultural Center students to excel and thrive world, we are called to assume the role of are transformed.” to engage so many people in meaningful 50 Kent State at Tuscarawas Alumni reunions, formal dinner, community Then: 1 building; 200 students the wounded healer.” President Warren’s address, “Kent conversations through the joy and play of open house, talk by NPR host Peter Sagal of Now: 4 buildings; 2200 students She also discussed the university’s State Beyond the Shootings: Journey of poetry,” says Mr. Hassler. “And we hope to Wait, Wait...Don’t Tell Me, campus history plans for a year-long commemoration for the Wounded Healer,” gained a national continue this partnership next summer.” presentation, dramatic performance, recognition the upcoming 50th anniversary of this audience when Vital Speeches, a magazine See President Warren’s speech at https:// at Ohio Statehouse watershed moment in American history, launched in 1934 to publish the best www.kent.edu/president/speeches. View 60 Kent State at Ashtabula Music, food, games and information booths Ashtabula Center of KSU (1958) which will include teaching materials speeches by top business, political and the Traveling Stanzas exhibit at https:// on first day of fall semester, campus timeline, Then: 3 faculty, 253 students for middle and high schools, a teaching intellectual leaders in the world, selected travelingstanzas.com/engagement/ workshop and forum at the Kent Campus, it as its Speech of the Week. chautauqua-makerspace. Deans’ Retrospective Now: 100 faculty, 2,000+ students 4 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2018-19 | 5 flash FORWARD flash FORWARD Meet the Class of 2022 The Kent Campus looks a bit more number of out-of-state students rose at the American Academy, a new crowded these days. The 4,363 first- nearly 10 percent this year. And the partnership between Kent State year students who arrived on the number of first-generation students and Pontifical Catholic University campus this fall are the largest class also rose, up nearly 7 percent of Paraná, a major university in in university history, with 100 more compared to last year. Brazil, for students who want a students than a year ago and topping The class size for underrepresented global experience while earning the previous record high in 2016. freshmen also set records as one of the their degree. But that’s not the only thing largest in history, and the success gap Areas of enrollment growth also noteworthy about them—the new between underrepresented and non- include a spike in undergraduate class also reached record highs in underrepresented is closing with the and graduate students in Kent academic quality, with an average help of improved retention rates, up State’s College of Architecture and GPA of 3.4 and average ACT score nearly a percentage point. Environmental Design and the of 23.5. Nearly half of the new This year’s freshman class also College of Public Health. freshmen came with more than 16 saw an increase in international Enrollment on the campuses of college credits—the equivalent of students. Students on the Kent Kent State University at Ashtabula, a full semester—from courses they Campus come from 28 countries, Kent State University at Trumbull completed in high school. with the top four foreign countries and Kent State University at In addition to the growing being China, Brazil, India and Saudi Tuscarawas also improved. number of first-year students, the Arabia. Meanwhile, classes began —Kristin Anderson

Kent State study-abroad students at the Reichstag, where Germany’s parliament meets. They attended a briefing with Nils Schmid, a SPD member of the national Parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany. ANTHONY MOLINA

Cool Course by visiting four locations in Germany: an increased capacity to analyze issues Frankfurt, Erfurt/Weimar, Berlin and with appreciation for disparate viewpoints; Number: POL 40995/HIST 49295: Dresden. They have the opportunity to develop a firsthand understanding of Study Abroad explore immigration and asylum with several issues, including the refugee crisis, Name: Modern Germany: Politics, those who are living it, and to hear the cities and the role of public transportation, History, Culture perspectives of lawmakers (including and Europe’s financial system. Term: Three-week Intersession, May 21- the nationalist right-wing party), public Reading: A Concise History of Germany, June 8 (Next year, May 20-June 7, 2019) agencies charged with integrating refugees, Mary Fulbrook (Cambridge University Instructors: Mark Cassell, PhD, professor and nonprofits who work with refugees. Press, 2004) of political science and Anthony Molina, Objectives: Gain an understanding Assignments: Keep a daily journal PhD, assistant professor of political science of German society, including a basic throughout the trip, describing daily Description: Is Germany an exemplar of knowledge of the political, economic, experiences, impressions and responses democratic stability or a country on the historical and social issues in Germany; to briefings and tours, and an explanation cusp of another crisis? How are refugees develop an awareness of American of what was learned that day. Prepare and and immigrants affecting German politics cultural values and biases; develop an give an oral presentation on any of the and society today? Where is Germany ability to interact constructively with topics covered during the trip, followed today and where will it be in the future? people of different cultures; demonstrate with a Q/A session. Students examine these questions (Excluding the U.S. ) CARMEN DOTTERER, BFA ’19 BFA CARMEN DOTTERER, FALL/WINTER 2018-19 | 7 flash FORWARD flashflash FORWARD Partners in College Prep Kent State University continues to advance its partnership with the Akron Public Schools through the following two key programs. Noteworthy having meals in the dining halls, sampling Rankings the LEED (Leadership in Energy and NIMH Grant: A group of researchers at various Kent State colleges and schools Women Friendly: In a survey of 40,000 Environmental Design) system—and the Kent State University, led by Principal and exploring potential careers in the U.S. employees—including 25,000 first LEED Platinum ranking for a public Investigator Karin Coifman, PhD, associate above fields. The program—sponsored women—Kent State was recognized by university in Ohio. Earlier this year, Kent professor of psychology, has received by the Akron Community Foundation Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best State’s Center for the Visual Arts (designed a five-year,$2.7 million grant from the and the Sisler McFawn Foundation—also Employers for Women in 2018. by Payto Architects) received a LEED Silver National Institute of Mental Health to provided college readiness and transition LGBTQ Friendly: Kent State ranked 4.5 rating for its design and construction. Kent conduct a comprehensive study to better information for students and their parents. out of 5 on the 2018 Campus Pride Index, State now has 13 LEED-certified buildings understand the risk for affective diseases “We are excited to provide these the premier national benchmarking throughout the Kent State system. (including depression, anxiety and bipolar students with comprehensive hands-on took for creating safer and more LGBTQ- Grants disorders) and to develop more efficient collegiate experiences focused on design, friendly learning environments at colleges HHS and NSF Grants: U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan treatment approaches. innovation, technology and the arts,” says and universities. announced that Kent State University was NIH Grant: John Johnson, PhD, associate Justin Hilton, senior administrator for LEED Recognition: Kent State professor of biological sciences, received

BOB CHRISTY, BS ’95 BOB CHRISTY, awarded $3.7 million in federal research community outreach for Kent State. University’s Center for Architecture grants from the U.S. Department of Health a three-year $450,000 grant from the Firestone Community for a two-day event, during which they During the week, the Firestone and Environmental Design (designed by and Human Services and the National National Institutes of Health to study the Learning Center watched brief presentations from colleges students flew drones, learned to operate Weiss/Manfredi) received LEED Platinum Science Foundation. neurological roots of chronic stress and Three new college and career academies and programs, including the College of a television camera and practiced recognition, the highest ranking for fear—and how to stop them. that will bear Kent State’s name—the Aeronautics and Engineering, the College producing a television broadcast. Among Kent State University Academy of Design, of Communication and Information, the other activities, they also built virtual 3D the Kent State University Academy of College of the Arts and the College of models, handled priceless art artifacts Performing Arts and the Kent State Architecture and Environmental Design, and sat in on a stage rehearsal of Rogers University Academy of Advanced as well as the Design Innovation program. and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” Approximately 20 students (now Technology and Comprehensive View a video of the Firestone students’ sophomores) from the group elected Engineering—will open at Firestone visit to the Kent Campus at https://www. Student Scholar Community Learning Center in 2019. to return to campus in July for a week- youtube.com/watch?v=K7cy0-2fy6A. The National Collegiate State in May, with a dual In May, more than 200 Firestone ninth- long camp—an immersive experience Honors Council (NCHC) degree in international grade students came to the Kent Campus that included staying in residence halls, has named recent Kent relations and French State University graduate literature, culture and Megan Swoger, BA ’18, translation, and a minor LeBron James Family Foundation a 2018 Portz Scholar. in women’s studies. Kent State also has teamed up with the She is the ninth Kent Her winning thesis LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF) to State student to receive is titled, “Analysis of the provide students from the foundation’s I the honor since the Prevailing Practice of FGM PROMISE program with resources to help inception of the Portz in Ghana: Are domestic laws prepare them for college. Scholars competition in 1990, and international treaties As an integral part of the collaboration, ER and Kent State is a leader in the OG effective in the eradication of SW Kent State will provide specialized AN EG number of Portz prizes awarded in F M FGM within the state?” She says programming to help I PROMISE students SY O this national competition. COURTE the issue of female genital mutilation remain on target to graduate from high The NCHC, an educational organization (FGM), which is widely practiced in the school so they are eligible for the college that supports and promotes undergraduate honors countries of northern Africa, concerned her and scholarships they have been promised by education, invites its more than 900 member was appropriate to both her major in international the foundation. institutions to nominate one research paper written relations and her minor in women’s studies.

To help with the students’ academic JEFF GLIDDEN, BS ’87 by an undergraduate honors college student for the Ms. Swoger traveled twice to Ghana to conduct needs, Kent State hosted a three-week recreation and wellness opportunities, ensuring that the high school students not annual Portz Scholars competition. The council her research, and she credits her paper’s success to her Flash P’ACT summer program in June, to along with on-campus volunteering and only see themselves on a college campus selects four winners, who each receive a $350 stipend thesis advisor, Julie Mazzei, PhD, a professor in the help students prepare for the ACT college hands-on, community-engaged learning. someday, but that they also see themselves and the honor of presenting their research at the Department of Political Science. “Without the entrance exam. “By immersing these students in the succeeding and earning a degree.” NCHC annual conference. support, time and effort she put into helping me edit During the camp, the students lived college experience while simultaneously The university’s efforts with LJFF Selecting just one undergraduate project to enter and revise the writing in a short time frame, it on the Kent Campus from Monday through boosting their academic preparation, they students will continue in spring 2019 as KSU in the Portz Scholars competition is challenging, notes wouldn’t have been possible.” Friday, for a true college experience. They will be set up for success to eventually students become I PROMISE mentors and Alison Smith, PhD, dean of the Honors College, but After spending five months traveling throughout the received rigorous preparation in math, transition from high school to college,” pair with I PROMISE tenth graders for weekly she says Ms. Swoger’s paper was “a standout.” Middle East, Ms. Swoger plans to begin graduate reading, college readiness and personal says Melody Tankersley, Kent State’s senior one-on-one mentoring sessions to help the Ms. Swoger, a native of Center Township near school in 2019. development during the day, and afterward associate provost and dean of graduate high school students set college and career Pittsburgh, graduated magna cum laude from Kent —Lisa Abraham took part in university-sanctioned studies. “These relationships are key to goals and work toward achieving them. 8 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2018-19 | 9 flash FORWARDFORWARD flash FORWARD Cutting-Edge Engineer Christina Bloebaum, PhD, joined Kent cutting-edge of science and engineering. Recent read: I just finished reading the State University’s College of Aeronautics Their idea, focused on reducing parts in John Grisham novel, The Rooster Bar. and Engineering as its new dean in manufacturing, was to explore the centuries- Happy place: Any relatively empty beach August, 2018. Dr. Bloebaum comes to old tradition of origami—folding two- with a pool close by. Kent State from her previous position as dimensional paper into three-dimensional Advice to my younger self: Never be interim department chair of aerospace shapes—to see if it could be applied to afraid to fail. engineering and the Dennis and Rebecca engineering, biology and medicine. On the radar for the field of aerospace Muilenburg Professor for Aerospace The new program, Origami Design for engineering: Designing a modern Engineering at Iowa State University. Integration of Self-assembling Systems for complex aerospace system—such as what What drew her to Kent State, she Engineering Innovation, was so successful will be required for Mission to Mars and says, was “the tremendous opportunity that in 2012-2013 it awarded nearly $30 the NextGen air transportation system— to continue the growth path of the college million to 15 projects that explored new on budget, on time and with minimal across aeronautics, applied engineering paths of technology inspired by origami. unintended consequences. and engineering programs—all of which A 2017 NOVA documentary on PBS, Challenges as dean: Ramping up fast are important areas for present and future The Origami Revolution, profiled a number enough to put in place the necessary work development in the United States of those research projects, showing how pieces to grow the college. The College and the world.” That includes growing the engineers are using origami to design of Aeronautics and Engineering has a college’s graduate and research programs. drugs, micro-robots, and future NASA wonderful story to tell. A huge challenge is Dr. Bloebaum is no stranger to space missions. to tell it to prospective students, parents, creating and growing programs. While a We asked Dr. Bloebaum to unfold a few industry partners, research partners and program director with the National Science facts about herself and her future vision. funding agencies in a way that captures the Foundation (NSF) from 2009–2012, she and First job: I started babysitting when I was college’s capabilities and unique potential. two associates proposed a new idea for an 11, but at 14 I became a bagger at the local —Susan Menassa NSF program that funds research on the grocery store. BOB CHRISTY, BS ’95 BOB CHRISTY,

Fashion Maven Sarah Rogers, who joined the Kent State “Frankly, people have trouble finding Secret talent: Besides having elbows that University Museum as its new director in our front door,” she jokes. “We need a are double-jointed, I can parallel park any July 2018, says the new position appealed banner on the building! We also need vehicle. Street parking is my sport! to her for its uniqueness. to make visitors, especially students, Recent read: [Fashion photographer] Bill “Openings for museum directors feel welcome once they enter.” She Cunningham’s memoir, Fashion Climbing: are rare, especially at an institution recently was invited to a PR class in A Memoir with Photographs, which was with such an outstanding collection, the School of Journalism, and says found after he recently passed away. reputation and connection to a university,” she welcomes their ideas to connect Least favorite current fashion says Ms. Rogers, who succeeds Jean students with the museum through trend: Prairie dresses are back. I’m not Druesedow, the museum’s director for peer-to-peer engagement. a fan, unless you are 10 and adorable. the past 25 years until her retirement. “Everyone has limited resources, Conceptually, there is an argument that “I have an eclectic background in a but we have a great staff and support they present a radical view of how to dress variety of museums and nonprofits, system, and I see only wonderful today; that I find interesting. But I will not and in recent years my interests opportunities ahead of us.” be sporting the look. have focused on fashion, design and We asked her to reveal a few more Most admired celebrity fashion sense: contemporary culture.” facts about herself: Tilda Swinton is amazing and has worked Ms. Rogers most recently served Last place traveled for pleasure: with some of the great contemporary as executive deputy director of the I just returned from NYC for both museum fashion designers and photographers. She Columbus Museum of Art and says her business and then pleasure, since my is fearless in how she dresses. biggest challenge as she takes on her new wonderful daughter lives in Brooklyn. I Best part of her job: I’ve been on role is to make the Kent State University stayed with her, we ate lots of sushi and campus a few months, and I’m having a Museum appealing and accessible to all hung out in museums. blast meeting new people and welcoming age groups. them into this great museum. —Susan Menassa BOB CHRISTY, BS ’95 BOB CHRISTY,

10 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE KENT STATE IS t Kent State University, design is sparking cross-disciplinary curiosity innovation is more than an abstract and partnerships. Discarding obsolete BRINGING TOGETHER A concept or the latest educational boundaries. Boring through protective silos DIVERSE RESOURCES buzzword. It is a movement that is sparking to try new things.” cross-disciplinary partnerships to solve The DI Hub “will be shared by all, but IN THE ARTS, complex challenges by using design thinking owned by none,” says J.R. Campbell, SCIENCES AND and innovation. inaugural executive director of the Design Kent State’s recently announced Innovation Initiative. He envisions the Hub BUSINESS TO SOLVE Design Innovation (DI) Initiative will not only as a 24/7 space to hatch solution-oriented REAL-WORLD promote interdisciplinary collaboration ideas, where “flash challenges” will bring and elevate design thinking principles, it people together to try their hand at solving PROBLEMS THROUGH will strive to create the next generation of real-world problems. PROJECT-BASED innovators for the 21st century. “The goal for the Hub is to connect The initiative will bring ideas and the makerspaces and design, technology LEARNING AND innovations from many and resource laboratories DISCOVERY. disciplines—including across all Kent State aeronautics, engineering, Having a locations to make them brain health, sustainability, understood and accessible By April McClellan-Copeland biochemistry, marketing, dedicated by the larger community,” advanced materials science/ space like the Mr. Campell says. (Learn liquid crystals, computer DI Hub will more at www.kent.edu/ science, fashion and create a designinnovation.) entrepreneurship—together Having a dedicated in a 68,000 square foot DI home base space like the DI Hub will Hub at the center of the Kent for the kinds create a home base for Campus. Renovations to the of innovative the kinds of innovative former Art building, which will partnerships partnerships that already be transformed into the DI take place across Kent Hub, are planned to begin in that already State’s campuses. Design spring 2019, with an expected take place innovation is happening opening date of August 2020. across Kent every day as the university’s “At Kent State, like most State’s students, faculty, leading universities, we have more experts, alumni and expertise centers than I have campuses. community members from time to mention,” President diverse disciplines come Beverly J. Warren recently together in collaborative shared with an audience at Pitch NEON, teams to tackle difficult challenges—as a pitch contest sponsored by the Burton seen in the following innovative projects that Design D. Morgan Foundation. “But developing teams have been working on over the past DI Nodes them is only half the battle. The other half couple years.

ANALYTICAL LIQUID CRYSTAL INSTRUMENTATION INSTITUTE (LCI) Innovation FACILITY PROTOTYPE FACILITY ARTECH STUDIO MATERIALS AND PROCESSES LAB AQUATIC ECOLOGY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY RESEARCH FACILITY MUSELAB CAED CMLAB PHYSICS/CHEMISTRY MACHINE SHOP CAED DIGITAL FABRICATION AND PRINT STUDIO SPARK INNOVATION STUDIO CAED NOVEL ECOLOGY t

p DESIGN LAB STUDENT MULTIMEDIA e c n STUDIO o C CAED ROBOTIC b u H FABRICATION LAB STRATASYS OBJET260 n tio CONNEX3 3D PRINTER ova CLEAN ENERGY AND Design Inn SUSTAINABILITY LAB TECHSTYLELAB LAUNCHNET LIQUID CRYSTAL INSTITUTE (LCI) CHARACTERIZATION FACILITY 12 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2018-19 | 13 All four of us like creating, inventing and putting all of our disciplines together BOB CHRISTY, BS ’95 to create something new.”

Dr. Yanhai Du and Angela Deibel pose MICHELLE PARK, BA ’18 ZAC POPIK, BS ’18 with the ZEV on the Kent Campus.

B Inset: A prototype of the “Fringe” purse has Above: The Fringe team (l to r)—Elena Blaginykh, OB CH RI The biggest thing is to get students fiber optics with16 different colors that can be Paramanand Deginal, Michelle Park, Naser Madi. STY , BS ’95 programmed to match a user’s outfit. It lights up into research. Getting into it early on when it receives a text message or phone call. propelled me.”

PROJECT: ZERO EMISSION VEHICLE ANGELA DEIBEL, BS ’19 PROJECT: FRINGE s Kent State senior Angela Deibel at a solar panel company. “I’m putting all sustaining her passion for marketing—and on’t be alarmed if you see “We met at the Hackathon and In addition to being fashionable, guides the ZEV (Zero Emission bets on fuel cells.” she is grateful for her mentor’s support. graduate student Michelle Park, became best friends,” she says. “All four the inventors hope the purse’s visual Vehicle) from the Aeronautics and In summer 2016, Ms. Deibel interned Since immersing herself in renewable BA ’18, strolling across the Kent of us like creating, inventing and putting notification features will be useful for A with Dr. Yanhai Du, PhD—associate energy, she has changed her major D Technology Building to front campus on a Campus one evening and her clutch purse all of our disciplines together to create people who have hearing impairments. recent sunny day, she glances at a row of professor in the College of Aeronautics to mechanical engineering and made flashes from radiant red to pulsing purple something new.” Ms. Blaginykh says that market niche small lights that flash overhead. and Engineering and team leader and marketing a minor. to glowing green. Currently the project team has two is appealing to the team because they “Those lights let us know that the principal investigator of Kent State “The biggest thing is to get students The fiber optic purse that she and rough prototypes of the purse, which believe that “differently-abled people want battery has charged,” she explains to a University’s Fuel Cell Program—in into research,” she says. “Getting into it a team of students invented earlier this now goes by the name “Fringe.” The team to be trendy, too.” passenger. “One day of sunlight (24 hours) the Summer Undergraduate Research early on propelled me.” year at Kent State’s Fifth Annual Fashion/ changed the name because the word Accessibility is at the core of the equals eight miles.” Experience (SURE). The ZEV, with its state-of-the-art sound Tech Hackathon may be alerting her that has definitions from science, fashion and team’s values and making the product The ZEV is a repurposed golf cart At the time, she was a marketing system that allows music to be streamed she has just received a text message or culture that are relevant to the brand. available to all is one of their main goals, with an electric engine powered by three major with a minor in sustainability who around campus, is available for alumni phone call. The team won the “Best Use They also have created a branded according to Mr. Madi, who says the Fringe sources: a fuel cell, solar panel and knew little about fuel cells or solar panels. tours and for use by student organizations. of Technology in Creating New Fashion website, where they sell earrings made team benefits from the diverse fields of batteries. The fuel cell efficiently converts She joined a team of students who were And driving the ZEV around campus is Project” award for the purse, which at the from laser-cut seashells to help raise seed study each of them brings to the project. fuel, such as hydrogen or natural gas, majoring in electrical engineering, chemical a perfect way to educate people about time they named “Firefly.” money for putting the purse prototype “Elena, with her medical background, into electricity with no greenhouse gas engineering and digital sciences. They all renewable energy. Ms. Park and her teammates come into production. advocates for health-promoting ideas, emissions. The solar panel on the roof received hands-on experience with fuel “I want to be a voice in the renewable from a cross-section of disciplines and An app controls the fiber optics of the while Param, as an engineer, constantly charges the batteries all the time. When cells to develop the first version of the ZEV. energy community,” says Ms. Deibel, backgrounds. She recently began a two- purse and includes 16 different colors that tries to find the most efficient way for the cart is resting or the batteries are fully “I saw that I could count on her,” reluctant to give up her marketing edge. “I year graduate program in fashion industry can be programmed to match a user’s doing things,” he says. “At the same charged, the electricity generated by the says Dr. Du, who made Ms. Deibel the don’t want to just be an engineer—though studies and is from Seattle; Naser Madi outfit. The purse also has a GPS system so time, Michelle pushes for sustainability solar panel can be used to electrolyze water team leader. “I knew that if I guided and I love it—but I want to tell [the public] is a PhD candidate in computer science that it can be located if stolen. and environmentally friendly solutions into hydrogen and store the solar energy for supported her, she would be successful.” about renewable energy.” from Jordan; Elena Blaginykh, MPH ’18, is “It’s interactive,” Ms. Park says. “You from fabrics to boxing and shipping. I am later use. Ms. Deibel says Dr. Du gave her the Learn more at www.kent.edu/cae/zero- a medical doctor and PhD candidate in connect the phone to the purse and it fortunate to work with such a talented “Renewable energy is the future,” says opportunity to make mistakes as she emission-vehicle-zev. To rent the ZEV, social and behavioral science from Russia; lights up when it receives notification from group of accomplished individuals.” explored her deepening dedication to Ms. Deibel, who recently did an internship contact Dr. Du at [email protected]. and Paramanand Deginal, is a junior text messages or phone calls.” Learn more at www.Fringe.fashion.com. sustainability and engineering, while aeronautical engineering major from India.

14 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2018-19 | 15 We must think systematically—a ‘combine and succeed’ mentality, rather than We each have our own ‘divide and conquer.’” expertise that makes IRVIN STEVE CARDENAS, SENIOR our business work.” RESEARCH SCIENTIST PROJECT: ALULA PROJECT: IMMERSIFLY ARIELLA YAGER, BBA ’17 ore than two years ago, proposition than alula—is now going ent State team members Brian Selle an affordable flight simulator that allows The entire experience was invaluable, Ariella Yager, BBA ’17, an through the patent process. (a computer science and political completion of training hours toward says Mr. Selle, because it allowed him M entrepreneurship major, and Meanwhile, turning their focus to K science major), Irvin Steve Cardenas license certification by allowing the pilot to conduct research with other Kent Samuel Graska, BS ’17, MBA ’18, a cellular/ alula, the team has conducted surveys (a senior research scientist) and Chaisay to fly a small-scale airplane under real State students, write an abstract about molecular biology major, got together to and focus groups with health and women’s Letdara, BS ’18 (a computer science major), conditions. The pilot is not only able to the research, then present it before an work on a project for an entrepreneurship organizations and pharmacies, and they’ve had a mission in mind when they entered control the aircraft, but is also able to feel audience at a conference. class they were taking. refined the design as they prepare to the university’s first collegiate aviation as if they themselves are inside the cockpit Before joining Kent State in 2016 as Their project was to develop an auto launch the product by January 2019. hackathon in October 2017, sponsored by of the aircraft. This is accomplished by 1) a lecturer and senior research scientist, injector smartphone case, EpiCase, similar Mr. Graska says they would not be the Burton D. Morgan Foundation. providing a live stream of the environment Mr. Cardenas was a robotics researcher to the EpiPen. But before they began the where they are today without the staff at For the “SkyHack” competition, within the cockpit into a virtual reality at Florida International University, where day’s tasks, Ms. Yager realized she had LaunchNET Kent State, who taught the students were to provide solutions to headset, 2) allowing the pilot to rotate their he worked with Dr. Kim on virtual reality, forgotten to take her birth control pill for team how to start a business. “We have challenges or “pain points” related to the head freely and also 3) receive feedback autonomous systems and immersive the third day in a row. videos, prototypes and we’re building aviation industry. The team wanted to from the aircraft (such as roll, pitch, yaw) technologies—areas they continue to That is when another innovative idea up media,” he says. “We are using crowd offer pilot trainees a more immersive and which is relayed by the ‘motion’ chair.” explore at Kent State’s ATR Lab. was born. funding to raise funds. Now we are trying effective flight training experience. Despite After the competition, the team wrote a “The future is decentralized,” says “I said, ‘We should make a [phone] to find manufacturing. This has been an hours of simulation-based training, paper about the project under the direction Mr. Cardenas. “To develop such a future, case for it,’” Mr. Graska recalls. “And Ariella awesome experience.” student pilots often feel tense during their of Jong-Hoon Kim, PhD, assistant professor we must think systematically—a ‘combine said, ‘Let’s do it! Let’s get on top of this.’” To come up with the name, the team first flight, due to the lack of realism in of computer science and director of Kent and succeed’ mentality, rather than ‘divide The classmates, along with actually locked themselves in a room; virtual simulators. State’s Advanced Telerobotics Research and conquer.’” architectural designer Justin Gleason, during hours of brainstorming, they At the weekend-long event, the trio (ATR) Laboratory at the Department of He says ImmersiFLY could be an answer BS ’16, MArch ’18, MBA ’18, created “alula” kept coming back to the word alula. invented “ImmersiFLY: Next Generation of Computer Science. They submitted the to high-cost commercial flight simulators, (all lowercase)—a product they have Pronounced the same backward and Immersive Pilot Training,” which won third paper to the American Council on Science as well as an alternative for consumers who dubbed the “first phone case to hold, forward, the word is a palindrome. Alula place in the 2017 SkyHack competition, and Education for its 2017 International are virtual reality drone racers looking for a protect and dispense your birth control.” also has five letters, the same number under the challenge of how to solve the Conference on Computational Science more immersive experience.  Users load their birth control pills for the of petals as a forget-me-not flower, and pilot shortage. and Computational Intelligence, and they Learn more at www.atr.cs.kent.edu/ month in the phone case and rotate a round “Forget Me Not” is the company’s tagline. According to the brief they submitted were selected to present the project at the research/publication/c-23 and devpost. cutout on the back of the case. When And an alula is an important part of a bird’s with their project, “the system is in essence conference in Las Vegas late last year. com/software/immersifly. they hear the click, a pill pops wing, which supports it in flight. out from a slot on the side The team believes the collaboration of the case. Consumers among their disciplines has been the secret are encouraged to to the creative culture of Case.MD. “We download the alula each have our own expertise that makes app to remind them our business work,” Ms. Yager says. “I bring to take their pill every the business and operations, Sam brings day, Ms. Yager says. the medical and FDA leadership, and Although the Justin brings the design. So far it has been Case.MD team incredible working together.” first came together Learn more about alula, sign up for the to develop the launch and get up-to-date information at EpiCase auto injector, www.indiegogo.com/projects/alula-birth- that product—a more control-phone-case/coming_soon. Right: (l to r) Dr. Jong-Hoon Kim, Irvin Steve expensive and complex Cardenas, and Dr. Gokarna Sharma check out the ImmersiFLY flight simulator in the computer science department’s Advanced Telerobotics Research Laboratory. Above: The alula team (l to r), Inset: A prototype of the alula smartphone case, Samuel Graska, Ariella Yager, Justin Gleason which dispenses birth control pills and connects to an app that reminds users to take a pill every day.

16 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2018-19 | 17 Borders Guggenheim Fellow Mahwish Chishty’s latest project calls attention to the plight of people who live near contentious border crossings. By Jan Senn

in Pakistan,” says Ms. Chishty, who was born in Lahore, Pakistan, and grew up in Saudi Arabia before becoming a U.S. citizen (she has dual citizenship). “Children fly kites to mark the auspicious occasion by holding competitions. In Pakistan, the sky is filled with colorful kites of various shapes and sizes in the month of February.” Using the funds she received from the Guggenheim fellowship, which she chose to receive over two years because of her project’s timing, Ms. Chishty is facilitating

Beyond a kite exchange between schoolchildren who live close to contentious border crossings—at the U.S./Mexico border between San Diego and Tijuana, and at the Pakistan/ Afghanistan borders. “Pakistani areas that border Afghanistan remain risky for children to enjoy any sort of outdoor activity,” ahwish Chishty stands in the center of a small says Ms. Chishty, noting that because of drone strikes exhibit space she has mocked up in her studio at conducted by the CIA since 2004 to target terrorists M Kent State’s Center for the Visual Arts. Its four along the Afghanistan border, unofficial reports suggest walls, covered in shiny mylar emergency blankets—the that hundreds of Pakistani civilians have been killed in kind given to refugees and survivors of disaster—reflect northwest Pakistan—and up to 200 of them were children. back her image, multiplying it. Amnesty International, in 2013, invited drone strike Mounted on the walls are 3 ft. x 3 ft. square stainless- victims and their family members from Pakistan to come to steel panels, their mirror finish painted with black dots Washington, D.C., and tell members of Congress what it is that appear as random patterns when seen up close, then like to live under the constant fear of drone attacks. resolve into children’s faces when viewed from a distance. One 13-year-old boy told how he had been helping The Pakistani-born artist and assistant professor in his grandmother harvest crops in a field when a drone the School of Art is pondering how she’s going to exhibit appeared in the bright blue sky and suddenly fired— her latest project—the culmination of the prestigious John wounding him in the leg with shrapnel and killing his Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship she grandmother. “Now I prefer cloudy days when the drones was awarded for exceptional creative ability in the arts don’t fly,” he said. “When the sky brightens and becomes in 2017. (Ms. Chishty, who received a President’s Faculty blue, the drones return and so does the fear.” Excellence Award from Kent State in 2018, has had more than 50 national and international exhibitions in the past s. Chishty says his testimony inspired her most 10 years, including a solo exhibition at the Imperial War recent project. Besides calling attention to the Museum of London, and a group exhibit featuring top M plight of Pakistani civilians, she wants Pakistani artists’ responses to war and conflict since 9/11.) children to be able to play outside and fly kites on cloudy The abstract images on the stainless-steel panels days when drones don’t typically operate (because their Left: Mahwish Chishty portray some of the children she has been working with cameras can’t visually identify the targets). To allow for ponders her abstract during her fellowship, as part of a project she calls variable climate conditions, she’s had to replace the local portraits of schoolchildren living near tense border “Basant: Let’s Go Fly a Kite.” Pakistani kites—made of thin paper and wooden sticks crossings in the United “Basant is an annual kite festival that takes place to mark that could tear or become weak in misty weather—with States and Pakistan. the start of spring and is celebrated by people of all faiths sturdier, more weather-resistant materials. BOB CHRISTY, BS ’95 BOB CHRISTY, 18 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2018-19 | 19 In March 2018, she conducted a kite-making sides of the Wagah/Attari border, the well-rehearsed 2011. Her family and friends there were all talking about workshop with children from the Roosevelt International soldiers of both Pakistan and India attempt to outdo each the drone war raging along the border with Afghanistan, Middle School (a school near the U.S./Mexico border), other with high kicks and intimidating glares in a military so she decided to reimagine the drones using Pakistan’s hosted by the Spanish Village Arts Center in San Diego. drill that symbolizes both the rivalry and cooperation colorful truck art tradition—drivers there decorate their The children, many of whom are from other countries, between the two nations. In recent years, border trucks with brightly painted images of spiritual gurus, designed and painted plastic kites to be given as gifts to skirmishes have escalated tensions between Pakistan and political figures and popular culture. children in Pakistan. India and added an edge to the display of force. Left: “The Wagah border-closing “I wanted to find a way to make this topic [of drone ceremony is intense,” says Then in April, she visited the border areas of Pakistan Hanging from the ceiling in another area of the Mahwish Chishty. “In this series warfare] visible, to attract attention with the colors and and gave children there the durable kites made by the studio are brightly painted drone models Ms. Chishty of paintings, I removed the shapes,” says Ms. Chishty, who painted images of drones children in San Diego. She hopes this will allow the bought to photograph from different angles. She captured background and the physical decorated with her own version of indigenous truck art. Pakistani children to fly kites on cloudy days and “reclaim their silhouettes for a series of drone paintings that she presence of the border to highlight the tension and play of power.” “I wasn’t trying to say drones are good or bad; I just their space.” At Sonia Shah Memorial School in Kangra, created after finishing graduate school at the University of The soldier in the black uniform is wanted to highlight what they are and get people outside a small Pakistani town near the border of Afghanistan, Maryland, College Park, and visiting family in Lahore in from Pakistan and the soldier in of Pakistan to talk about them.” she worked with a group of mostly girls, who designed and the khaki uniform is from India. decorated kites for the children in San Diego to fly. lsewhere in the studio are full dome mirrors—the Ms. Chishty plans to bring those kites with her to kind typically mounted on the ceiling and used for California in February 2019 to exchange with the children “My hope is Esecurity in stores and warehouses. But these domes in San Diego. And she hopes to hold a Basant kite-flying are wired with speakers and suspended upside down from event in the two countries at the same time that will be to shorten the ceiling at various heights, meant to represent the height shared live at both borders simultaneously via Skype. of Pakistani men, women and children killed in drone “My hope is to shorten the distance between these the distance strikes. They are part of a sound installation Ms. Chishty border conflict areas,” she says, “and allow for a more between calls “Naming the Dead,” which was recently exhibited personal connection.” at SPACES gallery in Cleveland, Ohio, and at Art Prize Photos at near left from top these border in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She borrowed the project’s aking a personal connection is a driving force to bottom: For the abstract name from the title on a list of Pakistani civilian casualties behind many of the projects seen at Ms. Chishty’s portraits of children from conflict areas compiled by The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, a Pakistan and California studio. Trained at the National College of Art nonprofit research organization based in London, England, M that Mahwish Chishty will in Lahore, Pakistan, as a miniature painter in the style include in the exhibit, and allow who worked directly with local news media in Pakistan to of the Mughal empire of the 16th and 17th centuries, she she painted black dots on for a more make sure the information was accurate. has adapted that traditional technique to contemporary mirrored stainless-steel Ms. Chishty approached Americans of the same age themes—at first exploring her own identity as both panels to obscure the images so viewers have to personal and gender as the Pakistanis named on the list and asked Pakistani and American, and then expanding her step back in order to see them to read aloud those names for her to record—and to perspective to take in a broader view. them clearly. connection.” hopefully start a dialogue. Even when some of the people On one wall of her studio she’s tacked up small refused, she says, “I thought, well, at least I have told detailed paintings on individual sheets of paper, each somebody that this is what’s been happening in that part depicting a moment from the elaborate flag-lowering Photos above, from top to bottom: Schoolchildren from the of the world.” Visitors to the exhibit can step under the and border-closing ceremony that security forces on the Sonia Shah Memorial School domes and listen to audio of American citizens reading either side of the Wagah/Attari (Pakistan/India) border in Kangra, Pakistan, and the the names of Pakistani casualties. have followed since 1959—after the British withdrew Roosevelt International Middle Sound installations and kite-flying events may seem from the area in 1947 and it was partitioned into two School in San Diego, California, make kites for Mahwish Chishty’s a long way from miniature paintings, but all are ways independent countries: India (mostly Hindu) and kite exchange project. Photo at to connect people and ideas. “I’m not limiting myself to Pakistan (mostly Muslim). right: Mahwish Chishty admires a material anymore,” Ms. Chishty says. “I start with an idea “It’s just an hour outside of where I was born,” says kite made by one of the children and then explore the best method to convey that message. at the San Diego workshop. Ms. Chishty, who is collaborating on the project with Right now, I’m exploring these borders in my own way.” Photo credits: Ikaramullah, Sonia Shah an Indian artist in Chicago whose great-grandparents Memorial School, Kangra, Pakistan; And that includes putting visitors inside a reflective Val Dostalek, Roosevelt International Middle were from Lahore and migrated to Amritsar (a city in School, San Diego, California room and having them step back to get a good look at northwestern India) in 1947, while Ms. Chishty’s great- the faces of children, from both Pakistan and the United grandparents were from Amritsar and migrated to Lahore States, who peer out from mirrored panels.

that same year. Says Ms. Chishty: “I am confronting the viewer in the Performed daily before sunset and witnessed by present environment to reflect upon the future.”  hundreds of visitors and international tourists from both See www.mahachishty.com for more of her work.

20 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2018-19 | 21 w

As deaf and hard-of-hearing students build community and find their voice, increasingly robust programs and organizations at Kent State are opening opportunities for success in their careers—and for hearing students to work with deaf populations. By Kim Catley

hen Richard Costes, BA ’06, talks y the late 1980s and early 1990s, the culture about his first day at a school for deaf was shifting. In 1990, Ohio passed a law W children, he describes a room filled Brecognizing ASL as a full visual-spatial with young children crying, trying desperately to language—one that is linguistically complete and be understood, while he sat in a corner playing shares no grammatical similarities to English—and alone. On his second day, he walked up to his the state began offering grants to increase the skills teacher and asked, “Will you play with me?” of school interpreters working with deaf children. The teacher scooped him up, marched down When Dr. Luft arrived at Kent State in 1995, the hall and into the administrator’s office and the field of deaf education was recognizing, and called his parents. When they arrived, the teacher increasingly valuing, ASL as a true language that said, “This child can speak. He is too smart to be would support bilingual/bicultural approaches to here with all of these other deaf kids.” deaf education. She saw enough interest to expand That one sentence, suggesting that deaf the ASL curriculum and offer a minor. “You can’t people weren’t smart, stuck with him. become fluent in two two-hour courses,” she says. Mr. Costes was born deaf, but grew up in a Dr. Luft also had several Deaf adults (using the hearing environment. He told himself he wasn’t capitalized word preferred by individuals who identify deaf. He refused to learn sign language—an as part of the Deaf community), approach her LISTENING TO attitude that was supported by his school, about wanting to teach ASL. She quickly saw a need which prioritized speech. He also declined any and worked with the Department of Modern and assistance in the classroom and his grades often Classical Language Studies faculty to establish the first suffered as a result. four-year program in ASL—now one of the largest “That’s a lot of self-loathing for a big part of ASL programs in the nation. your identity,” he says. “It wasn’t until college, “I tried to make sure that most of the ASL THE DEAF when I took an ASL (American Sign Language) faculty we hired were Deaf,” she says. “I never class—because I thought it would be easy—that I wanted an ASL, deaf education, or interpreting realized how wrong I was.” student to graduate feeling uncomfortable

r. Costes’ shift in perspective mirrors a COMMUNITY larger evolution in deaf education. As Is it deaf or Deaf? Pamela Luft, PhD, associate professor M Identity is fluid and can change over time or with of special education at Kent State’s School of setting. Some individuals and organizations use the Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences, term deaf (lowercase ‘d’) in an all-inclusive manner, explains, early American deaf education was sign to include people who may identify as Deaf, deaf, language–based. That changed in 1880 when, deafblind, deaf with disabilities, hard of hearing, late- at the Milan Conference of Deaf Educators, deafened and hearing impaired. Others make the following distinction: delegates banned the use of sign language in Lowercase ‘d’ deaf refers to the physical aspect of schools worldwide and voted that oralism, or lip deafness—anyone with physical hearing loss. reading, would be the sole method of instruction Uppercase ‘D’ Deaf refers to the cultural aspect, the at deaf institutions. Deaf community and individuals who identify as part of This continued until the mid-20th century the Deaf community. when penicillin was introduced. Now, there was Note: Uppercase Deaf individuals usually are physically a treatment for the childhood diseases that had deaf, but not always. CODAs (Children Of Deaf Adults) tend to be culturally Deaf, but have full hearing. previously led to deafness. Instead of going deaf as In general, to identify as Deaf you have at least older children with language skills, much of the deaf some knowledge of ASL and are involved in the Deaf population was born deaf, or lost their hearing as community itself, such as going to Deaf events, pre-verbal infants. seeing other Deaf individuals and /or participating Oralism was no longer as successful and sign in Deaf politics. language was reintroduced, although the debate

CHRIS HICKS, BA ’14, MA ’16CHRIS HICKS, between the two methodologies remained.

22 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2018-19 | 23 communicating with a deaf person community can choose from three of environments, such as medical, Stefanie Amiruzzaman, because they hadn’t ever interacted distinct majors on campus. Students legal, religious, performing arts, BA ’12, MEd ’15 with one.” can major in ASL in the Department social services and education) or as ASL major, with a minor in fine arts; MEd in special education with a concentration in of Modern and Classical Language educational interpreters (Pre-K–12). deaf education oday, Kent State’s programs Studies—just as they might major And students who specifically want reflect the variety of in Spanish, Arabic, or any other to teach deaf children can enroll in JEFF GLIDDEN, BS ’87 My story: Born hearing, she became communication styles and foreign language—to work and the Deaf Education program in the deaf at 9 months old from bacterial T meningitis. “My parents wanted me to needs present in the modern Deaf communicate with deaf populations School of Lifespan Development and learn both sign language and English. community. This may mean students in a professional setting, or combine Educational Sciences, which provides My mom attended a sign language class who use hearing aids and cochlear the major with an education minor the coursework and field experience to learn, and she purchased a Signed implants sitting next to students who to teach ASL to deaf and hearing necessary to be licensed in the field English book to teach me.” She is a communicate exclusively in ASL. current doctoral student in the Evaluation populations. of special education in the area of and Measurement program at the Teachers may work with deaf students The ASL/English Interpreting deaf education. School of Foundations, Leadership and in self-contained classes, while others program in the School of Lifespan “Our Deaf Education program Administration. work in an inclusion setting. Development and Educational is unique in placing students in deaf Getting access: Note takers, Kent State students who are Sciences trains students to work as education classrooms for their last captioning services for videos, and interested in working with the Deaf community interpreters (in a range two semesters of coursework, with interpreters. “I love the access that interpreters provide for my education. I would be lost or struggle if it was not There is a big difference between ‘accessibility’ for them.” Tri-lingual: “I want my son to grow up having respect and involvement in the and ‘inclusivity.’ ” Deaf community. On the other hand, my husband, who is hearing, is originally from Bangladesh, and his family still lives there. So, I am teaching my son, Aleo, both ASL and English, while my husband is teaching “ him both Bangali and English. Aleo’s first C. Richard Costes, BA ’06 sign in ASL was ‘milk,’ his first Bangali Theatre studies major word was ‘ma’ (mother), and his first English word was ‘mama.’”

My story: Born deaf, but raised in Stefanie Amiruzzaman, BA ’12, MEd ’15, pictured with her I’d like the hearing world a hearing environment; he didn’t learn husband, Amir Amiruzzaman, MS ’11, MTec ’15, PhD ’16, assistant to know: “Being Deaf is not a sign language until college. He is now professor at Kent State’s College of Aeronautics and Engineering, disability; it is a point of pride, along an actor performing throughout Chicago and 18-month-old son, Aleo. with its own official language, and a and a consultant for theatres looking close-knit community.” to make their shows more accessible to deaf patrons. Getting access: “When I started at Kent State, I only used note takers, because I didn’t want to admit I needed more help. It was only towards the end Being Deaf is not a disability; it is a point of my college career that I realized there was nothing wrong with getting more assistance. That’s when I requested of pride.” note takers, FM [frequency-modulated] devices and captioning. The captioning improved my learning a thousandfold.” linked assignments they must complete t the same time that Kent Foundations of Education graduate in these placements,” Dr. Luft says. State has expanded the program the following spring. She’s also All the difference: Professors at Kent State helped him embrace his identity. ““And the ASL/English Interpreting A pathways for students hoping studying political science, and hopes to “College is a place for you to find out who program is unique for requiring a to work with the Deaf community, the eventually work in a community center you are; it’s where you become the person one-semester final practicum that is university also has seen a surge in the focused on LGBTQ+ and Deaf youth. you’ll be for the rest of your life.” supervised. Many other state programs number of deaf and hard-of-hearing Ms. Croteau works with SAS to have students find their own practicum undergraduate students over the years, access transcriptions, closed captioning I’d like the hearing world activities and sites without supervision, although the numbers fluctuate. A and priority seating, as well as Power to know: “There is a big difference which can significantly reduce quality robust Student Accessibility Services Points and lecture notes before class, between ‘accessibility’ and ‘inclusivity.’ Accessibility means everyone has a control of students’ skills to address the (SAS) office ensures that deaf students peer note taking, speech reading, and point of entry; for the Deaf community, unique needs of deaf learners. Our have access to the university’s full extended-time testing. this means captioning or interpreters. programs are highly regarded, and our scope of academic programs. “Before getting accommodations, I Inclusivity means all those [deaf and graduates are sought after. Many are Kate Croteau, BIS ’17, graduated assumed that the way I learned—and hard-of-hearing] people are not just watching or listening from a distance; we able to choose the jobs they want and from Kent State last December and struggled—was normal, and that’s are part of the conversations and we are often have offers before they graduate.” enrolled in the university’s Cultural how everyone else did it, too,” she says. part of the work being done.” TYLER DREW CLAYTON

24 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2018-19 | 25 “Realizing that I could embrace my even crosses over with the academic For example, Elexis Blake, accommodations, use them to the programs on occasion when students BA ’18, teamed up with Nebeyat Elexis Blake, BA ’18 Psychology and ASL major best of my ability, and could advocate observe the professional interpreters Mamay, BA ’18, to found the Deaf

for them any time they weren’t being or build their skills in a practicum Power Organization at Kent State ZAC POPIK, BS ’18 My story: Born deaf, she uses a appropriately offered really reshaped placement with the office. in 2016. Its goal is to create a cochlear implant to hear. She is now a case coordinator for Easterseals– the way I was able to focus on and community for all deaf and hard-of- Community Center for the Deaf, and enjoy my education.” hile accommodation hearing students. “We even welcome an ASL teacher. She helps the Deaf Leah Subak, PhD ’14, an ASL/ services are critical CODAs (Children Of Deaf Adults) community gain independence through English interpreter and coordinator for deaf and hard-of- and hearing ASL signers into our case management, advocacy, vocational W support and community outreach. with SAS, says the office works to keep hearing students to access their organization,” she says, “to create a classroom accommodations—which academics—and the ASL, ASL/ stronger community that will help us Course change: She started at include transcriptionists, interpreters, English Interpreting, and Deaf advocate for Deaf awareness at KSU.” Kent State as an accounting major, but note taking and closed captioning—in Education programs ensure a strong These kinds of connections are switched to psychology and ASL her junior year. “I suffered from clinical line with national best practices. They field of professionals—there are also what elevate a campus or community depression, and the experiences I went also bring in speakers to connect the opportunities at Kent State to build from accessible to inclusive. through were even more challenging campus and Deaf communities. SAS and strengthen the Deaf community. because I was Deaf. I want to create an opportunity for the Deaf community to have equal access to mental health counseling.” Getting access: ASL interpreters and note-taking services. “Having Even something as simple as repeating an interpreter provides me an opportunity to be challenged and thrive yourself makes a world of difference, as we are educationally and linguistically.” I’d like the hearing world used to hearing, ‘never mind.’ ” to know: “Deafness is not a disability in the eyes of the Deaf community. We are fully capable of doing anything! The only thing we cannot do is hear. We are “ just like you, and we are proud to be Austin Hale, BA ’21 who we are!” Communication studies major, with an applied communications concentration

My story: Severe hearing loss since birth; he began using hearing aids at age 2. Why Kent State: Signed up for Kent State’s College Credit Plus program We are fully capable of doing anything! The to take college courses as a high school student. “I received accommodations only thing we cannot do is hear.” that far outclassed the ones my high school offered. The positive experience, more inclusive environment and close Richard Costes experienced This past spring, he performed the proximity of Kent convinced me to join.” this distinction in the classroom of role of Snout in Chicago Shakespeare Resources Getting access: Priority seating, Carol Robinson, PhD, an associate Theater’s “A Midsummer Night’s closed captioning and real-time “professor of English at Kent State Dream.” When a group from the Illinois Download “A Nuts and Bolts Guide to college success for transcription. “Being able to lip read the University at Trumbull. While he School for the Deaf attended a show, professor, read captions in the videos students who are deaf or hard and have a transcription of what was said was beginning to use sign language, the students were thrilled to see a deaf of hearing” from the National make it difficult to miss things.” it was Dr. Robinson’s use of texts by actor in the production. Afterward, they Deaf Center on Postsecondary Deaf authors that made him realize bombarded Mr. Costes with questions Outcomes at http://bit.ly/ Changing communications: nutsandboltsguide. “I am working toward an applied he belonged to a community. He about his career. He was happy to share, communications degree with the hope started to see his deafness as part of in hopes of inspiring the next generation See tips for communicating that my perspective and experience his identity. of deaf actors. dealing with the frustrations of hearing with deaf individuals from the loss would allow me to contribute to the After attending Kent State at “I’ve spent the last 10 years trying National Deaf Center at: profession in a useful way.” Trumbull for two years, he transferred to integrate myself into the Deaf http://bit.ly/ communicatewiththedeaf. I’d like the hearing world to the Kent Campus to finish his community and culture,” he says. degree in theatre. Now, Mr. Costes “I’m trying to embrace the part of to know: “Any gesture of Visit the National Association of understanding or patience is greatly is an actor and director. He also me that for nearly two decades I the Deaf website: appreciated. Even something as simple consults with theatres looking to kept buried.”  https://www.nad.org/resources/. as repeating yourself makes a world of make their shows more accessible for difference, as we are used to hearing, ‘never mind.’” deaf patrons. C0URTESY OF AUSTIN HALE OF AUSTIN C0URTESY

26 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2018-19 | 27 “If that academic branch hadn’t made me even more painfully aware that to change the policy, Mr. Chanak and his CHANGE existed, I probably wouldn’t have gone to I wasn’t seen as an equal.” associates had to make more of a case. college,” the Massillon native says. During In 1987, he told the manager of “You have to work up that command his college years he was surrounded by worldwide diversity that P&G needed to chain and you have to have people who people who were speaking up about the make sure gay employees were afforded believe it’s the right thing to do, and there issues of the day. He spent his first two the same equal protections already in have to be reasons it’s the right thing to do,” years at Stark, where he was involved in place for people of a different race, color, he recounts in the video. a discussion society that talked about religion, sex or national origin in their equal Various versions of the proposal were “everything and anything.” employment opportunity (EEO) policy. With sent through different channels, but it MakerKSU alumnus and gay rights activist For his junior year, he transferred the manager’s support, it took some time wasn’t until a gay man in the legal division Michael Chanak Jr. was determined to to the Kent Campus, as students were to develop and submit a proposal, which made the case from a legal standpoint that protesting the war in Vietnam and activism was rejected without comment. Still he a revised EEO policy statement finally was make a difference at his workplace—and was a normal part of campus life. “There persisted, joined by straight peers at the approved on September 15, 1992. his dedication to change prompted a global was a sense of being in the struggle,” he company who had heard about his efforts. To mark the 25th anniversary of the company to redefine diversity. says. “But after May 4, 1970, the campus policy’s adoption, P&G commissioned the went from being an open environment to 19-minute video, something Mr. Chanak By Susan Menassa having everything locked down.” I began to understand admits he never would have predicted. Through that intense experience he “Imagine my surprise when I got that call ost Kent State students on campus during the says he realized how quickly things can why it was important 25 years later,” he says. “When I left in 2003, M late 1960s and early 70s felt the influence of change and how tenuous is the notion of to speak up against I took an early retirement package and never the student protest era. Michael Chanak Jr., BS ’71, individual freedom—including his. set foot back at P&G until they invited me in was no exception; in fact, he credits that time at Kent “Over time, I became aware of my discrimination to talk about the effort and make the video.” State with giving him the fighting spirit he needed own otherness and of the ways that who The short film, produced in partnership some 15 years later—when he became the unlikely I inherently was disqualified me from and to refuse to with Great Big Story production company, lone gay voice to take on a corporate titan and call for the same rights and privileges as my be silenced.” won a prestigious Silver Lion award for gay rights in the 1980s. peers,” Mr. Chanak writes of growing corporate and social responsibility earlier He was the first in his family to up gay in a 2017 Huffington Post essay “ this year at France’s Cannes Lion Festival attend college and graduate. His Greek about his workplace activism. “I began to His fight for inclusion coincided with and boasts more than 10 million views. grandmother, who had immigrated understand why it was important to speak the AIDS epidemic of the late 1980s, a Although several P&G executives appear to the United States because of up against discrimination and to refuse to market niche that Procter and Gamble in the video, the focus is on Mr. Chanak’s religious persecution and never be silenced.” profited from with a prescription workplace struggle for inclusion, as well learned to write English, always mouthwash called Peridex, which was as that of the Cincinnati gay and lesbian told him, “Michael, be hen he moved to Cincinnati in 1978 used to treat thrush—a known side community in the 1980s and 90s. educated.” So when he W and began working for Procter & effect of AIDS. enrolled at what was Gamble in 1985, being gay was not openly The connection between Procter and ow, looking back on those turbulent then KSU’s academic discussed, especially in the workplace. Gamble’s product and those benefitting N times, Mr. Chanak is proud to have center at Stark in Still, he got involved in the burgeoning gay from it was not lost on P&G’s corporate not only survived but also to have made a 1967, it was a big pride movement of the time and took part executives and heralded a gradual shift difference—though he concedes the work deal for his blue- in various community events like pride in attitude that paved the way for the is far from over. collar family. parades, in spite of the risks involved. eventual adoption of the Chanak-inspired “If there is a legacy to be taken from that Then weekend TV coverage of a policy language. video, my private hope is for young people to pride parade in 1986 showed him in “Peridex . . . allowed us to build a see that change is possible,” he says. “Who attendance. “By that Monday, I was out business case,” says Anne Harbison, would have thought all those years ago that to my coworkers,” he recalls. “Some former Peridex brand assistant at P&G, [this video] would have been viewed by more people quietly expressed support but who appears in a video the company than 10 million people? Nowadays, all people also caution in the same breath. Others released earlier this year, “The Words do is post on Facebook. were less supportive and for many years, Matter: One Voice Can Make a Difference,” “Keyboard activism is not going to people posted cartoons deriding gays which documents Mr. Chanak’s influence change the world. Push your chair away and boldly sent me hateful screeds. It on the policy change. “This is what we from the computer and go join a group. need to do as a brand, as a business and Make the world better. Cause change. Make The city of Cincinnati passed a resolution in June absolutely for our own employees.” it about other people.”  2018 that recognizes and honors Michael Chanak ’95 Even so, because sexual orientation S , B Jr. for his work on behalf of the LGBT community. TY See “The Words Matter” at www.greatbigstory. IS was not yet part of the federal EEO R In October 2018, P&G’s worldwide LGBT H C com/stories/words-matter; read “Pride and B mandate, the company was reluctant to O employee network created the Michael Chanak B Award for Courageous Leadership to recognize go further. Year after year, in every attempt Prejudice: How I Helped P&G Come Out,” at the any LGBT employee who leads the charge for Huffington Post. making P&G a better place to work.

28 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2018-19 | 29 alumni LIFE Carole (Painter) Kane, Fred Jermyn, BS ’74, San Diego, wrote: journalism at Eastern Illinois University, judged BS ’62, Hudson, Ohio, wrote: “I wrote the Kent State University Men’s Club college newspaper contests and served on “Sixty years after meeting as & Varsity Soccer Media Guide & Record Book the Illinois Press Association foundation board KSU freshmen of 1949-1980 to preserve the historical data of directors. in 1958 and being of the program. More than 3,040 articles Tim Tracey, BFA ’77, Warren, Ohio, played an roommates in Terrace from digital copies of The Daily Kent Stater integral role in introducing a bill to the United Hall and Prentice Hall until newspaper were referenced in rebuilding States Congress, H.R. 1553–American Patriots our 1962 graduation, we the results from each year. Details were also of WWII through Service with the Canadian and remain close friends. All secured from numerous other sources to British Armed Forces Gold Medal Act of 2017. three of us were teachers include post-season honors, team and player He was inspired to act when researching his and married teachers.” records, plus photos. The 530-page book is father’s military history for a book he is creating. Pictured (l to r): Nancy available for free download via request by The bill calls for the recognition of thousands of (Myers) McFarland, email to [email protected].” Americans (including Tracey’s father, Edward) BS ’62, Commerce, Texas; William Speer, PhD ’76, Henderson, Nev., who volunteered to serve with the Canadian and Barbara (Ujcic) O’Donnell, was selected for the 2018 National Council British Armed Forces prior to the United States’ BS ’62, Rocky River, Ohio; of Teachers of Mathematics Lifetime entry into WWII. Carole (Painter) Kane. Achievement Award by the Mathematics Ruth Ava Lyons, BFA ’78, Charlotte, N.C.,

Education Trust. He is currently in a 22-year MED ’80 COLLVER, JAMES received a 2018 Creative Renewal Fellowship career at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Findings show that his screening method has from the Arts & Science Council of Charlotte. Class NOTES as director of their Mathematics Learning James Collver, MEd ’80, Akron, Ohio, the College of Education, Health and Human the ability to detect breast cancer up to six years With the fellowship, she will attend an Center, following a 20-year career at Bowling wrote: “I started the Celtic Club of Ohio Services, and I arranged for a photo of them sooner than other current technology. Since his underwater photography workshop on a 1950s Green State University. Speer is a former in 2002. We recently celebrated the 14th in Kent State shirts to run in the Record study was published, several institutions have liveaboard in Raja Amphat, in the Indonesia James Sell, BS ’59, Clive, Iowa, wrote: recipient of the KSU EHHS Distinguished Annual Celtic Club St. Pet’s Day, which Courier and the Cuyahoga Falls News Press.” installed the Rapid Breast MRI protocol. archipelago, which she hopes will advance “Hurricane Harvey destroyed our home in Alumni Award and Hall of Fame member. was held this year at the Richardson Pictured front row (l to r): Lisa Stacks Robert Taylor, BS ’72, Painesville, Ohio, her ongoing Oceanic Alchemies series. Orange, Texas. We escaped with a few Elementary School in Cuyahoga Falls, (member of Celtic Rush), Venus Rehs, wrote: “After a 30-year career in the Susan Kay, BS ’77, Mentor, Ohio, has personal belongings and now live in Iowa.” Douglas Smorag, BBA ’79, MBA ’88, Ohio, on March 9, 2018. The event is intended BS ’98, MEd ’12, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; Lindsi joined the local office of Home Instead classrooms of Painesville City Local Schools Cleveland, has been promoted to chief to help increase awareness (Ollinger) Sorgi, BS ’11, MA ’14, Hudson, Senior Care of Lake and Geauga counties 1960s and retiring with no further plans than to operating officer and executive vice president and appreciation for rescued pets. Ohio; Stephanie Petit, BS ’94, Norton, enjoy life, I’m now serving as a Trustee/Board as community relations manager. She will In the weeks prior, we held a pet Ohio; Maria Kirkpatrick, BS ’06, MEd ’11, Stephen Hanzely, BS ’62, Youngstown, at CM Wealth Advisors in Pepper Pike, Ohio, of Director for the International Women’s Air & be instrumental in maintaining and food donation drive at both Richardson Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; Barbara “Bobbi” Ohio, wrote: “As a retired Youngstown State where he has been employed since 1998. He Space Museum at Burke Airport in Cleveland, expanding the scope of personalized and Cuyahoga Falls High School, with all Huston, BS ’86, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Back University professor of physics and astronomy serves on a number of charitable foundations Ohio. At last, a blending of my love of history home care available from this franchisee pet food going to the Humane Society of row: Nancy Barber, BS ’87, and former Fulbright Scholar, I was honored and associations, and he was recognized with and aviation history.” of the company’s multinational network. Summit County. The Celtic Club handed out Silver Lake, Ohio; Tara Bultrowicz, MEd ’98, to receive the YSU Heritage Award, the highest the University Hospitals Distinguished Advisor Irish items (green derbies, shamrock head EDs ’00, Aurora, Ohio; Cheryl Bruce, honor Youngstown State can bestow on its James Russell, BA ’77, Bloomington, Ill., Award in 2016. associate executive director for the Illinois boppers, green beads, etc.) and an Irish BS ’87, MEd ’13, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; former faculty and staff. I also received a2016 Jeffrey Yaw, BS ’79, West Chester, Ohio, retired Association of School Boards (IASB), retired band, Celtic Rush, played for the students, Jessica Oberhauser, BS ’03, MEd ’10, Distinguished Alumni Award from the New in May 2017 after a 20-year career as a special from the nonprofit association on January teachers and parents. Canton, Ohio; Katherine “Katie” (Huston) Mexico State University Alumni Association.” education teacher at Lakota Local Schools, 1, 2018. Russell ends a 43-year career in Eleven of the teachers at Richardson Fetterman, BSE ’10, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; New York City Public Schools and Hamilton William Green, BA ’63, MA ’67, Lexington, communications and publications, including Elementary are Kent State graduates from Jessica Moore, BS ’00, MEd ’07, Stow, Ohio City Schools. He received an MBA from Xavier Ky., received the Kentucky Political Science 17 years at IASB and 26 years as a newspaper University (Cincinnati) in 1986 and worked in the Association’s 2018 Distinguished Political editor in Illinois and Ohio. He also taught Scientist Award at the annual meeting. A IT industry from 1985-2002. He and Nita, his wife Mary (Zettelman) Greer, MEd ’83, Ravenna, also helps others map their paths through the Morehead State University faculty member of 35 years, reside in West Chester, Ohio. Ohio, has published two volumes of poetry, obstacles that block success for poets. Cry in the Ears of Jerusalem/To the Horizon for 34 years, he received MSU’s Distinguished Karen (Hawkins) Bankston, BSN ’84, 1980s Always There (2017) and Poems: Selected and Research Award in 1991, Distinguished Teaching Cincinnati, wrote: “I was appointed executive New (2017). Both collections reflect a love of Award in 2005, and the Faculty Internship Margaret “Peggy” Blood, AAS ’81, Vestavia director of The Child Poverty Collaborative Robert Margolis, BS ’68, MA ’69, Earth and the human journey. Greer credits Award in 2013. Hills, Ala., a registered nurse, received the 2018 Hamilton County, while retaining a part-time Arden Hills, Minn., wrote: “After VAD Coordinator Leadership Award from the KSU’s professors—especially Ted Lyons, David Barbara Gregorich, BA ’64, Chicago, has faculty role at the University of Cincinnati completing a PhD in audiology at the ASAIO (American Society for Artificial Internal Hassler and Maj Ragain—for her move from published Charlie Chan’s Poppa: Earl Derr College of Nursing.” University of Iowa in 1974 and a Organs) for her efforts in the improvement of “forty years of private art” to a public role as Biggers, a biography of the golden-age-of- post-doctoral research fellowship VAD (Ventricular Assist Device) care. an Ohio poet. Greer reads in Kent, Ohio. She James Michael Kaler, MA ’84, New Orleans, mystery author from Warren, Ohio, who was at the University of Wisconsin in La., graduated from Tulane University School known around the world for creating the 1975, I held faculty appointments at of Medicine in May 2018. Prior to becoming a Chinese-Hawaiian police detective, Charlie Chan. UCLA, Syracuse University and the Carter Strang, BS ’73, MEd ’79, Shaker physician, he earned an MBA from National University of Minnesota, retiring from Heights, Ohio, wrote: “I am a partner University (1987) and a JD from the University of 1970s Minnesota in 2016. Richard Margolis, BS ’69, Rochester, NY, at Tucker Ellis LLP and recipient of the San Diego School of Law (1992) and practiced David Strahle, BS ’72, Fenton, Mich., is a I started Audiology Incorporated wrote: “I’m currently exhibiting ‘About 2014 KSU Distinguished Alumni Award. I litigation and patent law for 18 years. He says his physician and founder of Regional Medical in 2000 to develop improved hearing Books’—my homage to currently serve on the KSU Honors College career change is the result of a decades-long Imaging (RMI), one of the leading breast tests which are licensed to hearing André Kertész— gelatin silver prints Advisory Committee. I recently was dream to practice primary care medicine in a MRI centers in the nation, recognized by the equipment manufacturers. Funded by (from film) that are available in my named to the Cleveland Council of World rural and medically underserved community, American College of Radiology. Dr. Strahle grants from The Rotary Foundation, I studio/gallery and on the website Affairs Board of Directors, was elected much like the West Kentucky community in has developed an alternate breast-screening participated in service projects in Chile, www.RichardMargolis.com (see vice president of special events of the which he grew up. India, and currently in Mexico, where picture above). My studio is open on Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation method for women with dense breast tissue. Beverley Laubert, BA ’84, Lewis Center, Ohio, I’m pictured (above) at the San Felipe, the first Friday of each month from and was elected to the Cuyahoga County After seven years of research, his Rapid Breast was appointed by Governor Kasich as interim Mexico Hearing Clinic, created through October through May. I’d enjoy meeting Democratic Party Central Committee.” MRI screening study was published in the journal director of the Ohio Department of Aging. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment in 2017. a grant from The Rotary Foundation.” friends who are visiting Rochester.”

30 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2018-19 | 31 alumni LIFE

Peter McCabe, BS ’83, Redington Beach, Fla., wrote: “Class of 1983 Air Force ROTC Kristina Deckert, BS ’10, Brooklyn, NY, grads break bread in Cocoa Beach, Florida.” has been promoted to art director of the Pictured from left to right, front row: Renee National Audubon Society. Previously (Licavoli) Elton, BS ’83, Cocoa Beach, she worked for three years as a designer Fla.; Denise (Randell) McCabe, BSN ’83, of the nonprofit environmental and bird Redington Beach, Fla.; Katie (Yunker) conservation organization’s Audubon Brewer, BSN ’83, Charleston, W.V.; back magazine and affiliated print products. row: Neil Elton, Pictured left at her office at the National

BS ’83, Cocoa Beach, Fla.; Peter McCabe. BS ’09 CAITLIN (SANIGA) HAWKSLEY, Audubon Society in Manhattan.

Shelley (Landis) Rogers, BA ’85, MEd ’93, in Pepper Pike, Ohio. He started with the care medicine, has been elected as chair of Marianne Riggenbach-Senvisky, BA ’08, currently the buyer for cookware, cutlery, 2000s the Graduate Medical Education Committee at Kent, Ohio, was hired as business development ovenware and food for Crate and Barrel. Carrollton, Ga., wrote: “I have been promoted firm in2014 as director of operations and led Amber Jimenez Fonseca, BA ’01, Fort Smith, Riverside Methodist Hospital. manager for Hope Homes Foundation in Stow, from associate professor to professor at the the sourcing and implementation of a new Ark., wrote: “I became a new financial advisor Andrea Piasecki Legg, MLIS ’09, Dover, Ohio. The Foundation’s mission is to provide safe, University of West Georgia, where I am the comprehensive reporting system, among other with Edward Jones of Fort Smith, Arkansas, in Bryan Flachbart, BS ’06, Danville, Ky., was Ohio, has written her first children’s book,Flap affordable and accessible housing to individuals senior cataloger.” achievements. He retains his role leading the May 2018.” selected as the principal of Cedar Grove Your Wings, Little Robin, which was released with special needs. operations team and other responsibilities on Elementary in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. to major retailers from Mascot Books in Joe Wendel, PhD ’85, Euclid, Ohio, is the Shawn Hoke, MEd ’01, Shippenville, Pa., behalf of the firm and its clients. Nicholas DiSabatino, BA ’09, Sommerville, February 2018. It’s “an encouraging animal tale author of Justice Denied: An Historical Sojourn wrote: “I was recently promoted to assistant Timothy Jarome, BA ’06, Niles, Ohio, has Mass., wrote: “I recently started working as a with an important message for children with (Archway Publishing, 2017), a history of Francisco Owens, MArc ’94, Los Angeles, vice president for student affairs at Clarion been named assistant professor of animal and publicist at the MIT Press in Cambridge, disabilities,” according to Kirkus Book Reviews. Germany and German Americans, with a has been promoted to principal at the Los University and received a PhD in administration poultry sciences in the Virginia Tech College Mass. I spent five years at Beacon Press Visit www.andrealegg.com to purchase signed focus on the two 20th century world wars from Angeles office of SmithGroupJJR, one of and leadership studies from Indiana University of Agriculture and Life Sciences. His research working my way up from assistant to copies, obtain ASL resources and learn about the viewpoint of a German American the world’s preeminent integrated design of Pennsylvania in May.” examines the neurobiology of learning and associate to publicist. I think back to my upcoming promotional events. who lived in Austria during World War II. firms. A member of the American Institute memory, focusing on how memories for aversive Jason Zygadlo, BBA ’02, Brunswick, Ohio, time at KSU fondly and know I couldn’t It offers information unfamiliar to most of Architects, Los Angeles chapter, he is experiences are stored in the brain and shape Jenniffer Omaitz, MFA 09’ , Cleveland, a wrote: “I took a new position with Biotronik as a have done it without the support of my Americans, including the personal stories currently serving as lead designer on the new future behavior. painter and installation artist, participated sales rep selling cardiac rhythm management professors and faculty advisers, especially Kim of German Americans sent to American $20 million, 150,000-square-foot Caltech in a recent exhibition, “Illustrious Decay,” at internment camps in World War II. Chen Neuroscience Research Building and and vascular interventional devices.” Winebrenner.” a senior designer on the new $150 million, Brad Gable, BS ’04, MS ’05, Columbus, Laura Kordalski, BS ’09, Evanston, Ill., 1990s 179,000-square-foot Multidisciplinary Ohio, a physician who specializes in critical was recently recognized as a ‘2018 Top Michael Lanstrum, BS ’91, Middleburg Research Building at the University of 200 Retail Housewares Executive’ in Heights, Ohio, wrote: “I presented ‘Historical California, Riverside, slated to open fall 2018. Housewares Executive Publication. She is Women in Mathematics’ at the Dwyer Memorial T. Douglas Clifford, BA 95’ , Norwalk, Ohio, Senior Center in Bay Village, Ohio, an attorney, received the American Chemical in March 2018.” Society Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation Seth Thomas, MBA ’91, Ijamsville, Md., wrote: as recognized by the Chemistry and the Law “My wife Jennifer Himes Thomas, MBA ’91, Division of the ACS. This designation is to and I met at Kent State in 1989 while pursuing recognize proficiency in forensic toxicology in MBAs. We married in 1992 and recently criminal and DUI defense. celebrated our 25th anniversary. We have Kevin Louise (Hoop) Schaner, MLS ’95, two children—a son (Penn State junior) and Cleveland, wrote: “Last year I published Dinner a daughter (Ohio University freshman). Jen by Candlelight: Comfort and Joy for Advent earned her bachelor’s degree at Penn State, with Xulon Press. Perfect for personal reflection and I earned mine at OU.” or small group study, the essays invite Jodi (Benedictis) Groh, BS ’92, North conversation towards a positive approach Royalton, Ohio, wrote: “I am currently a to the Advent season. How we celebrate LMAC PHOTOGRAPHY LMAC channel marketing manager at Kichler Lighting, Christmas may have changed—with loss of SAMBHAVANA and was previously marketing director at parents and relationships or absent adult Hillary (Smith) Nauer, BS ’12, Nanofilm. I was honored in February with an children—but we can continue to treasure MEd ’15, and Christopher Nauer, Sneha Jose, BS ’11, from Varanasi, Achievements in Excellence award by the our traditions while considering new ways BA ’08, MEd ’16, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, India, and Daniel Cogan, BA ’11, JASON GARRETT, BA ’12 GARRETT, JASON National Sales and Marketing Executives to celebrate Christ’s birth. Available from met at Kent State during graduate from Canton, Ohio, met at Kent State (NSME) Akron/Canton for my professional Amazon.” Talea Drummer, PhD ’14, and Colin school for School Counseling in 2013. in December 2011, a week before RENEE LEMAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY RENEE LEMAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY experience and achievements as well as John Caparulo, BA ’98, Calabasas, Calif., Ferrell, BA ’07, MA ’15, married at Christopher proposed to Hillary at graduating and Sneha’s move to Texas. community involvement.” stand-up comedian, has a residency at the Kent State University Hotel and White Hall on June 3, 2017. The couple Sarah Lack, BS ’12, and Steve They got married in Varanasi, India, on Conference Center on February 10, 2018. celebrated their marriage on June 23, Habbyshaw, BSE ’14, Athens, Ohio, got June 17, 2017, in the presence of their Neil Colby, MS ’94, Macedonia, Ohio, has Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, which They met while working together with 2018 at the Kent State University Hotel married on October 21, 2017, at Brookside families and close friends from KSU. (See been promoted to senior vice president and began May 10. Jamie (Kelly) Caparulo, the Kent State Football team in 2013. and Conference Center. Farm in Louisville, Ohio. class note at right.) chief financial officer at CM Wealth Advisors BA ’08, is producing the show. 32 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2018-19 | 33 alumni LIFE Celebration Time! Alumni Honors Kent State’s Department of Psychological psychology or psychological science have maintenance”) and Lynn Martire, PhD ’97, The Kent State University Alumni Association hosted the annual Alumni Sciences celebrated the 50th anniversary of been awarded to date. Most graduates of Penn State University (“Close Relationships and Awards ceremony at the Kent State Hotel and Conference Center on its PhD program with a PhD alumni reunion the program are employed in colleges and Chronic Illness Research: 3 highlights from the October 5, 2018. held June 1-3, 2018. Approximately 200 universities, where they are engaged in past 20 years”). The university’s most prestigious honors given to alumni, the awards alumni, faculty, grad students, staff and family teaching and research in psychology. Professor Dave Riccio, PhD, who came to recognize the exceptional contributions of alumni (and students) in their members took part in weekend events that Speakers at the reunion included a Kent State in 1969 and will be retiring in 2019, chosen profession, in their communities and at the university. included a campus 5K Walk/Run Race and Kids’ presentation by the first PhD graduate, gave a “Last Lecture” recalling the early days “Each of our alumni have left a distinctive footprint at Kent State Fun Run, a banquet with a special appearance Don DeRosa, PhD ’67, President Emeritus, of the program, remembering past faculty and have helped to shape who we are today,” says James Bailey, BA ’03, by Diminished Faculties (the department’s all- University of the Pacific, and keynote speakers and grad students and reviewing some of the MS ’04, President, Kent State University Alumni Association Board faculty band), presentations, lectures, a tour of Brian Hall, PhD ’11, University of Macau research he’s done over the years. of Directors. facilities, bowling and group photos. (See www. (“Global Mental Health: Scalable innovations “It was a great event!” wrote attendee Congratulations to the following 2018 Alumni Award recipients: kent.edu/magazine/PhDReunion for lists of to bridge the treatment gap in China”), Tricia Robert Klepac, PhD ’69, University of Texas DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD—John R. Elliot, BArc ’70, Owner, reunion attendees.) Leahey, PhD ’08, University of Connecticut Health Science Center at San Antonio, on the American Medical Facilities Management LLC (AMFM) Since the PhD program was established, (“Next Frontiers in Obesity Treatment department’s Facebook page. “Thanks to the PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD—Ramesh Rajasingham, more than 725 PhD degrees in clinical Research: Dissemination and weight loss dept. for staging such a wonderful time for us.” BA ’85, MA ’86, United Nations Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator, Syria Crisis PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD—Michael E. Rogers, PhD ’96, Professor of Exercise Science at Wichita State University BOB CHRISTY, BS ’95 BOB CHRISTY, KENT STATE ADVOCACY AWARD—Sandra C. Armstrong, Philanthropist, and Lawrence R. Armstrong, BS ’79, BArc ’80, Pictured (l to r): Front row: President Beverly J. Warren; Chantrell M. Lewis, CEO, Ware Malcomb BFA ’19; Nick Belluardo, BS ’15; James Bailey, BA ’03, MS ‘04. Back row: Douglas M. Mancino, BA ’71; Carol A. Mancino, BA ’72; Ramesh Rajasingham, DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN AWARD—Carol A. Mancino, BA ’72, Human BA ’85, MA ’86; Sandra C. Armstrong; Lawrence R. Armstrong, BS ’79, Resources Professional, Civic Leader, Philanthropist, and Douglas M. BArc ’80. Not pictured: John R. Elliot, BArc ’70 and Michael E. Rogers, Mancino, BA ’71, JD, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP, Civic Leader PhD ’96, who were unable to attend the ceremony. OUTSTANDING NEW PROFESSIONAL AWARD—Nick Belluardo, BS ’15, CM, Cleveland Hopkins Airport Planning Manager, Business Owner Read recipient bios at www.ksualumni.org/alumniawardrecipients. GOLDEN FLASH AWARD—Chantrell M. Lewis, BFA ’19, Theatre Submit a nomination for the 2019 Alumni Awards at Studies, Concentration in Musical Theatre www.ksualumni.org/alumniawards. JOHN AKAMATSU

the Cleveland West Art League Gallery, from Ryan Collins BS ’13, Lakewood, Ohio, has September 21, 2018 through October 19, 2018. been promoted to the role of assistant director in MEMORY 2010s of admission at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. 1940s 1980s Arthur Shulsky, BBA ’10, MBA ’11, Quanice Floyd, MM ’14, Washington, DC, Lakewood, Ohio, a CFO, financial literacy recently received the 2018 American Express Annamary (Strand) Acerra, BS ’48, August 29, 2017 Karen Koch, BBA ’80, October 26, 2016 specialist and author, published The Powerful Emerging Arts Leader Award from Americans 1950s Mark Eagle, BBA ’81, July 19, 2018 Entrepreneur: 21st century entrepreneurial for the Arts at their convention in Denver on Jacqueline (Tabet) Coury, BS ’85, November 1, 2017 Monte Mack, BBA ’50, November 23, 2016 lessons told through the greatest stories from June 16, 2018. Currently a doctoral student at Karen (Manzo) Reynolds, BSN ’87, July 18, 2018 Merle Risher, BArc ’51, December 19, 2015 world history in November 2017. Available Drexel University, she is a public-school music James Collins Jr., BA ’51, April 28, 2018 1990s through Amazon.com. educator and the founder and director of Thomas Pexton, BA ’53, MA ’60, March 28, 2018 the Arts Administrators of Color Network, an Lavina Johnson, PhD ’91, March 6, 2018 Daniel Cogan, BA ’11, Bedford, Texas, ran Norman Smyke, BA ’55, July 11, 2018 organization committed to empowering artists Carol (Baron) Burch, BA ’92, April 26, 2018 and won for City Council Place 2 in Bedford, Nancy Ann Miller, BS ’58, November 9, 2017 and arts administrators in the Washington and Rita Brzezowski, MEd ’94, February 8, 2017 Texas, a suburb in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Andrew Holko, BS ’59, November 25, 2017 He says his time at Kent State has inspired Baltimore metropolitan areas. Joseph Greco, PhD ’99, January 4, 2018 him to be the change he wants to see, starting David Distelhorst, MLIS ’15, Massillon, Ohio, 1960s 2000s right in his adopted hometown. He lives in is now the genealogy specialist at Massillon Myrna Lee (Pat Prewett) Quatraro, BS ’60, February 13, 2018 Bedford with his wife and fellow KSU alumnus, Malcom Mathis II, MA ’11, February 15, 2018 Public Library. He previously worked in the A. Charles Dolce, BS ’61, MEd ’64, March 30, 2018 Sneha Jose, BS ’11. (See photo on previous circulation division at the main library of Ruth Ann (Zurn) Briggs, BS ’63, December 13, 2017 page, bottom right.) FACULTY/STAFF Columbus Metropolitan Library. Jameel Davis, BA ’13, Cleveland, wrote: Susan Young, BA ’68, October 15, 2017 Maj Ragain, PhD ’90, part-time lecturer (1981-1992), part-time Noah Plymale, BS ’11, Washington, DC, Angelina Bair, MLIS ’17, University Heights, “Upon leaving KSU, I have written and Daniel DuChez, MEd ’69, March 1, 2018 instructor, Department of English (1993, 1997-2008), April 19, 2018 joined the Institute for Defense Analyses Ohio wrote: “I was a semifinalist in the Cleveland published several books, and currently Ron Ganim, BS ’68, gymnastics coach at Kent Campus (1966-1972), (IDA) as a research staff member in IDA’s Leadership Center Accelerate competition. I speak at elementary, middle and high 1970s December 10, 2017 System Evaluation Division. IDA is a nonprofit won $2,000 to start a special needs toy-lending schools, colleges, universities, and Dale Ralph Payton, BBA ’73, March 3, 2016 Frank Lukas, photography instructor at Kent Campus (early 1940s), corporation that provides objective analyses library with my employer, the Willoughby- organizations, lifting others up and Phillip Locker, BFA ’73, April 26, 2018 April 13, 2017 of national security issues and related national Eastlake Public Library.” shining rays of hope. I have my own Patricia Callahan, MA ’74, January 18, 2018 E. Thomas Dowd, Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology challenges. He received a doctoral degree publishing company and am inspiring Mary Schultz, MA ’74, October 11, 2016 Ellen Sears, BA ’17, Dayton, Ohio, was (1995-2009), January 6, 2018 in chemistry from the California Institute of children, adolescents and adults with my Lydia Cooper, BS ’76, February 2, 2018 accepted into the Peace Corps to serve as an Christopher Darling, assistant professor of illustration and Technology and is a member of the American latest book, Cultivating Minds to Own David Aaron Bradshaw, ’78, January 19, 2018 Chemical Society. English and gender education volunteer in Thyself.” digital design, School of Visual Communication Design (2014-2018), Togo, West Africa. She departed in May 2018. June 17, 2018 34 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2018-19 | 35 flashBACK giving VOICE

Find the Poem in the World

At the corner where North Lincoln Street dead ends at Crain Avenue in Kent, in a bare tree over the roadway, hangs a hornet’s nest, a globe of paper thin patchwork, a sky dome constructed with chewed wood fiber mixed with saliva, an abandoned piñata. ...

When we make the poem, wood pulp paper, black spittle ink, we build a refuge for ourselves and others, a shelter house. Poetry is the house that poems built, line by line, spit, tears and word. It will not save us. Time and cold claim all, even the queen, that sorrowful mother. It is respite, a temporary shelter where we may learn and listen to one another’s hearts.

Go there. Look up. Know this:

We live inside more worlds than we can count.

What we call sky is our own making.

To love is to serve.

To work is to love.

Some leave. Others remain. Above: The Robin Hood Tea Room circa 1927. Thanks for Right: The Robin Hood Inn circa 1950s. The frost is the cold breath Postcard images courtesy of Kent Historical of a god who forgives us everything. the Memories Society, as seen in Greetings from Kent, Ohio: A brief paragraph in the May 5, 1927 A Postcard Portrait of the Tree City by Roger J. DiPaolo. There is a single door: egress, enter. Kent Stater announced the opening of a new business in the town of Kent: Beyond that is a nameless silence. “The Robin Hood Tea Room, at the Throughout its existence, however, the corner of Lincoln Ave. and East Main St., Robin Hood Inn was a beloved gathering We will not be together here again. under the management of D. G. Miller, spot for generations of Kent State students The hornet’s nest is finished, former Kent boy, opened Wednesday and locals whose memories are as varied venue for local bands, some of which as best we could. with throngs of college students visiting. as the Robin Hood’s history. became known nationally in the ’70s and It is time to leave before the deep cold. It is expected that the new tea room will Kent State alumni from the ’40s and ’80s. It became a go-to hub for comedy in become a rendezvous of college faculty ’50s recall the Robin Hood Inn as a fine the late ’90s. And many groups of friends Let us raise high what we have done here, and students.” dining establishment—the place to go for remember sharing the infamous Robin hoist it into the open arms of the World. Initially housed with the first campus family visits or special dates. For Karen Silz, Hood buckets of beer. supply store and first contract post office it was where her parents, Frank and Helen This Kent landmark was demolished Excerpt from “Find the Poem in the World,” Clouds Pile Up in the North: in the building that later became Capt’n (Scott) Lukas, BA ’44 , met in the 1940s. in an afternoon. But for the Kent State New and Selected Poems, by Maj Ragain, Press 53, LLC (November, 2017) Brady’s (and now houses Starbucks), the “He spotted my mother, a Kent State co-ed community, the memories made at the Robin Hood Inn was relocated across Main seven years his junior, as she waitressed in Robin Hood will last a lifetime.  ILLUSTRATION BY ZUZANA KUBIŠOVÁ Street in the 1930s. the Robin Hood and decided she was the —Stephanie Langguth, BS ’03 It evolved from tea room to restaurant one for him,” she says. “They were married to music venue to bar and grill under 63 years.” Maj Ragain Poetry Scholarship Send us YOUR Memories: Over the decades, the Robin Hood several owners (and a number of names) Share your story of the Robin Hood! Post Maj Ragain (1940-2018) was a beloved creative writing professor and Individual and corporate donations can be made to the Wick Poetry before it closed its doors for good in the served as a meeting spot for fraternity and your comments below the story at www. mentor at Kent State University. In memory of his many years serving Center at 126 S. Lincoln St., Kent, OH 44240. One hundred percent of summer of 2010. Demolished upon request sorority councils, as well as for local groups kent.edu/magazine or email magazine@ the Kent community, his family and friends have established the Maj each tax-deductible donation will go toward the scholarship fund. kent.edu and put Robin Hood in the from the property owner on May 12, 2011, such as the Kiwanis Club, who met there Ragain Poetry Scholarship that will award a Kent State undergraduate For full scholarship application guidelines and online donation subject line. all that remains now is an empty lot. regularly in the ’60s. Later, it was a music or graduate student annually. The Wick Poetry Center and the Ragain information, please visit https://www.kent.edu/wick/maj-ragain- family are also asking for the community’s support to help fund the poetry-scholarship. scholarship for years to come. 36 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE P.O. Box 5190 • Kent, OH 44242-0001 University Communications and Marketing 101188 Electronic Service Requested

Golden Wave The Kent State community clamors to catch some free T-shirts that were tossed to the crowd during the 2018 Homecoming game between the Golden Flashes and the Ohio University Bobcats. Other events during the 100 Years of Homecoming celebration included the Bowman Cup 5K Race, parade, Welcome Home Party, Kiss on the K, Flash Nation Tailgate and so much more. The sunny 80-degree day could not have been more perfect as Kent State alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends brought

their blue and gold pride home to participate in the fun activities. BS ’21 BAILEY, NATHANIEL