KENTFALL/WINTER 2019-20 | New Frontiers for Liquid Crystal ResearchSTATE | Rising Scholars | Wi-Fi Pioneer | KSU Bucket List MAGAZINE

History Lessons As Kent State continues its yearlong 50th commemoration of May 4, 1970, President Todd Diacon wants you to reflect on the dangers of polarization and the power of reconciliation. SEE PAGE 10 CONTENTS Take Note FALL/WINTER 2019-20 On the cover: President Todd Diacon, PhD, was inaugurated as Kent State is a university on the rise, as is Kent State’s 13th president on November 1, 2019. See page 10. evidenced on almost every page of this issue. As former provost Todd Diacon has COVER PHOTO: RAMI DAUD taken over his new role as Kent State’s 13th president, he says he’s been gaining an FEATURES 28 even greater appreciation for Kent State’s potential to impact Ohio and the world. 10 A Dialogue with President Diacon Students are taking advantage of A Q&A with the university’s 13th president—plus his exciting research opportunities and study quiz to test your knowledge of Kent State. away/study abroad programs that expand their horizons, boost their growth and 16 Comeback Champ propel their career prospects. Kent State football wide receiver Antwan Dixon hasn’t let Rising Scholars, a program first started at a rare blood disorder derail his dreams. Kent State’s Columbiana County campuses, is being rolled out to all regional campuses 18 Together We Rise to help promising middle school students How the Rising Scholars Program at Kent State helps 32 reach their full potential—and lift up their underserved students with potential prepare for a communities for generations to come. promising future. The new FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center is accelerating the university’s 24 Picture This commitment to graduate increased A selection of student photos from recent Kent State numbers of aviation professionals who will study away/study abroad programs and internships. soar to greater achievements. And speaking of things on the rise, 26 Future Forecast 4 recent news reports have noted that Kent Torsten Hegmann, PhD, new director of the Advanced State’s iconic black squirrels are increasing Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, talks about new their range and becoming more common in frontiers in the field. the greater Cleveland area. 28 Check it Off ! However, Greg Smith, PhD, an assistant professor of biological sciences at Kent The top things Kent State students think everyone should do 7 State at Stark, says squirrels typically don’t before they graduate. How many have you done? travel that far. It’s more plausible that small 32 Wi-Fi Whiz pockets of black squirrels naturally arose in Cleveland due to a genetic mutation in the Where would we be without Wi-Fi? Jerry Pohmurski, grey or fox squirrel and their numbers are BS ’88, helped pioneer wireless devices, but he never slowly growing. figured the technology would be so widely used today. Smith also says the minimal research available suggests that the squirrels’ dark color could make them more resistant to DEPARTMENTS cold, increasing the population farther north. 02 Readers Respond 36 Alumni Life In any event, they’re still hanging out on the pages of this magazine! 03 President’s 48 Flashback Perspective 49 Giving Voice 04 Flash Forward Squirrel Search In each issue, we hide an image of a black squirrel on three pages (not counting the EDITOR WEBSITE Table of Contents). If you find all three, Jan Senn www.kent.edu/magazine you qualify for a drawing to win a squirrel- [email protected] CORRESPONDENCE themed prize. Each squirrel will appear like DESIGNER Kent State Magazine, 160 ASB CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES INTERIM EXECUTIVE VICE this: (shown actual size and will not Karen Hurguy P.O. Box 5190, Kent, Ohio 44242 PRESIDENT AND PROVOST [email protected] Ralph Della Ratta be distorted or rotated). STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Melody Tankersley, PhD 330-672-2727 PRESIDENT Bob Christy, BS ’95 When you find them, send us an email at Kent State Magazine is published Todd A. Diacon, PhD SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Rami Daud FOR FINANCE AND [email protected], listing the three page Nathan Tranbarger, BS ’17 by Kent State University Communications and Marketing. SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION numbers and places they appear, plus your STAFF CONTRIBUTORS It is mailed free to faculty, staff, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS Mark M. Polatajko, PhD AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Lisa Abraham alumni, donors and friends of name and mailing address. For rules and Angelique Cunningham the university two times a year Karen B. Clarke eligibility requirements see www.kent.edu/ April McClellan-Copeland (fall/winter, spring/summer). magazine/rules. Good luck! Bethany Sava, BS ’12 Printed by Angstrom Graphics, Ashley Whaley, BS ’06, MEd ’12 Cleveland, Ohio 18 readers RESPOND president’s PERSPECTIVE the four regional campus sites offering And the WINNER is... The black squirrels can be found in the associate degree, we are supplying Congratulations to the spring/summer 2019 issue on hundreds of qualified registered nurses to Gretchen Woods, pages 9 (on top rail of bell stand, to the workforce. One advantage to this path MA ’05, Avon, Ohio, right), 28 (at bottom right of pink neon is that once hired, employers will often Making a Difference the winner of the random sign) and 38 (on stool to right of seated provide tuition reimbursement to these girl’s head). RNs to complete their BSN. We strongly drawing from correct submissions to the ne of the most enjoyable and invigorating encourage students to obtain their BSN Squirrel Search contest. She received a parts of my job as president is to celebrate Thanks from the day they walk in our doors, and we box of squirrel-themed swag from McKay this great institution and its dedication to Bricker Framing & Black Squirrel Gifts in to all who highly encourage them to make a seamless O changing the world. entered! transition from our program to the online downtown Kent. Kent State is a university with unmatched potential RN to BSN offered thru the KSU College of for meaningful impact in the state of Ohio and beyond. Nursing. Many of the courses in the RN to We graduate nearly 10,000 students annually who are BSN are taught by faculty from the ADN MZMVKMQVW]ZOTWJIT[WKQM\aٺLM\MZUQVML\WUISMILQ program on the regional campuses. and we have an incredible network of nearly 250,000 SUSAN STOCKER, PHD alumni worldwide. via EMAIL Dean and Chief Administrative Officer Kent State University at Ashtabula Kent State is a motor for democracy, both for the fortunate few and the meritorious many. Our challenge, Another Pathway our mission and our commitment is: Every student we Help for Healing Brain Injury Portrait of a President On page 21 of the spring/summer 2019 issue touch graduates. As a Kent State psychology department Great spring/summer [2019] edition. there is an article about “KSU Pathways to 1VUaÅZ[\UWV\P[I[XZM[QLMV\1¼^MPIL\PM alum who worked in brain function research Excellent articles all, and a beautiful Becoming a Registered Nurse.” There is opportunity to meet some amazing alumni. Recently, for my masters (but jumped to clinical portraiture of President Warren. Her warmth, another “pathway” that was overlooked. The I had a wonderful talk with a prominent graduate who psychology for my PhD), I was excited and personality and energy leap off the pages. College of Applied and Technical Studies retired as the senior vice president for one of the top proud to hear of the launch of the Brain No doubt she has provided remarkable offers the ADN [Associate Degree in Nursing] \MVKWZXWZI\QWV[QV\PM_WZTL0M_I[\PMÅZ[\QVPQ[ Health Research Institute and Dr. Michael leadership and will be missed greatly. program on four campuses: East Liverpool, family to go to college, and he had a transformative Lehman’s vision for it [“Brainstorming,” Tuscarawas, Twinsburg and Ashtabula MEL GROSSMAN, BS ’55 Bellbrook, Ohio experience here at Kent State. I hear that all the time. page 22, spring/summer 2019]. campuses. It also has an LPN to ADN bridge Kent State is distinguished by the knowledge and My husband incurred a traumatic and a Paramedic to ADN bridge. Reason for Optimism creative work generated by our researchers, architects, brain injury in July 1999. Writing poetry All ADN graduates are eligible to take I enjoy reading this magazine each time it engineers, artists, poets and historians. Their work has played a big part in his recovery that, a state license test to become an RN. It is a arrives. It’s amazing what young students makes all our lives better and richer. given the extent of his injury, has been great option that costs less than a four-year aspire to these days. I feel a little more 7]Z]VQ^MZ[Q\aPWTL[I]VQY]MXTIKMQVW]ZVI\QWV¼[ amazing. He is living proof of the benefits of degree and gets students working sooner. optimistic about the future after reading history. A tragedy on our campus shook the nation and a multidisciplinary approach that includes Many of our graduates go on to earn their some of the stories about these young men Kent State shaped our future. We thrive today because the lessons players like the Wick Poetry Center and BSN and higher degrees as well. and women. Thank you! of that day are more relevant than ever: that we avoid [director] David Hassler. JANET PETERSON, RN, MSN, CNS DONNA DUNN, RN ’94 XWQ[WVMLLQ[KW]Z[MIVLXWTIZQbI\QWV#\PI\_MTQ[\MVÅZ[\ Nursing Skills Lab Coordinator is a university with JANEANE REAGAN, MS ’70, PHD ’81 Great Falls, Mont. and act with empathy and compassion. Kent State University at East Liverpool Altoona, Fla. Shaped by the American dream, steeled by tragedy unmatched potential and singular among universities in the lessons we can Protect Your Passwords As a tenured member of the nursing faculty teach a divided nation—WE are Kent State. Great article about security [“The Mean and having served previously as the interim Streets of Cyberspace,” page 24, spring/ dean of the College of Nursing, I am well for meaningful summer 2019] and the example of the couple aware of the Institute of Medicine’s report and recommendation regarding the need We want to hear from you! with shared passwords. The only time I’ve Respond to magazine content impact in the state ever shared a bank password was with my to increase the number of BSN prepared graduates. However, you ignored another or comment on topics related to friend (ironically, also named Susy). Luckily, Kent State by writing: I don’t think she memorized it, and I know KSU pathway to becoming a registered of Ohio and beyond.” nurse. The Associate of Applied Science Kent State Magazine Todd A. Diacon, President she didn’t write it down. She hasn’t taken P.O. Box 5190 Email: [email protected], Twitter: @PresTDiacon anything from me . . . yet. Degree is offered on the Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Twinsburg and Tuscarawas Kent, Ohio 44242-0001 JEFFREY ALI, DPM ’98 campuses of KSU. Students who complete or [email protected]. Broadview Heights, Ohio these [ADN] programs sit for the same Responses may be edited for style, licensing exam as the BSN grads. length, clarity and civility. Students who graduate from these Visit us online programs continue to be hired at the www.kent.edu/magazine Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals and community hospitals in our region. Between

2 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 3 flash FORWARD CLASS OF 2023 BY THE NUMBERS Goldwater Scholars Meet the Kent State Two Kent State University undergraduate Class of 2023 students have been awarded prestigious More than 20,000 people applied to 2019 Goldwater Scholarships from be part of Kent State’s Class of 2023, the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and and 4,270 now call themselves Golden Excellence in Education Foundation. Flashes. Three of every 10 students The foundation awards the scholarships are the first in their families to attend annually to students studying college, while 20 percent come from mathematics, natural science or 38 states outside of Ohio and from the engineering. This year they awarded District of Columbia. The class also 496 scholarships, each for as much as includes 82 international students $7,500 per year. arriving from 29 countries. Numbers aside, this incoming class 39 STATES arrives with a wide range of experiences VICTORIA WOODBURN VICTORIA and backgrounds, as exemplified by the OUTSIDE OHIO following two students. Michael Marhefka discovered a passion for (38+ Washington, DC) Summer Discoveries Summer project: High Speed Delay- photography through foreign travel and exposure Tolerant Network Heat Sink and to other ways of life. Sara Roman Packaging Plan, which will be sent up Hometown: Wellington, Ohio to the International Space Station. Michael Marhefka (Mansfield, Ohio) to,” Marhefka says. “I began taking photos, Class: Junior Roman worked on plotting where each participated in the Young Entrepreneurs trying to remember every moment, College: College of Aeronautics and KWUXWVMV\_QTTÅ\QV\W\PMÅVITLM[QOV Academy, a national program offered for journaling incessantly to preserve the Engineering and taking precision measurements of students in grades 6 to 12 who have a drive sounds, the smells, the passion, Major: Mechatronics Engineering components that need to be thermally to launch their own businesses. A year the heartbreak.” Technology interfaced with the cold plate on the Hayley Shasteen, a junior from Berlin ago, he created a clothing company that He returned from the journey with a Internship: Space Communications International Space Station. Center, Ohio, is pursuing a dual degree gave back to Destiny Rescue, a Christian strong desire to study photography and and Navigation (SCaN) Intern Preparation: “Kent State provided me in molecular and cellular biology and organization dedicated to rescuing children is a recipient of the Wallace J. Hagedorn Project, a paid internship hosted by 1,280 FIRST GENERATION with classes that built my skills from psychology. She hopes to eventually trapped in exploitation and the sex trade. Scholarship in Photography in Kent State’s 6);)¼[/TMVV:M[MIZKP+MV\MZQV an early start, as well as teachers who obtain a doctoral degree in cognitive His support of Destiny Rescue led College of Communication and Information. Cleveland, Ohio, for 10 weeks in the encouraged me to challenge myself in neuropsychology and conduct research him on a two-week adventure to the “I want to use my abilities as a summer, with potential continuation and out of the classroom. Without regarding cognitive impairment in patients organization’s headquarters in Cambodia photographer to create new perspectives during the school year. Students are \PMU1_W]TLV¼\PI^MPIL\PM with autoimmune diseases, with emphasis and Thailand. There, he discovered a in people around me,” says Marhefka, introduced to space communications KWVÅLMVKMQVUa[MTN IVLUa[SQTT[\W on systemic lupus erythematosus. passion for photography. “and to help organizations such as Destiny and navigation knowledge and apply to this NASA internship.” “This was my first time in a third Rescue convey their mission and create a practices, and they communicate world country, and I was heartbroken by need for change.” Key insight: “My internship helped \PMQZÅVLQVO[QVIÅVITXZM[MV\I\QWV a way of life that I was previously oblivious 29 COUNTRIES to NASA management. Each student me discover a newfound passion for OTHER THAN USA is paired with an experienced, learning, as I can now see how the REPRESENTED multidisciplinary mentor who processes taught in class are applied to real-life problems. I have even been counsels the student and helps with Megan Schinker (Stow, Ohio), got a jump on find in literature and online sources. The inspired by my mentor, Norm Prokop, career planning. her peers by helping identify a tiny specimen two requested samples and pictures of to pick up a programming minor of an extinct, 300-million-year-old, unknown lost samples from all over the world and because after working with him, I crustacean. While still a junior at Stow- examined them closely, cataloging their have learned how applicable the skill Munroe Falls High School, she participated physical and structural attributes. They College always is to every project I encounter. College in Kent State’s College Credit Plus Science couldn’t find a match—and began exploring always felt to me like the last steps of felt to me like Experience Internship program by working the morphology of these cyclids. education, just one more to go, but Gracen Gerbig, a senior from Dover, in Kent State’s geology lab with Rodney Their research collaboration has led to VW_1ZMITQbMQ\¼[UaÅZ[\[\MXQV\WI Ohio, is studying cellular and molecular the last steps of Feldmann, PhD, a Kent State professor articles in several scientific publications larger world.” biology. She hopes to pursue a doctoral emeritus of geology, who continues to teach and presentations on their findings—and education, but degree in microbiology, conduct research Future plans: “Besides looking to pick graduate-level courses in paleontology and ignited Schinker’s passion for geology. Now a in infectious disease and eventually teach now I realize it’s up a minor in computer science, I am conduct grant-funded research. freshman at KSU, she plans to double major at the university level. inspired to continue my education Feldmann presented her with a tiny in geology and chemistry and continue her my first step into and pursue a masters and/or cyclid specimen to identify, and Schinker work in Feldmann’s lab. a larger world.” doctorate after college.” While still in high school, Megan Schinker began comparing it to anything she could seized on a research opportunity in Kent State’s geology lab. FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 5 flash FORWARD flash FORWARD Noteworthy Rankings developed by an interdisciplinary team Educating Nigerian children: An LGBTQ friendly: KSU named one of the from KSU’s College of Podiatric Medicine interdisciplinary team of KSU faculty will most LGBTQ-friendly campuses in the and the Advanced Materials and Liquid participate in a $13.3 million grant from the US by the Campus Pride Index. Crystal Institute. US Agency for International Development (USAID) to improve educational outcomes One of best in fashion: KSU’s School of Grants for Nigerian children. The grant has been Fashion Design and Merchandising was Student mental wellness: With a awarded to the American University of Thomas Grace, BA ’72 named one of the best fashion schools $375,000 three-year grant from the US Nigeria with partners Kent State University in the world for 2019 by world renowned Department of Health and Human Services, and Columbia University for a three-year fashion publication The Business of Fashion. KSU’s Center for Public Policy and Health will partner with Black River Local School project, “Addressing Education in Northeast One of best in graduate schools: KSU’s District and the Medina County Alcohol, Nigeria.” KSU’s portion of the grant is School of Information (iSchool) recognized Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board $3.9 million. as one of the nation’s top 20 graduate to improve student mental wellness. The Preserving the past: Kent State University schools for its library and information project, called Medina County Aware, will be Libraries’ May 4, 1970 Collection was science program by a US News and World led by associate professor Deric Kenne, PhD, awarded $30,561 through the Recordings at Report study that examined 51 campuses. and research associate Kim Laurene, PhD. Risk grant program, funded by The Andrew Awards Suicide prevention: KSU’s Division W. Mellon Foundation to preserve audio and WKSU wins awards: The radio station Sara Abou Rashed of Mental Health and Substance Use audiovisual recordings contained in Kent received top honors for General Excellence- received the Garrett Lee Smith Campus State University’s May 4 Collection. Radio for the fifth consecutive year from Suicide Prevention Grant for $306,000 Teaching English to Palestinian Ohio Associated Press Media Editors 50th Commemoration from Substance Abuse and Mental Health students: Kent State researchers won (OAPME), along with nine other awards for Services Administration. The project, More a diplomatic grant from the US Department of May 4, 1970 stand-out work created in 2018. WKSU also Aware, is a collaboration with Student of State to help Al-Quds University develop The yearlong 50th commemoration of the May 4, 1970 received 10 Ohio Excellence in Journalism Affairs, University Health Services, Student English courses for Palestinian students in shootings at Kent State is well underway. Here are just Awards by the Press Club of Cleveland and Support Services and other divisions business and technology fields through a two of the fall semester’s many highlights: 10 Ohio’s Best Journalism Awards by the across Kent State, and is intended to raise program developed by professor Sarah Rilling, Society of Professional Journalists. awareness and promote mental health for PhD, and assistant professor Ryan Miller, Voices for Change Educators Summit: The kickoff event of Podiatric device wins prize: The “Shear Kent State students. PhD, in the Department of English’s Teaching the 50th Commemoration year, the three-day 2019 Educators Force Mat” podiatric device took top prize English as a Second Language program. Summit at Kent State University, titled “May 4, 1970 Then & Now: at the Burton D. Morgan Foundation’s Voices for Change,” took place from July 31 to August 2. It was Launchtown Soar Competition in April, designed to prepare middle school and high school teachers to educate students about the history and legacy of May 4, 1970, BS ’95 BOB CHRISTY, and to inspire a new generation of student activism. Howard Ruffner, BS ’71 One of the two featured speeches, which were free and open CELEBRATING 50 to the public, was “Facts are Stubborn Things: Kent State—the Moments of Truth Book Launch: Howard Ruffner, BS ’71, YEARS OF GLASS Sixties at Fifty” by Thomas Grace, BA ’72, a historian, scholar, was a college sophomore, working as a photographer for Kent Kent State’s Studio Glass Program, one of the researcher, author of Kent State: Death and Dissent in the Long State’s student newspaper and yearbook, as well as a stringer first of its kind in the country, was started in Sixties (2016, University of Massachusetts Press) and one of the for Life magazine on May 4, 1970. During the September 19 1969 by Henry Halem, professor emeritus nine Kent State students wounded during the May 4 shootings. launch of his photographic memoir, Moments of Truth: A and cofounder of the Glass Art Society. The other featured speech, “I Am a Student—I Am a Voice for Photographer's Experience of Kent State 1970 (2019, Kent To celebrate the program’s 50th Change” was given by Sara Abou Rashed, a poet, motivational State University Press), Ruffner highlighted several of the anniversary, KSU’s School of Art Collection speaker and Syrian refugee who moved to Columbus, Ohio, with nearly 150 photos that appear in the book, including the one and Galleries presented three exhibitions her family in 2013. Rashed’s work has appeared in more than 12 that appeared on the cover of Life. Purchase a copy at www. featuring local and national artists (Kent publications, and most recently, she wrote and stars in her debut KentStateUniversityPress.com at a 20 percent discount through State Glass@50, Emerging Glass, Tim one-woman show, “A Map of Myself,” in which she discusses Nov. 30, 2019 (promo code: FALL19). identity, belonging, immigration and finding home. Stover (MFA ’13): Linear Integration) which were on view September through early Other presenters and speakers at the summit included Alan By the end of the spring semester, Kent State will have October at galleries on and off campus. Canfora, BA ’72, MLS ’80, who also was one of the nine injured on hosted more than 100 events, speakers, programs and In addition, the celebration included May 4; his sister, Roseann “Chic” Canfora, a longtime educator exhibits providing insight into the history of May 4, a lecture, “The History of Kent State’s and activist in Northeast Ohio; and Laura Davis, BA ’76, Kent State 1970, its meaning today and its lessons for the future. professor emerita of English and founding director of the May 4 Glass Program,” by founding director Visit the 50th Commemoration website www.kent.edu/ Visitors Center. All three were Kent State students on May 4, 1970. Henry Halem, a curator talk on Kent State may4kentstate50 to learn more about upcoming events. Glass@50 by current director and assistant Check back often for updates as we continue to release professor Davin Ebanks and visiting artist new events and information. lectures. See a video at www.kent.edu/ 6 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE magazine/glassprogram. FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 7 flash FORWARD We call the Giving Tuesday A Time to Give campaign our most generous Every fall since 2014, Kent State University celebrates philanthropy for the entire month of November during its annual tradition.” BOB CHRISTY, BS ’95 BOB CHRISTY, /Q^QVO<]M[LIaKIUXIQOV¸\PM]VQ^MZ[Q\a¼[[XQVWV/Q^QVO —DANIELLE HUPP, senior associate KQITTa director of Special Giving InitiativesٻM[LIa\PMQV\MZVI\QWVITLIaWN XPQTIV\PZWXaW[> recognized on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, which falls on Dec. 3 this year. From student scholarships to research opportunities, ¹?MKITT\PM/Q^QVO<]M[LIaKIUXIQOVW]Z from athletics to poetry programs and everything in most generous annual tradition because there is an ٺbetween, there are more than 40 W^MZ_PMTUQVOQVÆ]`WN []XXWZ\NZWUIT]UVQNIK]T\a[\I featured giving options across the students and friends,” says Danielle Hupp, senior associate Kent State system. In addition LQZMK\WZWN ;XMKQIT/Q^QVO1VQ\QI\Q^M[¹1\Q[QV[XQZQVO\W[MM to making individual donations, the impact that can be made in such a short amount of Kent State supporters can create time when people come together.” individual peer-to-peer fundraising ;QVKMQ\[QVKMX\QWVÅ^MaMIZ[IOW\PMUWV\PTWVO/Q^QVO pages for the featured fund of their Tuesday campaign has raised funds in support of more than choice to help encourage their 50 areas throughout the university network. In 2018, Kent friends and family to support the ;\I\M_Q\VM[[MLQ\[UW[\[]KKM[[N]T/Q^QVO<]M[LIa\WLI\M university, as well. with a grand total of $1,030,000 in gifts that came from all 1\¼[\PMJM[\\QUMWN aMIZNWZ3;=LWVWZ[_PW_IV\\W around the world. Kent State Baseball raised the most funds maximize the impact of their gift, as each featured fund has with $36,500, and Kent State Track and Field attracted matching dollars—which means a gift of $50 becomes nearly 170 unique supporters. $100, a gift of $100 becomes $200 and so on. The featured How will you make an impact? You decide! funds are also eligible for many incentives throughout the >Q[Q\___3MV\ML]/Q^QVO<]M[LIa\WTMIZVIJW]\ITT\PM Above: The new FedEx Aeronautics Academic UWV\P\PI\ÅVIVKQITTaZM_IZL\PMN]VL[NWZJZQVOQVOQV featured funds and support the one that matters to you! Center provides space for the growth of Kent donors and gifts. State’s Aeronautics Program. Below right: the Goodyear blimp pays a visit at the grand opening event.

Accelerating Takeoff Kent State University’s new FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center Enrollment in Kent State’s Aeronautics BOB CHRISTY, BS ’95 BOB CHRISTY, provides a world-class training ground to help aviation students Program has increased by 55 percent and future pilots soar to even greater achievements. since 2010, and this new space will allow The sleek, modern learning center, made possible with gifts the university to continue to expand its totaling $6.5 million from FedEx Corporation, was unveiled during a enrollment. “FedEx has made a long-term grand-opening event in September. The celebration showcased bold investment in our students,” says Christina new technologies and innovative teaching tools essential for world- Bloebaum, PhD, dean of the College of class pilots of the future. The event finale featured a dramatic flyover Aeronautics and Engineering. “The FedEx by Kent State alumni and student flight instructors. Aeronautics Academic Center empowers The new 17,800-square-foot center is the second building for us to broaden our educational reach, the College of Aeronautics and Engineering, but the first located at expanding student access to a nationally the Kent State University Airport in Stow, Ohio. The state-of-the- distinctive education and innovative spirit

art learning facility—housing classrooms, collaborative spaces, we inspire in our students.” BS ’95 BOB CHRISTY, briefing rooms, flight simulator rooms, and faculty and staff offices—will allow the college to accommodate more students to meet the growing demand for commercial pilots, predicted to be more than 804,000 new pilots worldwide by 2038. Partners in Flight Kent State President Todd Diacon says the FedEx Aeronautics opportunities for students studying UMM\\PMXZWOZIU¼[MTQOQJQTQ\a Academic Center will accelerate the university’s commitment 3MV\;\I\M=VQ^MZ[Q\a¼[VI\QWVITTa to be commercial pilots. requirements. Delta will employ to graduate aviation professionals able to lead and excel in the ranked Flight Technology program 

Kent State’s newest president answers At the same time, my father and his brother were the questions about his past, his present ÅZ[\QV\PMQZNIUQTa\WOW\WKWTTMOM5aNI\PMZ¼[NIUQTaTQ^ML and his vision for the university’s future. in utter poverty in the panhandle of Oklahoma during the By Lisa Abraham Great Depression. My grandfather, who died in 1929, was a gas station attendant. My grandmother took in people’s Photos by Rami Daud washing. My father made ends meet as a shoe-shine boy when he was a kid, and we still have his shoe-shine kit. He taught me how to iron because his job was to iron when odd A. Diacon, PhD, became Kent State his mother washed other people’s clothes. University’s 13th president on July 1, 2019. Then at 17, my father joined the war in December TAs the university’s provost since 2012, Diacon 1941, after Pearl Harbor. He was in the Navy and saw (pronounced DIKE-en) has been a tireless advocate IK\QWV\PZW]OPW]\\PM8IKQÅK)N\MZ\PM_IZPM_MV\ WZLIJQTQ\a through undergraduate school and medical school in sixٺNWZ[\]LMV\[]KKM[[+WUUQ\\ML\WKWTTMOMI and access, he has earned national recognition for his years and became a physician. His life was transformed .WZ\[\WJWW[\[\]LMV\ZM\MV\QWVOZIL]I\QWVZI\M[IVL by education and higher educationٺM academic achievement. Part of the reason I got into higher education is \MKٺHe brings more than 30 years of experience in higher JMKI][MWN\PI\LMUWV[\ZI\QWVM KM*MNWZMٻML]KI\QWVTMILMZ[PQX\W\PMXZM[QLMV\¼[W coming to Kent State, he served as the deputy chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and spent 21 years at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, serving as I wouldn’t be sitting in a tenured professor, department head and vice provost. We listened in on several of President Diacon’s recent this seat today if I hadn’t interviews to learn more about him and to garner his engaged in study abroad thoughts on a variety of university issues. as a student. It opened Why did you want to be president of Kent State University? From having been here seven years as provost, my eyes to the world.” I know that Kent State is a great place. I wanted to — Todd A. Diacon, PhD continue contributing to the success of a great university. What is it about Kent State that you find special? With You are a historian and were a longtime history multiple campuses and degree programs that span from professor before you entered academic administration. associate to doctorate—plus, particularly on our regional What made you want to study history? I knew from KIUX][M[ITW\WNKMZ\QÅKI\MXZWOZIU[¸3MV\;\I\MQ[ the time I was about a sixth grader that I wanted to be uniquely positioned to be all things to all people, in a a historian. I was always a reader. I grew up in a little good way. town in Sumner County, Kansas—right on the Kansas- Oklahoma border—and I can remember clearly when we You speak often about the transformative power went to Wichita, and Wichita had a Macy’s and Macy’s of education. What role did education play in your had a book section. family? When I was named president, I thought about the There I bought a book on World War I that now, powerful impact that education has had on both sides of QVZM\ZW[XMK\1ZMITQbM_I[IKWTTMOMTM^MTJWWS*]\1 MZMV\KQZK]U[\IVKM[ became fascinated by World War I. I read that book fromٺUaNIUQTaQV^MZaLQ My mother’s side of the family are college educated cover to cover, mapped out and drew the plans of various individuals going back hundreds of years. Not only that, battles—and from that point on, I knew I was going to be but my grandmother and my great-aunts all earned a historian. bachelor’s degrees and in the case of my great-aunts, 1¼UIPQ[\WZQIVWN*ZIbQTUa8P,Q[QV4I\QV)UMZQKIV master’s degrees right around World War I. So, on my PQ[\WZaIVL1¼^M_ZQ\\MV\_WJWWS[WV\PMPQ[\WZaWN*ZIbQT mother’s side, I never was around anyone who wasn’t 1][ML\WRWSM\PI\1JMKIUMIPQ[\WZQIVWN*ZIbQTJMKI][M1 college educated; I grew up with that example. grew up on the Kansas-Oklahoma border. It actually has

President Diacon at home in the president’s residence. 10 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 11 nothing to do with that, it has to do while we feed our soul with our great with the impact of study abroad on me arts programing. 13 Fast Facts about as a freshman in college. Three, I want Kent State to continue achieving world-class PRESIDENT TODD DIACON How so? I studied for three weeks M`KMTTMVKMQVÅMTL[\PI\aW]LWV¼\ in Copenhagen, Denmark, as a often see at universities. For example, Kent State’s 13th president is a noted Brazilian historian and— freshman, and we studied the Danish we have the third-ranked fashion according to his Brazilian-born wife, Moema Furtado—speaks political system, Danish culture design and merchandising program Portuguese better than most native Brazilians. We asked him to fill us in on a few more facts and favorite things. and Danish arts. That opened up QV\PM=VQ\ML;\I\M[AW]LWV¼\ÅVL \PQ[IUIbQVO_WZTL[WVW_1¼U that program at most universities, 1. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? a committed proponent of study and we are third in the country. Peeling potatoes at Kentucky Fried Chicken in Wellington, Kansas, IJZWIL1\KPIVOMLUaTQNM1_W]TLV¼\ ?MIT[WPI^MI\WX\MVÆQOP\ my hometown. JM[Q\\QVOQV\PQ[[MI\\WLIaQN1PILV¼\ program and roughly 300 of our 2. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SINGER OR SINGING GROUP? engaged in study abroad as a student. OZIL]I\M[IZMÆaQVONWZKWUUMZKQIT The Grateful Dead It opened my eyes to the world. airlines right now. We recently 3. HOW DID YOU GET TO BE AN ELVIS IMPERSONATOR? I see that kind of impact here at created two new degree programs I first dressed up like Elvis to celebrate Stephane Booth’s retirement, Kent State. We have students who in aeronautical engineering and because she is a big Elvis fan. \ISMQV\MZVI\QWVIT\ZQX[_PMZM\PI\¼[ in mechatronics (a combination Booth was an assistant professor of history at Kent State (1986-2002) \PMÅZ[\\QUM\PMa¼^MJMMVWVIV of mechanical and electrical and a longtime Kent State administrator. IQZXTIVMIVL\PMÅZ[\\QUM\PMa¼^M engineering). Enrollments in those 4. WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING? been out of the country. Those are programs are growing and funded The Years of Youth by Phillip Shriver and Why this World: A Biography life-changing experiences. research in those areas is increasing of Clarice Lispector by Benjamin Moser. Kent State now has the second We are regarded as the birthplace Shriver’s book, a history of Kent State, was published in its semicentennial largest American university year 1960; Clarice Lispector was a Brazilian novelist and short story writer, of liquid crystal displays and are considered to be among the greatest women writers of the 20th century. enrollment in Florence, Italy. We continuing to do innovative research just surpassed Syracuse University through the Advanced Materials and 5. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR? Ha Jin to become the second largest; New Liquid Crystal Institute. York University is the largest. How ?MPI^MWVMWN\PMKW]V\Za¼[ Ha Jin is the pen name of Xuefei Jin, a Chinese-American poet and novelist. ?MZQVO 6. ANY PETSٺgreat is that? We had 300 students JM[\\ZIV[TI\QWVXZWOZIU[W OWQVO\PZW]OP.TWZMVKMNWZ\PMÅZ[\ IJIKPMTWZ¼[UI[\MZ¼[IVL8P,QV Not currently. Our dog, Smiley, died two years ago, and we haven’t had the heart to get another. time when I got here seven years ago; \ZIV[TI\QWV1\¼[_WZTLKTI[[Q\I\\ZIK\[ _M¼ZMVW_]X\W  scholars from around the world. They 7. WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT RIDE? Tesla Model 3 As a historian, what are your ITTOM\RWJ[_PMV\PMaÅVQ[P thoughts on the upcoming 50th President Diacon at home with his wife, Moema Furtado (who previously taught in KSU’s School of Art, ?MPI^M\PM[\I\M¼[WVTaUI[\MZ¼[ 8. FAVORITE SPOT ON THE KENT CAMPUS? The Brain anniversary of May 4, 1970? You curated the Uumbaji Gallery, and recently was senior international partnership coordinator for the Office of program in library and information Global Education), and their son, Natan Diacon-Furtado, an architect in New Orleans, who came for a visit. LWV¼\PI^M\WJMIPQ[\WZQIV\W science. We have an excellent music 9. FAVORITE FOREIGN CITY? The couple met in 1986 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where they both earned master’s degrees Rio de Janeiro understand the importance of May and he earned his doctoral degree. school. We have one of the best 4th in the history of the United poetry programs in America. We 10.FAVORITE FLAVOR ICE CREAM? have wonderful musical theater and Coffee States, but I am a historian and I heights of excellence, even while we LQ[KW]Z[M?M¼TTLW\PI\\PZW]OP art departments. do understand the seminal role that honor our history of accessibility. 11. FAVORITE COCKTAIL? .We do all these great things ٺUWZM\PIVM^MV\[WVIVLW 5Ia! XTIaMLQV\PMVI\QWV¼[ 7VMWN\PM]VQ^MZ[Q\a¼[JM[\[]KKM[[M[ Caipirinha campus that include a seminar in ?M¼ZMTMILMZ[QVJZIQVPMIT\PIVL history. For that reason, especially, over the decades has been educating The national cocktail of Brazil is made from limes, sugar and cachaça (a our architecture program on how in advanced materials and liquid it is my honor to be president during students—not all of whom come from Brazilian liquor distilled from fermented sugarcane juice) and served over ice. physical space has shaped protest, crystals and, at the same time, we a year when we commemorate those the upper reaches of society; many 12. WHAT HISTORICAL FIGURE, LIVING OR DECEASED, WOULD YOU \PM\PMI\MZLMXIZ\UMV\¼[7K\WJMZ excel in the arts and in culture. I love events, those shootings, that tragedy. production of the musical Hair, and WN_PWUIZMÅZ[\OMVMZI\QWVKWTTMOM LIKE TO ENJOY THAT COCKTAIL WITH? that about Kent State. Marechal Cândido Mariano da Silva Rondon (I wrote a book about him.) When you look back on the students—and then watching them programs sponsored by our School of So my vision is to continue with national conversation that was going do great things. On the Kent Campus A Brazilian military engineer, Marshal Rondon led what came to be 8MIKMIVL+WVÆQK\;\]LQM[\PI\_QTT the things that Kent State does really known as the Rondon Commission in a massive undertaking: the building on at the time, you see how polarized IJW]\I\PQZLWNW]Z[\]LMV\[IZMÅZ[\ look at how nations, including our well and to enhance them. of telegraph lines and roads connecting Brazil’s vast interior with its it was, how dangerous the public own, recover from civil war. generation and about a third are Pell coast. Diacon’s book, Stringing Together A Nation: Cândido Mariano da utterances were on each side. Fast Our unique opportunity is to apply /ZIV\ZMKQXQMV\[#\PI\R]UX[\WIZW]VL How do you keep college affordable Silva Rondon and the Construction of a Modern Brazil, 1906-1930 (Duke NWZ_IZL\W!IVLaW]KIV[MM University Press), received the Warren Dean Prize for the best book lessons of the past to a charged and 60 percent in both categories for our for students? ;QVKM_M¼^M published in 2003-04 on the history of Brazil. a similar level of poisoned discourse dangerous situation in America today. regional campuses. My vision is to doubled the four-year graduation 13. FAVORITE QUOTATION? and dialogue. continue that. ZI\MI\3MV\;\I\MIVL\PMÅN\PaMIZ What is your vision for the The old Brazilian saying, “For my friends, everything. For my enemies, As educators, we are committed Two, I want Kent State to continue graduation rate is now the same as six the rules.” university’s future? to learning lessons, and we have a I have three being a university that explores the life years. Through messaging to students unique opportunity over these next initial visions for Kent State. of the mind—and we have this great and rethinking our academic policies, months to teach the world about the One, I want Kent State to continue *ZIQV0MIT\P:M[MIZKP1V[\Q\]\M\PI\¼[ _M¼^MPILXPMVWUMVIT[]KKM[[QV dangers of polarization and poisoned being a university that reaches new exploring how the mind works, even FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 13 “So You Think You Know Kent State?” New President Todd Diacon was the speaker for fall semester’s Bowman Breakfast, an event sponsored by Kent State and the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce to bring together people from the university and the city of Kent. During his talk, President Diacon presented a trivia quiz that audience members could take by downloading an app on their phone. We’ve adapted it for readers of Kent State Magazine who may not have been able to attend the 6 event. Let’s see how well you know Kent State!

1 Kent State University enjoys good 6 For years, first-year students were 10 This academic year we commemorate relations with the city of Kent. The university issued a blue and gold beanie to wear that the 50th anniversary of May 4, 1970. Over the and the city are linked by Ohio Rt. 59, which marked them as freshmen on campus by years, much has been written about May 4, begins just outside of Ravenna and ends upperclassmen. The beanies were known from plays to poems, novels to investigative in downtown Akron. This state route is just as ‘dinks.’ What year marked the first time a textbooks. Approximately how many books 22.99 miles long. How many of those miles freshman class was not issued dinks? have been written about May 4? President Diacon’s first meeting as president was with the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce and city are in the city of Kent? A. 1966 A. 50 leaders. Here, he shares a table with Kent City Manager Dave Ruller, whom he meets with monthly to A. 5.87 miles B. 1967 B. 70 touch base and discuss opportunities that benefit both the university and the city of Kent. B. 6.32 miles C. 1968 C. 90 C. 7.20 miles D. 1969 D. 100 D. 8.14 miles 7 IUIbQVOIT]UVQ_PW¼^MLWVMOZMI\ What were Kent State’s original colors? 11 President Todd Diacon took over as 2 When it comes to places to eat A. Green and white president of Kent State on July 1, 2019. Who The single best \PQVO[[W\PMZM¼[\PI\I[_MTT downtown, Ray’s is a favorite hangout for B. Orange and blue was the longest serving president of Kent 1¼UOIQVQVOIVM^MVJQOOMZ 8 Kent State students. When did Ray’s begin C. Blue and white State? thing you can do appreciation for the impact that Kent feeding the Kent community? D. Green and gold A. John McGilvrey A. 1935 State has on not just Northeast Ohio, B. George Bowman B. 1936 8 C. Michael Schwartz to control the cost but all of Ohio and even the country C. 1937 Our support for diversity at Kent State D. Carol Cartwright and the world. For example, you think D. 1939 is longstanding. Perhaps our most famous point of pride is Dr. Oscar Ritchie, who, when of higher education about the fact that we graduate so 12 3 he was appointed a full-time faculty member Which Kent Campus building is is to graduate in many great nurses and we dominate Kent State has more than 11,500 here, became the first African American to the oldest? nursing in Northeast Ohio—and parking spaces on campus. How many of serve on the faculty of any predominantly A. Lowry Hall those are reserved for students only? white university in Ohio. What year was Dr. B. Moulton Hall four years.” Northeast Ohio dominates healthcare A. 4,800 Ritchie appointed to our staff? C. Kent Hall worldwide because of the Cleveland B. 7,000 A. 1946 D. Merrill Hall — Todd A. Diacon, PhD Clinic and University Hospitals. C. 8,600 B. 1947 D. 10,000 C. 1950 ;W1¼L[Ia\PM\PQVO1¼^MMVRWaML D. 1951 13 Pictured (below left) is a photo of improving our completion rates, so I the most, so far, is realizing what a 4 original Kent farm buildings, with Kent State am exceptionally proud of that. powerhouse university we are. a The black squirrel is Kent State’s buildings in the background. Where is this? unofficial mascot. We all have probably 9 Diversity at Kent State includes A. What is now the entrance to The single best thing you can do to heard it was introduced to campus in the religious diversity, too. Our current faculty Kent State control the cost of higher education is 1960s from Canada. What year was the black and teaching staff—including adjunct B. The newest Starbuck’s location to graduate in four years. One of the squirrel brought to campus and how many professors and graduate assistants— C. Kent City Manager Dave Ruller’s were brought here? includes at least one Christian minister, one biggest problems we face as a new office A. 12 squirrels in 1964 Jewish rabbi, one Muslim Imam, and how D. Both B and C nation is student debt. But the biggest B. 10 squirrels in 1963 many Catholic nuns? tragedy we face are students who C. 12 squirrels in 1962 A. 1 14 Kent State has worked diligently to IKK]U]TI\MLMJ\J]\LWV¼\OZIL]I\M D. 10 squirrels in 1961 B. 2 C. 3 increase its four- and six- year graduation If you borrow $25,000 and 5 D. None rates and is proud to award record numbers graduate, we know that over the course Our official mascot is Flash the Golden of degrees. In the 2018-19 academic year, Eagle. But before we settled on Flash, we had WNaW]Z_WZSQVOTQNMaW]¼TTUISMIJW]\ 5 how many degrees did we award? several other mascots over the years, which A. 8,512 a million or more because of that included all but one of the following. Which B. 8,922 LMOZMM

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is an associate professor of teaching, learning and curriculum studies in the College the in studies curriculum and learning teaching, of professor associate an is certificates. That’s nearly 10,000 degrees! 10,000 nearly That’s certificates.

9) B. Sister Joann Caniglia, of the Dominican Sisters of Peace of Akron, of Peace of Sisters Dominican the of Caniglia, Joann Sister B. 1967. in death and the training and the knowledge to and professional doctorate, specialist, education master, bachelor, associate,

was named in his honor in 1977, 30 years after his appointment and 10 years after his after years 10 and appointment his after years 30 1977, in honor his in named was

14) 13) D. 9,915 degrees including degrees 9,915 D. A.

make the additional income to recoup campus. on dormitory first the was and after

8) B. Oscar Ritchie Hall Ritchie Oscar B. instead. them adopted they so colors, new the liked body 12) D. Merrill Hall was built in 1912. Lowry Hall was built shortly built was Hall Lowry 1912. in built was Hall Merrill D. years. nine Schwartz,

to a local laundry the hot water turned them gold and blue. The team and student and team The blue. and gold them turned water hot the laundry local a to \PI\QV^M[\UMV\

were designated as orange and blue. But when the basketball uniforms were sent were uniforms basketball the when But blue. and orange as designated were George Bowman, for whom the Bowman Breakfast is named, served for 19 years, from years, 19 for served named, is Breakfast Bowman the whom for Bowman, George

7) B. In the 1910 State Charter, Kent State’s school colors school State’s Kent Charter, State 1910 the In B. 1968. in ended tradition 11) B.

What is your favorite thing about Kent State first year students kick off the school more. or 100 to grow to expected is number that year, anniversary the during

6) D. The dinks The D. Dalmatian. a not retriever, golden a was he but time, one at dog a

year at the University Library’s pizza party, published be to expected are books more As nonfiction. historical and textbooks

5) A. Flash was Flash A. years. 58 last the over multiplying of job good a done have they and

being president so far?

photo with Elvis, aka President Diacon, and pick Sciences. & Arts of College 3) 2) B. 7,000 of our 11,500 parking 11,500 our of 7,000 B. 1937. C. miles. 6.32 just is east the in Township Y]M[\QWVJMKI][M\PMZM¼[R][\[WU]KP the in science mathematical of professor associate an is Chardon, in Dame Notre of

1) B. Rt. 59 in Kent begins at the Stow line. From there to the border of Franklin of border the to there From line. Stow the at begins Kent in 59 Rt. B. Part of it is meeting great students, so up a t-shirt. Sisters the of Sharp, Theresa Mary Sister Services. Human and Health Education, of

\PI\¼[MVRWaIJTM)VL1¼^MUM\[WUM ANSWERS FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 15 By April McClellan-Copeland does theheavy lifting rare disease.Nowhe Antwan Dixon beata for others inneed.

BOB CHRISTY, BS ’95 IVL\W3MV\;\I\M¼[NWW\JITTXZWOZIU Courage Award.FWAA Bowl- 2018 Orange One Capital for the nominated and Columbus Year Touchdown bythe of Club the of Athlete 2018 Male named Year of the he was Player Award, Comeback 2018the Clinic Mayo receive to athletes one of three being to addition In unnoticed. before.”better than performing Iwas up, that not given Ihad show that people and back come to Ihad felt like “I he says. team with 532 with yards. team receiving 2014 player since most byaKent State the 52 catches, with team He ledthe gridiron for the fall the to back way fought his Dixon later. months six play to him cleared doctors 2018 January and in Kentto State 2017.Anthony, April in He returned marrow transplant from his father, bone a life-saving before receiving chemo treatments he underwent and hospitalized, was he 125 pounds, to weight dropped his disorder, the Florida. in School High Fort Myers South 16, attending was he bleeding—when uncontrolled and ofinfections risk high exhaustion, cause can disorder—which blood PILÅZ[\LQIOVW[ML,Q`WV_Q\P\PM to leave school for treatment. Doctors forced him enough cells, new blood producing stops body when the occurs that acondition anemia, receiving yards (355 on 26catches). yards receiving in Flashes he the led season rookie his during and State, Delaware against 20 2015 a fall by scoring in Kent State career. football college his ended have it could Dixon, Antwan receiver I aIZL\W]KPLW_VWVPQ[ÅZ[\KI\KP WZ\[LQLVW\OW alot prove myself,” to to “I hadٺQ`WV¼[RW]ZVMaJIKS\WPMIT\P ,Q`WV¼[M, With grit and determination, and grit With with go-round second his During ofaplastic arecurrence Then Dixon had made his debut at his made had Dixon IVLÅVQ[PML[MKWVLWV\PM struck Kent State football wide football Kent State struck disorder blood serious and 2016,n summer when arare  !  season. K]T\MVLMI^WZ0W_M^MZٻPMÅMTL to push him challenges that catalyst a be proven to has illness his he says _I[ILQ\ٺMI[WV1 worked He has training. and growth of year afull more importantly, belt; his under year a full has “He Lewis. 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The five core outcomes are listed “Many of these students, because of their as being: successful students, engaged background, qualify for a lot of financial learners, workforce ready, socially savvy aid—Pell Grants and things like that,” says and committed to community. Dees. “When I first started the program, I Program participants who attend Kent thought the secret was to get the college State University may receive scholarships paid for. But eight years later, looking back, I and work in the program as mentors, see the most important thing is the mentors. receiving support on their college journey The mentors are the secret sauce; those are while also giving back by becoming role the individuals who keep the students on the models to younger students in the program. right path all the way.” The program specifically addresses the workforce ready and brain drain issues that many Ohio communities face. Program At the end of the activities are designed to teach young adults program, the goal the skills necessary to succeed in life after is for students to high school, and the program promotes a commitment to community service. enroll in college or The hope is that students who have technical school, gone through Rising Scholars will attend Kent State, but the program is designed to enlist in the military help each student find a suitable vocation or enter the workforce. or career. At the end of the program, the BOB CHRISTY, BS ’95 BOB CHRISTY, goal is for students to enroll in college or In addition to mentors, support from technical school, enlist in the military or community members is essential. “The enter the workforce. importance of private support cannot be ased on the program’s success overstated,” says Stephen Sokany, vice at the Columbiana County president of Institutional Advancement. use an evidence-based approach to B campuses, Kent State decided to “We have been successful raising initial measure the program’s growth, evaluate implement Rising Scholars at all regional funds for the Columbiana County program its effectiveness and make a case for its campuses, beginning in fall 2019. “When and are looking forward to this program How the Rising Scholars Program at Kent State helps promising students from low continued expansion (see chart on pg. 23). fully implemented, the collective impact of being elevated to a cross-university priority. socioeconomic backgrounds get on track for a productive future. he program, known as Rural Scholars the Rising Scholars Program over Northeast “Thanks to the performance-based when David Dees, PhD ’00, dean and Ohio will be significant,” says Nathan results from the existing Columbiana By Jan Senn and Julie Miller, BS ’87 Tchief administrative officer of the Ritchey, PhD, vice president for Kent State County program, we have a great narrative Columbiana County campuses, created it System Integration. “Our regional campuses to show the communities surrounding our at the Kent State Salem campus in 2011, was are small, but together our resources, other regional campuses. It’s easy to see n a morning in July, a group of seventh graders, attending Tree farming is not about a quick sale; it takes patience and renamed Rising Scholars when rolling it out to talent and footprint are quite impressive.” how this program can change lives and lift a weeklong summer workshop through Kent State’s Rising planning. The Coldwell family currently plants more than 3,000 trees the other Kent State regional campuses. Ritchey is convinced the timing is up the community. Scholars Program, are taking a tour of Coldwell Tree a year—but what they plant this year won’t be ready to harvest for In the program, eligible middle school right for this program to expand across “I believe each campus is eager to O students are nominated by their teachers the Kent State system. “When we look at roll this out—and we need philanthropic Farm. The farm, which includes 620 acres of certified woodlands in 80 years. It’s a slow process, but they do it to protect the land, to southern Columbiana County, is owned and managed by Dave and watch something grow and to plan for future generations. and guidance counselors at the end of the educational attainment in our region, we support to make that happen.” Lisa Coldwell and their three grown sons. In that sense, the process of tree farming is an apt metaphor sixth grade to take part in the program, see that there are many gaps that affect When the program is fully implemented, The Coldwell family intensively manages their tree farm for for Kent State’s Rising Scholars Program, which supports which combines mentoring with economic development, personal stability Kent State will have the capacity to assist a combination of timber production, wildlife habitat, forestry underserved students in grades 7–12 who have been identified by community and corporate assistance and the overall health of the communities nearly 1,000 underserved students from consulting services, salvaged lumber and live edge wood slab their middle schools as having the potential to be the first in their to create a support system that prepares we serve,” Ritchey says. “Through the seventh grade through bachelor’s degrees, sales, education and community outreach. families to complete a four-year degree—an outcome that would the young adults for life after high school. success of the Rural Scholars Program at Ritchey says. “We are reaching students Tour leader Jed Coldwell shows the students how to use a be life changing for future generations. Beginning in the seventh grade and our Columbiana County campuses, we are long before they enter college with a tree scale stick to measure the diameter and height of standing Putting a tree scale stick into students’ hands and showing them continuing through high school, students confident that we can begin to address program that ensures they are ready for trees. Measuring tree girth is a common educational technique how to use it passes a baton to the next generation. It’s a tangible in the program receive a combination of these important societal issues.” college in terms of academic preparation, that enables students to learn about their local environment in means of emphasizing the importance of basic math skills and individual mentoring, career and college- hen it comes to finances, finances and confidence. This program is a a practical manner. Woodland owners and foresters take such encouraging students to care for their local environments. knowledge workshops and structured Dees says providing a free game changer.” measurements periodically to monitor tree growth and make And, just as woodland managers take measurements to program guidance as they work toward W education for qualified Rising management decisions. monitor growth and make decisions, Rising Scholars managers specified program outcomes. Scholars is not as expensive as it may sound. FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 19 Wanting to be a mentor pushed me The mentors to be a better person are the secret and to do better sauce; those are in school. Now I’m the individuals setting an example who keep the for my mentees.” students on the —MORGAN BRIAND, 2018 Rising Scholar Program graduate, mentor right path all and sophomore at Kent State the way.”

BOB CHRISTY, BS ’95 BOB CHRISTY, University at Salem. Morgan Briand (at right) with one of her mentees, Kaitlin S., an eighth grade student —DAVID DEES, PhD ’00, dean and at Leetonia Middle School. chief administrative officer, Columbiana County campuses “Before I got into this program, I was really shy and Scholar and Mentor LQLV¼\SVW__PI\1_IV\ML\WLWº[Ia[*ZQIVL¹*MQVO organ Briand was beginning seventh grade when part of Rising Scholars taught me about career paths that KMI\,I^QL I never would have thought of on my own and helped meٻPM_I[KITTML\W\PMXZQVKQXIT¼[W] M Anderson Junior/Senior High School in Lisbon, with my personal skills, like just talking to people.” 7PQW¹1_I[ITQ\\TM[KIZMLJMKI][M1LQLV¼\SVW_QN 1_I[ Through her years in the program, Briand realized NATHAN TRANBARGER, BS TRANBARGER, ’17 NATHAN in trouble or if there was a problem of some sort,” recalls PW_UIVaXMWXTM_MZMPMTXQVOPMZIVLW\PMZ[\WÅVL\PMQZ Briand, who had just moved to Lisbon from Leetonia. places in the world. “I knew I wanted to give back in some United States that focused on rural or urban students. The two graduation ceremony. ANDREW EICHER FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 21 Select Developmental Assets HOW TO HELP

BOB CHRISTY, BS ’95 BOB CHRISTY, 97% 100% 91% YOUR CHILDREN

80% 72% 71% 74% GET ON TRACK

60% FOR COLLEGE: 40% 42% 40% 33% Read with them every day 20% when they are younger; keep them in the habit of 0% reading as they get older. Achievement Personal Cultural 3HDFHIXO&RQÁLFW Motivation Power Competence Resolution Encourage them to Columbiana County 2018 Rural Scholars 2018 participate in a variety of extracurricular The Rural Scholars Program assesses the developmental assets of program participants via an annual activities, allowing them health and wellness survey. Results are extrapolated and compared with the participants’ peers to be involved in their within Columbiana County. Rural Scholars students outperformed their Columbiana County peers on both internal and external developmental assets as indicated on the chart above, which gives just a community. Proponent and Program Director sample of the findings. See the complete 2018-2019 Rural Scholars Impact Report at www.kent.edu/ supportrisingscholars. WVVa4IZIJMM*)¼18, could be a poster child for Larabee joined the military and was in active duty Talk to them about the Rising Scholars Program, even though he grew for eight years, stationed in Alaska and Kentucky, with their interests; help them up prior to its founding. three tours in Iraq during that time. After meeting D look into related careers. He started out as a mentor in the program three his wife, Katie, who is from Ohio, the couple moved years ago, while he was studying psychology at Kent to Columbiana County six years ago when he left the State University at Salem, and his psychology professor, military. Katie Larabee, who recently gave birth to their Check in on their academic Rachael Blasiman, PhD, recommended him. After second son, is taking courses at Kent State Salem in progress using online OZIL]I\QVO_Q\PIJIKPMTWZ¼[LMOZMMQVX[aKPWTWOaTI[\ business management and is also a mentor in the Rising tools like ProgressBook, \WZٺMay, he became a master mentor to coach new mentors ;KPWTIZ[8ZWOZIU4IZIJMM[Ia[PMQ[UISQVOM^MZaM an integrated student and assist with programming. Recently, he was named \W[\Ia_Q\P\PMXZWOZIUQVLMÅVQ\MTa interim program director for the Rising Scholars Program ¹1NMMT\PQ[Q[SQVLWNIKITTQVONWZUMJMKI][M1¼^MPIL information and learning at the Columbiana County campuses. all these life experiences,” says Larabee of his new position. management program. .ZWU\PMÅZ[\\QUM4IZIJMMPMIZLIJW]\:Q[QVO ¹1¼^MKWUMNZWUTQ^QVOQVM`\ZMUMXW^MZ\a_Q\PVWWVM\W Scholars, it resonated with him. “I immediately fell in love guide me, to having the right people come into my life at Push them to take _Q\PQ\ºPM[Ia[¹1¼^MIT_Ia[PILITIZOMXIZ\WNUaPMIZ\ \PMZQOP\\QUM1¼^M_WZSMLI\I^IZQM\aWNRWJ[QVKT]LQVO challenging classes rather devoted to helping kids.” pizza delivery, telemarketing, cook in a hospital kitchen, than seek easy As; make 8MZPIX[\PI\¼[JMKI][MPQ[W_VKPQTLPWWLPILIZWKSa military and college student. So in this program, I want to sure they are meeting start. Both he and his older brother, A.J., were removed from share my experiences with the students and give them an their biological mother and stepfather when he was seven QLMIWN_PI\¼[I^IQTIJTMW]\\PMZM high school requirements years old and his brother was eight. They were placed in a ¹1LWV¼\\PQVSKWTTMOMQ[\PMIV[_MZNWZM^MZaJWLa#aW] for graduation and group home before going to live with foster parents Richard can live an amazing life without it. But the experience of college readiness. and Kathryn Larabee, of Muskegon, Michigan. The couple going to college is what got me to where I am today.” adopted them at ages 11 and 12, when their biological As they get older, UW\PMZ¼[ZQOP\[_MZM\MZUQVI\ML*a\PMV\PM4IZIJMM[_MZM accompany them on retired, and both have since passed away. In this program, I want *]\,WVVa4IZIJMMSMMX[PQ[ILWX\Q^MXIZMV\[¼ college visits and help them memory ever present, having tattooed reminders of them to share my experiences make the decision that is on each of his forearms. On his left forearm is the logo of with the students and give best for them. the Detroit Tigers in memory of his dad, who was a Tigers See bigfuture.collegeboard.org fan, along with his initials, RAL; on his right forearm is them an idea of what’s for more checklists and advice. a lilac blossom in memory of his mom, who loved lilacs, along with her initials, KLL. His parents gave him a available out there.” BS ’95 BOB CHRISTY, Learn more about Rising Scholars loving, stable home, but both of them had worked —DONNY LARABEE, BA ’18, interim program at www.kent.edu/ QVNIK\WZQM[[W\PMa_MZMV¼\IJTM\WPMTXPQUVI^QOI\M\PM director, Rising Scholars, Columbiana This summer, tenth grade Rising Scholars participated in a workshop titled “Locationology” and college admissions process. learned about regional enterprise and the economy, as well as geology, astronomy, geography, supportrisingscholars County campuses archaeology and history. Above, they are helping identify different species found in river water at a 22 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE local park during a lesson on soil and water conservation. Pacifique Niyonzima, MA ’19 (Rwanda, Central Africa) (Major, higher education administration with certification in internationalization) “Rwanda After Genocide” course Spring semester 2019 Rwanda, Central Africa

Helping Hands Each year, Kent State students participate in off-campus study away/study abroad “In summer 2018, I received an internship at the University of programs and internships in locations across the country and around the world. Rwanda to establish a mutual partnership between KSU and the And they take photos—lots and lots of photos. Here are just a few shots students University of Rwanda. On my return, I connected with Dr. Leslie Heaphy, a professor of history at the Kent State Stark campus, shared with us from the past year. who designed a study abroad course to focus on the events surrounding the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda, my native country, and how the country and people have searched for peace and reconciliation since. I organized all of the activities to meet the learning outcomes of the class and led a group of 13 KSU students, Acacia Freeman (Westerville, Ohio) who arrived in Rwanda on March 22, 2019, for 10 days. They Senior (major, applied communication; participated in activities and lectures at the University of minor, advertising) RA International Exchange Program Rwanda, public institutions and private organizations. This November 2018 photo shows the soil-stained hands of the KSU students and Melbourne, Australia other volunteers who took part in a local community service known as “Umuganda,” a national cleanup day, which happens Loch Ard Gorge on the last Saturday of every month.” “Ten resident assistants (RAs) were the first group from Kent State chosen to go on an RA International Exchange trip for a Nathaniel Bailey (Kent, Ohio) week in November to learn about residence Senior (major, journalism) Show Us Your Best Study Away/Study Abroad Shot! 2019 Reinke Grant for Visual Storytelling services at Deakin University in Melbourne, Summer 2019 With study away/study abroad programs in place for majors from accounting Harrison County, Kentucky Australia—and their resident leaders (RLs) to zoology and numerous places to go, we’re sure you have taken some came to see us for a week in June. It was amazing photos over the years. Current students and alumni are invited to a great experience, and we still talk with High Startle Response enter our Study Away/Study Abroad Photo Contest by July 1, 2020, for your each other on a regular basis. During our “As a 2019 Reinke Grant Recipient, my goal was to document chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card. Entries will be judged by University time in Australia, we got to go sightseeing. the people and places of Harrison County, Ky. Here, Oden Communications and Marketing staff photographers and by popular vote. This photo [taken at Port Campbell National Oraelosi and Parker Harris of Lexington, Ky., react as airport Selected photos will be published in the fall/winter 2020-21 issue of Park, Victoria, Australia] is of one of the chairman Bobby Craft sends his plane into a dive during the Kent State Magazine. prettiest beaches I have ever been to. The Young Eagles event at the Harrison County Airport. The two Submit your high resolution photo and fill out the requested form at boys were making noises into the headset, and Craft put the water was extremely blue, but ice cold.” www.kent.edu/ksuphotocontest. plane into a dive to quiet them down.”

Leah Cavanaugh (Richmond, Ohio) Senior (dual major, environmental conservation biology and environmental studies) Tropical Field Biology Research Program Winter break, December 2017-January 2018 La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica

Small But Dangerous “On a tour our first day there, the La Selva Biological Station staff pointed out this baby eyelash viper, one of Costa Rica’s many native venomous snake species. This one was so small we hadn’t noticed it, even with its bright yellow coloring. In La Selva, my research group studied the effect of forest complexity on the diversity of herpetofauna [reptiles and amphibians of a particular region] in a secondary forest, which made this observation of an eyelash viper exciting!” FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 25 Future By LisaAbraham future forthe institute. broader,a brighter even Liquid Crystal Institute sees Advanced Materials and The newdirector ofthe

BOB CHRISTY, BS ’95 — ways. Theseare the T of firefighters and otherfirst responders. and vapors, whichcanhelpsave thelives liquid crystal sensors to detect toxic gases biological sciences],Torel LLC, thatuses Hegmann, PhD, assistantprofessor of cofounded acompany[withhiswife, Elda for thesocietalimpactofhisresearch.” shown entrepreneurial spiritandapassion knowledge inthesefields, buthehasalso contributions to ourfundamental State. “Hehasnotonly madeimportant Research andSponsored Programs atKent says Paul DiCorleto, PhD, vicepresident for well asbiomaterials andnanomaterials,” researcher inthefields ofliquidcrystals as systems—already partofhisresearch. as wellsensors andactive, responsive andmedicalscience applications inbiology says thefuture ofliquidcrystals willbeits faculty memberatKent State since2011, director oftheinstitute since2018anda new frontiers forthefield.” unexpected ways,” are hesays. the “These respond to theirenvironment inuniqueand more toward andmaterials biology that search. (AMLCI) anational inJuly, after Institute Crystal Liquid and Materials Advanced ofthe director new the named PhD, was Torsten Hegmann, who predicts directions, in new heading is science of liquid crystal Yet future the displays. liquid crystal about think you when tomind come that items first the be may Liquid crystal research the field.” that respond to their new frontiers for biology andmaterials is moving more toward unique and unexpected environment in DiCorleto notes thatHegmannhas “Dr. Hegmannisahighly accomplished Hegmann, whohasbeenassociate “Liquid crystal research ismoving Torsten Hegmann, PhD the smartphone in your pocket inyour smartphone the and desk your on laptop the wall, your on television screen flat he brain,” hesays. are, “There perhaps, many nanomaterials usedfordrug delivery to the Hegmann isamember. Brain HealthResearch Institute, ofwhich Innovation group andthe university’s engineers, members ofKent State’s Design materials chemists,biophysicists, nontraditional partners. to workcollaboratively with more key goal willbeencouraging theinstitute and engineering;Hegmannsays a in medicine,pharmacology, nanochemistry already hascross-collaboration expertise phases ofadvancedmaterials science.” world leader intheresearch ofthenewest commitment thatKent State remain a to theuniversity’s history andshares my Hegmann understands itsimportance Kent State President Todd Diacon.“Dr. of thebackboneKent State,” says advanced materials research andscience. expanded to includeabroad array of and LiquidCrystal Institute anditsfocus was renamed theAdvancedMaterials applied scienceofliquidcrystals. research center focusedonthebasicand liquid crystal displays andtheworld’s first is regarded globally asthebirthplaceof the institute wasnamedinhishonor. It the field ofliquidcrystal research; later a chemistryprofessor andpioneerin was foundedin1965by Glenn H.Brown, research inthisfield started.” iswhere alot “This opportunity: ofthe Liquid Crystal Institute wasanexciting was hired year. thesame research talent to thestate, appliedand program to attract young international state-sponsored OhioResearch Scholars Institute in2011. Helearned ofthe a seminaratKent State’s LiquidCrystal when hecametoin Winnipeg,Canada, chemistry attheUniversity ofManitoba working asanassociate professor of institute,” addsDiCorleto. questions, whichisamajorgoal ofthis approaches to answeringimportant to multidisciplinarycollaborative “He hasdemonstrated atruecommitment “Some of myownresearch isin Those partners willincludebiologists, The HegmannGroup research lab “Liquid crystal research ispart In fall2018, theLiquidCrystal Institute Kent State’s LiquidCrystal Institute Hegmann says comingto the A native ofGermany, Hegmannwas matterexpertise.” complement soft ourexisting liquidcrystal, other materials research domainsto level, hesays, andiskey to increased funding. domains willtake theinstitute to ahigher multifaceted research thatcrosses varied multiple disciplines. together jointresearch andconduct across scientists from variousfields canwork completed infall2020)—spaces where of theIntegrated SciencesBuilding (to be the “collaboratories” intheterrace level model system forcellmembranes.” liquid crystals, whichare regarded as a the brain andmaterials science,especially more connectionswecanmake between www.kent.edu/amlci. Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute at Learnmore Kentabout State’s Advanced better fundraising. of suchequipmentwillbetied to state-of-the-art. Thepurchase instruments andequipmentare infrastructure sothatall RENEWING prominence beginningin2020. to nationalandinternational symposiums held atKent State ELEVATING modern materialsscience. laboratories, sothattheyreflect institute’s buildings and modernizing thelook ofthe STREAMLINING and research funding. level of competitiveness for science toinspire ahigher of liquidcrystal andmaterials distinctive role inthefuture INCREASING Crystal Institute: Materials andLiquid goals fortheAdvanced Dr. Hegmann’s main “We needto build“We criticalmassin Demonstrating thebenefitsof Hegmann says heislooking forward to the levelthe of the research the institute’s a ALWNE 092 | FALL/WINTER 2019-20 27 Be your Best self Join a student organization or two KENT Volunteer for Super Service Saturday STATE Sign up for supplemental instruction or tutoring BUCKET Go on an Alternative Spring Break LIST Participate in a Peer Leader Training Course Find your niche with an Involvement Expert We asked current students for a list of top things they think every Kent State student should do (Center for Student Involvement) before graduation. How many items on the list can you check off? How many do you even recognize? Polish your prose at Writing Commons Take a Financial Literacy Workshop Illustrations by Jason Zehner Meet and greet Make a friend in each class the Kent Campus Get to know your academic advisor Explore wellness Chat with your resident assistant Add another layer of paint to the Rock Practice Stroll by the Cuyahoga River downtown Snap a selfie with President Diacon Go sledding on campus Walk the stairs of the Kent State University Library Drop in during your professors’ office hours Feed a black squirrel (tallest building in Portage County) Give Flash the Golden Eagle a high-five Visit the May 4 Visitors Center Travel the Portage County Bike and Hike Trail Join a team at a Hackathon Visit the Fashion Museum Kayak the Cuyahoga River with Crooked Visit the Herrick Conservatory River Adventures Hang out on the Student Green Play intramural or club sports Dine at Rosie’s after midnight Skate at the Ice Arena Attend See what’s on every floor of the Kent State University Library Kent Campus Climb the Rec Center’s rock wall Events Walk the Lefton Esplanade from Risman Plaza to downtown Kent Run a 5K on campus: Bowman Cup, Black Check out the Black Squirrel Festival Squirrel or Run the World Celebrate Homecoming Catch a movie at Real Late Reels Sample and Stroll downtown Kent Start off the new school year at Blastoff Order a late-night treat at Insomnia Cookies Cheer on the Golden Flashes at an Have a drink at Ray’s Place athletic event Get a grilled sandwich at Twisted Meltz Watch a Dive-In Movie Find your bliss at Peace, Love and Little Donuts See a show at the Center for the Buy fresh produce at the Haymaker’s Farmer’s Performing Arts Market (Saturdays) Give something back at a fraternity/sorority Create a costume for Kent Halloween philanthropy event Dress in green for Fake Paddy’s Day Celebrate our nation’s independence at Kent Heritage Festival

FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 29 Regional Campuses

Salem Geauga Ignore the “No Fishing” signs at the pond Visit the Great Feed and/or dodge the geese Geauga County Fair Tuscarawas Gather around the fireplace Ashtabula (and the KSU Geauga Booth!) Enjoy a Broadway show, comedy act or musical Grab your books, walk across the street to in Centofanti Hall on Labor Day weekend entertainment at the Performing Arts Center Lake Erie and study on the beach Try to figure out Go to a pancake breakfast in Burton Design and 3D print something fun Take a selfie with friends—or with Flash— the numbering (Sundays in March), the heart of maple in the Makerspace in front of the “Wave Wall” sequence for the syrup country Record a video, song or a narrative Meet your friends and classmates at classrooms Play in the faculty/staff vs. students kickball in the Video2Go Studio Harbor Perk or another great spot on game each fall semester Bridge Street

East Liverpool Regional Academic Eat lunch at the Center Hot Dog Shoppe Attend Twins Days in Twinsburg Talk to the ghosts in (first full weekend of August) the Mary Pat Building Eat lunch on the patio to enjoy fresh Sit at the wharf and watch boats air between classes and barges on the Ohio River

Stark Join first-year students for the lightning bolt photo during Smart What did we forget? Send us your list at [email protected]! Start Orientation Chomp on homemade chips at the Emporium Grille Score Yourself Attend at least one Featured Speaker presentation 50 - 73 You’ve totally embraced the Kent State community. Take in the campus wildlife at the Pond and Wetlands Research Area 25 - 49 Maybe you’ve spent a little too much time studying. Volunteer at one of the longstanding community events, Boo U 15 - 24 You really ought to get out more. or Earth Day 1 - 14 Are you sure we’re talking about the same place? Study by the clock in the heart of campus 0 “I just picked this up in my doctor’s waiting room. Who are you people?"

30 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 31 By DebMcGuinness,BA ’78 of Wi-Fi—and he’s notdonetinkering withityet. Jerry Pohmurski, BS’88,wasamongtheearly pioneers

RAMI DAUD of eithersoundorelectromagnetic waves. a room designedtocompletelyabsorb reflections echo.”“without An anechoicchamberis at theCiscoRichfieldfacility. Anechoicmeans Jerry Pohmurskistandsinananechoic chamber Pohmurski, BS ’88. BS Pohmurski, to Jerry in part, 1998, thanks, since existence in been only has streamable movies our and portable laptops our makes that technology F engineering at Kent State from 1969 to 1987, 1969 from at Kent State engineering of aprofessor was Pohmurski, Joseph father, His age. early an from frequencies radio and radios in ham interested was of names on the spec called 802.11B. called spec the on of names hundreds are Wi-Fi—there for spec original the on working of companies of a consortium part was which Aironet, Telxon and between speeds.” faster and faster at data of amounts larger and larger send could we until again, time and time it, tofix how out figured then and it broke we Basically, of bandwidth. upalot chew games Video crashing. without handle could it data much how tosee games video byplaying limits its tested and that do Pohmurski. says instead,” waves radio using device, docking a physical using without computer mainframe to their backup handhelds’ the on collected data barcode the transfer communication. data wireless on focused that of Akron, out based division called Aironet, also based radio- Telxon off another spun warehouses. in control inventory for used devices handheld electronic made Ohio,that Akron, Telxon in called upatacompany ended he intophone atechnology laptop. cell to integrate trying was that Cleveland in company start-up atasmall to work went Pohmurski in engineering, a degree equipment and components. with uptinkering grew Pohmurski Jerry and each other,” he says. “That’s easy todo other,”each easy “That’s says. he to talk could devices different that so testing A self-proclaimed “radio geek,” he A self-proclaimed In 1995, Pohmurski became the liaison the became In 1995, Pohmurski to program software alittle wrote “We to a way to find us wanted “They of money, out ran company that When with Kent State from graduating After “We were conducting interoperability conducting were “We That amazing, ubiquitous wireless ubiquitous amazing, That Wi-Fi. been not never has there students, oftoday’s college many or A sampleofearlymodelsAironet wireless devices. is when it really took off.” took really it when is homes, intheir it using started people when In2003, happened. today, just it become has it what todo out didn’t “We start says. tous,” he occurred never today. is it just It as use wide insuch be would technology would become thecommoditythatitisnow. quality, says noneofthemthought Wi-Fi the top experts in802.11 wireless test and with several ofthem,Pohmurski, oneof A catchy name.”catchy a Just fidelity]. hi-fi on [high take-off a just was It anything. for stand really doesn’t it is, thing “The says. Wi-Fi,” Pohmurski picked who one the was Gates Bill think “I names. the gave them he Microsoft, Wi-Fi.” was which of one options, seven upwith came they and name, upabetter tocome Interbrand, firm, amarketing “Hehired says. he flashy,” more a bit was that a name wanted acquired Aironet that March. had which Cisco, for manager engineering an as working was 2000, Pohmurski - 802.11B sequence).Alliance direct By Compatibility Ethernet (for Wireless WECA acronym by the known was it beginning; the gothrough.” tofinally spec the get to together worked everything that to ensure tests We ran them. with interact and world in the systems different to many to talk able tobe have we company, but one within “We never, ever thought that the When his boss went to Seattle to pitch to Seattle went boss his When at Cisco to say, my boss “Needless in “Wi-Fi” called actually wasn’t Wi-Fi development andremains friends of thepeople workingonWi-Fi lthough hegot to knowmany up again as part of the “next big thing.” “next of the part as up again pops Pohmurski Jerry name the if surprised don’t be so inWi-Fi, made being still is future The tuned. stay now, but for hat his fun.” be Should sticks. what see and wall the against them throw We’ll field. medical inthe especially ofWi-Fi, offshoot an as created been have things many “So says. he Wi-Fi. for applications new some on to him to work out reached have “retired.” friends his lately But officially now is and consultant a as worked company, Pohmurski at a communications development product new directing then Cisco, with years several After says. he things,” ofamazing kinds all do could who together. golf and together inbands play They years. many spanned formed relationshipslasting that have we could sendlarger Basically, webroke faster speeds.” it andthenfigured of dataatfaster and time out howto fixit, and larger amounts and timeagain, until Pohmurski is keeping those ideas under ideas those keeping is Pohmurski people smart and cool many so “I met “I have some ideas I’d like to explore,” I’d ideas “I some have have co-workers his and Pohmurski ALWNE 092 | FALL/WINTER 2019-20 a 33 alumni LIFE Flash Mob When the Antonczak family gets together Kent State celebrated Homecoming on Saturday, Sept. 21, as for a family reunion, the theme is always the Kent State alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and the community same—blue and gold. This flock of Flashes took part in one of the university’s long-standing traditions. includes seven members who are all Kent State alumni, including three who married other Flashes. Parents James Antonczak, BA ’80, and Michelle (Cligrow) Antonczak, BSN ’81, Olmsted Twp., Ohio, met their first week at Kent State in 1976 at an ice cream social during freshman orientation. Michelle was playing the piano when James walked over and told her she was a lovely pianist. Thirty- five years later, they are still a happy “Kiss on Pictured left to right (in 2015): Andy Antonczak, Lisa (Thrumm) Antonczak, Jim Antonczak, Chelley the K” couple. Antonczak, Andrea (Antonczak) Tyrrell and Matt Tyrrell James and Michelle’s son, Andrew Antonczak, BS ’08, met his future wife, Lisa (Thumm) Antonczak, KSU Commons. Both graduated in 2015 and were married in 2016. BSN ’10, at the Zephyr Pub on a blind date in 2007 set up by a mutual Andrea is a children’s book author, and she and Matthew are also both friend while they were both in school. They were married in 2012. Lisa employed at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. Kent State President Todd Diacon, this year’s Homecoming Grand Marshal, and his is a nurse practitioner, and Andy is a pilot for Spirit Airlines, based in Ft. Finally, James’s brother, John Antonczak, BS ’66, was a proud KSU wife, Moema Furtado, lead the Homecoming Parade as they ride down Main Street in Lauderdale, Fla. alumnus who worked for more than 40 years as an aeronautical engineer a 1969 Oldsmobile. The Antonczak’s daughter, Andrea (Antonczak) Tyrell, BSE ’15, met in General Electric’s Aircraft division, before passing away in 2018. her husband, Matthew Tyrell, BBA ’15, at Kent State, as well. They The Antonczak family still enjoys participating in activities at Kent met online when Andrea noticed a picture of Matt sitting in a Kent State State—walking the grounds of the Kent Campus, visiting facilities like airplane (her brother, Andrew, was Matt’s flight instructor). Their first the May 4 Center and joining in on university events like the Bowman date was at Taco Tonto’s, topped off by a visit to the Victory Bell on the Cup 5K. This family is the epitome of “Flashes Forever.” —Deb McGuinness, BA ’78

class NOTES 1960s the Legion of the Silver Rose is to inform The morning kicks off with the 19th Annual Bowman Cup 5K Race. Named after former Lance Buhl, BA ’61, Rockville, Md., is a retired Vietnam veterans of the importance of yearly Kent State President George Bowman, the chip-timed race started and ended in front business and nonprofit executive and medical exams to detect potential Agent of the Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center. 1950s Orange-related illnesses. Harvey Dunn, BBA ’59, Encino, Calif., wrote: consultant. He earned a PhD in American “My book, Attention history from Harvard in 1969, taught history at Barbara (Hille) Sposet, BA ’68, PhD ’97, Seniors: A Complete Guide New Bedford Institute of Technology (now the Strongsville, Ohio, marked to Wealth and Happiness University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth), 50 years in teaching in Alumni, family and friends in Your Retirement, Harvard and Cleveland State University May 2019. She taught in enjoy the festive Welcome contains four manuscripts: (where he served as assistant dean of Arts Brooklyn City Schools Home Party hosted by 1) “How to become a and Sciences and founding director of the (Ohio) for 32 years and Kent State Alumni at the millionaire at the age of Center for Learning). currently is a tenured Center for Philanthropy From 1981 to 1993 he served as program professor of education at and Engagement. The 80” (I just need 45,000 officer, manager and then director of British Baldwin Wallace carnival-style event more copies of my book sold to become one!); included food, giveaways, The Kent State Golden Flashes ring the Starner Victory Bell after winning the 2) “The 12 things to do in retirement to make Petroleum’s corporate contributions program in University in Berea, Ohio. 2019 Homecoming Game 62-20 over the Bowling Green State University Falcons. the United States, where he created and games—and a lot of fun. you a happier person”; 3) “How to still be David Duda, BS ’68, Cooper City, Fla., managed the company’s programs in urban happy after 55 years of marriage” (fact or received the G. Harold Martin Award, revitalization. Since leaving British Petroleum, he fiction?); 4) “How a sense of humor will add presented by the International Swimming Hall as provided consulting services to some 60 years to your life: My 35 years as an MC at the of Fame, Inc. (a nonprofit educational foundations, corporations and nonprofits. world-famous Laugh Factory comedy club in organization in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) for long From 2002-11 his work was based at Duke Hollywood.” Available on Amazon or on my and exceptional leadership, insight and University and included being deputy director of home page, harveydunnbooks.com.” dedication to the water safety of children and the United States–Southern Africa Center for the cause of making Every Child A Swimmer. Donovan Kline, BBA ’57, Hendersonville, NC, Leadership and Public Values, a partnership Since 2010, he has been an adjunct college wrote, “As one of six diplomatic couriers during between the Sanford School of Public Policy at professor at Broward College, where he the Cold War years of the 1950s, I’m on a Duke University and the Graduate School of teaches sport, recreation and fitness videotape of our experiences traveling behind Business at the University of Cape Town. curriculum. The founder and CEO of MDM the Iron Curtain, which will be available He has written extensively in each career. Aquatics/Safety Training and Consulting, permanently for public viewing at the Diplomatic Currently he is a busy retiree, living in a Duda’s focus is to teach aquatic skills to Center Museum at the State Department in retirement community just north of the District children and mentor instructors in diverse Washington, DC. of Columbia. Between 1957 and 1977, I traveled 1,813,357 populations to help reduce child drownings. official miles on 326 trips (from 1 to 59 days) to David Parkinson, BBA ’67,Belvedere Tiburon, 140 countries, including 32 trips to Moscow by Calif., received a Silver Rose Award, given by air and rail. Personal travel during 12 years of the Legion of the Silver Rose to Vietnam War As the bell tolls 12:30 pm, couples who feel Kent State played an important role in their Kent State President Todd Diacon poses with 2019 Homecoming Royalty Robby living overseas took my total mileage over two veterans exposed to Agent Orange dioxins relationship kiss on the “K” at Risman Plaza, serenaded by the Kent Clarks Speaks and Haylee Hoyt. The Homecoming Court—more than 30 representatives million miles.” while serving in the war. One of the missions of a cappella group. from all Kent State campuses—were recognized at the game. FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 35 alumni LIFE PAST TIMES (1970s) Stanley Harrold, MA ’70, PhD ’75, Richard (Rico) Hawkes, BS ’73, Ellenton, Orangeburg, SC, professor of history at South Fla., wrote, “I am currently senior director of Stamp of Approval? Carolina State University, recently published operations risk/safety for Field Entertainment, American Abolitionism: Its Direct Political Impact Inc., the world’s largest producer of live “I went to Kent State starting in 1973 because “At the reception, I first met my father’s boss, from Colonial Times into Reconstruction entertainment, based in Palmetto, Fla. Since my father was an assistant dean in the College the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. (University of Virginia Press, April 2019). It 1992, I have produced all aspects of Supercross of Arts and Sciences. The activities offered I next shook hands and briefly talked with provides the only systematic examination of the (motocross racing in major stadiums) and for one night during Freshman Week were President Olds, who told me he knew my American abolition movement’s direct impacts Monster Jam (monster truck performances in a reception upstairs in the Student Union father. I then recognized one of my father’s on antislavery politics from colonial times to the stadiums, arenas, fairgrounds, both domestic featuring the university president, Glenn A. student office assistants. She was there with Civil War and after. He is also the author, and international). I have been working on the Olds, and a welcome party downstairs at the her parents, and I was introduced and sat down recently, of Lincoln and the Abolitionists (Concise production and safety side of these live events Rathskeller pub. with them. After a short time, she leaned over toward me and whispered, ‘Do you know that it Lincoln Library, March 2018) and Border War: for more than 50 years. “I attempted to enter the Rathskeller, but at the says “F#@* You” on your forehead?’ Fighting over Slavery before the Civil War “My time in Kent (1969-1976) was turbulent, time I was 17 years old. The bouncer at the door, (University of North Carolina Press, reprint but rich and rewarding. May 4, 1970 (my 19th who was a Delta Tau Delta fraternity brother of “Immediately after I graduated from KSU, I Roberta De Pompei, BS ’64, MA ’69, edition, February 2013). birthday) was an eye-opening experience, one my sophomore older brother, recognized me as ended up working directly for President Olds that is indelibly etched onto my heart. Stow, Ohio, (dean emerita, College of Health Donna Krause, BS ’70, Wausau, Wis., wrote, he checked my ID and said I could not come in at his next position as president of what was “The times following these events were Professions, and part-time instructor at The “I ran for and was elected the Marathon County because I was underage. Instead of stamping then called Alaska Methodist University in exciting as I watched a country deal with University of Akron), and Jean (Prinzo) Blosser, Board Supervisor for District 10. Marathon the back of my hand, he playfully stamped my Anchorage for most of 1978 before I went to inevitable changes. Being with the on-campus MA ’74, South Pasadena, Fla., (president of County, known as the ginseng capital of the forehead and, forgetting this, I resigned myself graduate school in upstate New York. I never television station, I was introduced to Dick educational consulting firm Creative Strategies world, is the largest county in Wisconsin and to attending the upstairs reception. brought up this particular incident with him.” Gregory, Julian Bond, Buckminster Fuller, for Special Education), coauthoredPediatric includes many small rural towns, — Richard Breedon, BS ’77, PhD ’88, Andrew Young, John Froines, attorney William Traumatic Brain Injury: Proactive Intervention manufacturing businesses and dairy farms. The Davis, California ZEHNER JASON Kunstler, and also had the advantage of (3rd Ed), released by Plural Publications, San Marathon County Board is the largest county producing live coverage of the many on-/ Diego, Calif., in January 2019. board in the United States with 38 county board off-campus activities that seemed to happen They both completed master’s degrees supervisors. We now have nine women on the almost daily. in speech-language pathology at Kent State board. In addition to attending the monthly full “Whenever I’m in Ohio, I always find time to University, and became colleagues at The board meetings, I serve on the seven-member visit the Tree City. Wow . . . all of the changes!” University of Akron, where they researched Health and Human Services Committee for Paul Hedeen, BA ’76, Monroe, Mich., Cheryl Lewis, MA ’78, Cleveland Heights, the effects of brain injury on children and Marathon County.” Carter Strang, BS ’73, MEd ’79, Cleveland, a published his second novel, The Butterfly, on Ohio, wrote, “I’m a proud and grateful graduate adolescents and how they could be reintegrated partner at Tucker Ellis, LLP, and president-elect of February 21, 2019. Hedeen is an award-winning of Kent State University. I attended graduate Bart Bixenstine, BA ’71, Cleveland, a into home, school and community. the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation, was professor and writer and a Fulbright scholar. His school in the Department of History, where I partner at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and The book, which provides practical inducted into the Cleveland-Marshall College of other publications include a poetry collection, was mentored by the best professors/scholars Pease LLP, and a former KSU board member, recommendations for assessing and Law (C|M|LAW) Hall of Fame on October 25, 2019, Under a Night Sky (Final Thursday, 2016); a and fellow students. Best years of my life!” received the Distinguished Honors Alumni novel, The Knowledge Tree (Wide Water, 2013), treating children and adolescents who have in recognition of his contributions to the success Ruth Ava Lyons, BFA ’78, Charlotte, NC, Award from the Honors College in April 2019. another poetry collection, When I Think about sustained a head injury, can be found at www. and reputation of C|M|LAW. He is a Cleveland- has been selected for a 2019 residency with He periodically teaches a course at Kent State Rain (Final Thursday, 2009); and a coedited pluralpublishing.com, with a 15 percent discount Marshall Leader-in-Residence and a member of The Arctic Circle, thearticcircle.org, along on the First Amendment. collection of essays, Unrelenting Readers: The to Kent State University students and alumni its Visiting Committee. with scientists, researchers and other artists using promo code AP2013. Pictured (l to r): Michael Chanak Jr., BS ’71, Cincinnati, Ohio, New Poet-critics (Story Line, 2004). Elizabeth (Sappenfield) Blakeslee, BA ’74, who will participate in an expedition to the Jean (Prinzo) Blosser and Roberta De Pompei. appears in the P&G-commissioned Washington, DC, was Richard Breedon, BS ’77, PhD ’88, Davis, North Pole. Her work can be seen at Hidell documentary, Out of the Shadows: Risking appointed by the mayor to Calif., wrote, “I retired as a research professor Brooks Gallery in Charlotte and at www. Their Careers in the Name of Equality, which 1970s the District of Columbia Ivan “Tex” Gilmore, BA ’76, Washington, emeritus from the University of California, Davis, ruthavalyons.com. debuted at the Cannes Lions International Anita Bixenstine, MA ’70, PhD ’89, and Real Estate Commission. NC, retired on St. Patrick’s Day, March in 2016. I then spent two years teaching high Festival of Creativity in June 2019. Robert Steffen, BS ’78, Spring Green, Wis., husband, Edwin Bixenstine, PhD, Kent, Ohio, The Commission regulates 17, 2019. During his career he served on energy particle physics at Yale-NUS College in The short film, created by P&G in partnership retired after a 40-year advertising career. celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at a the licenses of professional the North Carolina Board of Licensing of Singapore. From there, I took my students to with Great Big Films, picks up where their Most recently, he was senior director– family event in March 2019. She was an Honors real estate agents and Geologists for six years, the North Carolina visit the CERN laboratory in Geneva, award-winning 2018 documentary The Words brand campaigns at Carter’s, Inc. in Atlanta College advisor at Kent State from 1969 to 1990, protects consumers by Mining and Energy Commission for four Switzerland, where I remain a member of the Matter: One Voice Can Make a Difference,left off. and was previously at Lands’ End in and he is a professor of psychology (emeritus) upholding the District of Columbia real estate years and the Board of Directors of the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment on the The Words Matter documents Chanak’s role Dodgeville, Wisconsin. at Kent State, who retired in 1984. They have 14 license law. Aurora Fossil Museum for 16 years. He was Large Hadron Collider.” [Check out a story from in getting P&G to add “sexual orientation” to its grandchildren and one great-grandchild. chief geologist and superintendent of mine his freshman year at KSU above.] Virginia Schaefer Horvath, MA ’79, diversity policy in 1992. (See http://bit.ly/ Mark Landers, BBA ’74, Dayton, Ohio, planning at the world-famous Lee Creek PhD ’84, Fredonia, NY, John Carden, BS ’70, MS ’72, Liberty Lake, thewordsmatterfilm.) Out of the Shadows would like to connect with former friends and Mark Flash, BBA ’77, Bay Village, Ohio, Mine for over 30 years. During his 42-year retired as president of SUNY Wash., a licensed professional geologist in highlights the courageous employees who classmates. Please email mark.landers.esq@ was appointed executive career as a professional geologist, Gilmore Fredonia on July 1, 2019, the state of Washington, has over 35 years persevered for 10 more years to gain domestic gmail.com to get in touch. director of the Lake was awarded the John T. Galey public service after more than 40 years of of experience in exploration management, partner benefits and turn the tide of prejudice Health Foundation, Larry Lapidus, BS ’74, Poland, Ohio, is award in 2007 by the American Institute of service and leadership in teaching and research. He has been a director in the company and community. responsible for celebrating his 42nd year of providing mental Professional Geologists and the United States public higher education. A of Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. since February (See http://bit.ly/outoftheshadowsfilm.) overseeing the fundraising health counseling services. He was honored Congressional Achievement Award in 2006. first-generation student, she 2015 and a director of Paramount Gold and Silver Chanak’s efforts were also listed in the and philanthropic with a Distinguished Alumni Award through was the first female Corp. from September 2006 through completion Cincinnati Enquirer’s coverage in June 2019 of activities of the Youngstown State University Counseling president of Fredonia when she officially stepped of a merger with Coeur Mining Inc. in April 2015. “Stonewall Riot 50th anniversary: The moment James Vittek, AA ’75, BS ’75, MEd ’76, foundation. Flash is a Department’s 50th Anniversary into the role as the university’s 13th president on He received his doctorate in geology from the that changed gay life in Cincinnati.” EdS ’78, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, enjoyed long member of the Association of Fundraising Commemoration in April 2019. July 1, 2012. Prior to coming to Fredonia as vice Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska (See http://bit.ly/stonewallanniversary.) careers as a writer and psychologist. During Professionals, a trustee for the Bay Village in 1978. Since 2001, he has been a geologic retirement, he earned a Doctor of Ministry Foundation and philanthropic advisor for the president of academic affairs, she taught in the consultant and a director of a number of junior Norman Macklin, MA ’72, Rensselaer, NY, from the Ashland Theological Seminary in Bay Village Food Project. English department at KSU for several years and resource companies. From 2010 to the present, received a doctorate degree in ministry from Ashland, Ohio. Also during retirement, he served as dean of Academic and Student he has been a consultant to Otis Gold Corp. Evangelical International College and Seminary renewed his love of animals; he has four Services for Kent State’s regional campuses and in Tacoma, Wash., in June 2014. Macklin Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. assistant to the president for strategic planning. was consecrated a bishop in the Baptist denomination in October 2017. 36 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE alumni LIFE alumni LIFE Cupid Hits the Bullseye “We never thought (or intended) for it to be shared so widely, but love that it brought a Shopping at Target has been a favorite pastime smile to so many people,” DiPasqua says. Daniel Taliano, BS ’80, Sheffield Village, Brian Wilson, BA ’84, North Canton, Ohio, of of Tony DiPasqua, MEd ’12, and current KSU “We’ve received countless comments and Ohio, retired in February 2018 from 25 years in Brian Wilson Law Offices, was recognized with student Aaron Damron, since the beginning messages from all over the world saying how the exhibit industry. the Esther S. Weissman Optimist Award from the of their relationship several years ago. much the photos have touched their hearts.” Ohio Association for Justice. The award, Steve DeBolt, BS ’81, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, “When we first started dating, we quickly presented in May 2019 during their annual A love for Target isn't the only thing the couple was sworn in as the village administrator in figured out that we shared the same interests— convention in Columbus, Ohio, honors a trial has in common. Both of them love Kent State. Hebron, Ohio—known as the “historic including shopping,” DiPasqua says. “We’d lawyer who demonstrates relentless resolve and crossroads” of Ohio—after serving similar often grab lunch on Saturday and head to Target “The people at Kent State made me feel like a undying enthusiasm in the face of seemingly roles in Shawnee Hills, Ohio, and Whispering afterward. We love wandering the aisles looking member of the family,” DiPasqua says. “I made insurmountable odds. Wilson, who has been Dennis O’Connell, MA ’79, and Janelle Pines, NC, and as safety/service director in for deals and spending time together.” so many friends that I’m still in contact with named to the Ohio Super Lawyers list from (Pohlman) O’Connell, MA ’79, Abilene, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. He received an MPA in today. Aaron is currently enrolled in the 2008-2019, has litigated and tried personal So when the couple discussed potential Texas—both professors of physical therapy at 1988 from the University of Toledo, earned the LPN-RN bridge program at Kent State injury cases throughout Ohio and has argued engagement photo locations, they decided Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) in Abilene, designation of certified public manager at the Ashtabula and says the same thing about his two cases before the Ohio Supreme Court. to forgo more typical settings in favor of their Texas—were selected to receive the American Ohio Certified Public Management consortium experience—the Kent State community truly local Target store in Erie, Pa. Their engagement Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and is a graduate of the Public Executive Amy Butler, BS ’85, Elyria, Ohio, was named cares about their students.” photos, taken in mid-July, show them cruising Humanitarian Award, which honors “individuals Leadership Academy at the University of North associate superintendent for secondary schools the aisles, tracking down deals and stocking up DiPasqua and Damron’s wedding will take who exemplify the compassionate nature of the Carolina, School of Government in Chapel Hill. for the Diocese of Cleveland, Office of Catholic on essentials. place on New Year’s Eve 2019. “Our first date physical therapy profession by actively Education, where she will lead the system that Jeffrey Kurtz, BA ’81, MA ’89, Ravenna, was in December, and we became engaged in expressing a commitment to humanity and encompasses 20 secondary schools in the Like many couples these days, they shared Ohio, was inducted into the Northeast Ohio December,” DiPasqua says. “We wanted our exhibiting admirable degrees of selflessness in diocese, including 15 that are independently their photos on Facebook. Little did they Athletic Director’s Associations Hall of Fame in ceremony to be one big celebration with family owned or sponsored by religious orders. know the post would go viral: it was shared PHOTOGRAPHY WHITING ERICA addressing key health concerns.” April 2019. and friends and decided on New Year’s Eve.” almost 20,000 times and liked over 100,000 Aaron Damron and Tony DiPasqua (front), had a The O’Connells started the HSU Physical Tim Fry, BS ’85, Summerton, SC, has Pamela Gent, MEd ’83, PhD ’96, times. Within 24 hours, many major news We wish them a Target-filled gift table and Target-themed engagement photo shoot. Therapy ministries in 1999 and have led published his first novel, The Truth and Nothing Youngstown, Ohio, was organizations were covering their fun much happiness! —Ashley Whaley, BS ’06, students on annual mission trips to serve but the Truth: A Fictional Adventure of Finding named provost and engagement shoot. MEd ’12 citizens locally, state-wide and abroad. The the Truth in a Dark World (Christian Faith academic vice president of award was presented by APTA’s Board of Publishing, June 2018). An engineering Clarion University, Trustees during the APTA NEXT conference and technology graduate, he currently works beginning in December exposition in Chicago in June 2019. in manufacturing, developing products for 2018. Gent, who came to original equipment and replacement tires. Michael Tewell, MA ’79, Palm Harbor, Fla., Clarion in 1988 as an impacted by cerebral palsy, started the from Kent State University and a JD from February, 2019). The book examines wrote: “I received my Juris Doctor degree from assistant professor in the Patrick Liverpool, DBA ’85, Henrico, Va., has Pedal-with-Pete Foundation (PwP) in 1993 with Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland storytelling and story making using Jack The George Washington University National Department of Special Education and been named interim provost and vice chancellor the goal to raise $1,000,000 for cerebral palsy State University. tales—“Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Little Jack Law Center [now known as The George (CP) research, which he reached in 2015. Horner,” and “Jack the Giant Killer”—as a Rehabilitation Sciences, had served as interim of academic affairs at North Carolina Central Mike Hermann, MA ’89, Salina, Kan., was Washington University Law School] in 1982, and Pedal-with-Pete is now at $1.2 million and metaphor to talk about teaching and telling. provost since summer. Gent will continue to University. He began his tenure on June 1, 2019. honored by the National Association of I have been a member of the Florida Bar since counting for funding CP research projects With their roots traced back to England, Jack oversee $42.9 million in budgets; academic Most recently, he served as provost and vice Collegiate Directors of Athletics as one of 28 1983. I retired in 2016 after 25 years as an nationally and internationally. tales are an important oral tradition in planning and curriculum development; and president for academic affairs at the University winners of the 2018-19 Under Armour AD assistant public defender in Florida’s Pinellas In 2016 Zeidner completed his autobiography, Appalachian folklore; Cordi, a professional recruitment, hiring and staffing. of Maryland Eastern Shore. [Athletics Directors] of the Year Award. As the and Pasco Counties. It Sucks to be a Gimp: Pedaling to Freedom storyteller, was introduced to them through his vice president and director of athletics at “In my recent self-published book, Adele Green, PhD ’84, Washington, DC, was Earl Miller, BA ’85, Somerville, Mass., (Lulu.com, July 2016), and turned over the Appalachian upbringing. Kansas Wesleyan University, he helped Immortality: The Science of Forbidden Fruit, I presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis professor of neuroscience at MIT, was awarded publishing and profits to Pedal-with-Pete. [We While working as a high school teacher, he fundraise to build a football stadium, added present a compelling theory that our Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s the 2019 George A. Miller Prize in Cognitive recently learned that Peter Zeidner died on began telling stories in the classroom, which sport programs and guided a department that memory-encoded personalities are preserved Who as a leader in the fields of education and Neuroscience for his innovative research. March 15, 2019.] enabled him to connect with students in new has won 25 conference championships while after our bodies die. The book is available in psychology. She specializes in assessing ways. In his book, he argues that engaging with Sandra (Halman) Ranck, BSN ’85, Carolyn Robinson, BA ’87, MA ’14, Wooster, maintaining a department GPA above 3.00. paperback and ebook through most major language, attention, executive functioning the stories of others, valuing every person’s Ashtabula, Ohio, was reappointed to the Ohio, has been awarded an eight-month Hermann has served as athletic director for disorders, learning disabilities and emotional/ voice or identity, and listening (especially to distributors, including Amazon and Ohio Board of Nursing for four years, term institutional journalism fellowship at the 18 years at Niagara, Towson and Kansas social challenges in children (ages six and stories of difference) are of utmost importance IngramSpark. Contact michaelatewell@gmail. 2019-2022. Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute at the Wesleyan universities. above), adolescents and adults. to education and growth. com to inquire about my availability for lectures Missouri School of Journalism. Robinson, one John Hale, AAB ’86, East Liverpool, Ohio, James Wrobel, DPM ’89, Grayslake, Ill., and speaking engagements.” Sherri Lewis, BS ’84, Columbus, Ohio, of seven fellows chosen for the 2019-20 class, Michael Lanstrum, BS ’91, Middleburg Heights, wrote: “I was named publisher ofHerald-Star received the American Diabetes Association’s wrote: “After 32 years of teaching in Columbus is the regional director of newsroom practice Ohio, wrote: “I presented 1980s (Steubenville, Ohio) and TheWeirton Daily Times 2019 Roger Pecoraro Award in recognition and City Schools, I retired in 2017. I am enjoying change for the Solutions Journalism Network, ‘Historical Women in David Malick, BA ’80, Birmingham, Ala., (Weirton, W.Va.) on November 7, 2018. I am appreciation for outstanding contributions to retirement and being a grammie to two an organization that trains journalists to cover Mathematics’ for the joined as partner in the employed by Ogden Newspapers and have over the knowledge and treatment of the diabetic little grandsons.” how and where people are effectively Westlake Active Seniors Birmingham office of 33 years’ experience in the newspaper industry.” foot. He is the fifth podiatrist in 27 years to Mark Stockman, BArc ’84, MArc ’86, addressing important community problems. at the Westlake Center Weinberg Wheeler Hudgins Bradley Pees, BBA ’86, Alexandria, Va., was receive the award, which was presented at the Lakewood, Ohio, a partner for Community Services Gunn & Dial, a national trial named lead–federal and state tax controversy Lori Saidleman-Yoh, BA ’87, Milford, Ohio, ADA’s 79th Scientific Sessions, June 7-11, 2019, at in the Construction in Westlake, Ohio, on firm. He represents at Nestlé in October 2018. He was recently has joined The Kenwood by Senior Star, the Moscone Convention Center in San Practice Group at Frantz May 17, 2019.” employers and companies in elected as 2019/2020 Region 8 VP by the Tax Cincinnati, as assistant executive director Francisco. Wrobel, a clinical associate professor Ward LLP in Cleveland, was defense of various types of Executives Institute. and director of health services. She has in the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, R. Charles Byers, PhD ’92, Dunbar, W.Va., litigation. Prior to attending recognized in the 2019 more than 29 years of experience in the and Diabetes at the University of Michigan, was named interim provost and vice president law school, Malick was a professional musician edition of The Best Lawyers Peter Zeidner, BBA ’86, Kent, Ohio, received healthcare industry. delivered the Roger Pecoraro Award Lecture, for academic affairs at West Virginia State and played for Tony Bennett, Bob Hope, Dizzy in America in the practice the Cathleen Lyle Murray Foundation Award at “Artificial Intelligence for Predicting Diabetes- University (WVSU), effective July 1, 2019. Andre Burton, BA ’89, Cleveland, has Gillespie and President Ford, among others. He area of Real Estate / the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Related Foot Ulcer Outcomes,” on June 8. Byers, a 1968 graduate of the university, had been appointed vice president for human received a Master of Theology in Bible Exposition Construction. His article, “Building on Developmental Medicine annual meeting in previously served at WVSU for nearly 41 years resources and diversity at Northeast Ohio with honors from Dallas Theological Seminary Blockchain: Considering potential applications October 2018—selected for his impact on 1990s in professorial and administrative capacities, Medical University. He previously served in and a law degree from Capital University Law. in design & construction” was published in the society through humanitarian efforts to Kevin Cordi, BSE ’90, Columbus, Ohio, including professor of teacher education, vice February 2019 issue of Properties magazine. enhance the lives of persons with severe the role as interim vice president. Burton released You Don’t Know Jack: A Storyteller multiple disabilities. Zeidner, significantly earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice Goes to School (University Press of Mississippi, 38 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 39 alumni LIFE

president for planning and advancement, Title Carrie (Newtz) Wible, BA ’96, Wadsworth, Bryan Fowler, MBA ’99, Peoria, Ill., is vice Golden Years all 33 games and averaged 7.6 points, 5.6 III director and executive director for the WVSU Ohio, teaches ESL at Norton City Schools. She president and chief information officer at RLI rebounds, 2.8 steals and 2.5 assists per game. With the last name Golden, an illustrious Research and Development Corporation. He is a freelance writer and also serves the Insurance Company, where he is responsible In April, she received the Judith K. Devine retired as university provost and vice president Wadsworth Community Band as secretary, for leading RLI’s IT strategy and initiatives collegiate career at Kent State University seemed almost destined to be for this student-athlete. Excellence in Leadership Award, which for academic affairs in 2014. soloist and music arranger. to support company business goals. He recognizes a senior Kent State student-athlete previously served as VP and CIO of Oregon In reality, it was through focused effort and Michael Austin, BBA ’93, Coral Springs, Fla., has Marsha Deem, BSE ’97, Canton, Ohio, an art who demonstrates leadership abilities within Mutual Insurance and in various IT leadership determination that Alexa Golden, BA ’18, been named director of strategic partnerships for teacher at Northwest Primary School, was their team, department, collegial unit and roles at Progressive Insurance. MA ’19, Kent, Ohio, made a name for herself at ABB Optical Group, a leading provider of optical named Teacher of the Month for Northwest Kent State. community. “I hope to help other student- products and business services in the eyecare Local Schools in April 2019. Cynthia Wilkinson, BS ’99, Tampa, Fla., athletes with the [leadership] skills I learned industry, based in Coral Springs, Fla. In his new has a 17-year medical career as a registered On the basketball court and in the classroom, along the way,” Golden says. Paul Santell, BBA ’97, Astoria, NY, received a position, Austin will be instrumental in identifying, diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) and a Golden strove for excellence and achieved it. CNN Hero award for his cat rescue efforts. He This unrelenting drive is nothing new to Golden, developing and maximizing the relationships registered vascular technologist (RVT). Her accomplishments in academics, athletics, started out feeding neighborhood cats, but who maintained a 3.7 GPA while competing and between ABB Optical and leading organizations in service and leadership throughout her college then realized that trapping, fixing and returning completing two degrees in four years. She took the optical industry. 2000s career led to her nomination for this year’s them could save generations of feral felines NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) college-level classes during high school, which Cheryle Snead-Greene, MEd ’93, Houston, from danger and disease. After taking a course allowed her to earn her bachelor’s degree in Woman of the Year Award—among a record Alexa Golden dribbles down the court in a game criminal justice/safety studies in two and a has been promoted to assistant provost in sponsored by the ASPCA, the New York City high of 585 graduating female college athletes against Youngstown State this past spring. the Office for Academic Affairs at Prairie View Feral Cat Initiative and Alley Cat Allies, Santell nominated by NCAA member schools to honor half years. Earlier this year, she completed A&M University, a member of the Texas A&M became a rescuer. their top graduating student-athletes. her master’s degree in sport and fitness University System. His nonprofit trap-neuter-return efforts have to total 500 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, administration/management, adding that earned him the moniker “Paul the Cat Guy.” Golden, a three-time Academic All-MAC academic accomplishment to her mounting list John Staats, BFA ’93, Copley, Ohio, who was 200 steals and 100 three-point field goals. This Since 2014 he has helped trap, fix and, in some honoree, has the distinction of being the only of achievements. —Bethany Sava, BS ’12 the World of Warcraft’s first 3D level designer, past season, Golden’s senior year, she started cases adopt out more than 2,000 cats in player in Kent State women’s basketball history wrote The WoW Diary: A Journal of Computer Queens, New York, and the surrounding areas. Game Development (whenitsready, June See a video at http://bit.ly/PaulSantell 1, 2019). Written from notes he took during Craig Whitaker, BSE ’00, Massillon, Ohio, a Carolyn Carvalho, AAB ’03, BTec ’05, Architects, an award-winning contemporary WoW’s creation, it offers a rare, unfiltered look Marianne Senvisky, AS ’97, BA ’08, Kent, physical geology teacher at Perry High School, MTec ’07, Ashtabula, Ohio, studio specializing in urban residential design, inside the gaming industry—explaining why Ohio, is the CEO/Chief Navigator of Pathfinder recently was awarded the 2019 Pipeline Award associate lecturer at Kent with an eclectic portfolio of custom residential, developers do things and debunking popular Career Consulting, which she founded this from the Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education State University at multifamily and mixed-use ventures. myths about the games industry. Available past year. She also earned her SHRM-CP and Program (OOGEEP), given each year to an Ashtabula, was named a Headquartered in the Caxton Building on Amazon. CESP credentials. individual who has made a positive educational finalist by the Northeast downtown, the practice has six employees and Theresa Haskins, BA ’01, Hartville, Ohio, impact in the state—in his case, a teacher Ohio Council on Higher a 30 percent year-over-year growth rate since Tony Alves, BA ’95, Jaime Bowman, BS ’98, Spokane, Wash., received a 2019 Dissertation of Distinction workbook he helped create that has lessons Education (NOCHE) for The its 2011 launch. Bridgeport, Conn., was recently joined Washington State University’s award from USC Rossier School of Education focusing on geology. The sixth recipient to Expys 2019 Best College named director of alumni first community-based medical school, the Claudia Kovach, BS ’03, MA ’09, for her research on autism employment. receive the industry’s annual award, Whitaker Advisor. The annual awards program “recognizes relations and parent Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, as clerkship Canfield, Ohio, vice president of City Machine was honored during the OOGEEP’s presentation the best-of-the-best in Northeast Ohio’s engagement of Albertus director of Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship. Technologies, Inc., in June received the 2019 David Basler, BS ’00, Centennial, Colo., was at the Ohio Oil and Gas Association’s annual internship and experiential learning ecosystem.” Magnus College, New Bowman, MD, FAAFP, is designing the Small Business Champion award from NFIB, recently named vice president of membership industry meeting. Carvalho teaches in the information technology Haven, Conn., as of first-of-its-kind program, across a four-campus Ohio’s leading small business association. Each and marketing at ARVC, an association program at Kent State University at Ashtabula December 2018. distributed model, that accounts for 25 percent Dana Jancik Eggers, MA ’01, Bay Village, year, NFIB awards an individual, among its representing 3,000 private RV parks and and coordinates internships and practicums for of these future physicians’ education. Ohio, was hired for the new role of coordinator membership of 22,000 Ohio small businesses, Melissa (Berger) Hoch, BBA ’95, Dover, campgrounds in the US and Canada. students in the IT majors. of pupil personnel by the North Ridgeville who gives of his/her time and resources to Ohio, has been named the new chief financial Cheree Davis, BSE ’98, Middle River, Md., Megan (Nellis) Burnside, BS ’00, and Chris City Schools Board, beginning August 1, 2019. Westleigh Harper, BS ’03, BArc ’04, promote small-business causes through officer at CommQuest Services, as of January began an adjunct faculty position at Johns Burnside, BA ’01, Dayton, Ohio, members of Eggers most recently was the autism program and Michael Horton, BS ’05, BArc ’06, involvement in NFIB activities and 2019. She has more than 20 years of experience Hopkins University School of Education in the Dayton Writers Movement (known for their director for the Geauga County Educational Cleveland, are principals of Horton Harper demonstrates a spirit of service toward the in financial leadership roles. Most recently she Baltimore, Md., in June 2019. first audio drama Unwritten with fans across Service Center, a position she had held since was director of oncology business operations Aimee Hagerty Johnson, BA ’98, Northfield, 60+ countries), launched a new fiction podcast 2010. She received a Bachelor of Science for the Aultman Health Foundation. Minn., author and illustrator, through all major podcast outlets across degree in hearing and speech sciences from Kathy Korcheck, MA ’95, MA ’97, Ottumwa, has had her debut picture the globe on February 14, 2019. The Hidden Ohio University, a Master of Arts degree in Iowa, was recently promoted to professor of book, The Fir and I, People podcast—a 22-episode audio drama speech language pathology from Kent State Spanish at Central College in Pella, Iowa, where purchased by publisher series with murder, mystery and madness— University, and a pupil services personnel she also serves as honors and emerging Page Street Kids, slated for is brought to life with full audio design, licensure from Cleveland State University. scholars director. production in 2020. original music scoring and compositions, and Lauren Worley, BA ’01, Cincinnati, chief performances by trained actors. Donald Sparks, BSE ’95, Brunswick, Ohio, communications and engagement officer for was hired as athletic director by the North Megan Oakleaf, MLS ’00, Manlius, NY, Cincinnati Public Schools, was named a Woman Ridgeville City Schools Board, beginning Scott Maidman, BA ’98, Pittsburgh, was associate professor and director of instructional of Influence by LEAD Venue Magazine and August 1, 2019. Previously, Sparks served as named to Forbes “Best in State Wealth quality at Syracuse University, is the winner of Cincinnati Business Courier’s Forty Under 40. Parma’s Normandy High School athletic Advisors” 2019 and Forbes “America’s Top Next the 2019 Association of College and Research Jason Dorfman, BGS ’02, Aliso Viejo, Calif., director for nine years. Generation Wealth Advisors” list in 2018. Libraries (ACRL) Instruction Section’s Miriam is the cofounder and president of Krisp Dudley Instruction Librarian Award, which Pam DeFino, MLS ’96, Berea, Ohio, Berea Matthew Bryant, BSE ’99, Bowling Green, Nutrition/Keto Krisp and serves as the vice recognizes a librarian who has made a significant July 12, 2019. He served as the guest judge for Branch Library manager, retired from her Ky., a physics teacher at South Warren High president of pet products for Medterra. He Eric Meek, MFA ’03, Painted Post, NY, senior contribution to the advancement of instruction the finale and helped select the winner of the hometown library on February 28, 2019. While a School, is one of nine science, technology, is also the senior vice president of sales for manager of the Hot Glass Programs at The engineering and math teachers from across in a college or research library environment. Corning Museum of Glass, was featured in the show. Pictured: Eric Meek, at far right, with student at Berea High School in the 1970s, she bDirect Companies, LLC. contestants on the show. volunteered as a page at the Berea Branch and the United States named a 2019-2020 Albert Netflix series Blown Away, the first-ever glass- years later became its branch manager in 2012. Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow by the blowing competition, which launched on US Department of Energy in June 2019. He will spend 11 months serving in a federal agency or 40 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE US congressional office in Washington, DC. FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 41 alumni LIFE flash FORWARD

community and a commitment to advancing beginning July 1, 2019. A member of the Speaking Up for Infants that prioritize commercial interests. In her the concept of free enterprise. Her parents are American Counseling Association Professional second statement, she called on the WHO former recipients of the award, and she has Standards Committee, she has been an ACA Katie Campbell, BS ’18, Brighton, England, to avoid conflicts of interest that arise when been with her family’s business since 2006. member for more than 17 years. Her research is putting her Kent State education in public noncommunicable disease prevention efforts and publications focus on professional health to work at the global level. This May, are created via corporate partnerships. advocacy, self-injurious behavior, body image, Campbell presented at the 72nd World After graduating from Kent State’s College of bilingual counselor supervision and training, Health Assembly annual meeting in Geneva, Public Health, Campbell enrolled in a master’s integrated behavioral health care and Switzerland. The assembly is the decision- program at the University of Brighton in relational-cultural theory. making body of the World Health Organization (WHO) and provides a forum to discuss, debate England, where she studied health promotion. Haraz Ghanbari, BS ’04, Perrysburg, Ohio, and decide global health policies. With her coursework completed, she is focused was sworn into the Ohio House on March 27, on writing her master’s thesis, which consists 2019, to fill the Wood County seat vacated by Campbell testified on behalf of the of an analysis of interview data from fathers now Senator Theresa Gavarone. Fresh from International Baby Food Action Network, a in 12 different countries regarding the role of Perrysburg City Council, he was selected by global network of organizations dedicated fathers in breastfeeding. now fellow House Republicans to complete the to reducing infant mortality by promoting Her future aspirations are to work in the 21 months left in Gavarone’s unexpired term. Kaitlyn Black, BA ’05, Sherman Oaks, optimal infant feeding practices. She was health policy arena. “My experience with Baby He is expected to run in 2020 for a two-year Calif., starred in the Off-Broadway premiere of presented this opportunity as a result of her Milk Action and my involvement in the World term of his own. Robyn Lynne Norris’ musical comedy improv internship with UK–based Baby Milk Action, Health Assembly have convinced me that show #DateMe: An OKCupid Experiment at the part of the network. Elizabeth Mowers, BS ’04, Mogadore, Ohio, major changes in health can be accomplished Katie Campbell, BS ’18, speaking at the 72nd Westside Theatre from June 20 to Sept. 15. The wrote, “In March, I celebrated the release of my In her first statement, Campbell called on the through health policy,” Campbell says. “That’s World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. Samuel “Blitz” Bazawule, BBA ’04, New show follows a down-on-her-luck dater as she first novel, A Promise Remembered (Harlequin WHO to support efforts “to ensure publicly why I want to pursue a career either at the York, NY, hip-hop artist, filmmaker and visual goes online and creates 38 fake dating profiles Heartwarming, 2019). Years ago, when my first funded universal health coverage, with primary federal level back home in the States or with a artist, is known by the stage name Blitz the in hopes of better understanding the random child wouldn’t nap without being held, I rocked health care and prevention” and to make UN organization.” don’t be afraid. I was terrified to speak, but it Ambassador. He wrote, directed and scored nature of love and dating. her to sleep while typing a book idea on my breastfeeding promotion available to all. She was a once-in-a-lifetime chance that I knew I the independent movie, The Burial of Kojo, Earlier this year, the short film,Relationship When asked for any advice to students, she smartphone. After three years (and another warned delegates of the risks associated had to take.” —Julie Miller, BS ’87 which was acquired by Ava DuVernay’s film Deli, written by and starring Black, was says, “Take any opportunities that come to you; baby), I had written the entire novel on my with relying on privatized health services distribution collective, ARRAY Releasing. featured in the 2019 Cleveland International phone. While that book was rejected, it The dramatic feature, streaming on Netflix Film Festival and on the popular Funny or connected me to the woman who is now my as of March 31, 2019, played in select movie Die site in October 2018. The film depicts editor and kicked off my full-time writing theaters in cities nationwide in spring 2019. a desperate woman and a deli worker National Guard. In addition, he serves on the career. Follow me on Facebook or check out my Set in Bazawule’s native country of Ghana, attempting to build the perfect relationship, Kent State University Alumni Association website at www.elizabethmowers.com.” the film (which has elements of magical sandwich-style. National Board of Directors. realism, but is rooted in truth) is about David Strukel, MEd ’04, Massillon, Ohio, an Black appeared on the CW series Hart of Justin Williams, BBA ’05, MBA ’07, feuding brothers and the journey of one assistant professor in communication at Hiram Dixie, playing fan-favorite character Annabeth Orlando, Fla., is the new chief operating officer of their daughters to save more than their College, was named an Apple Distinguished Nass from 2011-2015. for Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for relationship. It caught the eye of DuVernay Educator for 2019. Children, a 158-bed pediatric hospital in when it played at the 2018 Urbanworld Film Susan Chylik, BBA ’05, Litchfield, Ohio, has providing regulatory compliance and risk Orlando, Fla. He has had more than 14 years of Festival in New York, where it became the been selected to participate in the Leadership management advice to consumer financial experience in finance, strategic planning and “Best Narrative Feature Winner (World Council on Legal Diversity’s 2019 Fellows services companies, with a focus on data hospital operations. Prior to this, he was Cinema)” at the festival. program, which aims to identify, train and privacy and credit reporting issues. She was director of operations at University Hospitals The film recently won the Luxor African advance the next generation of leaders in the named a 2019 “Rising Star” in Banking by Ohio Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital Film Festival grand prize for “Best Narrative legal profession. Chylik is a member in Super Lawyers and is active in local and Feature” in Egypt, and it was screened at Jeremy Martin, BGS ’07, Venice, Fla., was McGlinchey Stafford’s Cleveland office, national bar associations. the 2019 Whitney Biennial, an invitational recently promoted to head coach of the girls’ varsity basketball team at Venice High School exhibition at the Whitney Museum of Patrick Snyder, BS ’08, Westerville, Ohio, Josef Kotermanski, BSN ’10, Chesterfield, in Florida. He had previously coached the junior American Art. member of the Kent State Bowling Club from Mich., obtained a Master of Science in Nursing varsity boys’ basketball team at Venice High for 2003 to 2008, in May was designated Men’s after working in a Detroit emergency room seven years. Singles Champion (among 199 bowlers) at for six years. He currently works in trauma Todd McLaughlin, BSE ’03, Salem, Ohio, was the 2019 Columbus [Ohio] City 10-Pin Bowling Erica (Hudkins) Cofojohn, BBA ’08, Stow, surgery in the Detroit area. named the new principal of Salem High School, Championship ($640 prize) and earned a Ohio, was appointed senior vice president of effective August 1, 2019, with the three-year B(etter) than A(verage) D(awg) trophy and human resources at Associated Materials in contract expiring July 31, 2022. The 1997 Salem $120 at the TOP DAWG Tournament (among Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. High School graduate joined the district as 60+ bowlers), where he was 161 pins over Caitlin Faas, BA ’08, Gettysburg, Pa., wrote, 2010s junior high dean of students and districtwide his league-based average. In July, his high “I earned tenure and promotion to associate Carolyn Conway Novak, BA ’10, Cleveland, clerk of the works in August 2014 and most 6-game handicap series at the Tony Black professor of psychology and department received a “25 under 35” award from her high recently has been serving as assistant junior Doubles competition added $500 to this year’s chair at Mount St. Mary’s University in school, Saint Joseph Academy, in recognition high principal. earnings, which so far total $1,260. Pictured: Emmitsburg, Md.” for compassionate leadership, service in a left, Patrick Snyder with his trophy. Heather Trepal, PhD ’03, San Antonio, Elizabeth Treiber, MSN ’05, Cleveland, when the Cleveland Cavaliers hosted Nurse global society, overall achievements and William Yoder, DPM ’08, Oak Creek, Wis., professor and clinical mental health counseling Sara Dorris, AAS ’06, BSN ’11, Youngstown, Night 2019 on March 2, 2019. Learn about their spirituality. Novak, who majored in political was named a 2019 “Patient Preferred Foot & program coordinator at the University of Texas Ohio, Austin Jeffers, AS ’17, BSN ’17, East achievements at http://bit.ly/nursefinalists. Russell Galeti Jr. BA ’05, Washington, DC, science at KSU, is a social activist who fosters Ankle Surgeon” for the state of Wisconsin in at San Antonio, was named the 68th president Palestine, Ohio, and Michele Radovanic, Pictured (l to r): Jessica Robinson, Dawn has a new position as a strategic planner in the relationships with community leaders, citizens June, in recognition of his dedication and of the American Counseling Association, AAA ’15, Madison, Ohio, were among 10 MacKay, Kristina Smith, Austin Jeffers, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs within the US and those working for positive change. excellence in patient care. finalists for the “Nurse Hero” award honored Antanette Gott, Elizabeth Treiber, Michele Department of State in Washington, DC. He is on the court during a pregame ceremony Radovanic, Sara Dorris also a major and serves as operations officer for the 2nd Squadron, 107th Cavalry, Ohio Army 42 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 43 alumni LIFE alumni LIFE

Meghan Hennessey Shimmin, BSE ’10, Jessica Stuck, BA ’12, BS ’12, MArc ’13, Fellowship in Fashion Cleveland, received a “25 under 35” award from Washington, DC, has joined Quinn Evans Jasmine Summers, BA ’16, Phnom Penh, her high school, Saint Joseph Academy, in Architects as a project architect in their Cambodia, KSU Fashion School graduate, recognition for compassionate leadership, Washington, DC office. wrote, “I’ve spent the last year living in the service in a global society, overall Rachel Walter, MEd ’12, Cleveland, currently capital city of Cambodia, running a fashion achievements and spirituality. Shimmin, who the main academic advisor to students vocational training program for Nomi Network, majored in early childhood education at KSU, majoring in special education and ASL/English a nonprofit economic development agency has spent her career working in low-income interpreting at KSU’s College of Education, that seeks to eliminate human trafficking in school districts and works to create and Health and Human Services, recently began a India and Cambodia through education and implement enjoyable, school-wide activities new position as an independent career coach economic empowerment. that foster learning. at CareerArc, assisting outplaced employees “I’m returning to Cambodia in September for a COURTESY JASMINE SUMMERS Stephanie (St. Jacques) Walker, searching for their next career move. second year to continue giving back my skills Jasmine Summers (in center, wearing black floral top) with students in her Basic Patternmaking MEd ’10, Whitmore Lake, Mich., is now Amelia (Chamberlain) Plunkett, BA ’13, and education by supporting the education, class in Cambodia. associate director of the Science Learning Dayton, Ohio, who moved up the ranks from up-skilling, capacity building and market Center at the University of Michigan. Prior to intern to sales development manager since Angela Jameson, BSE ’14, MLIS ’18, growth of rising designers, social enterprises “In my role as Nomi Network’s international for Nomi’s fashion brand, mostly accessories joining the SLC, she served as director of the joining LexisNexis in 2014, was named one of Kent, Ohio, library media specialist at Chagrin and producers who employ and empower fashion fellow, I oversee curriculum and apparel, made in Cambodia and sold in the Kent State University Academic Success Center. the 2018 Top 25 Women to Watch in Dayton by Falls Schools, was honored by Kent State impoverished women in Cambodia, so that development, volunteer trainer recruitment United States. My first collection will launch Carolyn Drummond, BS ’11, Durham, NC, Women in Business Networking, a program of University School of Information (iSchool) they have more options than just factory work, and teach within my own areas of expertise. I later this year.” has been promoted to program marketing the Better Business Bureau of Dayton and Miami with its Dan MacLachlan Award in Library and sex work or migrant work. also manage design and product development manager, NA field marketing at Red Hat (which Valley. The women were honored at the 25 Information Science on April 25, 2019. The acquired Ansible Automation), focusing on Women to Watch gala in February 2019. award is given to a library media specialist who event management, content marketing and She and her husband,Max Plunkett II, exhibits creativity, leadership and dedication in project management. BA ’13, family wealth advisor/financial advisor at his/her school. Laura Roch, BS ’16, Youngstown, Ohio, The Plunkett Group at Morgan Stanley, are both Lauren Kotmel, BA ’11, Cleveland, was accepted a position with Notre Dame Mission involved in their community and met when they named to Crain’s Cleveland Business’s “Twenty Alexander Evans, BS ’14, BBA ’14, Volunteers AmeriCorps as the site director were freshmen at Kent State University. in Their 20s” list (in their June issue) of BSPH ’14, MBA ’15, MGISC ’19, Columbus, for Northeast Ohio (Cleveland/Youngstown). upcoming community leaders to watch in Kathryn Clarkin, BA ’14, Los Angeles, Ohio, joined Franklin County Public Health Among other duties, she will be recruiting Cleveland’s future. started a new position as special assistant to as an epidemiologist. His work will focus on potential AmeriCorps members and nonprofit the governor at Office of the Governor, State of understanding the public health impacts of educational sites in the Northeast Ohio area, Parva Markiw, BS ’12, MArc ’14, Greentree, California, in May 2019. climate change and implementing a GIS to doing member training, and assisting with Pa., joined the professional enhance environmental health programs. leadership skills and professional development.’ staff at WTW Architects of Corey Conners, BS ’14, Palm Beach Gardens, Pittsburgh, where she is Fla., who played golf for Kent State from 2010- Meghan Marano, BA ’14, Willoughby, Ohio, Torey Frame, BA ’17, Atwater, Ohio, is the first currently assisting the 2014, won the Valero Texas Open at the TPC San associate banking advisor at PNC Bank, was full-time female police officer in Streetsboro in WTW team designing a Antonio Oaks Course in San Antonio, Texas, in nominated for the inaugural Young Nonprofit over 20 years. She graduated with a degree in new residence hall at SUNY April 2019. He finished 20-under-par with a final Professional of the Year Award in 2019 by criminology and psychology and decided to Polytechnic Institute in round score of 66 to secure his first PGA Tour the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network pursue law enforcement as a career. Utica, New York. win, banking a winning purse of $1.35 million of Cleveland. Previously, she was awarded and earning a trip to the Masters. Volunteer of the Year from Youth Opportunities Brandon Bounds, BS ’19, Columbus, Ohio, State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Unlimited in 2017 for her service to youth in associate producer at 10TV.com, was part Journalism and Mass Communication. communities across NE Ohio. of a team of top journalism students from 19 Kent State’s School of Journalism and Mass Sarah Roman, BA ’14, Lakewood, Ohio, universities who earned the 2019 Student Communication recognized Bounds earlier received a “25 under 35” award from her high Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in this year with the Robert G. McGruder Student school, Saint Joseph Academy, in recognition Digital Reporting for their project “Hate in Award for Diversity, for his work on the project, for compassionate leadership, service in a America.” Their package of multimedia stories which also received a 2019 Robert F. Kennedy global society, overall achievements and focused on acts of intolerance, racism and hate Journalism Award in the college category. spirituality. Roman, who majored in art history crimes across the country, as part of the The 2019 winners were recognized at the at KSU, uses art to help others work through Carnegie-Knight News21 program, an in-depth Edward R. Murrow Awards black tie event painful experiences and difficult times. journalism collaborative based at Arizona hosted by the Radio Television Digital News Association on Oct. 24 in New York City. Hattie Tracy, MPA ’14, Medina, Ohio, was named senior vice president of clinical services for Coleman Professional Services. Madison Viering, BS ’16, Carmel, Ind., Most recently, Tracy was senior director of received a master’s degree in school Jasmine Hoff, BSN ’17, MSN ’19, May 16, 2021. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical strategy, community outreach and counseling from Butler University’s College Cleveland, was appointed nursing practice and an adult gerontology acute Sara Courie, BA ’13, MAT ’14, Tallmadge, When Claney heard that the students had healthcare integration at Child Guidance and of Education. Upon graduation, she by Ohio Governor Mike care nurse practitioner graduate certificate. Ohio, a 2nd grade teacher at Dunbar decided to create signs, he volunteered to Family Solutions of Summit County. She is both a accepted a position as school counselor at DeWine to a two-year term A registered nurse who has achieved board Elementary School in Tallmadge, and Matthew assist and met with the class through video licensed independent social work supervisor and Suncrest Elementary School in Frankfort, as a graduate student certification, she currently serves as assistant Claney, BS ’13, Greensburg, Pa., a graphic conferencing. Students came up with sign ideas a licensed chemical dependency counselor III. Ind. Pictured (l to r): Holly Viering (mother), trustee of the Kent State nurse manager at Cleveland Clinic’s Heart and designer, became friends their first weeks on and voted on the best designs to send him. Maddie Viering, Chip Viering, BS ’86 University Board of Lung Transplant Unit in Cleveland and as adjunct campus through the KSU Marching Golden To raise funds for the signs, the students (father), Patrick Viering (brother) Trustees. Hoff’s term faculty in Kent State’s College of Nursing. Flashes—and collaborated after graduation. recycled plastic water bottles into glitter jars began June 11 and ends Courie’s 2nd grade class at Dunbar noticed that they sold at school. Claney created a video a lot of trash on the school playground, so she for the students to illustrate the design process challenged the students to do something to and reveal their final product (see http://bit.ly/ help keep it clean. CourieClass). FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 45 alumni LIFE in MEMORY 1970s Chad Kozan, BA ’17, CER1 ’18, Madison, 1940s Louis Endress, DPM ’70, October 1, 2018 Ohio, is a natural resources officer for the Send Us Your Class Note Barry Koblentz, DPM ’70, December 18, 2018 Fern (Boltz) Greenamyer, BS ’41, May 26, 2019 Ohio Department of Natural Resources, We’d love to hear from you! Geraldine Radcliff, MEd ’70, April 20, 2019 Mildred Dixon, DPM ’44, November 2, 2018 specializing in marine and operating-while- Art Gohs, BA ’71, April 11, 2018 To share your news: Fill out the form at Mildred Roberts, BS ’46, MEd ’51, February 19, 2019 under-the influence enforcement. He gives James Heasley, MEd ’71, December 4, 2018 www.kent.edu/classnotes (You may Theodore Taubert, BBA ’47, February 27, 2019 back to the community as a boating John Rowe, BFA ’72, January 12, 2018 include a high-resolution image in JPEG, James Brainerd, BS ’48, MA ’49, February 1, 2019 instructor on a volunteer basis and is Darryl Stewart, BA ’72, MPA ’72, April 14, 2018 GIF or PNG format) or write: Alvin Howdyshell, BBA ’49, April 21, 2019 attending Bowling Green State University for Marcia White, BSE ’72, MEd ’90, March 17, 2019 a master’s degree in criminal justice. Kent State University Alumni 1950s Robert Bell, BBA ’73, September 19, 2017 Center for Philanthropy & Engagement George El-Hajj, DPM ’73, October 2, 2018 Diane Smith, MA ’17, Phyllis Gamble, BA ’50, September 16, 2018 P.O. Box 5190 Patrick McGivern, MEd ’73, October 25, 2018 Phoenix, public relations Louis Kaczur, DPM ’50, December 1, 2017 Kent, OH 44242 Doris Jane Regas, BS ’73, February 19, 2019 and communications Donald Kagey, BBA ’50, January 24, 2019 Gail Featheringham, BS ’74, MLS ’93, October 17, 2018 manager at Pima Medical Limit your notes to 100 words or less, and Martin Pfinsgraff, BS ’50, October 17, 2018 Lillian Goldberg, MLS ’74, June 20, 2018 Institute, was awarded include your degree(s), class year(s), and Thomas Anderson, BA ’53, MA ’55, January 21, 2019 Julian Edelman, BIS ’19, Boston, former Joel O'Sickey, BS ’74, May 12, 2018 “Best Public Relations Pro city/state of residence. Notes may be Richard Knuth, BS ’54, MEd ’73, June 20, 2019 Golden Flash quarterback, current Patriots Donna Welch, BS ’74, October 20, 2018 (Female)” by Arizona edited for length or clarity and published George Paris, BA ’54, August 16, 2018 wide receiver, three-time Super Bowl Gerry Kuhel, BS ’75, May 3, 2019 Foothills Magazine. as space allows. Robert Shafer, DPM ’54, September 20, 2018 champion, 2018 Super Bowl MVP, 2015 Gale Ellis Taliano, BA ’75, February 23, 2018 Clyde Woods, BBA ’54, February 21, 2019 Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal and Emma Buss, BBA ’19, New Philadelphia, Deadline for submissions: Mark Camperchioli, BS ’76, March 5, 2018 Lillian Eck, BSE ’55, January 27, 2019 Varsity “K” Hall of Fame Inductee, finished Ohio, was hired as marketing services Spring/Summer December 31 Thomas Herr, MSA ’76, December 30, 2018 Edward Seely, BA ’55, December 22, 2018 the degree he started working toward in coordinator by Whitemeyer Advertising, Fall/Winter June 30 Jay Lifshen, DPM ’76, September 11, 2018 Erven “Skip” Robinson, BS ’56, MEd ’59, April 25, 2019 2006. Prior to attending the Commencement where she interned in summer 2018. Her Craig Mitchell, BBA ’76, January 17, 2019 Robert Hutchison, BS ’57, February 13, 2018 ceremony in May 2019 to receive his diploma, responsibilities include assisting account Keith Sinzinger, BA ’76, November 23, 2018 Shirley Shifferly, BS ’57, MA ’66, February 21, 2019 he said he had completed a Bachelor of executives in digital and social media Edward Floyd, DPM ’77, February 6, 2019 George Grieves, BS ’58, May 5, 2019 Integrative Studies degree to keep a promise marketing strategies and media research and Charles Zurbola, AAS ’77, October 21, 2018 Marcia Smith, BS ’58, February 5, 2015 he made to his parents more than 10 years implementation, along with operations and Cincere Fazekas, BM ’78, September 11, 2018 client service responsibilities. Sarah Smith, BS ’58, March 12, 2019 ago and set an example for his daughter. Larry Hawthorne, AA ’78, September 6, 2018 1960s 1980s Barbara Crumlish, BS ’60, November 20, 2018 Frank Kushner Jr., BSN ’81, September 15, 2018 Daniel Emmett, MEd ’60, August 25, 2017 Judith Mally, MEd ’81, February 26, 2018 Elizabeth (Schneider) Hair, BS ’60, November 20, 2018 TRIBUTE Ronald Spangler, MA ’81, January 10, 2019 Marcia Cohen, BS ’61, July 8, 2017 Beverly MacPherson, BS ’82, January 13, 2019 John Hively, BBA ’61, MBA ’61, June 3, 2018 “Voice of Mission Control” Jean Wood, MEd ’82, January 13, 2019 Paul Hulka, BS ’61, September 14, 2017 Donald Carroll, PhD ’83, June 14, 2019 This year’s 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Phillip Smith, MEd ’62, May 23, 2019 Nelson McCann, MEd ’83, May 10, 2019 moon landing on July 20, 1969, brought to Judith (Simpson) Welk, BS ’62, July 7, 2019 Milan Chovan, BA ’84, June 24, 2019 mind a KSU alumnus who served as NASA’s Ray Gibson, BFA ’63, December 5, 2018 Lonnie Schwartz, DPM ’84, November 27, 2018 first news director during early missions to Gerald Stephan, BS ’63, MEd ’97, January 3, 2019 Amanda Calhoun, BS ’85, June 29, 2018 the moon. Ronald Williams, BA ’63, September 3, 2018 Sunil Jha, MBA ’86, December 1, 2018 “We have liftoff.” William Susco, BS ’64, January 22, 2018 Robert Kaminski, BGS ’86, March 30, 2018 Three iconic words interwoven with Robert Tieman, BBA ’64, April 5, 2019 Peter Zeidner, BBA ’86, March 15, 2019 mankind’s journey into space; three iconic Christine Whitacre, BS ’64, February 15, 2018 Jacqueline Phillips, DPM ’87, February 2, 2019 words that will forever live in history. Albert Lackney, MEd ’65, February 3, 2019 Barbra Maguire, BS ’88, May 26, 2018 While growing up in Tallmadge, Ohio, Raymond Land, DPM ’65, May 21, 2019 Donna Marks, BS ’88, January 23, 2019 Paul Haney, BA ’51, probably never Margaret Miller, BS ’65, MEd ’65, May 3, 2019 dreamed he would be the one to make this William Blair, BA ’66, October 26, 2018 1990s profound announcement to the world after James Gray, BS ’66, MEd ’73, March 18, 2019 Sandra Hawkins, BA ’92, March 26, 2019 a dramatic countdown to a mission in space. Jean Keough-Taffs, BS ’66, MEd ’68, PhD ’74,January 22, 2019 Craig Thompson, BS ’98, BArc ’01, March 4, 2019 But as the National Aeronautics and Space Sara Ledford, BS ’66, MEd ’90, May 20, 2018 Administration’s (NASA) “Voice of Mission Melanie Lockard, BSN ’99, October 28, 2018 NASA Charles Rasper, MEd ’66, March 21, 2019 Control,” he delivered that line and more in his Paul Haney monitors the flight of the Gemini VII spacecraft from his console in the Mission Control Center. Sharon Simkaitis, BS ’66, January 28, 2019 2000s famous, measured tones. Robert Eichel, BA ’67, June 1, 2019 Jessica Spears, BA ’00, January 20, 2019 programs, where his work in the Mercury phases of the Apollo program. He left NASA in James Ondrako, BBA ’67, June 21, 2018 Building a Foundation of Journalistic L’atasha Sipp, BS ’07, June 6, 2019 Excellence Haney put himself through Kent program set the standard for all subsequent 1969 after the successful Apollo 9 mission. Grace (Baters) Schmiedel, BS ’67, May 10, 2019 NASA information efforts. Anthony DeVincentis, DPM ’68, March 11, 2019 State University by working nights for the Historical Legacy Haney received the 1963 2010s From 1962-63, Haney served as public affairs E. Hughes, BBA ’68, July 18, 2018 Associated Press. While at Kent State, he William D. Taylor Journalism Alumnus of the Amber Evans, MLIS ’14, March 23, 2019 (body found); officer for the Office of Manned Space Flight Eugene Nowakowski, MBA ’68, June 30, 2016 majored in journalism and worked at the Daily Year Award, the most prestigious award given missing since January 28, 2019 (now the Johnson Space Center), and directed Mary Peterson, MEd ’68, September 10, 2017 Kent Stater, as well as the Chestnut Burr. by Kent State’s School of Journalism and Mass the information coming out of the Gemini and Thomas Stellers, MEd ’68, PhD ’73, November 2, 2018 Role of a Lifetime Haney worked for several Communication. He was inducted into the FACULTY/STAFF Apollo manned spaceflight programs. It was Saundra Baird, BA ’69, March 23, 2019 newspapers after graduation, but three International Space Hall of Fame in 1993. John Garrett, worked in various administrative functions at in this position that he became known as the Michele Gromelski, BS ’69, December 23, 2018 months after NASA was formed in 1958, he Haney passed away on May 28, 2009, but Kent Campus and KSU at Stark, retired (emeritus) as director of “Voice of NASA’s Mission Control” and the Calvin Stein, BA ’69, September 30, 2018 joined as an information officer. Then, from like those three iconic words, his legacy will live Administrative and Business Services, 1966-1985, assistant to “Voice of Apollo.” Filomena Ziegman, BS ’69, October 25, 2018 1960-62, he served as NASA’s first news on forever. —Stephanie Langguth, BS ’03 manager (golf course) 1987, February 5, 2019 Haney served NASA with distinction director. In this role, he managed the Cape throughout the Gemini program and the early Canaveral and Project Mercury information FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 47 flashBACK giving VOICE Courtesy Special Collections & Archives Collections Special Courtesy

The Drapes of Wrath from which to choose in order to enhance traditional drape look, and that was fine. It his individuality. was their choice, and that was the important I was proud to be a senior English major But the poor female senior who thing—to have a voice in the matter. at Kent State University in 1971 and that wishes her picture in the Burr must bare Almost five decades later, my photograph would appear in the her shoulders and appear in a low cut remembering the incident makes me 1972 Chestnut Burr. But when I read the Zorro cape. smile. A number of women students “instructions” for having my picture taken I, for one, would rather not have my had contacted me after the letter was for the yearbook, I was incensed. I had picture taken than don such an unnatural, published and thanked me for my spent four years at KSU, experiencing ridiculous costume. —Jill Veleba one-woman campaign. May 4, the rise of Black United Students and I admit to having a few qualms after Was that the most important victory the rumble of women’s liberation. I learned I saw the letter in print, just a few days for women at KSU that year? Of course not only academic lessons at Kent State, before my photo appointment. Would not. Not even close. And I like to think I left but gained a better understanding of the the company and photographers who a small mark on KSU in more significant changing world and my own individuality. contracted with the school be upset? ways. If nothing else, than by being an And then I, like every other senior Would they vandalize my senior photo with unofficial ambassador for my college all woman, was required to wear an ugly a Groucho Marx moustache and glasses this time. black drape for my photo, a uniform drawn with a black marker? I cherish my Chestnut Burr, dust it off with no regard to one’s comfort level, To the company’s credit, they once in a while, look at the senior picture personal tastes or consent. My father, rescinded the dress restriction for female of a younger, thinner, no-gray-hair me a professional photographer, and my students. I was elated. and recall with humor the Great Drape mother, an oil portrait painter, would I decided to play it cool, just show Escapade. And here’s the other thing: like never expect someone to wear something up on time for my photo session and not many liberated women on campus in the he or she disapproved of for a sitting. say a word about who I was. A smiling early 70s, I wasn’t wearing a bra under the So I wrote a letter to The Daily Kent photographer greeted me and pointed to a dress I wore for my senior portrait. Simply Stater, which appeared in the Oct. 14, 1971 dressing screen where I could change into scandalous. —Jill Veleba Sell, BS ’72, edition, under the headline the drape. Not on your life. Sagamore Hills, Ohio a “Coed objects to yearbook ‘drape:’” The photographer glared at me, looked While I must congratulate the Chestnut at the name on my appointment card and Check out the Digital Daily Kent Stater Burr for its originality and liberal content snarled, “Oh, you are the one who wrote the Archive at https://dks.library.kent.edu. of KSU’s yearbooks in the past few years, letter.” To his credit, after that comment, I find it unbelievable that its editors have he treated me like everyone else, and my Send us YOUR Flashback: slighted women’s liberation. senior picture came out just fine. Share your memories from Kent State Although a male senior is restricted to Not every woman chose to forgo the and they may appear in a future issue of a suit and tie, he has a myriad of styles drape that year. Many preferred the Kent State Magazine. Email your stories and photos to [email protected].

48 | KENT STATE MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019-20 | 49 P.O. Box 5190 • Kent, OH 44242-0001 University Communications and Marketing 101188 Electronic Service Requested

Special “K” Members of Kent State University’s Class of 2023 form a “K” on the Kent Campus for a photo with President Todd Diacon, Kent State cheerleaders and the university’s mascot, Flash. Learn more about the Class of 2023 on page 5.