Impact Stories
Your Gift Causes an Effect that Reaches Far Beyond Kent State
At Kent State University, what sets us apart is how we come together: to cause discoveries, achievements, sensations and breakthroughs that change the world. When you give through Kent State to an area that matters personally to you, your support becomes a long-term investment in curing diseases, advancing sustainable technologies, enriching vibrant arts communities and ensuring the future of a skilled workforce ready to impact society.
Gifts made through Kent State support scholarships and programs that allow students to pursue their dreams and enter careers that shape our world. With more than 1,100 donor-funded scholarships and programs supported each year, every gift causes an effect – for both the donor and the recipient.
Donors choose exactly where they want their contributions to go. Each and every gift made through Kent State has an impact, no matter the size.
Read on to learn about the effect our generous donors have on our Kent State community and beyond.
The Power of Connection and Kindness
Celebrating World Gratitude Day on Sept. 21Holding the door open for someone behind you, writing a note of 10 things you’re thankful for, volunteering or giving to a cause close to your heart bring so much joy.These are all positive acts you can do on Sept. 21, World Gratitude…
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First Look: The Elliot Scholars
John, ’70, L.H.D. ’24, and Fonda Elliot, L.H.D. ’24. welcomed Kent State University's first cohort of The Elliot Scholars, established through a scholarship initiative designed to support first-generation students across all majors.
Read More »New Member and Officers Announced for the Kent State Alumni Association National Board of Directors
James Bailey, of Hudson, Ohio, has been appointed the Foundation Board representative for the Alumni Association National Board of Directors. James returns to the Board after serving as the president from 2017-2019. He is the senior vice president and managing director of…
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Golden Flashlings
This football season, we’re celebrating the smallest members of our Kent State family with a brand-new social media tradition: Golden Flashlings!Whether they bark, crawl, toddle or just look adorable in blue and gold, we want to see the next generation of Golden Flashes showing…
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John Zabrucky, ’71, MFA ’78
John Zabrucky, ’71, MFA ’78, never planned to shape sci-fi history - but a chance encounter in Los Angeles changed everything.
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Courtney Gumpf, ’07
Courtney Gumpf, ’07, found her passion at Kent State University, where she built lasting connections and gained valuable experience through leadership in Greek life and internships in both Pittsburgh and New York City.
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Legacies Change Lives: Marissa Baker
The compassion, empathy and care nurses showed Marissa Baker when her mother suddenly passed led her to pursue a career in nursing.“The nurses helped me immensely during the hardest time in my life, and I will never forget the way they cared for me,” Marissa said. “I knew I…
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Kent State University Flashes Give Back Week: Serving Communities, Supporting Students and Showing Gratitude
From April 21-26, Golden Flashes came together in remarkable ways to make an impact during Flashes Give Back Week, a weeklong initiative celebrating all the ways Flashes give back.Join InAlumni and friends volunteered where it mattered most - at Kent State University and in…
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Legacies Change Lives: Marissa Baker
The compassion, empathy and care nurses showed Marissa Baker when her mother suddenly passed led her to pursue a career in nursing.“The nurses helped me immensely during the hardest time in my life, and I will never forget the way they cared for me,” Marissa said. “I knew I…
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Opening Doors for Future Nurses
When Phillip R. Ridgley thought back on his career and considered how he could help the next generation of medical professionals, he decided he wanted to open doors for Kent State students pursuing a career in nursing. He decided to start an endowment so that he could continue…
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