alumni-news
Black Alumni Chapter Spotlight - Willard Jenkins, ’73
Kent State Achieves Unprecedented Fundraising Success During First Year of Forever Brighter Campaign
Kent State University launched the public phase of its $350 million Forever Brighter comprehensive fundraising campaign in October 2021, and during the first year of the public campaign, a record-breaking $77.6 million was raised. This philanthropic feat was made possible with the support of 10,687 donors, 3,753 of whom made a gift to Kent State for the first time.
Kent State Celebrates Its Newest Graduates With Summer Commencement Ceremonies
The Kent State University alumni family will grow by more than 1,200 new graduates as the university holds its summer commencement ceremonies. The accomplishments of the Summer Class of 2022 will be recognized with in-person, outdoor commencement ceremonies and a virtual commencement ceremony on Aug. 20.
Alexander Evans, BBA ’14, BS ’14, MBA ’15, M.GISc ’19
After more than two years of a global pandemic, most everyone knows what an epidemiologist does. Alexander (Alex) Evans, BBA ’14, BS ’14, MBA ’15, M.GISc ’19, an epidemiologist at Franklin County Public Health, spent the first 18 months of the pandemic on call, working seven-day, 60-hour weeks on its COVID-19 response. This experience was shared by many epidemiologists, and with tireless work, came burnout.
Kent State’s Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Wins 19 Marketing and Communications Awards
Kent State’s Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement launched the university’s most ambitious fundraising campaign, called Forever Brighter, last October, creating communications and fundraising materials that share the remarkable impact of alumni engagement and donor philanthropy on the university. The division has earned 19 marketing and communications awards from multiple competitions.
George and Gina Jenkins Establish Student-Athlete Scholarship With $1 Million Planned Gift
George L. Jenkins, a 1963 graduate of Kent State University, and his wife, Gina, of Scottsdale, Arizona, have pledged $1 million to create the Gina and George Jenkins Student-Athlete Scholarship Fund that will support student-athletes in any varsity athletics program or team sponsored by Kent State’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Randi Woods, ’03
When it comes to self-care, Randi Woods, '03, is a natural leader.
Kent State Celebrates Its Newest Graduates With Spring Commencement Ceremonies
The Kent State University alumni family will grow by more than 5,000 new graduates as the university holds its spring commencement ceremonies. The accomplishments of the Spring Class of 2022 will be recognized with in-person, outdoor commencement ceremonies on May 12-14 and May 20 and a virtual commencement ceremony for all colleges and degrees on May 15.
Lacy Talley, ’18
Cleveland illustrator, muralist and freelance graphic designer Lacy Talley, ’18, brings ideas of identity, justice and change to life.