Alumni

Carl Walz '77

Carl Walz, ’77

Carl Walz, ’77, has spent 231 days in space - and it all began with a physics degree and the Air Force ROTC program at Kent State. From a nuclear lab to the cockpit of a jet plane to the crew compartment in a rocket ship, Carl attests that his career has been “a wild ride.”  

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Alumni and Giving

Kent State graduate Athalia James is now a nurse at Summa

From Passion to Purpose

Drawn to healthcare as a child, Athalia James pursued that passion all the way to a fulfilling career in nursing. 

Tags: Kent State Works , Community Impact , Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement , Alumni ,

Alumni and Giving

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Institute Explores Peace and Conflict

LaKaleb Bowen, ’24, is a criminology and justice studies major who admits to becoming captivated by Kent State’s education-abroad programs, noting that his most recent trip to Kigali, Rwanda, was an extraordinary experience focused on peace and conflict in the country.

Tags: Prioritizing Student Success , Rising Scholars , Global Education , Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement , Alumni ,

Alumni and Giving

Valoree Vargo (far left),  vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement, and Kent State President Todd Diacon (far right) stand with university donors Larry and Sandy Armstrong (center).

Kent State Secures Two $1 Million Gifts in Support of Global Education

has announced two substantial philanthropic gifts in support of the Global Education Endowment, which was established in 2022 in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Kent State’s education-abroad presence in Florence, Italy.

Tags: Global Education , Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement , Alumni , Global Reach ,

Kent State Today

Lavender Graduation 2024

IN A FLASH: Welcome 2024 Lav Grads!

Ahead of university-wide commencement ceremonies, the annual Lavender Graduation ceremony honors the achievements of graduating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally (LGBTQ+) students at

Tags: Alumni , Student Life , In a Flash

Kent State Today

Alumna Lauren Worley in a factory surrounded by shiny aluminum sheets

Being Open to the Experience: How a Journalism Degree Prepared An Alumna For Anything

Lauren B. Worley, '01, kickstarted her professional journey in public service and currently spearheads communications for Tampax at Procter & Gamble, the global leader in consumer goods.

Tags: School of Media and Journalism , Alumni , jargon

School of Media and Journalism

Lynda Grieves and George “Bill” Grieves Jr., ’58

Sharing Their Love of Education with Future Generations

has held a special place in the hearts of Lynda Grieves and her husband George “Bill” Grieves Jr., ’58, who passed away in 2019. For their 60th wedding anniversary, Bill and Lynda chose to create a scholarship through a charitable gift annuity instead of having a party.

Tags: Inspiring Stories , Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement , Legacy , Alumni ,

Alumni and Giving

Rollie, ’64, and Frances Layfield visit Kent State’s Army ROTC

Rollie, ’64, and Frances Layfield Help Students Build Skills for Success

Hard work and discipline are a driving force for Rollie Layfield, ’64, and they have served him well throughout his life and his career in business. He credits both his degree program in business administration and his time in the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program at for helping him develop the leadership, entrepreneurship and organizational skills to thrive after graduation.

Tags: Inspiring Stories , Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement , Legacy , Alumni ,

Alumni and Giving

Image of tools

Modern Humans Using Ancient Tools

Kent State anthropology professor Metin Eren, Ph.D., has a hands-on approach when teaching students about prehistoric stone tools that involves immersing themselves in a specially equipped lab in Lowry Hall that features everything from flint arrowheads to a ballistics station.

Tags: Prioritizing Student Success , Beyond Academics , Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement , Alumni ,

Alumni and Giving

Alison Caplan in Washington DC

‘May 4 Moments’

In her first year as the director of the May 4 Visitor Center, Alison Caplan has enjoyed uniquely wonderful and "magical" experiences in how Kent State's history creates connections and inspiration.

Tags: May 4 , May 4 Visitors Center , Community Impact , Alumni , University News , University Libraries , Oral History , Community & Society

Kent State Today