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Current Alumni Awards Recipients

Alumni Awards banner

��ñ�� recognizes and honors Golden Flashes who, through leadership, character and hard work, have made exceptional contributions in their chosen profession, in their communities and at Kent State. Sponsored by the ��ñ��Alumni Association, the Alumni Awards are highly prestigious honors presented each year to outstanding alumni, staff and students.

2025 Alumni Award Recipients

Kent State is proud to recognize these esteemed recipients, who exude excellence and represent the best of ��ñ��and their communities in all they do.

Commander Reji Kurien Thomas, MTEC ’03, Ph.D.

Commander Reji Kurien Thomas, MTEC ’03, Ph.D.

2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

Judge Kira Krivosh, '05

Judge Kira Krivosh, ’05

2025 Distinguished Citizen Award Recipient

Gene W. Poor, ’66, M.Ed. ’68, Ph.D.

Gene W. Poor, ’66, M.Ed. ’68, Ph.D.

2025 Professional Achievement Award Recipient

James Malenda, ’71

James Malenda, ’71

2025 Professional Achievement Award Recipient

Cheng Chen, Ph.D. ’06

Cheng Chen, Ph.D. ’06

2025 Professional Achievement Award Recipient

Tierra James, ’16, M.A. ’19, Ph.D. ’22

Tierra James, ’16, M.A. ’19, Ph.D. ’22

2025 Outstanding New Professional Award Recipient

Silas Ashley, ’74, JD

Silas Ashley, ’74, JD

2025 ��ñ��Advocacy Award

Charles Greene, MSW, JD

Charles L. Greene, MSW, JD

2025 Friend of ��ñ��Award

Cynthia Smith, ’18, LSM ’22

Cynthia Smith, ’18, LSM ’22

2025 Outstanding Staff Member Award

Autumn Ohl, ’25

Autumn Ohl, ’25

2025 Golden Flash Award Recipient

View Past Alumni Award Recipients