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Community & Society

It's never too late to earn a ÂÌñÉçdegree. Linda Putaturo celebrates earning her bachelor's degree in December 2025 after returning to college to finish a degree she started decades earlier.

Crossing the Degree Finish Line at Last

Every semester, ÂÌñÉç reopens the door to a diploma for students who left college without finishing a degree.

A job opportunity, a family crisis, military service or running out of money – there are many reasons why students leave college without completing their studies.

Tags: Student Life , Community & Society , Community Impact

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Sunrise near Student Recreation Fields by Elizabeth Kudravy.

IN A FLASH: Pastel Morning

A ÂÌñÉçstaffer shared an image of a misty, painted sky on campus in early January.

Tags: Community & Society , Nationally Distinctive , Kent Campus , Student Life , In a Flash

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Rick Sprague and son Tristen Sprague, ÂÌñÉç police officers

Family Ties at ÂÌñÉçPolice Services and Beyond

Meet the Sprague family and their unique tie to ÂÌñÉç. After retiring as an Ohio State Trooper, Rick Sprague accepted a position with the ÂÌñÉçpolice services last year. His son, Officer Tristan Sprague, also joined the police department last year. In the fall, Rick Sprague’s two daughters enrolled at Kent State, making the family’s service to the campus community all the more meaningful.

Tags: Profiles , Community & Society

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Crain's 20 in their 20s

Six Golden Flashes Named to Crain's 20 in Their 20s List

Six talented ÂÌñÉçalumni were among the changemarkers recognized in Crain’s Cleveland Business’ 20 in Their 20s. These leaders excel in their careers, impact their community and carry their Golden Flash pride wherever they go.

Tags: Community & Society , Community Impact

ÂÌñÉçToday

The aerial photo shows the new temporary roundabout at East Main Street and Horning Road, which is part of an ongoing road construction project.

The Shape of Things to Come

A new, temporary roundabout at the intersection of East Main Street and Horning Road has opened, showing how road improvements are beginning to take shape on the north side of ÂÌñÉç's Kent Campus.

Tags: University News , Community & Society , Community Impact

ÂÌñÉçToday

An aerial view of the roundabout on Summit Street.

Do Roundabouts Have You Going in Circles?

Whether you call them roundabouts or traffic circles, this increasingly popular feature on American roadways can have some drivers spinning. But while roundabouts are considered safer than traditional intersections for vehicle traffic, how safe are they for pedestrians?

Tags: Research & Science , Community & Society , College of Public Health , Community Impact , Featured Story

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Brooklyn Fockler Leshon assists the bride and groom in staging the cutting of the wedding cake.

Everything BUT the Wedding

Students in Kent State's Wedding and Special Events Protocol class worked with each other and with vendors to plan and coordinate all the elements of a (mock) rooftop wedding with a real, engaged couple at the ÂÌñÉç Hotel and Conference Center. 

Tags: Nationally Distinctive , Community & Society , Hospitality Management , Featured Story , Alumni

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ÂÌñÉçPolice 2024 police prepare for training

University Earns Recognition for Relationships and Emergency Preparedness

A new recognition program launched by the Portage County Emergency Management Agency spotlights organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to emergency management, readiness and community safety. ÂÌñÉç has been named the inaugural honoree of the Portage Preparedness Initiative

Tags: University News , Community Impact , Community & Society

ÂÌñÉçToday

Giving Trees 2025

IN A FLASH: Thanks for Giving!

This holiday season ÂÌñÉçRecreation and Wellness Services invites people in the community to donate by taking a tag - or three - from the Giving Trees in the Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center from Nov. 17-Dec. 17.

Tags: Community & Society , Community Impact , Student Recreation and Wellness Center , Department of Recreation and Wellness Services , In a Flash

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HEM Design Challenge 2025

‘We Create Magic for a Living – and We Get Paid for It’

In a fast-paced, reality TV-style competition, students in the Club Management class in Kent State’s Hospitality and Event Management Program worked in teams alongside industry professionals to create styled table settings themed around specific holidays. 

Tags: Hospitality Management , College of Education, Health and Human Services , Student Organizations , Design at Kent State , Student Life , Community & Society

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