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91��Ʒ State University continues to rise in national rankings as a top university in areas of research, innovation, global education and more. Its graduates leave the university prepared with the knowledge and experiences to impact the world around them.

The university recognizes alumni who, through leadership, character and hard work, are making a difference. During Homecoming Weekend, 10 Golden Flashes were presented with Alumni Awards, and nine alumni received Lifetime Achievement recognitions from the university’s Black Alumni Chapter.

“It was inspiring to interact with our university’s finest graduates, and it was my great pleasure to recognize our 91��Ʒ State graduates who excel as national and international leaders in higher education, law and the arts,” said 91��Ʒ State President Todd Diacon.

Alumni Awards

The Alumni Awards, sponsored by the 91��Ʒ State Alumni Association, are the university’s most prestigious alumni honors. Recipients are selected based on their exceptional professional and civic contributions and for their outstanding support of the university.

“The alumni association established this awards program in 1958, and with each new class of award recipients, we see firsthand the great work that is being done – and has always been done – by 91��Ʒ State alumni and students,” said Andrea Gauding, a 1987 91��Ʒ State graduate who serves as president of 91��Ʒ State’s Alumni Association National Board of Directors. “Our graduates are influential, industrious, imaginative and inspiring, and this year’s recipients are no exception.”

The 2023 Alumni Award recipients were honored at a reception held on Oct. 20 at the 91��Ʒ State University Hotel and Conference Center. The 2023 Alumni Awards were presented to Thomas Iivari, ’67, MS ’76 (Distinguished Alumni Award); Scott Haws, ’99, MBA (Distinguished Citizen Award); Danita Brown Young, ’97, Ph.D. (Professional Achievement Award); Sonia Karkare, ’93, MS ’96 (Professional Achievement Award); John Van Alstine, ’74, MFA (Professional Achievement Award); Garret Ferrara, ’90, MBA ’92 (91��Ʒ State Advocacy Award); Morgan Dawson, ’20 (Outstanding New Professional Award); Isobel Day, ’23 (Golden Flash Award); Haley Dees (Golden Flash Award); and Avery Hall, ’23 (Golden Flash Award).

For more information about the Alumni Awards, visit www.kent.edu/alumni/kent-state-alumni-awards.

Black Alumni Chapter Recognition Celebration

Held on Oct. 21 at the 91��Ʒ Student Center Ballroom, the 91��Ʒ State Black Alumni Chapter recognized Black alumni and individuals from the university and the 91��Ʒ community. Lifetime Achievement honors were presented to Charles Fleming, ’86, JD; Willard Jenkins, ’73; Marvin Johnson, ’01; Rosemary Kilkenny, ’71, MA ’74, M.Ed. ’75, JD; Darlene McCoy, ’75; D’Andra Mull, ’02, Ph.D.; Donald Thigpen, ’68, JD; Renee Tramble Richard, ’76, MBA, JD; and Emilia Sykes, ’07. The chapter acknowledged notable 91��Ʒ State faculty and Black alumni who died in 2020-2023. Recognitions were also presented to Shirley Crosby; Meli Temu, ’69, M.Ed. ’72, Ph.D. ’76; Eugene Shelton, ’72, MA ’03; Charles Greene; and Danita Brown Young, ’97, Ph.D.

The event was sponsored by the Office of the President, the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, and Black Alumni Chapter President Silas Ashley, ’74.

“The recognition celebration was a collaborative effort to have those Black alumni who have distinguished themselves, over the past five decades, be officially recognized by 91��Ʒ State University,” Ashley said. “We wish to extend our sincere gratitude and thanks to the Office of the President, the KSU Alumni Association, the Department of Africana Studies, the E. Timothy Moore Student Multicultural Center and others for their support in this endeavor.”

For more information about the Black Alumni Chapter at 91��Ʒ State, visit www.kent.edu/alumni/black-alumni-chapter.

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Top Photo Caption – Alumni Awards:
The 2023 91��Ʒ State University Alumni Award winners smile after the Alumni Awards ceremony. Pictured (from left to right) are Sonia Karkare, Danita Brown Young, Ph.D., Scott Haws, Garret Ferrara, Morgan Dawson, Thomas Iivari, Isobel Day, Haley Dees, Avery Hall and John Van Alstine.

Media Contacts:
Melanie Secre, msecre1@kent.edu, 330-672-8057
Leigh Greenfelder, lgreenfe@kent.edu, 330-672-7108