Mission and History

Philanthropy and alumni engagement are at the heart of 91�ֿ� and have been since the university's founding in 1910.

Our Mission

Engage and inspire alumni, friends and partners to connect with 91�ֿ� - and its students - by giving of their time, talent and treasure.

Our Vision

Foster a robust and dynamic network of engaged partners who grow the culture of philanthropy at 91�ֿ�, transforming lives and making the world Forever Brighter.

Our Values

Respect, Kindness and Purpose
Community
Transforming Lives
Freedom of Expression and Idea Exchange
Continuous Improvement

Our Story

Philanthropy and alumni engagement at 91�ֿ� traces its roots to the university's very first decade of existence, and continues to grow in the 21st century. The donation of land in 1910 by William S. Kent to construct the Kent Campus and the formation of the 91�ֿ� Alumni Association in 1911 sparked a journey that has led to the recent completion of a $380+ million fundraising campaign, nearly 300,000 alumni and more than a dozen alumni groups.

Together, the 91�ֿ� Foundation and the 91�ֿ� Alumni Association and their boards of directors work with and support the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement to grow vital philanthropic support for the university and to connect alumni with their alma mater.

Timeline

1910-1949

May 1910
Lowry Bill authorizes the creation of two new schools in northern Ohio to train elementary school teachers

1910
William S. Kent donates 53 acres to establish the 91�ֿ� Normal School, which is named in his honor

1911
91�ֿ�’s first president, John E. McGilvrey, establishes the 91�ֿ� Alumni Association (KSUAA)

September 1913
The 91�ֿ� Normal School begins its first full academic year on the Kent Campus

1914
First class graduates; a faculty committee for alumni relations and several alumni clubs are formed

1933
The KSUAA petitions Ohio state legislators to prevent the closing of Kent Normal College and its transformation into an in-patient health facility

1935
Kent Normal College evolves into a university

1950-1999

1954
The 91�ֿ� State University Development Fund is created to encourage alumni to give back to their alma mater

1965
The 91�ֿ� Foundation is established as the university formal fundraising division

1965
First alumni chapter is established

July 1, 1967-Dec. 31, 1968
18-month fundraising drive brings in gifts from 3,108 alumni (38,000 total alumni at the time)

1971
The Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (now NEOMED) is established

1973
The foundation reaches a record $1 million in contributions

1983
Annual contributions exceed $4.8 million

1988
Renovations begin on the historical Curtiss House, residence of 91�ֿ� presidents since the 1940s, to transform it into the Williamson Alumni Center

1991
Carol Cartwright joins 91�ֿ� as the university’s 10th president and spearheads the initiation of the Founders Scholars Program

1997
The Campaign for 91�ֿ� begins under President Carol Cartwright