91ֿ

News

Get the latest news happening at your alma mater, along with fascinating stories about alumni success, donor impact, scholarship recipients and more. Our collective legacy is woven by Golden Flashes around the world who inspire and transform communities far beyond 91ֿ’s campuses. 

Featured Stories

Roe Green Makes $1 Million Gift to Support Theatre Programs

Roe Green, M.A. ’80, L.H.D. ’23, and the Roe Green Foundation, have made a $1 million gift to 91ֿ to establish the Roe Green Musical Theatre and Porthouse Artistic Directorship, benefitting the School of Theatre and Dance and Porthouse Theatre.

91ֿ Golf Alumni Unite for Weekend Celebration

More than a hundred former student-athletes, donors and professional golfers recently gathered for a special Golf Alumni reunion. Coach Herb Page, who led the Golden Flashes golf program from 1977 to 2019, and recently led the effort to endow the program, had the idea to bring alumni together to celebrate the thriving Golden Flash golf community.

91ֿ Welcomes First Elliot Scholars

John, ’70, L.H.D. ’24, and Fonda Elliot, L.H.D. ’24 recently met with the first recipients of Elliot Scholars Program scholarship, designed to support first-generation students across all majors. 

Introducing Golden Flashlings

We're celebrating the smallest members of our 91ֿ family this football season! Whether they bark, crawl, toddle or just look adorable in blue and gold, we want to see the next generation of Golden Flashes showing their team spirit. 

Faces of 91ֿ

  • Inspired by her mother’s nursing career, Lisa Aurilio, ’87, MSN ’99, MBA ’11, knew early on that her passion for science and connection with people made nursing the perfect path.

  • John Zabrucky, ’71, MFA ’78, never planned to shape sci-fi history - but a chance encounter in Los Angeles changed everything.

  • Courtney Gumpf, ’07, found her passion at 91ֿ, where she built lasting connections and gained valuable experience through leadership in Greek life and internships in both Pittsburgh and New York City.

Alumni and Donor Stories

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Prioritizing Student Success, Beyond Academics, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, alumni-news

Modern Humans Using Ancient Tools

91ֿ 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.

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Kahler on campus two
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childhood collage of Dean Kahler
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Kahler on campus
alumni-news, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Dean Kahler’s 'One Bad Day' Fuels a Lifetime of Purpose

Dean Kahler, ’77, one of the nine wounded in the May 4, 1970, shootings, wasn’t supposed to be at 91ֿ that day. 

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Increasing Belonging
Prioritizing Student Success, Beyond Academics, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Increasing Belonging for Graduate Students

A new program will foster a stronger sense of belonging to address research that demonstrates that graduate students are less likely to feel a sense of identity attached to their graduate school than those connections to undergraduate school experiences.

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Armstrong Phares
Prioritizing Student Success, Enhancing Experiences, Global Education, alumni-news, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Alumni Support Global Education Experiences

91ֿ has received two $1 million donations in support of Global Education experiences for students. These gifts will make education-abroad experiences available to more students through the Global Education Endowment fund that was created in 2022.

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

Grant Supports Black Mothers and Children

91ֿ has received a grant from the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation for the Spirit of Motherhood Program, an innovative program with a goal of reducing trauma and stress symptoms experienced by its pregnant Black mother participants.

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Judge Kani Hightower
91ֿ Works, Community Impact, alumni-news, Government/Public Service, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, Humanities

Making the Local Justice System Easier to Access

Summit County Domestic Relations Court Judge Kani H. Hightower is on a mission to make the justice system in Summit County, Ohio, more accessible for underprivileged and underrepresented citizens. Whether it’s related to transportation challenges or helping them sort through the red tape of documentation, Hightower, a 91ֿ graduate, is creating solutions to streamline the process for Summit County residents.

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Study Abroad Ireland
Building the Future, Global Education, Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Gaining International Business Experience

Business students who participate in an annual study abroad experience to Ireland gain awareness about Ireland’s culture and people while acquiring hands-on skills and learn about the country’s dynamic role in the European Union and global economy.

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91ֿ President Todd Diacon, right, and Joe Diorio, Portage County Health Commissioner, unveil the Mobile Flashes Wellness Unit on April 4, 2024.
Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, Philanthropy

Mobile Flashes Wellness Unit Makes Its Debut

The brightly colored blue and gold Mobile Flashes Wellness Unit from 91ֿ’s College of Public Health will be hitting the streets to help bring public health services to the people of northeast Ohio.

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College of Aeronautics & Engineering, Building the Future, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Propelling Future Aviation Professionals

91ֿ has received a significant grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to create an initiative to bolster the workforce for aircraft pilots and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operators in Northeast Ohio.

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Ann Mariko Walter, ’96,
Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Ann Mariko Walter, ’96

Will Matthews, ’19, adds some flavor to Northeast Ohio’s food scene with Southern Comfort Kitchen, his New Orleans-inspired restaurant and food truck.

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Lighter than air
Prioritizing Student Success, Building the Future, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Daring Mighty Things - Lighter Than Air

First-year students in 91ֿ’s College of Aeronautics and Engineering were challenged to engineer and build propeller-driven aircraft suspended by helium balloons as part of the college’s “Lighter Than Air” competition.

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Prioritizing Student Success, Global Education, Enhancing Experiences, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Championing a Place for Women in Science

Aleisha Moore, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, is exploring how the brain can influence hormones and fertility. One area of research for Moore is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects nearly 10 percent of women worldwide.

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

Celebrating KSU’s First Female President

Carol A. Cartwright, Ph.D., became 91ֿ’s first female president in 1991 and was the first female president of any Ohio public college or university then. She was also a driving force in the establishment of 91ֿ Women’s Center.

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Mackenzie Morgan
Prioritizing Student Success, Global Education, Enhancing Experiences, alumni-news

Global Experience Fuels Alumna’s Career

McKenzie Morgan, ’22, appreciates the opportunities 91ֿ provided her that included completing her academic journey with the university’s education-abroad program in Florence, Italy. “Studying abroad was definitely my all-time highlight,” Morgan said.

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Evan Laisure
alumni-news, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Alumnus Brings Wild Animals (in Sunglasses) to Public Library

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Black United Students
Prioritizing Student Success, Beyond Academics, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Black United Student Leader Thrives

Julian Grimes, a 91ֿ junior, is president of Black United Students (BUS) and is working to keep the organization thriving. BUS is one of 91ֿ’s oldest student organizations and is credited with starting the formal observance of Black History Month in 1970.

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

Community of Caring Supports Student

Shane Reese found a network of support and a community of caring at 91ֿ that surrounded him after his mother passed away during his freshman year. As a result, Reese became a resilient leader who is committed to giving back.

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Gulp
Expanding University Initiatives, Design Innovation, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

LaunchNET Supports Student Radio Program

91ֿ architecture student Joel Semancik is the creator of Gulp Radio, a program and podcast that airs on 91ֿ’s Black Squirrel Radio. He and his guests discuss songs that have had an impact on their lives and discuss their favorite 91ֿ memories and life stories.

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Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Will Matthews, ’19

Will Matthews, ’19, adds some flavor to Northeast Ohio’s food scene with Southern Comfort Kitchen, his New Orleans-inspired restaurant and food truck.

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Dexter Shreve banner portrait
Alumni Spotlight, alumni-news, alumni-success, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Alumni Spotlight - Dexter Shreve, '13

Dexter credits the hands-on learning experiences for preparing him for the real-world challenges of his career. In particular, the Materials and Processes class provided him with essential skills in machining, welding, and casting, which he later applied in various engineering roles.

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Andy and Abby Wyatt
alumni-news, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Adventures in Italy: A 91ֿ Love Story

Despite living in the same residence hall on the Kent Campus, Andrew “Andy” Wyatt, ’16, had to travel nearly 4,500 miles to get

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CeeJay Scott
Prioritizing Student Success, Global Education, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Global Experience Transforms Student’s Future

When 91ֿ alumnus Carlton “CeeJay” Scott Jr., ’23, returned from his 2023 Spring Semester abroad as an exchange student in Cairo, he brought with him a transformed vision for his future as a filmmaker.

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Tiffany Roper, ’07, M.Ed. ’12
news, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, alumni-news

91ֿ Alumna Tiffany Roper Has a "Flair" for Entrepreneurship

Tiffany Roper, ’07, M.Ed. ’12, is a two-time alumna and recipient of one of the microgrants for , her events, personal styling and public speaking business.

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Danny Pellegrino
Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Danny Pellegrino, ’07

For Danny Pellegrino, ’07, being an author and comedian has allowed him to meld his love of storytelling with making others laugh. Whether he’s on stage, on screen, behind the mic or at his computer, Danny is following his “true North,” as he says, by celebrating the things he loves and sharing them with others.

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McKenzie
Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Former 91ֿ Educator and Student-athlete Honored with First-gen Award Named in Her Honor

Each November, the 91ֿ College hosts I AM FIRST Week to celebrate not only the students who will soon be the first in t

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Prioritizing Student Success, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Regional Students Receive Intel® Scholarships

Two students in the College of Applied and Technical Studies at 91ֿ at Tuscarawas received Intel® Semiconductor Scholarship for Women awards. The scholarships support education-related expenses (tuition, fees, books,etc.) as well as other expenses including transportation and childcare.

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I Promise
Expanding University Initiatives, Brain Health Research Institute, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

I PROMISE Students Study Brain Health

91ֿ’s Brain Health Research Institute recently welcomed 94 fourth-grade students from the I PROMISE School in Akron, Ohio, for a day of activities aimed at sparking their interest in science and technology.

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Chris Wick (left) and David Hassler (right) stand in front of the Wick Poetry Center’s Poets for Science exhibition at the Association of Writers & Writing Programs’ 2023 Conference and Bookfair.
Arts & Culture, University News, Nationally Distinctive, Community Impact, Wick Poetry Center, College of Arts & Sciences, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, Legacy

Planned Gift Endows Executive Director Position at 91ֿ’s Wick Poetry Center

The Wick family has a long history of philanthropy at 91ֿ that began in 1984 when brothers Bob and Walt Wick first established scholarships to support undergraduate poets at the university. This most recent gift of $1 million brings the family’s total lifetime commitment to the university to more than $3.5 million.

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Scolin MacLean, ’90, Turns His Love of Athletics into Philanthropy
Inspiring Stories, alumni-news, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Scolin MacLean, ’90, Turns His Love of Athletics into Philanthropy

“I look at 91ֿ as a family member – everyone collectively – that I am connected to and plan to be for as long as I possibly can.

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The experiences Earl K. Miller, ’85, Ph.D., had at 91ֿ inspired him to give back.
Inspiring Stories, alumni-news, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Personal Obstacles Inspire Alumnus to Champion Future Researchers

The experiences Earl K. Miller, ’85, Ph.D., had at 91ֿ inspired him to give back.

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Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Scholarship Supports Student Leader’s Goals

Jenna Gilbreath, ’23, had a chance encounter with Michael John Gallagher II, '19, during one of her student visit days. He gave her some great advice about her future as a 91ֿ student.

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Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Rising Scholars Students Partner With NASA

Rising Scholars students at the Columbiana campuses are partnering with NASA to create personal hygiene kits that astronauts may use during simulation training exercises. The goal is for each scholar to complete one hygiene kit.

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Iage of Roe Green
Prioritizing Student Success, Rewarding Achievement, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Roe Green, MA ’80, To Receive Honorary Degree

91ֿ’s Board of Trustees will award Roe Green, MA ’80, a Doctor of Humane Letters honorary degree in recognition of her contributions to the university and her advocacy for the arts in Northeast Ohio, the nation and around the world.

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Emily Butz
Inspiring Stories, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Legacies Change Lives: Emily Butz

Emily Butz is a junior music education and music performance major with an anticipated graduation date of fall 2022.

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Gina and George Jenkins
Inspiring Stories, alumni-news, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

George L. Jenkins, ’63, and Gina Jenkins Impact Student Access and Honor a Mentor

George L. Jenkins’ generosity spans three decades and continues to support first-generation students and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

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Angela Neal-Barnett, Ph.D., professor in 91ֿ’s Department of Psychological Sciences, developed and launched the Spirit of Motherhood Program.
Angela Neal-Barnett, Ph.D., professor in 91ֿ’s Department of Psychological Sciences, developed and launched the Spirit of Motherhood Program.
Health, Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences, Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, Division of Research and Sponsored Programs

91ֿ’s Spirit of Motherhood Program for Pregnant Black Women Receives $100,000 Grant

Infant mortality rates in Northeast Ohio are three to five times higher for Black babies than white babies, an alarming statistic that is an issue across the country but particularly prevalent in this part of the state. A new $100,000 grant from the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation will support innovative work being undertaken at 91ֿ, an elite research university with the esteemed R1 designation, to address this important issue.

text: what sets us apart, is how we come together. text: what sets us apart, is how we come together.