91�ֿ�

Perhaps the best word to sum up Brianna Benson’s role at 91�ֿ� is “caretaker.”

From altering costumes for cast members to performing center stage to working behind the scenes to create top-notch entertainment for guests, 91�ֿ� alumni are making a living cruising the seas, all while seeing the world.

A new recognition program launched by the Portage County Emergency Management Agency spotlights organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to emergency management, readiness and community safety. 91�ֿ� has been named the inaugural honoree of the Portage Preparedness Initiative

Throughout November, alumni, friends, faculty and staff were encouraged to find the cause that speaks to them and share their reason for giving. From Nov. 1 through Giving Tuesday (Dec. 2), the 2025 campaign raised more than $4.5 million for causes ranging from food sustainability and the environment to athletics and basic needs to education. 

The new suite includes six online certificate programs that align with the cannabis industry’s most in-demand job sectors, creating a clear, credible path for students to enter the industry.

An iconic campus landmark that's also a serene oasis of relaxation has been welcoming students on the Kent Campus of 91�ֿ� for a quarter century. 

In a fast-paced, reality TV-style competition, students in the Club Management class in 91�ֿ�’s Hospitality and Event Management Program worked in teams alongside industry professionals to create styled table settings themed around specific holidays. 

This Thanksgiving, 91�ֿ� students are expressing gratitude for the faculty who go above and beyond in the classroom. Whether offering encouragement, sharing wisdom or simply believing in their potential, these educators have left an mark on their students' lives.

Taylor Cogdeill of Stow, Ohio, opens up about a familiar and emotional experience: the bittersweet in-between of almost graduating—eager to start the next chapter but not quite ready to let go of the transformative college experience she's leaving behind.

For Kent, Ohio, native and 2018 91�ֿ� graduate Stan Zalewski, mathematics has always been a big part of his life. Now a senior actuarial consultant at Nationwide Insurance, Zalewski recently reached a significant professional milestone — completing the multi-year process to earn the title of Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society.

The International Cook-Off, an event hosted by 91�ֿ�’s Office of Global Education and International Student and Scholar Services, is beloved by many international and domestic students. 

91�ֿ�’s associate vice president of the Office of Global Education, Paulo Mussi Agusto, Ph.D., was featured as a guest in an episode of the “On Campus – with CITI Program" to talk about the American Academy.

91�ֿ�’s Gerald H. Read Center for International and Intercultural Education recently was awarded a $50,000 grant to help train teachers in Southwestern Nigeria.

91�ֿ�'s Brain Health Research Institute recently held its annual Neuroscience Symposium 2025, Conference and Research Exchange. The two-day event, which took place at the 91�ֿ� Hotel & Conference Center, highlighted the research of 91�ֿ� faculty and students.

Students who won first - and second-place for the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) were announced on Oct. 25 at a ceremony at the Kiva auditorium. 

Launching seed balls, learning about plants and insects, engaging with interactive games and coloring were just some of the events that the 91�ֿ� Child Development Center’s preschool and kindergarten classes participated in for Pollinator Day on Sept. 5.

Meet Kadin McElwain, a senior communication studies major from Painesville, Ohio, who uses his positions at Autism Speaks and Autism Digest to educate individuals on neurodivergence.  

Education is a process that goes beyond studying and memorizing, according to James Redfearn, Ph.D., assistant professor of biological sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at 91�ֿ�. Redfearn's attitude, approach and creation of this supporting space led him to be awarded the Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award.

When 91�ֿ� senior Julia Michalak was in elementary school and middle school in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, the idea of going to gym class made her sick to her stomach. Now in her final year at 91�ֿ�, Michalak will soon earn her bachelor’s degree in physical education and sport performance, with a goal to help other kids like her overcome their insecurities and learn to enjoy physical education.

The 91�ֿ� School of Fashion has a strong legacy of participation in the prestigious Supima Design Competition, which highlights some of the most promising emerging designers in the U.S.

As part of 91�ֿ�’s ongoing 2025-26 Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series, the university hosted seven-time Grammy nominee Bobby Sanabria as a guest artist. He led master classes, rehearsals and lectures focused on music, business and social change.

91�ֿ�’s School of Theatre and Dance, Wick Poetry Center and Brain Health Research Institute joined forces for an Oct. 1 dance performance that set poetry to motion.

The 91�ֿ� Men's Basketball team (7-1) extended their win streak to seven in a row on Saturday night defeating Penn State Shenango by a final score of 123-59. Nearly every Golden Flash scored as seven players tallied double-digits.

91�ֿ� scored on its first possession in overtime to defeat Akron 42-35. It's the Golden Flashes' first win in the rivalry since 2022 and allows 91�ֿ� to regain control of the coveted wagon wheel.

91�ֿ�'s Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center is marking its 75th anniversary this fall, celebrating more than seven decades as the heart of campus life where students begin and end their academic journeys.