Impact Stories
Your Gift Causes an Effect that Reaches Far Beyond Kent State
At Kent State University, what sets us apart is how we come together: to cause discoveries, achievements, sensations and breakthroughs that change the world. When you give through Kent State to an area that matters personally to you, your support becomes a long-term investment in curing diseases, advancing sustainable technologies, enriching vibrant arts communities and ensuring the future of a skilled workforce ready to impact society.
Gifts made through Kent State support scholarships and programs that allow students to pursue their dreams and enter careers that shape our world. With more than 1,100 donor-funded scholarships and programs supported each year, every gift causes an effect – for both the donor and the recipient.
Donors choose exactly where they want their contributions to go. Each and every gift made through Kent State has an impact, no matter the size.
Read on to learn about the effect our generous donors have on our Kent State community and beyond.
Event Planning Her Way Toward a Magical Future
Sept. 29, 2026
Ana Hasselbusch, ’26, first encountered Kent State University at a college fair held at her high school in Pittsburgh. A few short years later, Hasselbusch would receive the 2026 Distinguished Senior Award at Kent State’s Student Leadership Awards for her impact during her time…
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What Makes a Strong Leader?
Sept. 28, 2026
When you picture a successful leader, you may have a clear picture of how that person looks, acts and sounds. A leader is a decisive person with a commanding presence and booming voice, someone who can enter a room and make an immediate impression.
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Kent State University Research: An R1 University Driving Discovery, Innovation and Impact
Sept. 28, 2026
Every day at Kent State, a student walks into a laboratory for the first time. A faculty member partners with a local school district to solve a community challenge. A researcher collaborates with NASA, healthcare providers or manufacturers to answer questions that matter beyond…
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Stay Curious: The Power of Lifelong Learning
Sept. 25, 2026
After years working first as a registered nurse and later as a professional fundraiser, Marie Rader began her third act: an artist who specializes in fabric dying. From the first time she created a piece of art, Rader felt drawn to the discipline and eager to learn…
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A Century of Stories
Aug. 26, 2026
For 100 years, The Kent Stater has chronicled the people, events and moments that have transformed Kent State and the world beyond its campus.
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What is the Kent State University Foundation?
Aug. 26, 2026
When you make a gift to Kent State, where does your money go – and how does the Kent State University Foundation use those dollars to create impact?
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Immersive Experiences Help Fashion Student Find Her Unique Pattern
Aug. 25, 2026
.responsive-video { width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; } .responsive-video iframe { display: block; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: 0; } Joy is stitched into everything Leah Thompkins creates – by design.
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25 Years Later: Kent State Alumni Remember the Day Aviation Changed Forever
Aug. 24, 2026
As the world prepares for the 25th commemoration of the terrorist attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, our Kent State community will be recognizing this day during a special event on Sept. 10. The College of Aeronautics and Engineering will include a commemoration as…
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Small Acts of Generosity Create Lasting Impact Through Flashes Fighting Hunger
Aug. 21, 2026
Every Gift MattersOne can of soup. One hour of volunteering. One $10 donation. On their own, those contributions may seem small. But at Kent State’s Flashes Fighting Hunger program, thousands of small acts of generosity have come together to create something extraordinary.…
Read More »New Alumni Mentoring Program Provides Full Circle Moments, Life Lessons and More
Aug. 21, 2026
Jacqueline Flickinger, ’20, moved to Detroit, Michigan, in 2024 for a position with Ford Motor Company as an assistant ecommerce specialist. Living out of state, she was looking for ways to still be part of the Golden Flash community.
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