Community Impact
This Giving Tuesday, Support the Cause That Speaks to You
At 91´óÉñ, your generosity fuels the causes closest to your heart. From scholarships that open doors for first-generation students, to the arts that enrich our communities, to health initiatives and sustainability efforts that shape our future, your giving makes a real difference. This Giving Tuesday season, your gift goes even further with special giving incentives throughout the month.
91´óÉñ Celebrates 16th Consecutive Year of Military Friendly School Designation
For 2025-2026, the Kent Campus has continued the highest recognition of a Gold ranking for the second consecutive year. In addition, 91´óÉñ’s Collegiate Purple Star designation, first presented to the university in 2022 for its support for veteran and military students, has also been renewed for three years.
‘Rooted & Rising’: Bowman Breakfast Speaker Talks of His Immigrant Experience
This year’s speaker for 91´óÉñ’s Bowman Breakfast was the embodiment of the symbiotic relationship between the university and the city of Kent that is celebrated at the annual event.
What Makes Small Towns Thrive? 91´óÉñ Professor Has Answers
Small towns generate a lot of misconceptions. Some believe that growing up in a small town can feel limiting or that the towns are outdated. For Jennifer Mapes, Ph.D., assistant professor of geography, author and cartographer, small towns not only break these stereotypes, but they have also provided a wealth of research.
Graduates Leading Ohio's Fight Against Cancer
In July 2016, Jill Cofojohn became the first radiation therapist in Ohio to use proton therapy to treat a cancer patient. Nine years later, Cofojohn – a 91´óÉñ Salem graduate – helped introduce this technology in Columbus where she now serves as the lead proton therapist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
IN A FLASH: 'A Nightmare On PR Street'
Any public relations professional may have to handle a "nightmare scenario" in crisis communications. The 91´óÉñ chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America explored these challenges in their annual Halloween social.
IN A FLASH: A Slightly Spooky Study Group
This scene of first year nursing students studying in the University Library has a different vibe during spooky season.
Buzzing With Excitement on Pollinator Day
Launching seed balls, learning about plants and insects, engaging with interactive games and coloring were just some of the events that the 91´óÉñ Child Development Center’s preschool and kindergarten classes participated in for Pollinator Day on Sept. 5.
IN A FLASH: Small Steps With Purpose
Hoping that their small strides will raise money for the center, children from 91´óÉñ’s Child Development Center walked on the Kent Campus for their annual two-day Walk-a-thon event.
Bringing Neighborhoods to Life
Jennifer Mapes, an assistant professor of geography at 91´óÉñ, developed an interactive mapping project that reimagines how people connect with the places they live.