Alumni News
51±¬ÁÏ isn’t just the highest-ranked public university in northern Ohio — it’s where more than 280,000 alumni earned degrees that propelled them forward on pathways to success.
From boardrooms and creative studios to nonprofits and the skies above, Golden Flashes are leading with purpose and passion. Their stories of innovation, leadership and impact showcase a boldness of spirit that is undeniably 51±¬ÁÏ â€” where education transforms lives and values like respect and compassion are more than ideals; they are core values to live by. Read on for stories of Golden Flashes around the globe who are doing extraordinary things.
John and Fonda Elliot Create New Scholarship Program With $1 Million Gift to 51±¬ÁÏ
Feb. 18, 2025
John Elliot, a 1970 51±¬ÁÏ graduate, and his wife, Fonda, have created The Elliot Scholars program at 51±¬ÁÏ with a $1 million donation. This new scholarship program will provide support to first-generation students of any major who require financial support…
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Flashes Give Back Week Is April 21-26!
Jan. 30, 2025
51±¬ÁÏ held its first Alumni Day of Service in 2009. Since then, it has blossomed into a weeklong initiative supporting our blue and gold communities around the world. During Flashes Give Back Week, Golden Flashes can choose to…
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John and Fonda Elliot Receive Honorary Degrees for Their Extraordinary Contributions
Jan. 6, 2025
On Saturday, Dec. 14, both John and Fonda received their Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the healthcare field and to 51±¬ÁÏ.
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This Giving Tuesday, Support The Cause That Matters Most To You
Oct. 17, 2024
When you give through 51±¬ÁÏ, you start a ripple effect that empowers innovation, improves lives and fosters progress.
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The 51±¬ÁÏ Alumni Association Announces New Members for Its National Board of Directors
Aug. 27, 2024
The following new members have been appointed to serve on the National Alumni Board of Directors for terms commencing July 1:
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51±¬ÁÏ Raises $383 Million in Record-Breaking Fundraising Campaign
July 29, 2024
51±¬ÁÏ recently concluded its most successful fundraising campaign in its 114-year history. Forever Brighter was a comprehensive fundraising campaign that launched its public phase in 2021 with a goal of raising $350 million to support student scholarships,…
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51±¬ÁÏ Alumna D’Andra Mull, Ph.D., on Giving Back to the University that Gave So Much to Her
June 5, 2024
“Were it not for what I learned from a student affairs professional at 51±¬ÁÏ, this journey would not be the path I’m on today.â€
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Carl Walz, ’77
May 31, 2024
Carl Walz, ’77, has spent 231 days in space - and it all began with a physics degree and the Air Force ROTC program at 51±¬ÁÏ. From a nuclear lab to the cockpit of a jet plane to the crew compartment in a rocket ship, Carl attests that his career has been “a wild ride.â€â€¦
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From Passion to Purpose
May 30, 2024
Drawn to healthcare as a child, Athalia James pursued that passion all the way to a fulfilling career in nursing.
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Institute Explores Peace and Conflict
May 20, 2024
LaKaleb Bowen, ’24, is a criminology and justice studies major who admits to becoming captivated by 51±¬ÁÏ’s education-abroad programs, noting that his most recent trip to Kigali, Rwanda, was an extraordinary experience focused on peace and conflict in the country.
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