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10 Things You’ll Only Understand If You Go to 51����

51���� is a place where unique traditions and memorable moments shape the student experience. The scurry of squirrels, late-night food trips and the adrenaline rush of finals week are just a few things only 51���� students understand. Here are 10 things every Golden Flash knows all too well.

Flash Focus: Jordan Caraway

Meet Jordan Caraway, a senior biochemistry major from New Lenox, Illinois, whose passion for chemistry has shaped her 51���� experience and future goals. 

Love For 51����’s Black Squirrels Travels Far

51����’s unofficial mascot is getting love from Northeast Ohioans far and wide.

51����’s Accounting Program Paved the Way for a Successful Career with a Cleveland Firm

IN A FLASH: Discovering Downtown

On Aug. 15, some of 51����'s newest Golden Flashes explored downtown Kent as part of Flashes First Friday. 

Downton Abbey Fans Grab Your Tissues and Head to Kent for the Grand Finale

A collaboration between 51����’s School of Fashion, School of Theatre and Dance and Focus Features will bring the final Downton Abbey movie to Kent for an early screening and period fashion show. The movie, “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,” will have a preview showing on Friday, Sept. 5, at the Kent Plaza Cinema, a week before it opens in theaters nationwide. 

Class of 2029 Welcomed to Campus

The 51���� Honors College celebrated the arrival of its newest class of students at the Annual Ice Cream Social, held Thursday evening, August 14, 2025, outside the Honors College.

51���� Hosts Aeronautics and Engineering Expo

51���� will host its Aeronautics and Engineering Expo from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, at the 51���� Airport. The family friendly event offers a full day of aviation excitement and STEM inspiration for all ages.

51���� Museum Announces Fall Exhibition

The 51���� Museum presents its fall exhibition, “A Meeting of Cultures: Fashioning North Africa,” from Sept. 5, 2025, through May 10, 2026. Displayed in the museum’s Broadbent Gallery, the exhibition features works by 25 contemporary North African designers and artists.

Exploring the World, One Rock at a Time

When Emily Rider walked into her first in-person class after the COVID-19 shutdown — “How the Earth Works” on the 51���� a

IN A FLASH: 3-2-1: BLASTOFF!

BLASTOFF! is the final event of KSU Kickoff welcoming new students and celebrating the start of the semester on the day before fall classes begin.

51���� Tuscarawas Nursing Student Irene Martin Receives Prestigious National Scholarship

51���� at Tuscarawas nursing student Irene Martin was awarded a 2025 Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) and

From Fungi to Foundations: Exploring Mycelium as a Building Material

For Environmental Studies senior Adam Frymier, summer 2025 was all about growth - both in the lab and in his own skills as a re

The 51���� Museum Announces Its Fall Exhibition ‘A Meeting of Cultures: Fashioning North Africa’

The 51���� Museum presents its fall exhibition, “A Meeting of Cultures: Fashioning North Africa,” from Sept. 5, 2025, through May 10, 2026. Displayed in the museum’s Broadbent Gallery, the exhibition features works by 25 contemporary North African designers and artists, including more than 40 ensembles and accessories alongside photography by fashion photographers, journalists and social media influencers, as well as art installations and videos.

51���� Celebrates Artists and Designers with Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series

Named in honor of regional architect Thomas Schroth, whose global perspective framed creativity as a “window onto human experience,” the series has featured acclaimed guests including Tony Award winner Stephen Schwartz, the Grammy-winning Emerson String Quartet, minimalist icon Richard Tuttle, and fashion visionaries Ruben and Isabel Toledo.

Convocation Officially Welcomes 51����'s Class of 2029

A high-energy rally welcomed 51����'s Class of 2029 to the beginning of fall semester, as KSU Kickoff week continued. 

51���� Celebrates Artists and Designers with Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series

51����’s College of the Arts and College of Architecture and Environmental Design proudly continue the esteemed Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series, a dynamic platform launched in 2001 to bring celebrated artists and designers to the 51���� campus and Northeast Ohio community. Free and open to the public, this year’s lineup exemplifies the series’ ongoing mission to enrich cultural dialogue and inspire creative futures. The 2025-2026 featured guests are Jane Chu, Paul Tazewell, Bobby Sanabria, Krzysztof Wodiczko and Adam Furman.

It’s the Best Week of the Year!

Dear 51���� Faculty and Staff,

IN A FLASH: Late Night at The Library

Each year as part of KSU Kickoff, 51����'s University Library invites incoming students to get to know the library with games, giveaways and free pizza at Late Night at The Library. 

51���� Alumni Tell a Tale of Success for TRIO Student Support Services

51���� is celebrating another five years of federal funding for its TRIO Student Support Services program that helps propel first-generation college students, students from limited-income backgrounds and students with disabilities to academic success.

Movin’ on Up: Students Begin Arriving at 51���� for the 2025 Fall Semester

Filled-to-the-brim plastic totes, computers, desk lamps, excited students and harried parents – it’s the first day of move-in for 51����’s 2025 Fall Semester. The annual arrival of students to their residence halls began on Wednesday, Aug. 13, on the Kent Campus.

A 56-Year Legacy of Summer Stagecraft: The History of 51����’s Porthouse Theatre

Over the decades, 51����’s Porthouse Theatre on the grounds of Blossom Music Center has produced more than 3,000 performances, entertaining nearly 400,000 patrons.

‘Think 51���� the Plight of Others Even As You Encounter Your Own Difficulties’

51���� President Todd Diacon offered graduates an unconventional yet powerful message during the August 2025 commencement ceremony, weaving together personal experiences, a global perspective and practical wisdom in an address focused on resilience, empathy and maintaining a healthy perspective throughout life.

Nursing Student Finds Purpose and Perspective in Italy

Emilia Colosimo, a 51���� at Trumbull nursing student from Newton Falls, spent two and a half life-changing months in Florence, Italy, this summer, thanks to the university’s education abroad program.

IN A FLASH: A Transformational Summer Camp

A summer camp at 51����'s College of Architecture and Design inspires high school students to explore the endless possibilities in the world of design. 

‘I’m Looking Forward to It; Crossing the Stage as a Graduate, Instead of as a Planner'

After planning and supporting hundreds of ceremonies and events at 51����, Lisa O'Connell, director of University Events and Protocol, got a graduate's-eye-view of summer commencement ceremonies as she walked the stage to receive her graduate degree as part of 51����'s Class of 2025. 

51���� Celebrates Newest Graduates

The 51���� alumni family grew by more than 1,000 new graduates from its eight-campus system across Ohio as the university held its summer commencement ceremony. The accomplishments of the Summer Class of 2025 were recognized with a commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on Aug. 9. 

From Ohio to Italy: Student’s Journey Through Science and Discovery at 51����

For Giovanni Tripi, choosing 51���� was the first step on a path that would take him from Northeast Ohio to the heart of I

POV: Fashioning Success on A Modified Path

Olivia Jákli earned a master's degree in computer science in 2024 after initially earning a bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising in 2015. She recently encouraged others to embrace calculated risks by sharing insights from her career transition journey.

51���� Museum Receives Award from Helen Frankenthaler Foundation

The 51���� Museum has received an award from the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation to fund a comprehensive energy audit of its historic 1928 building, Rockwell Hall.

IN A FLASH: Chasing Darwin

This summer, a group of 51���� students enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime education-abroad experience in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. 

Christian Siriano: ‘51���� Interns Are Always Amazing’

Acclaimed New York fashion designer Christian Siriano told 51���� School of Fashion students to practice their craft with dedication, accept criticism and learn from it, but to remember that they will never please everyone.

College of Aeronautics and Engineering Announces Nationwide Search for Director of School of Aeronautics

We're seeking a visionary leader to serve as the inaugural Director of our newly established School of Aeronautics. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of aviation science education and lead a comprehensive program that spans the full spectrum of aviation disciplines.

An Honorable Journey From Vietnam to 51���� Geauga

Honor is not only an attitude; it’s an action. As it is given and received, it profoundly improves the lives of all involved.

Cheers to the Summer Class of 2025: 51���� Celebrates New Graduates

The 51���� alumni family will grow by more than 1,000 new graduates from its eight-campus system across Ohio as the university holds its summer commencement ceremony. The accomplishments of the Summer Class of 2025 will be recognized with a commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on Aug. 9. 

IN A FLASH: Nursing's Next Generation

Students visiting 51���� from University Hospitals Future Nurse Academy engaged in hands-on activities guided by faculty from 51����'s College of Nursing.