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Announcing the 2025 President’s Award of Distinction

The President’s Award of Distinction was created as a recognition program to reward staff members who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, service, leadership and dedication to 51���� in advancing the university’s strategic priorities and core values.

Recognizing Outstanding Research and Scholarship

The Outstanding Research and Scholarship Award, the New Outstanding Research and Scholarship Award, and the 2025 Excellence in Research Mentoring Awards for graduates and undergraduates were recently announced. 

Celebrating Outstanding and Distinguished Teachers

Professors are more than educators; the connection they build in and beyond the classroom shapes the lives of students. To recognize the great professionals working at the university, the Distinguished Teaching Award and the Outstanding Teaching Award are given to 51���� educators for their remarkable achievements.

Faculty Recognized for Excellence

Each year, 51���� President Todd Diacon recognizes 51���� faculty members with the President’s Faculty Excellence Award. Recommended by department chairs and deans, these recipients are being honored for their national and international achievements. 

Betting Big on D.C. Students’ Futures

51���� is making significant contributions for the future of students in our nation’s capital. Advancing its strategic priorities, the university is backing a $30 million investment in the D.C. College Access Program’s (DC CAP) cohort-based scholarship initiative, the largest known contribution ever made toward helping D.C. students complete their postsecondary education.  

What College Students Should Know 51���� Buying Insurance

Choosing any insurance can be intimidating due to the number of options and types available. Two 51���� professors with expertise in insurance gave 51���� Today readers advice on how to navigate the world of insurance with a focus on students.

51���� Signs Agreement to Expand Partnerships in Central Asia

51���� has signed an agreement with Osh State University in Kyrgyzstan to help the Central Asian university develop graduate programs in cell biology and molecular genetics.

Translating Research Into Real-World Healing

Jaime Shuster, Ph.D., blends psychology, public health and research to improve patient care at Cleveland Clinic.

51���� Celebrates Its Newest Graduates With Spring Commencement Ceremonies

The 51���� alumni family will grow by more than 4,800 new graduates from its eight-campus system across Ohio as the university holds its spring commencement ceremonies. The accomplishments of the Spring Class of 2025 will be recognized with commencement ceremonies on May 8-10 and May 16.

'Freedom Is Not Given, It Is Fought For'

Julian Grimes, a graduating senior and president of Black United Students (BUS), delivered an impassioned speech connecting the historical struggle for civil rights to current challenges facing higher education. 

IN A FLASH: A Memorable Commemoration

The 55-year commemoration of the tragic events of May 4, 1970 at 51���� included an extensive schedule of presentations, the annual candlelight walk and vigil and the commemoration ceremonies on May 4. 

Treating Others With Dignity During Stormy Times Must Be Part of University's Core Values

In a heartfelt address during this year's May 4 Commemoration, 51���� President Todd Diacon spoke about the challenges of leading during times of change and uncertainty while emphasizing a common theme – the university's commitment to its core values of kindness and respect. 

Julian Edelman Named to New England Patriots Hall of Fame

Former 51���� quarterback and New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman has been voted into the Patriots Hall of Fame as the 37th inductee, the team announced Monday.

Your Library Is Getting an Upgrade

To better serve you through our vast resources and knowledgeable librarians, 51���� Libraries will join other OhioLINK institutions in replacing the KentLINK platform with a new library system that will offer a host of benefits to support 21st-century teaching, learning and research. 

One Year of Wellness on Wheels

51���� recently celebrated one year of wellness-on-the-go. The Mobile Flashes program has been in motion since spring 2024, delivering healthcare services to underserved and rural communities throughout Northeast Ohio.  

Commemorating Moment Frozen in Time

Hundreds of 51���� students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members gathered to pay their respects and to remember.

Annual Candlelight Walk and Vigil Marks May 4

Despite rain, 51���� continued its commemoration to honor the memory of May 4, 1970 with the annual candlelight walk and vigil on campus. This cornerstone of the commemoration began in 1971. Participants carried candles as they gathered on the 51���� Commons and in the Prentice Hall parking lot.

‘It Was Time for Me to Go Home’ – Geography Professor Combed May 4 Oral Histories in Search of Shared Humanity

51���� Associate Professor of Geography Jennifer Mapes, Ph.D., has studied the events of May 4, 1970, through the lens of a map maker. 

Honors Student Shines Light on the Past While Preparing for the Future

Riley Drabic, a junior architectural studies major at 51���� and a member of the Honors College, is already doing research in the field of historic preservation, which will not only enrich the field, but prepare him for his own future as a historic preservationist. Captivated by history and architecture, Riley wants to preserve and repair historical buildings instead of designing new structures.

A Legacy of Remembrance: 50th Anniversary of May 4 Task Force

As the May 4 Task Force celebrates its golden anniversary this year, chair Sophie Swengel is proud to once again preserve the memory of May 4, 1970, and the people who were lost and injured that day.

IN A FLASH: It's Not Just One Day

Remembering May 4, 1970 at 51���� is not confined to just the events around the annual commemoration on campus, but is part of living and learning at 51���� throughout the year.

Being a Hospital’s Moral Compass

Flash Focus: Graduating University Storytellers

Meet Camille, Malina, Hayden, Matthew and Timmy, five graduating seniors from across the College of Communication and Information who work for 51����’s Division of University Communications and Marketing. These students have been gaining more than just hands-on experience; they are helping shape the university’s story.  

51���� Flashes Give Back Week: Serving Communities, Supporting Students and Showing Gratitude

From April 21-26, Golden Flashes came together in remarkable ways to make an impact during Flashes Give Back Week, a weeklong i

51���� Remembers May 4, 1970, With 55th Commemoration

51���� will hold its annual commemoration to honor the memory of May 4, 1970 – a tragic day when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on 51���� students during an anti-war protest on campus, killing four students and wounding nine others. May 4, 1970, marked a pivotal moment in American history. 

Peering into the Past with Billion-Year-Old Bacteria

MEDIA ADVISORY: 51���� Remembers May 4, 1970, With 55th Commemoration

51���� will hold its annual commemoration to honor the memory of May 4, 1970 – a tragic day when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on 51���� students during an anti-war protest on campus, killing four students and wounding nine others. May 4, 1970, marked a pivotal moment in American history. 

Out of This World Opportunities

My name is Tristan Magel.

ToddCast Episode 3: Jerry M. Lewis

Join us on the 51���� ToddCast as President Todd Diacon revisits a conversation with Professor Emeritus Jerry M. Lewis, Ph.D.

51���� Announces Dual Degree Partnership in Fashion Design with Bennett University

51���� has signed a new international partnership with Bennett University in India that will establish a 2+2 Dual Degree Program in Fashion Design to provide students with a unique educational opportunity.

Hoping Tragic History Will Never Repeat Itself

A group of Emerson College students in Boston, who are enrolled in Gregory Payne’s course about the 51���� and Jackson State tragedies will visit 51���� on May 2-4, when the university holds its annual commemoration.

Students Guiding the History of 51����

The May 4 Visitors Center uses 51����’s history to help guide the community in understanding the past and applying it to the present. Tours conducted by student guides are a rich part of this process.  

From Seed Grant to Community Impact: The LEAD Project Inspires Young Minds in Akron

51���� Celebrates Excellent Seniors, Alumni and Faculty Award Recipients

On April 17, 2025, in the 51���� Student Center, outstanding 51���� seniors and two

exceptional faculty members were honored during the Senior Honors Reception, and also, the Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) Induction Ceremony. 

IN A FLASH: Get Some Green For Your Garden

The Spring 2025 Plant Sale at the Herrick Conservatory begins on Monday, April 28 and runs through Friday, May 2, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. The sale of these student-grown vegetables, herbs, flowers and houseplants support the Herrick Conservatory and associated student organizations. 

51���� Alumnus’ Air Force Career Takes Off

From Massillon, Ohio, to the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas, Kenneth Strait, a 2024 51���� graduate, is a standout example of how hard work pays off. From Massillon, Ohio, to the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas, Kenneth Strait, a 2024 51���� graduate, is a standout example of how hard work pays off.