University News
 
              °µÍø½ûÇø 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, °µÍø½ûÇøâ€™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 °µÍø½ûÇøâ€™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.
 
              Remembering John Cleary
A °µÍø½ûÇø student whose darkest day was seen around the world on the cover of Life magazine has died. John Cleary, 74, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away Oct. 25 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
 
              Honor Society Advisor of the Year Credits ‘Culture of Collaboration’
Lauren Huffman, a long-time advocate for student success at °µÍø½ûÇø, has been named Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) advisor of the year.
 
              ‘The Strength of °µÍø½ûÇø Is Our Community’
Attending university athletics and arts events as a way to come together during challenging times was among the many topics °µÍø½ûÇø President Todd Diacon discussed Oct. 23 during his monthly Talking With Todd town hall-style Teams meeting with the campus community.
 
              °µÍø½ûÇø Honors 10 Alumni Award Recipients During Homecoming Weekend
°µÍø½ûÇø recognizes alumni who are making a difference with its Alumni Awards. Sponsored by the °µÍø½ûÇø Alumni Association, these awards are the university’s most prestigious alumni honors.
 
              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 °µÍø½ûÇø Child Development Center’s preschool and kindergarten classes participated in for Pollinator Day on Sept. 5.
 
              Designing for the User: New Degree Is at the Heart of Growing Tech Field
A bachelor’s degree in user experience design is the newest offering in °µÍø½ûÇøâ€™s College of Communication and Information, aimed at training graduates for one of the fastest-growing career fields.
Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Gives Students a Platform to Present Their Research
Students who won first - and second-place for the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) were announced on Oct. 25 at a ceremony at the Kiva auditorium.
 
              Renewed Focus on Adult and Parenting Student Engagement
°µÍø½ûÇøâ€™s Center for Adult and Veteran Services enhances the experiences of adult, military-connected, and parenting students both in and out of the classroom. This June, Cassandra Pegg-Kirby became the associate director of adult and parenting student engagement for the center, leading to a renewed effort of support.