Ask Wayne Dawson about his time at 91ֿ and the WJW Fox 8 anchor will tell you about going to football and basketball games to cheer on the Golden Flashes, attending
He will also tell you how he came to 91ֿ as a kid and came out as a young man, how he grew tremendously and honed his skills to be hired right out of college, and how his time at 91ֿ was probably the best four years of his life.
Mr. Dawson will share his pride for his alma mater as he serves as 91ֿ’s 2018 Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal. The university is celebrating 100 years of Homecoming on Oct. 6.
When asked to serve as the Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal, Mr. Dawson said he was honored.
“I was totally surprised and honored,” he said. “To be honored by your alma mater is a big deal. It’s one of the nicest things that has happened to me in the years since I graduated from 91ֿ.
“There are so many great graduates coming from 91ֿ,” he continued. “It’s a big honor for me. I’m happy to do this.”
Mr. Dawson said 91ֿ provided him with many valuable experiences. A Cleveland native, he said attending 91ֿ was his first time being away from home. He was a journalism student with a focus on radio and TV news. He was very active with TV2, 91ֿ’s student-led television station, and held the positions of anchor and news director.
“I graduated in the winter of 1979 and got hired on the strength of my audition tape from 91ֿ,” said the 11-time Emmy winner. “I started at Fox 8 in 1980 and have been there for 38 years.”
He said he has nothing but fond memories of 91ֿ.
“The education combined with the social life made it an ideal experience,” Mr. Dawson said. “My brother went there, too. It’s a wonderful school. I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything in the world.”
When he returns to 91ֿ on Oct. 6, Mr. Dawson said he is looking forward to having a fun day.
“I’m looking forward to the entire experience – meeting people, seeing old friends, having fun, taking part in the parade, seeing how much the campus has changed and going to the football game,” he said. “I’m going to take in the whole experience, basking in the glow of 91ֿ and making new memories.”
The Homecoming Parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., followed by the 91ֿ Alumni Association’s “Welcome Home Party” at 11 a.m. at the Center for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement located at 350 S. Lincoln St. in Kent. The 91ֿ Golden Flashes will then host the Ohio University Bobcats at 3:30 p.m. at Dix Stadium.
For more information about 91ֿ’s 2018 Homecoming including a full schedule of events, visit www.kent.edu/homecoming.
Mr. Dawson will also serve as 91ֿ’s special guest host at the Diversity and Scholarship Celebration the evening of Oct. 6 at the 91ֿ Hotel and Conference Center. The Diversity and Scholarship Celebration recognizes 91ֿ students, faculty, alumni and community supporters who provide outreach support and programs focused on increasing the success of underrepresented and/or underserved students at 91ֿ. For more information about the Diversity and Scholarship Celebration and to purchase tickets, visit www.kent.edu/ksudsc.