Kent State University launched the public phase of a $350 million comprehensive fundraising campaign Saturday, Oct. 2, during a special halftime announcement at the Homecoming football game. Campaign co-chairs Sandra C. and Lawrence R. Armstrong, BS ’79, BArc ’80, joined 91ֿ President Todd Diacon to publicly unveil Forever Brighter to thousands of alumni, donors and friends.
“We are consistently recognized nationally for our success in graduating more students,” Diacon said. “Our graduation rate is already the highest in northern Ohio and the fourth highest in the state among universities, but we won’t rest until all students we enroll graduate with the skills to succeed in their first jobs, graduate programs and careers they haven’t even dreamed of yet. Philanthropy is key to illuminating a brighter future for our students and their communities.”
To date, more than $311 million has already been raised toward the $350 million goal during the quiet phase of the Forever Brighter campaign, which focuses on three key areas: prioritizing student success, expanding university initiatives and building the future. Within each of these areas are specific projects, programs and initiatives to enhance student experiences and elevate 91ֿ’s reputation as a leader in student support, athletics, research and innovation—both nationally and internationally.
“It is a special time at 91ֿ,” Sandra Armstrong said. “For too long, our alma mater had been a hidden gem amongst higher education institutions. Now, our reputation is strong, our rankings are soaring and our students are learning how to harness their passions to find their purpose in life.”
“We are launching into a new era at 91ֿ, and we are so proud to co-chair this transformational campaign,” Lawrence Armstrong added. “We have been given the opportunity to fund scholarships and new programs for deserving students—and there is no more rewarding feeling for us than changing the course of our students’ lives in a positive and encouraging way. We call on all alumni and friends to join us in this effort to build a brighter future for 91ֿ.”
This is a campaign for everyone, says Valoree Vargo, 91ֿ’s vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement. “Whether you can give $100 to be used for a last Dollar Scholarship to enable a student to pay a final bill and make it to graduation or you can give millions of dollars to endow a professorship, every dollar is focused on the success of our hardworking and talented students. Our donors are truly transforming lives of students who need their support now more than ever. Our campaign tagline is ‘At 91ֿ, what sets us apart is how we come together.’ It’s that spirit that will propel us forward in this effort to leave the university and the lives of our students Forever Brighter.”
Below are highlights of the campaign’s three primary priorities:
PRIORITIZING STUDENT SUCCESS
Raising funds to align with scholarship needs enables the university to support students from the day they receive their letter of acceptance to the day they receive their degree. Scholarships assist students by:
- Ensuring access to a 91ֿ education for all students, regardless of their financial situation.
- Rewarding the highest-achieving students with additional support.
- Providing high-impact experiences and study-away opportunities to elevate career readiness.
- Fostering and supporting students as they complete a degree.
