Profiles

The Flash With a Golden Voice
Jazz singer-songwriter Ava Preston is making waves in the music scene. Recently, she performed at the prestigious 2023 Monterey Jazz Festival in California, and was recognized as a 2023 YoungArts Finalist and Silver Award Winner for Jazz-Voice. She's also a Golden Flash.

His Bare Feet Bolster Bike Rides Across Several Continents
“You've got to have a dream,” said Daniel James, who set out on a bike ride through Central America after his 2022 graduation from 91ֿ. “If any of you are considering going on a road trip, or backpacking trip, or visiting that country you always wanted to go to, do it.

Welcome to the Jungle ... Juice
The two Golden Flashes turned friendship into a business partnership with the recent launch of their beverage brand, Jungle Juice.

‘There’s Nothing that Can Adequately Prepare You for Such an Extraordinary Experience’
LaKaleb Bowen, 91ֿ senior criminology and justice studies major admits that he’s become a little addicted to 91ֿ’s education-abroad programs.

From Corporate To Nonprofit: How A Public Relations Alumnus Has Impacted Greater Cleveland And 91ֿ
91ֿ alumnus Richard Batyko, M.A., ’12, has committed his life and career to making the world, specifically Greater Cleveland, a better place.

‘You Don’t Learn If You Don’t Ever Fail’
Kathryn Wilson, Ph.D., professor of economics at 91ֿ, designs her courses with the intention of having students achieve. Her attention to detail, respect from her students and her passion for teaching have earned her the 2023 Distinguished Teaching Award.

‘Oh My God We’re Making A Movie!’
Ava Moss believes in embracing what life has to offer one major event at a time. What began as tough days sleeping on a friend's couch has now led to a full-time job with Walt Disney Animation Studios.

How Covid Created a New Career Path for Kacie Gikonyo
91ֿ alumna and former nurse Kacie Gikonyo has founded the Death Doula Collective, a nationwide group for death doulas, and plans to establish her own death doula school in the Cleveland-Akron area to provide clinical hands-on training.

Mind, Body and Multiple Sclerosis
Marwan Shalih Maraicar challenged himself to explain cellular research on multiple sclerosis to a non-specialized public, and he walked away the People’s Choice Award winner.

Moving from Private Industry to Academia
Meet Raiful Hasan, a new assistant professor of computer science at 91ֿ.