5XÉçÇø

Your gift will honor Kent State alumnus Michael John Gallagher II in the form of a scholarship for current students.

(Banner photo credit: Shannon Clark)

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About Michael John Gallagher II

Michael John Gallagher II graduated from the 5XÉçÇø College of Communication and Information in 2019. He studied global communication — and his love for the discipline was central to who he was. The impact he made during his 24 years on this earth was felt around the world — in Chicago, Illinois; Kent, Ohio; Chengdu, China; Florence, Italy; Benin, West Africa; and Paris, France. 

Michael spread kindness wherever he went, with a smile, wave or small talk. He made everyone feel like a friend. Michael didn’t just have friends, he had best friends. There wasn’t a person that met him who didn’t feel his infectious energy, including Kent State faculty. 

Michael was very active within the Kent community. During his four years, not only did he grow as an exceptional student, but he also flourished as a leader, ambassador, mentor and humanitarian. Michael graduated, magna cum laude, May 2019.

After graduating, Michael joined the Peace Corps. He dedicated himself to teaching English to the French speaking children at CEG Yebessi in Benin, West Africa. Michael served until March 2020, when his tour abruptly ended because the Peace Corps evacuated volunteers due to the global pandemic. He was beloved by his young students. 

In June 2020, Michael was accepted into the American University in Paris to pursue a Master of Arts in Global Communication. He was passionate about language, writing and was fluent in French, making Paris the perfect location for advanced education. 

Just two days after Michael’s 24th birthday, his life tragically came to an end. Michael’s short time on this earth left an indelible impression on so many people. Our goal is to make sure this impression of kindness, compassion and authenticity is everlasting. Your contributions will benefit students who live as passionately as Michael.  

His legacy lives on

To help us continue Michael John Gallagher II's impact on the world, the Gallagher family has established a scholarship in his honor.

If you would like to donate by mail, please send a check and a note with your name, address, telephone number, and information about where to direct your contribution, to:

5XÉçÇø Foundation
Attn: Laurel Wirtanen-Siloy
350 S. Lincoln Street
P.O. Box 5190
Kent, Ohio 44242-0001

#MichaelMonday

Several of Michael John Gallagher II's close friends from his time at Kent State are organizing a social media movement, #MichaelMonday. To celebrate his life, they ask that those who knew him share stories and memories of Michael each Monday.