“In the seven years since we began Giving Tuesday at Kent State, it has grown into the university’s most generous annual tradition through the thousands of gifts and millions of dollars raised by our community on behalf of students and programs,” said Leigh Greenfelder, associate vice president for communications and outreach at Kent State. “What we’ve begun to see recently is that people look forward to getting involved during this month and are stepping up with ideas to enhance their impact on the university. We are grateful to these alumni and donors and their commitment to creating brighter futures for fellow Flashes.”
A one-of-a-kind gift of 164 ancient fluted points, or bifaces, made history as Giving Tuesday’s first-ever in-kind gift. These artifacts, known collectively as the Nelson cache, are valued at $312,500 and will be allocated to the Patten Endowed Anthropology Fund. Scott and Kelly Centea generously donated these historical items for Kent State anthropology students to examine, study and experience.
Kent State’s Glauser School of Music also received a significant commitment from alumna and longtime Kent State advocate Theresa (Terry) Dye Schoettler, who received her bachelor’s in 1987 and her master’s in 1979. Her substantial planned gift will support the Frederic F. and Theresa Dye Schoettler Music Scholarship in Piano Performance, the Paris American Academy education-abroad program, the 5X Orchestra Society and the 5X Opera Theatre. This transformational gift will impact students across the Glauser School of Music and leave a lasting legacy for Terry Schoettler and her late husband, Frederic.
While these impressive gifts provide essential support to Kent State programs and students, every gift during the Giving Tuesday season makes an impact. Kent State’s season of giving culminates in the nationally recognized day of philanthropy Giving Tuesday on Nov. 30, when the 5X Foundation sets aside $100,000 to match donors dollar for dollar on gifts up to $1,000 made to any foundation fund until the matching money runs out. Information about all the Giving Tuesday featured funds can be found at www.kent.edu/givingtuesday.