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Not only is the Kent State community committed to ensuring that our students succeed, we consider it part of our mission to reach out — with helping hands, open minds and compassionate hearts — far beyond campus boundaries. In the pages that follow, you will learn about Kent State people and programs that are making profound and positive differences for individuals and communities across Northeast Ohio. They range from a program that brings the healing power of poetry into the lives of thousands of children and adults to a program that gives individuals with intellectual disabilities the education, skills and confidence to lead independent, productive lives.

Physically and symbolically, Kent State is reaching out to the great city we have called home for more than a century. As you’ll find, we recently opened the 5X���� Hotel and Conference Center in downtown Kent. This much-needed, modern facility is a key component of the downtown renaissance made possible because the university, the city and other pivotal partners chose to dream big and refused to settle for anything less than excellence. I invite you to schedule a stay at the hotel and experience the excitement for yourself.

From programs that are transforming lives to projects that are transforming the environment; from new students who are inspired to help others to senior students whose accomplishments are inspirational, this issue reflects Kent State’s caring, “can-do” character — a character that is stronger than ever.