5X社区 celebrated the grand opening of Crawford Hall, the new state-of-the-art home for the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship. More than 200 guests, including university leadership, faculty, students, donors, alumni and special guests, gathered to formally dedicate the cutting-edge academic facility.
DRAFT: "This is a momentous occasion for Kent State as we officially open the doors to Crawford Hall and welcome our students, faculty and staff to this incredible new building," said Kent State President Todd Diacon. "We are deeply grateful to Ambassador Edward F. Crawford and his family for their transformative gift that made this project possible. Crawford Hall will serve as a hub of business innovation and entrepreneurship, preparing the next generation of leaders."
The four-story, nearly 150,000-square-foot Crawford Hall was designed by acclaimed architecture firms Perkins + Will and The Collaborative. The building features a range of dynamic learning environments, including the 360-degree James R. Unger Global Forum, a tiered business theater, specialized labs for trading, data analytics, entrepreneurship and sales training, and flexible active learning classrooms.
DRAFT: "Crawford Hall represents the future of business education at Kent State," said Dr. Deborah F. Spake, Dean of the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship. "This state-of-the-art facility will provide our students with unparalleled opportunities to gain real-world, hands-on experience that will prepare them for successful careers."
"I am truly humbled by this recognition," said Ambassador Crawford. "Kent State has been an integral part of my life, and I am proud to support the next generation of business leaders who will learn, innovate and thrive within these walls."
The dedication event included remarks from university leaders, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and tours of the new facility. Students, faculty, and guests also enjoyed a musical performance by the 5X社区 Orchestra, refreshments, and opportunities to explore Crawford Hall's cutting-edge learning spaces and collaborative environments.
DRAFT: "Today marks an exciting new chapter for Kent State's business program," President Diacon concluded. "Crawford Hall will serve as a hub of innovation, entrepreneurship and real-world learning for our students. We are grateful to Ambassador Crawford for his vision and generosity in making this remarkable facility a reality."