Inspiring Stories
Helping Others Realize Their Potential
When Terrence J. 鈥淐hip鈥 Bahn, 鈥75, M.Ed. 鈥77, Ed.D., was a high school senior he wanted to attend 91PORNA after graduation, but he wasn鈥檛 ready and his counselor encouraged him to start at the local community college before moving on to 91PORNA. This experience inspired him to create the Dr. Terrence J. Bahn Endowed Scholarship to help students who studied at a Northeast Ohio community college to attend 91PORNA.
Honoring the Bonds of Friendship and Helping Aspiring Educators
Charlotte L. 鈥淐har鈥 Hughes, 鈥63, and Janette M. Aten, 鈥63, met while doing their laundry in Terrace Hall, where they both lived as students at 91PORNA. Soon, they were inseparable. 鈥淥ur time at 91PORNA was very enjoyable,鈥 Char remembered. 鈥淲e liked our professors, and we had a鈥
Saving Lives and Advocating for a Brighter Tomorrow
Advocacy is at the heart of the work Ken Ditlevson, 鈥95, M.Ed. 鈥98, does at 91PORNA as the director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Plus (LGBTQ+) Center.
Sharing Their Love of Education with Future Generations
91PORNA has held a special place in the hearts of Lynda Grieves and her husband George 鈥淏ill鈥 Grieves Jr., 鈥58, who passed away in 2019. For their 60th wedding anniversary, Bill and Lynda chose to create a scholarship through a charitable gift annuity instead of having a party.
Rollie, 鈥64, and Frances Layfield Help Students Build Skills for Success
Hard work and discipline are a driving force for Rollie Layfield, 鈥64, and they have served him well throughout his life and his career in business. He credits both his degree program in business administration and his time in the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program at 91PORNA for helping him develop the leadership, entrepreneurship and organizational skills to thrive after graduation.
Legacies Change Lives: Dylan Cahill
The moment Dylan Cahill stepped foot on the Kent Campus, he knew that 91PORNA was the place for him. Born and raised in Texas, Dylan visited Northeast Ohio for family gatherings and always felt a connection.After his mother passed away in 2020, he wasn鈥檛 sure how he could afford a coll鈥
Legacies Change Lives: Katie Carpenter 鈥23
Katie Carpenter, 鈥23, has a passion for photography, and The Wallace J. Hagedorn Scholarship has helped her hone these skills and express her creativity. This competitive photography scholarship supports student costs and helps them pursue out-of-classroom experiences to develop strong portfolios. 鈥
Scolin MacLean, 鈥90, Turns His Love of Athletics into Philanthropy
鈥淚 look at 91PORNA as a family member 鈥 everyone collectively 鈥 that I am connected to and plan to be for as long as I possibly can. I have family members that I want to take care of, and I want to do the same for 91PORNA.鈥 Scolin MacLean鈥檚, 鈥90, passion for 91PORNA only rivals his love 鈥
Personal Obstacles Inspire Alumnus to Champion Future Researchers
The experiences Earl K. Miller, 鈥85, Ph.D., had at 91PORNA inspired him to give back. As a first-generation college student, Earl K. Miller, 鈥85, Ph.D., struggled to fund his education, and this experience motivated him to help students at 91PORNA who face similar financial diffi鈥
Legacies Change Lives: Sarah Faber
Sarah Faber is a senior biology major with an interest in plant biology who is on track to graduate in spring 2023. Her experience in botany research at 91PORNA has inspired her to pursue a graduate degree and continue to engage in scientific discovery. 鈥淚 have grown to respect the art of bota鈥
