Inspiring Stories
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![Gina and George Jenkins](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/article/22IPG012_DrupalHeader_Cornerstone_Jenkins_3000x800_0.jpg?VersionId=BXeJTW1gHTZMZcYLZYO9vaqYa6A6EUyw)
George L. Jenkins鈥 generosity spans three decades and continues to support first-generation students and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
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![Sally Kirkland (right), with daughter Jan (left) and granddaughter Hannah (center). Sally Kirkland (right), with daughter Jan (left) and granddaughter Hannah (center).](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/article/22IPG001_SallyKirklandFeature_3000x800_NEW_0.jpg?VersionId=tawyhBZ.hT1DXiPEp9G1bt4UlRVRWJ3.)
Establishing a scholarship in honor and memory of her daughter and granddaughter has helped Sally Kirkland heal some of her pain while providing support for generations of students to come.
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![Dr. Joyce A. Baugh (right) with Drs. Gargan (left) and Hensley (center) at Dr. Hensley鈥檚 retirement dinner. Baugh](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/article/22IPG004_DrupalHeader_MakingTheWorldFB_3000x800_0.jpg?VersionId=EVp0zrSd2NiBQL.6JSXsV3eodMgrZ0G7)
Joyce A. Baugh, M.A. 鈥83, Ph.D. 鈥89 and husband, Roger Hatch, Ph.D., were grateful to discover a way they could honor former 抖M女仆 professors while helping ensure students have access to a 抖M女仆 education, regardless of their financial situation.
Joyce鈥檚 path to Kent鈥
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![Dean Denise A. Seachrist and Charlie Wentz at daughter Katie's wedding. Dean Denise A. Seachrist and Charlie Wentz at daughter Katie's wedding.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/article/22IPG002_Seachrist_1500x400_0.jpg?VersionId=TIHPxCdq6Anl8wtkOGR9N_4.azWzimG3)
鈥淚f you have money to give, you want to touch as many lives as you can.鈥 - Denise A. Seachrist, Ph.D., '93
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![Kathleen Rydar](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/22IPG005_Rydar_1500x400_3.jpg?VersionId=ld7G2GUn3JiGrNTwSTYTt61vutfufX34)
For Kathleen Rydar, '67, '80 MA, receiving support while a student herself sparked a lifetime of giving back. 鈥淭hese investments tucked away during working years present a remarkable opportunity in retirement to give generously to my alma mater while reducing my tax burdens鈥
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![Dr. James L. Raper, 鈥79](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/article/21IPG009_Cornerstone_Raper_3000x800_0.jpg?VersionId=zLpsVeIfz4Qjw3WpjTU0.1ziv.D26MjT)
Dr. James L. Raper, 鈥79, chose to support 抖M女仆 students with a planned gift that includes an endowed fund and endowed professorship that support nursing research and education.
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![Mindy and Gary Aleman with with former Flashes running back and and 2019 抖M女仆 alumnus, Will Matthews, April 2019](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/article/21IPG004_DrupalHeader_Cornerstone_Aleman_3000x800_1.jpg?VersionId=aSSLPFWzVMFJNGd8PwWYvS_KWY3vl6OT)
鈥淚t really is all about 抖M女仆鈥檚 wonderful students,鈥 Mindy said. 鈥淕ary and I were able to pursue our dreams. These students deserve the opportunity to pursue their dreams and need help right now to do that.鈥
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![Jay and Joanie Solomon on a tiny island in Scotland's Inner Hebrides 2018](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/article/21IPG004_DrupalHeader_Cornerstone_Solomon_3000x800_0.jpg?VersionId=QIt2CgnaqbJbRfZL.l.gUcCHUMPcwRzs)
鈥淚 know how hard it is when you鈥檙e worried about being able to pay for whatever is coming up,鈥 said Jay Solomon, 鈥61. 鈥淒ollars were always short for me. I was fortunate to be able to find jobs to take care of that, but that doesn鈥檛 always happen. I identify鈥
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![Michele M. Stoffan, 鈥72, MAT 鈥75, Ph.D. 鈥81](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/page/21IPG009_Cornerstone_Stoffan_3000x800.jpg?VersionId=UqxPhQQlWm2euSJVnfNsN4H5E.6mHxgi)
The Michele M. Stoffan Endowed Scholarship inspires and supports future teachers interested in providing the highest quality of instruction in high poverty settings.
Jack and Dora sharing a celebratory toast during their 2014 family Disney cruise celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.