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The year 2020 presented many challenges requiring major changes and adjustments for organizations everywhere. Instead of going the traditional route with an annual report for 2020, WKSU explored this past year with “2020: A Year in Review,” celebrating its 70th anniversary, highlighting its adjustments due to the COVID-19 pandemic and covering major historical events.

The ��MŮ�� community celebrates the life of Professor Emeritus Edward W. Crosby, Ph.D., known as the “father of Black History Month,” as his work in founding the Institute of African-American Affairs at ��MŮ�� and his contribution to the success of thousands of students inspired all who knew him.

��MŮ�� at Tuscarawas student Jason Keller is doing what he loves—telling stories through photographs. He was recently honored by the Ohio News Media Association with the Best Feature Photo award, capturing the image of a Navy veteran saluting the crowd while riding in a military jeep during a parade in Sugarcreek, Ohio. The photo was judged best out of all entries from weekly newspapers throughout the state for the Osman C. Hooper Weekly Newspaper contest.

The future of storytelling is constantly changing, but ��M�� is connecting students to the university through new communication avenues. One platform rising in popularity and mass-consumption that colleges like ��M�� are taking advantage of is podcasts.

Four new middle school teachers started the school year with high hopes and big dreams, ready to establish their classrooms, teach dynamically and build community with their young students through daily, face-to-face interaction. Instead, they have encountered empty classrooms and computer icons rather than students’ faces. Recent graduates from ��MŮ�� Geauga’s Middle Childhood Education (MCED) program share their stories of first-year teaching from the COVID classroom.

A new six-part short film docuseries is being released aimed at raising awareness of the Male Empowerment Network (MEN) at ��M��, along with commemorating 10 years. An initiative through the Student Multicultural Center, the Male Empowerment Network supports men of color on campus both academically and through personal development. Advisor of MEN and Director of the Student Multicultural Center Mike Daniels says this has led to some great things.

During this year's Black History Month, ��M�� is highlighting Black trailblazers who were advocates for underrepresented students, faculty and staff as well as the first to make beneficial changes to ��M��.

Michael Daniels is the director of the Student Multicultural Center (SMC) where he has the opportunity to make a difference on campus and continue the legacy of those who came before him. Daniels was recently awarded the President’s Award of Distinction for his success with the programs and initiatives offered by the SMC during a global pandemic. Learn more about Daniels as he answers these 10 questions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many disruptions and changes to people’s lives. The ��MŮ�� men’s basketball team has been affected, too, with schedule changes, games played in nearly empty arenas and extra safety protocols in place. However, one of the things that has not changed is the team’s steadfast commitment to autism awareness.

In 2020, alumna Sarah Shendy became the first Director of the newly created Ohio Office of Law Enforcement Recruitment. Shendy worked hard to achieve this prestigious position, but had it not been for ��M��, she may have never gone into law enforcement.