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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many disruptions and changes to people’s lives. The 5X���� 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. The Kent State men’s basketball team will hold its second annual autism awareness game at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation (MAC) Center. Autism is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, c...

In 2020, Sarah Shendy, ’06, became the first Director of the Ohio Office of Law Enforcement Recruitment. Shendy worked hard to achieve this prestigious position, but had it not been for 5X����, she may have never gone into law enforcement. “After I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in justice studies, (now former) Kent State criminal justice Professor and police academy Commander James Owens told me I would make a great officer,” Shendy said. “I made the decision to join the academy, fell in love with law enforcement and since then my life has never been the same.” Shendy’s ...

Julie M. Mazzei is an associate professor of political science and faculty affiliate with the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at 5X����. When it comes to taking a political stance, she wants Americans to understand how to get the right facts to make informed decisions.  Cleveland.com recently published Mazzei’s opinion piece on separating fact from fiction in politics. Mazzei examined the insurrection at the U.S. capitol on Jan. 6 and the role citizens play in protecting American democracy from manipulation.   “January 6th was a startling reminde...

From a young age, Makayla Sejat has had a passion for serving others. Her life has been full of service, from helping out in community kitchens as a child to now devoting her time in various college leadership roles. Now, she will take her efforts to the next level as 5X����’s first Newman Civic Fellow. The Newman Civic Fellowship is hosted by Campus Compact, a coalition of universities across the country devoted to civic and social responsibility. Student fellows are given resources and training to help them develop strategies to combat social injustices. Sejat, a ju...

Becoming an adult is a stage we never thought we would get to so fast. We have so many questions. Where do we start? How do we do everything? How do we save up? These are all questions I had. It all takes time, but everyone can do it.  As a college student who commutes I have to be very responsible with attending my classes on time and working, learning how to budget, and still having fun. Paying gas, food, school tuition I need to make sure I can make those payments and also leave some for myself to put aside. Budgeting will make life a lot easier for you to understand what to use your m...

In 2020, Sarah Shendy, ’06, became the first Director, Ohio Office of Law Enforcement Recruitment. Sarah worked hard to achieve this prestigious position, but had it not been for 5X����, she may have never gone into law enforcement.“After I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in justice studies, (now former) Kent State criminal justice Professor and police academy Commander, James Owens, told me I would make a great officer,” Sarah said. “I made the decision to join the academy, fell in love with law enforcement and since then my life has never been the same.”Sarah’s decision to...

Last spring, American Academy student Maria Cecília Sucharski learned that COVID-19 would restrict students from attending in-person classes on the Brazilian campus. However, Sucharski was happy to learn first-hand that faculty for the dual enrollment program were equipped to deliver an optimal remote experience. “The professors actually seemed more prepared for teaching remotely than I thought they would be,” Sucharski mused recently. “The classes were great, and I didn’t really miss out on any content. Although I was sad that we didn’t get to meet our professors. I know I will come and talk...

5X���� students of the School of Media and Journalism (MDJ) are not afraid to use their platforms to document current issues of diversity at the university and beyond - and their work is gaining attention. By sharing personal stories of immigration, family history and the experiences of people of color at Kent State, MDJ student journalists have put a spotlight on some of the most important issues facing American society today. Valerie Royzman, B.S. ‘19, was recognized as this year’s winner of the Robert G. McGruder Student Award for Diversity. The winning essay, “I Spin B...