The Kent State University Student Ambassadors helped spread kindness around the campus Friday, Sept. 19, hosting the “Written with Kindness” event.
At this event, students were able to leave messages of positivity for their peers in honor of World Gratitude Day and next week’s National Hazing Prevention Week.
Kent Student Ambassadors is a campus organization focused on philanthropy, giving back to their community and how students in the future can give back to Kent State. This organization can also teach students strong leadership skills to prepare them for their futures.
KSA President Alex Shy, a senior accounting major, explained some of the perks of being a part of this organization.
“As students, when we give in small ways, such as with our time and our talents, with making notes, we’re kind of then showing how you can give in the future monetarily to Kent State,” Shy said.
For their recent event, they had chalk for students to spread positivity around the K, writing encouraging letters and a board full of positive messages for their peers.
“We really hope this event will kind of spread some kindness and positivity throughout campus, kind of focusing on World Gratitude Day and also tagging into the anti-hazing movement that’s happening next week, just spreading kindness and positivity and trying to drown out hate,” Shy said.
National Hazing Prevention Week occurs during the last full week of September every year and raises awareness about the recurring dangers of hazing that takes place on college campuses.
World Gratitude Day takes place Sunday, Sept. 21, reminding students of the importance of expressing gratitude.
According to The Hazing Prevention Network, the 2025 theme for National Hazing Prevention Week is “Be the leader, prevent hazing,” focusing on education, advocacy, awareness and fundraising.
“Hazing is such a negative thing,” Shy said. “We’re really trying to uplift people’s spirits and bring some positivity to it.”
KSA plans on continuing to promote leadership, positivity and philanthropy throughout the remainder of the school year for the community of Kent.
“We kind of focus a lot on service and serving the community and students here at Kent, while also being in front of donors, which is such a cool opportunity,” Shy said.
Ava Drozd is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
Sofia Helena is a reporter for KSTV. Contact her at [email protected].