On the weekend of May 12, Kent State University saw nearly 5,500 students walk across the stage as they moved their tassels from one side to the other.

Whether it be taking some time to figure out what’s next, diving straight into the workforce or heading off to get their master’s degrees, each graduate has something to look forward to after graduation.

Skyler Bates graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s of science in digital media production and two minors in marketing and world literature and cultures.

“I have truly loved my time here,” Bates said. “Kent has molded me into such a confident and open-minded person. I have grown both professionally and personally thanks to the people I’ve met along the way.”

Alyssa Maziarz, who graduated with a bachelor’s in visual communication and design, is preparing to dive straight into her field.

“Kent State helped prepare me for the professional world and more specifically the design industry,” she said. “I will be starting full-time as a graphic designer at Chronicle Heritage this summer.”

Maziarz said she was thankful for her professors who supported her throughout her years as a student. 

Graduates like Cyrus Adkins, who graduated with a bachelor’s in digital media production, look fondly at their time at Kent.

“I made great friends here,” Adkins said. “One of our favorite things to do was to go to a record shop in Akron, we would go and have a good time.” 

Some of Adkins’ favorite memories were the work he did in his field of study. 

“I did production soundmix for Good Deed Entertainment on a horror movie and worked on a production soundmix for the Cleveland Cavaliers,” he said.

Adkins said he’s thankful for his time at Kent. 

“I got out of my college experience what I wanted,” he said. “Kent provided me with resources to be confident and feel safe in my future as a professional.”

Roe Green earns honorary degree

Along with the class of 2023 graduates, Alumna and philanthropist Roe Green received an honorary doctorate degree at the commencement May 12.

Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals who have contributed to the advancement of the university and have been recognized for great achievement in their field.

“It’s been on my bucket list for over thirty years.” Green said. “A dream come true, I can’t even begin to say how much this means to me.”

Green graduated from Kent State in 1980 with a master of arts in theatre after graduating from the University of Colorado in 1970 with a bachelor of arts in theatre and communications.

“I came to Kent because of the professors,” Green said. “I worked with the best, like Bill Zucchero.”

Green has pledged over a million dollars to Kent State University’s Theatre and Dance program, and she said that the donations are rewarding to her.  

“Everything I do is for the kids, the students keep me young,” she said.

Along with her donations to the University, Green does philanthropic work, such as helping WomenSafe, a domestic violence shelter in Chardon, Ohio, to build a new facility in 2007.

“My advice for the newly graduated is don’t be afraid to volunteer, raise your hand,” she said. “Get involved in something that makes you happy.”

Destiny Torres is a reporter. Contact them at [email protected].