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Not only is the ������ community committed to ensuring that our students succeed, we consider it part of our mission to reach out — with helping hands, open minds and compassionate hearts — far beyond campus boundaries. In the pages that follow, you will learn about ������ people and programs that are making profound and positive differences for individuals and communities across Northeast Ohio. They range from a program that brings the healing power of poetry into the lives of thousands of children and adults to a program that gives individuals with intellectual disabilities the education, skills and confidence to lead independent, productive lives.

Physically and symbolically, ������ is reaching out to the great city we have called home for more than a century. As you’ll find, we recently opened the ������ Hotel and Conference Center in downtown Kent. This much-needed, modern facility is a key component of the downtown renaissance made possible because the university, the city and other pivotal partners chose to dream big and refused to settle for anything less than excellence. I invite you to schedule a stay at the hotel and experience the excitement for yourself.

From programs that are transforming lives to projects that are transforming the environment; from new students who are inspired to help others to senior students whose accomplishments are inspirational, this issue reflects ������’s caring, “can-do” character — a character that is stronger than ever.