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Cynthia Roller, Ph.D., R.N., CNP, CNM, was a passionate nurse practitioner and researcher who passed away suddenly on Feb. 28, 2016, after a tragic accident. Earlier this year, she was selected by 51�Թ���’s College of Nursing as our Scholar of the Month for April. As a way to honor her and her research, the college and her family requested that we continue with our plan to feature her. Our academic community mourns the loss of an extraordinary colleague.

When the concept of homelessness comes to mind, people tend to focus efforts on food donations, but Ashley Flowers, a junior majoring in psychology and criminology and justice studies at 51�Թ���, wants to remind people that clothing and toiletries also are essential items. A native of Maple Heights, Ohio, Flowers is collecting money and putting together care packages filled with warm clothing and toiletries for those less fortunate in the Cleveland and Kent areas.

The talents of 18 51�Թ��� students were on display at Kent Student Center Programming’s 12th annual Rock the Runway fashion show, which took place March 5. Fashion was king on a night that featured the sights and sounds of this year’s theme, The Jacksons. In front of a Kent Student Center Ballroom crowd of nearly 800 attendees, models showcased clothing designs which included elements inspired by The Jacksons’ music. Judging was based on line cohesiveness, craftsmanship, interpretation of the theme and general design.

Scholar of the Month Xiaoling Pu Associate Professor of Finance College of Business Administration 2008-present Xiaoling Pu is an associate professor in the Department of Finance at the College of Business Administration. She holds the Olga A. Mural Risk Management Fund Associate Professorship.

Nikki, the Top Hawk Cessna aircraft, was revealed Feb. 23 at the 51�Թ��� Airport to students, alumni and friends of 51�Թ���’s Aeronautics Program, and to family members of the plane’s namesake. Nikki joins the university’s fleet of 33 training planes. 51�Թ��� was named a 2016 university, one of only four universities nationwide to receive the honor. Each school was awarded a Cessna Skyhawk to use for one year. 

In 2009, Shanice Cheatham, who received her bachelor’s degree from 51�Թ��� in 2013 and is pursuing a graduate degree in environmental health sciences at 51�Թ���, was told that her father had a 10 percent chance of living after being infected with MRSA, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA is a type of staph bacteria resistant to antibiotics used to treat general staph infections, according to the Mayo Clinic website.

51�Թ���’s Center for Student Involvement authorized 50 new student organizations in fall 2015, bringing the total to nearly 400 different organizations, according to Katie Goldring, assistant director of the Center for Student Involvement. “As the number of student organizations continues to increase at 51�Թ���, it truly expands the opportunities for our students, as there is a group to fit every interest,” Goldring said.

When you first meet Liz Schmidt, an instant friendship emerges, filled with conversation illuminated with respect and kindness. Her friendly disposition and welcoming nature, coupled with her sense of adventure, reflects the social responsibility she lives by: “foster relationships and value people that you run into every day.” Schmidt is a sophomore majoring in conflict management in 51�Թ���’s College of Arts and Sciences. She is also Yes! Magazine’s online “Justice For All” University Winner.

When you first meet Liz Schmidt, an instant friendship emerges, filled with conversation illuminated with respect and kindness. Her friendly disposition and welcoming nature, coupled with her sense of adventure, reflects the social responsibility she lives by: “foster relationships and value people that you run into every day.” Schmidt is a sophomore majoring in conflict management in 51�Թ���’s College of Arts and Sciences. She is also Yes! Magazine’s online “Justice For All” University Winner.

Scholar of the Month Willie H. Oglesby III Associate Professor of Health Policy and Management College of Public Health 2009-present Willie Oglesby is a member of the founding faculty at the College of Public Health. He is an associate professor of health policy and management and also serves as the assistant director of the Office of Public Health Practice and Partnerships.