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Stark Campus Security Officer Recognized for Life-saving Actions

Randal Riffle, �鶹ӰԺ at Stark security officer, has been recognized twice for performing a life-saving procedure that he learned during professional development training.

Earlier this year, Riffle found himself in an emergency situation that required him to act immediately. This involved performing the CAT tourniquet, a life-saving procedure that he had just learned in “Stop the Bleed” training, led by Mercy Trauma Center staff.

“Randy was educated on what to do and applied what he learned,” said Dean Denise Seachrist, who recognized Riffle with an award at the recent Stark Campus Staff Excellence Award ceremony. “We thank him for his courage. Randy epitomizes what it means to protect and serve. I encourage us all to be like Randy and take training opportunities seriously.”

Riffle also was recognized by Mercy Medical Center in May. The Stop the Bleed campaign encourages bystanders to become trained, equipped and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency until professional help arrives.

Mercy staff members use a hands-on approach to teach participants how to apply direct pressure, pack wounds and use tourniquets.

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Faculty Spotlight on Melissa Owen, MSN, RN

Learning by doing is the most effective way to help nursing students master their vital roles as troubleshooters, patient advocates and agents of healing.

According to Melissa Owen, MSN, RN, that’s why her hands-on instructional approach makes the �鶹ӰԺ State Geauga nursing program so successful. Read more.

McNair Scholars Program Reaches Milestone

The McNair Scholars Program is celebrating its 20th anniversary at �鶹ӰԺ. McNair prepares students for doctoral study through participation in mentored research, exploration of graduate programs and preparation of application materials.

In recognition of this milestone, the program is hosting the Midwest McNair Research Conference on the �鶹ӰԺ Campus, July 25 - 27, 2019. McNair Scholars from a number of colleges in the region will be attending or presenting, including �鶹ӰԺ, Morgan State University, the University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin, Cleveland State University and Knox College.

A 20th anniversary gala will be held Thurs., July 25, at the �鶹ӰԺ State Hotel and Conference Center. Ohio Representative and House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes, a �鶹ӰԺ State McNair alumna, will deliver the keynote address.

Win Prizes at the Football Open Practice

Enter for a chance to win an autographed helmet and a football swag bag when the Flashes take to the gridiron for a special practice open to all �鶹ӰԺ State faculty and staff on Mon., Aug. 19, at 5:30 p.m. 

Meet and greet coaches and players and dine in the President’s loge above the grandstands with catering provided by Beef O’ Brady’s.

Enjoy access to the adjacent patios for optimal viewing of on-field drills and exercises. Be on the lookout for the registration email coming soon. Additional giveaways at the open practice include VIP meal passes for the three football games listed in the story below.

Employee Family and Friends Appreciation Days

They’re (almost) here! Get ready to grab your outdoor gear and head to Dix Stadium for �鶹ӰԺ’s Employee Family and Friends Appreciation Days. This is your chance to win a vacation getaway during the 2019 football season.

Tickets are available the Friday before each game from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Heer Hall lobby on game day, or 90 minutes before kick-off at the west entrance.

The HR-sponsored football games are Kennesaw State Univ., Sept. 7; Bowling Green Univ., Sept. 21, and Miami Univ., Oct. 26, Employees attending two of three games are eligible for a chance to win a vacation getaway, courtesy of Klaben Auto Stores.

Enjoy complimentary catering courtesy of Old Carolina Barbecue. The vacation prize drawing will be held at halftime of the Univ. of Miami contest, Sat., Oct. 26, 2019. Kick-off times to be announced at a later date. All dates, times and prizes are subject to change. Registration emails will be sent Mondays prior to each game.

Meditation Sessions Resume at the Library 

�鶹ӰԺ State of Wellness will resume its Meditation Across Campus with summer sessions in the May 4 Resource Room at the University Library on the �鶹ӰԺ Campus. Sessions are currently being held on Fridays from 11 - 11:30 a.m. 

These free, facilitated meditation sessions are open to �鶹ӰԺ State students, faculty and staff. There is no commitment to attend. Attend at your convenience. Studies have shown that meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, among other things. 

If you have questions, contact Melissa Celko, director of �鶹ӰԺ State of Wellness, at mcelko1@kent.edu. For more information about Meditation Across Campus, visit the �鶹ӰԺ State of Wellness web site.

Don't Leave Your Wellness Reward Dollars on the Table

There's Still Time to Earn Your Tier 2 Reward.

As part of �鶹ӰԺ State's Employee Wellness Program, all full-time, benefits-eligible employees may earn up to $300 annually in wellness dollars by simply participating in healthy lifestyle activities.

Nearly 1,400 employees have taken advantage of earning their first $100 by completing their Tier 1 activities by April 30, 2019. To earn an additional $200 reward, employees have through October 15, 2019, to complete action items of their choice from the "Wellness Your Way" programming.

The chart below shows just how easy it is to achieve 350 points to earn your Tier 2 reward, no matter where you are, when you work or how busy you may be. The chart below is an example:

For more details, visit your personal wellness portal at for a full list of eligible actions that can earn you points.

There are also a host of sessions (more than 150 points) available on Blackboard Learn under the "Wellness Your Way" channel. Simply complete the session(s) of your choice, take the short quiz, and earn Wellness Your Way points towards Tier 2.

Tier Two activities must be completed between Jan. 1, 2019, through Oct. 15, 2019. Final paperwork must be completed and submitted to Be Well no later than Oct. 30, 2019, for the 2019 incentive period.

Financial Wellness Lunch and Learn: Budget Bites - Getting More at the Grocery Store

Streaming Available – All Campus Access

On Tues., Aug. 13, from noon - 1 p.m. in Heer Hall, or via live stream, we will Identify, develop and implement strategies to reduce one of the largest and most controllable expenses in a consumer’s budget, food.

This session, brought to you by IMPACT Solutions as part of our wellness programming, includes information on successful coupon strategies and online applications that provide assistance in reducing overall food costs and grocery store expenses.  

Register to (space is limited), or via . 

This session is open to all full and part-time faculty and staff. Employees participating in the Wellness Your Way program will receive 10 Tier Two points for participating in this session. To see a complete list of financial wellness programs, visit our financial wellness webpage.

Date to Remember:

Aug. 3
Summer II classes end