Member Spotlight
Demetric Shaw, '02
Monique Burkett, '02
Major Sarah Deal, '92
Scott Lautanen '83
Gary Brahler, '89
Yank Heisler, M.B.A. '74
Albert Fitzpatrick '56
Demetric Shaw, '02
Point Guard, Sundsvall Dragons
Since graduating from Kent State, Shaw has been touring the international basketball circuit as a professional athlete. A former member of Kent State's 2002 Elite Eight basketball team, Shaw was instrumental in leading the Golden Flashes to the NCAA Tournament. Shaw, who holds a B.A. from Kent State University in biology, calls Fort Worth, Texas, and Santiago, Chile, home. |
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Most significant life accomplishment
Being named an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar. I struggled with grades my first year of college, disappointing my parents and myself. I made the Dean's List the next three years in a row. It was great to be recognized not only for my athletic ability but my academic accomplishments as well. |
Kent State person who influenced me most
There were many. Growing up, I didn't have many black, male role models. Tim Moore is still someone I greatly admire today. |
Most memorable student experience
The excitement on campus during the 2002 basketball season was at an all-time high. After winning the game that earned our team the Elite Eight status, my anatomy class gave me a standing ovation. It is an honor to be a part of Kent State history. |
Something most people don't know about me
I'm a mad scientist. In middle school, I accidently set fire to my parents' backyard with my first science kit. I used water to extinguish a chemical fire--bad idea! |
Why I joined the Alumni Association
I bleed blue and gold. My membership keeps me close to my Kent State family. |
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Monique Burkett, '02
Fashion Designer, Calvin Klein
A fashion designer for Calvin Klein ladies' suits, Burkett launches her first line for the company in January 2006. Burkett resides in New York and is a native of Norton, Ohio. She holds a degree in fashion design. |
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What Kent State means to you
Opportunity. During my senior year, I was selected for an internship at Ellen Tracy. It was an experience of a lifetime, and Linda Allard, '62, has always been an inspiration to me. I landed the internship, in part, because of the fashion school's excellent reputation. It really opened doors for my career. |
Greatest accomplishment
During my internship at Ellen Tracy, I designed a bathing suit that was featured in Sports Illustrated and on MTV's Fashionably Loud. I went to New York City expecting to make coffee. I left with an incredible experience. |
Something most people don't know about me
I grew up on a bird farm. We raised everything from chickens to African fighting birds. |
Campus Memory
Riding the Campus Loop all the way from Metcalf to Rockwell Hall. Those design portfolios and supplies were really heavy. Thank you, Campus Bus Service. |
Why I joined the Alumni Association
It's a great way to network and stay connected to Kent State. |
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Major Sarah Deal, '92
Marine Corps' First Female Pilot
Three years after graduating from Kent State University, Major Sarah Deal became the first female Marine Corps aviator. Following 12 years of active duty, Deal transferred to reserve status and is now the static display coordinator for the Miramar Air Show. She is a resident of San Diego, Calif., and enjoys participating in triathlons. Deal holds a degree in aerospace flight technology. |
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What Kent State means to you
My college experience opened my eyes. It was liberating. I was raised in Pemberville, Ohio, a small farming town, and Kent State was so different, so diverse. |
Greatest lesson learned at Kent State
Don't pretend you're something you're not. Our student flight team was scolded for wearing Navy aviator wings with our uniform. "You haven't earned the right to wear those wings," we were told. Three years later I put them back on, having earned them. That day meant a lot to me. |
Favorite residence hall memory
When I lived in Beall Hall, we collected our blue slips and used them as wallpaper. |
Kent State person who influenced you most
Ruth Sitler. Ruth was a senior flight instructor. She was 100 percent dedicated to the students, opening her house to me when the dorms closed over winter break. |
Why I joined the Alumni Association
To stay connected to Kent State. Without my flight experience and degree, I wouldn't be where I am today. |
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Gary Brahler, '89
Financial Advisor & Vice President, UBS Financial
A Northeast Ohio native and current resident, Gary is a financial advisor and vice president for UBS Financial. Gary serves his community as a volunteer for organizations such as the Golden Age Center of Cleveland. His service to Kent State began in 1987 as a Student Ambassador and continues today as president of the National Alumni Board of Directors. Gary holds a degree in marketing. |
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Why Kent State
Cultural diversity, liberal arts education and the beautiful campus. |
Favorite Kent State memory
When I commenced, President Michael Schwartz rose from his seat to shake my hand. Even at a school with so many students, I never felt like a number. |
Greatest accomplishment
My family. My wife Katy Dix, '89 (whom I met at "The Deck"), and my daughters, Olivia and Amy -- both future Golden Flashes! |
Something most people don't know about me
I'm a history buff and music enthusiast. As a residence hall student, my love of Led Zeppelin and loud music resulted in a one-way ticket to conduct court. |
Why I joined the Alumni Association
Kent State is an important part of who I am today. Membership allows me to give back, show my support and stay connected to the university. |
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Scott Lautanen '83
Director, CSI Miami
Scott is a film director in Hollywood and currently produces and directs the hit drama, CSI Miami. He has also directed episodes of The Pretender, Numbers, Bones, and CSI New York. He stays connected to the University by serving as an alumni mentor, and comes back periodically to talk with students interested in careers in film and television. As a Kent State student, he had a brief career as a campus tour guide, was involved with TV2 and played all intramural sports. His hobbies include travel, scuba diving, going to rock concerts, playing golf, and spending time with his family. Scott was a telecommunications major and journalism minor and is a native of Ashtabula, OH. |
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Why Kent State
Loved the campus, and the people. There are professors here who really care about students – it was true when I attended and it remains true today. It was also far enough away from my hometown that my parents weren’t going to just “drop in.” |
Favorite Kent State memory
Socially, Halloween parties bring back great memories. But, academically, I remember that one day, my communications prof. Ben Whaley brought in a lighting grid from the Barney Miller show. I always remembered seeing this tangible piece of the business. |
Something most people don’t know about me
Even when I graduated, I didn’t know I wanted to direct. But on a visit to Los Angeles the summer before graduation, I took the Universal Studios tour and knew I wanted to be a part of Hollywood, doing whatever they would hire me to do. After about ten years of climbing the ladder in various positions, I got my first opportunity to direct television. |
Most significant accomplishment(s)
In my professional life, I am proud to be part of the #1 most watched television program in the world, viewed by 83 million people around the world each week. Personally, I take great pride in my family, wife, Michelle ’83 and children Alec (12) and Emma (9). |
Why I joined the Alumni Association
It’s a great way to keep up with the University. It’s really a no-brainer. There was never a question about my support of the institution. |
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Robert "Yank" Heisler, M.B.A. '74
Chairman, Key Bank National Association
CEO, McDonald Financial Group
An active volunteer, Yank serves as chair of Team NEO and is immediate past chair of the Kent State University Foundation. He holds a B.A. in biochemistry from Harvard College and an M.B.A. from Kent State University, both with honors. |
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What Kent State means to you
When I started a career in banking, I wanted to round out my business experience. Kent State had a strong, part-time M.B.A. program. The fundamentals I learned in economics, finance, management and strategic planning still guide me today. |
Most memorable student experience
I was part of a four-person team assigned to a real-life production problem for an automobile supplier. It was a great learning opportunity and my first real team experience. Today, team projects are the standard for M.B.A. programs. Kent State was ahead of its time. |
Greatest lesson learned at Kent State
There are usually many solutions for every business problem. The level of success depends on how well you execute the idea selected. |
Something most people don't know about me
My lifelong nickname, Yank, was inspired by my birthday. I was born on the Fourth of July. |
Why I joined the Alumni Association
My membership helps support the Alumni Association and its programs and services. The association engages thousands of alumni, connecting them to the vision and spirit of Kent State. |
Albert Fitzpatrick '56
Retired Akron Beacon Journal Executive Editor
Albert was the first person of color hired at the Akron Beacon Journal. Throughout his thirty-eight year career, he rose to the ranks of Executive Editor of the ABJ and also worked for the Knight Ridder organization. As a Kent State student, Albert was the Sports Editor for the Daily Kent Stater and a breakfast cook at Terrace Hall. |
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What Kent State means to you
Caring faculty and staff who inspire students and give them the confidence to succeed. |
Persons who influenced you the most
Murray Powers (former Managing Editor at the Akron Beacon Journal) was an adjunct professor, and he helped start my career. Oscar Ritchie was a source of inspiration for me for earning a PhD after his humble beginnings working in the steel mills. |
Favorite campus memory
Meeting my future wife and dancing with her all evening at the “Pigskin Prom” in the fall of 1953 |
Something most people don't know about me
During high school, my first published writing in a newspaper (The Chronicle Telegram in Elyria) was attributed to my childhood nickname, AbDab. |
Why I joined the Alumni Association
It’s important to stay in touch, and my membership keeps me informed about what is happening on campus. |