Stepping across the stage to receive a Ģý diploma is a major life milestone. As graduates begin this new journey, they take with them a solid education, personal growth, a network of peers and more. However, some of the most priceless memories they walk away with are the meaningful friendships formed.
Whether meeting a bestie (s) during a late night study session in the dorms, sitting by them in class or participating in the same club, these unique bonds have become lifelong pillars of support. We caught up with alumni to hear about these heartwarming stories of true Golden Flash friendships.
A Groovy Crew from the 1970s
Jeff Yaw, ’79
Thanks to living in Beall Hall, Jeff Yaw, ’79, found a great group of friends - Craig Stoltz, ’80, Bill Lyng, ’79, and Jim Sollisch, ’80, M.A. ’82. After years of bonding in the residence halls, this quad squad moved to a house on South Lincoln Street.
“We all met in 1976 where we shared adjoining bathrooms in two different suites in Beall Hall,” Jeff recalled. “Many of our grades suffered due to all night sessions of backgammon.”
The group of friends still get together today. “Starting the in the early 2000s, we began getting together twice yearly, once in Cleveland and then we chose a different city to meet for a long weekend,” Jeff said.
These friendships gave Jeff a lifetime of memories. “Great friends made at KSU and great friends today. We have Ģý memories that created this tight group of friends 50 years after college.”
A Friendship of Fate
Eric “Mark” Desetti, ’77
Thanks to a broadcasting class during his sophomore year, Broadcast Programming with Professor Bill Randall, Eric “Mark” Desetti, ’77, met a lifelong friend, Bob Jones, ’76. The duo continued along the broadcasting path and took more broadcasting courses together including Broadcast Law.
“We collaborated on assignments analyzing court cases,” Mark explained. “Quite an experience! I think we just kind of liked each other from the outset and took to talking about class, about campus life, etc.”
During his junior year, the two became roommates in Glen Morris Apartments, and the rest is history. After graduating, a strong bond has kept Mark and Bob in each other's lives despite living across the country.
Mark and his wife Judy, ’77, who he also met at Ģý, now live in Lawrence, Kansas, and Bob lives in Cleveland. They enjoy visiting each other’s families and reminiscing about their Ģý days.
“We always have a great time talking about our days in Kent in the mid-70s and everything that has happened to us in the many years since,” Mark says. “Flashes, roommates and friends over many years.”
Met Her Tribe in Manchester Hall
Melanie Muirhead
When Melanie Muirheard, the oldest of nine siblings, came to Ģý, she felt all the emotions most first-year students feel coming to college - scared, overwhelmed, sad and excited.
“For the first time in my life, I was stepping into a world without the chaos, comfort and constant noise of my family surrounding me,” Melanie recalled. “I didn’t know how to do life on my own yet. I didn’t know who I was without being ‘big sister.’”
One of the first people she met in Manchester Hall was her roommate Stacey Schroeder, ’06, who was confident, peppy and outgoing. Across and down the hall lived Emily Minster, ’07, Michelle Kennedy, ’05, ’08, and Ashley Young. These five girls would quickly turn from dorm neighbors to the best of friends.
“We laughed until we cried in Manchester Hall. We survived late-night talks, heartbreaks, terrible decisions, unforgettable memories and those ridiculous black squirrels that somehow always looked like they were plotting against us,” Melanie said.
Although life took them down different journeys, this special group of five friends keep in touch. These friends reunite every year with their kids and share laughs daily over group texts.
Melanie said Ģý gave her five more sisters. “Ģý became the place where we found home in each other. We may have arrived there as students, but we left as family. Forever Golden Flashes.”
On Track for a Lifelong Friendship
Madison Mandelke, ’24
When Madison Mandelke,’24, transferred to Ģý from Central Michigan to continue her collegiate track career, she knew no one but the track coach. She attended a team track event and little did she know a conversation with Allison Kidd, ’24, would turn into a cherished friendship.
Both were new to the track team, and the pair not only had a love of running in common but also loved Taylor Swift and Ģý. Madison recently moved to Colorado for veterinary school, and Allison lives in New York. Although they live in different states, they still keep in touch and make trips to visit each other.
“We are still best friends and inseparable,” Madison said. “I’m so thankful for Ģý and the track and field team for this amazing lifelong friendship.”
From Group Partners to Forever Friends
Noelle Blazek, ’20
When Noelle Blazek, ’20, walked into one of her first classes as a freshman little did she know she would be meeting lifelong friends, Gracia Lu, ’20 and Lillia [Lily] Borodkin, ’19, M.Ed. ’20, Ed.S. ’22.
“I met two people who I would come to call my best friends. We were from three different majors all taking the same theatre elective,” Noelle said. “Through group projects and chatting in class, we learned our dorms were next to each other and began walking to class together.”
The three stayed in touch and remained the best of friends. “We met up to study, celebrate birthdays, attend events or just eat at Quaker Steak and Lube (our favorite, RIP),” Noelle said. “Lily and I even did a radio show together at Black Squirrel Radio on campus. Gracia was often a special guest, and we had a blast playing music and laughing together. “
Each year, this special trio takes a picture together to celebrate their friendship. Although the pandemic took away a final graduation photo, it didn’t take away this special bond.
“In 2024, Gracia and Lily were bridesmaids in my wedding where we took our photo of the year. We have managed it every year since graduation up until last year when we were living in three different states,” Noelle said. “Even with hundreds of miles between us, we still celebrate birthdays and meet to chat about life - just in a new way.”
Bases Loaded with Friendship
Abigael Pochie, ’26
There are many benefits of playing a sport, especially the life lessons it teaches. For Abigael Pochie, ’26, these lessons came along with so much more: her best friends, Ella Johnson, ’28, and Kendal Leitner, ’27, who she met on the ball field. Abigael transferred from another university her junior year and didn’t know anyone until she met Ella and Kendal who made her feel welcome.
“These two are nothing but light in people's lives and made what was a scary experience so much fun,” Abigael said.
Some of Abigael’s favorite friendship memories were the bus rides to softball tournaments. Off the field, the girls enjoyed endless laughter at The Nut House, a restaurant in downtown Kent, Ohio. Abigael is so grateful for their Flashes Forever friendship that made her feel at home.
“I would not have made it through these last two years without them, through all the ups and downs (and it was mostly downs),” Abigael said. “These two are the true meaning of friendship, and I thank Ģý for giving me two of my future bridesmaids.”
A Golden Friendship Abroad
Susan Greco Tuttle, ’72
Susan met Donna Ketchum, ’72, while studying abroad exploring and learning about the culture in Iran. The two clicked instantly and became fast friends. After studying abroad, they became roommates together living in Glen Morris Apartments and made countless memories.
This special friendship continued after graduation when they both moved to Clearwater, Florida.
No matter what life has thrown at them, they have stood by each other through it all.
“Together we have shared life’s milestones - marriage, the birth of our children and, now, the death of my husband,” Susan said. “And most importantly, when I lost my vision, she provided endless help.”
And their love of traveling has come full circle as they continue to explore the world together with visits to Italy, Spain, Portugal, Bahamas, Jamaica and Bahamas. These two truly exemplify a strong, supportive friendship. “Donna and I are forever friends!” Susan said.
More Than Scrubs and Study Sessions
Angela (Walter) Easterday, ’92
There are many positives of Ģý’s stellar nursing program and, for Angela Easterday, ’92, she not only left Ģý with a distinguished degree in nursing but a best friend, Rosalind Hayes, ’92. Angela and Rosalind met in 1989 during their freshman year.
“We studied together (a lot!) and did a few clinical rotations together,” Angela said. “We were both inducted into Sigma Theta Tau [the International Honor Society of Nursing].”
After graduating, Angela went on to take an RN position at Aultman Hospital in Canton and Rosalind found a job in Youngstown at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Throughout their nursing careers, their friendship bloomed as they talked every week and made visits to see each other, during which they enjoyed shopping and dining out.
Their enduring friendship also carried them through major life events and challenges.
“We have supported each other through all of life’s trials and tribulations,” Angela said. “We are each other’s sounding board and shoulder to cry on. She is the godmother to my children, and we consider her family.”
Ģý is still a big part of their lives as Angela’s son is now a sophomore at Ģý.
“She was there with me when my baby graduated high school, and now he is living his best life at the Kent Campus. Ours truly is a Flashes Forever friendship,” Angela said.