Laura Arnold, ’17
Volunteer Roles:
Southern California Alumni Chapter, Student Engagement & Alumni Involvement Events Chair
How many years have you volunteered with Kent State?
2 years
Why did you choose to attend Kent State?
As a non-traditional student looking to go back and earn a degree after my twins graduated college, I had a lot of uncertainty. When I toured Kent State and heard about all the different help they offered students, I didn't think there was a way that I wouldn't succeed. As it turned out, I used the Center for Adult and Veteran Services free tutoring services to get me through math classes! I graduated summa cum laude.
What are your favorite memories at Kent State?
One of my favorite memories at Kent State is overseeing the nutrition outreach program each week at the Haymaker Farmers Market for the Campus Kitchen. I love people, and I have a passion for helping the food insecure. At the end of each market, we would collect unsold fresh produce that was generously donated by the growers and students would craft nutritious meals to feed food insecure people in Portage County. It was a wonderful community to be a part of. I miss it and those people every day.
What were you involved in as a student?
I was on the executive boards of both the Campus Kitchen at Kent State and Kent Student Ambassadors, among others. Campus Kitchen is a student-run non-profit that recovers food that otherwise would go to waste and prepares 250+ nutritious meals each week for those struggling with food insecurity in Portage Country.
Kent Student Ambassadors (KSA) is a premier student group supported by the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. Members work events for departments across campus welcoming and hosting honored guests and distinguished members of KSU. Both of these groups are the best-of-the-best at Kent State.
Why did you decide to volunteer after graduating?
I was so excited to learn that there was a local alumni group in Southern California! I love Kent State. I couldn't wait to join and meet other alumni. Joining your local alumni chapter is a great way to stay connected. Plus, we do a lot of fun events together!
What is your favorite event you participated in as a volunteer?
My favorite event that our chapter put on was the Cavs/Lakers game at the Staples Center. We sold out, and it was a great time!
What advice would you share with someone looking to volunteer with Kent State?
See if there is a local chapter where you are and check it out. If there is not a local chapter, start one!