Kent Center history

In the fall of 1971, three separate efforts came together to create what was then called the Kent Gay Liberation Front.

In the spring of 1972 gay rights pioneer Frank Kennedy appeared unexpectedly on the campus and spent several days with the group.

In addition to letters and items in the Daily Kent Stater and the Akron Beacon Journal over the years, the Stater published a major story in 1974, and in the same year (Sept.15) the Akron Beacon Journal Sunday magazine did the same, covering both the Kent Gay Liberation Front and Akron groups.

Kent joined The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta in 1978, holding a variety of marketing and operations leadership positions over the course of his career.

The physically challenged students particularly enjoyed attending; one student from that community volunteered that “KGLF really throws a good party!” In 1980 or ’81 the ball was tear-gassed.

The Tour has been a staple for Historic Downtown Chestertown visitors since it first appeared in 1985.

Noll, having retired, ended her tenure as faculty advisor around 1986.

Beginning in 1989, he served as President of the Company’s East Central Europe Division and Senior Vice President of Coca-Cola International, with responsibility for 23 countries.

In 1999, he became President and CEO of the Efes Beverage Group, a diversified beverage company with Coca-Cola and beer operations across Southeast Europe, Turkey and Central Asia.

In the spring of 2001, Kent State University becomes the first university in Ohio and one of a dozen LGBT Studies programs in the country.

Fusion Magazine (thatgaymagazine.com), which addresses issues of sexual minorities, begins in 2003.

Kent returned to The Coca-Cola Company in 2005 as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company’s North Asia, Eurasia and Middle East Group, an organization serving a broad and diverse region that included China, Japan and Russia.

Then in 2008 Akron businessman Harry Jackson pledges a $2 million gift for LGBTQ+ students.

Muhtar Kent is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, a position he has held since April 2009.

In 2010 the LGBTQ Student Center opens with volunteer coordination from the LBGT Studies program.

In the late fall of 2011, Pride! Kent marked its 40th year of continuous existence (under a variety of names) at Kent State University, one of the oldest gay rights student organizations on the country.

In 2012, three LGBT Studies affiliates (Drs.

In the summer of 2014 the International Gay Games is hosted in Cleveland for the 9thannual games.