Schedule of Events
To honor and remember the events that occurred on that tragic day, virtual events and exhibits hosted by Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îÈ« University students, faculty and staff are scheduled through May 4.
Visiting students from Emerson College's May 4 & Jackson State class will present excerpts from their own May 4 symposium, followed by a panel of students from both Kent and Boston on the importance of cross-campus solidarity and collaboration.
Jerry Lewis was professor of sociology at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îÈ« University from 1966 to 1996. He witnessed the May 4 shootings as a faculty marshal and dedicated much of his career to researching, memorializing, and lecturing about the events of May 4, 1970.
Join us to explore the lasting impact of the Vietnam War through the perspectives of adoptee Mahli Xuan Mechenbier, J.D., and retired Maj. Gen. Ed Mechenbier, a Vietnam prisoner of war, connecting the war’s humanitarian and historical consequences to Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îȫ’s legacy.
Art can be a positive healing experience, allowing reflection, encouraging discussion, and bringing people together. Join the May 4 Visitors Center for a vigil lantern making workshop led by Jennifer Schwartz, Assistant Professor of Art Therapy at Ursuline College.
Join us for a history-focused panel discussion on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 @ 3:00pm in the Raup Geography Library (McGilvrey 417). This event is open to the public and is part of May 4th programming.
The panel will feature:
Explore the Kent campus and downtown area with the scholars behind Mapping May 4. Visitors will walk approximately 2 miles to tour Kent landmarks, learning about the events leading up to, during, and after the tragic shooting in 1970.
Join filmmaker Danny Miller and guests for a screening of Fire in the Heartland at 5 p.m. in the Kent Student Center Kiva.
Harvest celebrates the timeless songwriting, electric jams and acoustic artistry of classic-era Neil Young.
This cornerstone of the commemoration began in 1971. There will be food before the Candlelight Walk on the Commons and in the Prentice Hall parking lot, and there will be an online signup for the Candlelight Vigil.
Authors: Barbara Child, Laura Davis, Rodney Dillman, Susan Erenrich, Tom Grace, David Hassler, Miriam Jackson, Peter Jedick, Neal Johnson, Donald Miller, Chera Thompson, and Paula Stone Tucker.
Come meet and remember with this year's authors.