WALL ACE J. H AG E D O RN P HOTOGRA PH Y S CH O LARS H IP ANNUAL REPORT 2021
Each year the Wallace J. Hagedorn Annual Report chronicles the challenges and successes enabled by Mr. Hagedorn’s generosity.
SPIRIT OF PERSEVERANCE
This year, our students faced a challenge like no other. In the face of a global pandemic, national upheaval and an uncertain
The 2020-2021 academic year brought many challenges for the
future, they stayed committed to learning. Our faculty learned
Photography and Photojournalism programs. The pandemic pushed
new ways to connect with students online and found creative ways
our students into virtual classrooms and meeting spaces along with
to keep them supported. Through it all our students made incredi-
make-shift studios. Professors and students had to adapt to a new
ble images and strides toward their future.
learning typology and we lost the direct contact that is so important to learning, especially in the studio environment. Despite all the reasons why their work should have suffered, it didn’t, and, for many, it improved.
DAVID FOSTER, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR SCHOOL OF MEDIA AND JOURNALISM
Through it all, our Hagedorn Scholars persevered. You will see some of the students’ comments featured throughout this report in gold boxes. We are all excited to return to face-to-face learning and teaching in the 2021-2022 academic year and to work in a new, changed learning model, informed by the many lessons we learned this year.
TIM BELL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR SCHOOL OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN
I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to focus on my education and extracurriculars without having to stress as much about money.”
PIERCE BARTMAN, ’23 PHOTOGRAPHY
“ I S TAY E D P R E T T Y AC T I V E B E T W E E N M Y P H OTO G R A P H Y STUDIES AND MY HONORS P R OJ E C T, A S W E L L A S M Y P E R S O N A L WO R K .”
“ I C O N T I N U E D TO TA K E A S M A N Y C R E D I T H O U R S A S P O S S I B L E A N D G R OW M Y P O R T F O L I O. I A LWAYS WA N T TO C O N T I N U E TO G R OW I N M Y C R E AT I V I T Y A N D WO R K , S O I U S E D T H I S T I M E TO T RY TO D E V E LO P M Y P E R S O N A L S T Y L E .”
GRETA BELL, ’22 PHOTOGRAPHY
Without the Hagedorn Scholarship, I’m not certain I would have been able to attend Kent State University. This scholarship has had a huge impact on my life and college experience. I love being able to see one of my photographs displayed in Franklin Hall as a part of the Wallace J. Hagedorn Gallery. It was such an exciting moment to see my work put up alongside so many other talented photographers, and I would not have gotten this unique college experience without this scholarship.”
As a two-time Hagedorn Scholar, I was able to study abroad and find a unique style in my work and was also able to decrease the amount of debt I will have which will greatly impact my future. The scholarship gave me the opportunity to connect with other artists and creatives.”
KATHRYN BILEK, ’21 COMMUNICATION STUDIES AND PHOTOGRAPHY
“ D U R I N G Q UA R A N T I N E , I WA S A B L E TO E X P E R I M E N T WITH SELF PORTRAITS A N D S O C I A L LY D I S TA N T P H OTO S H O OT S OV E R FAC E T I M E ! I T TAU G H T M E H OW TO F I N D N E W WAYS TO B E C R E AT I V E D U R I N G A D U L L T I M E .”
“ I D I D A LOT O F P H OTO G R A P H Y WO R K F O R M Y S M A L L C A N D L E B U S I N E S S , A S W E L L A S D O I N G CO U R S E WO R K A N D S E L F P O R T R A I T S .”
AMANDA BOCOCK, ’23 VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography is something I am very passionate about and I am forever grateful that, thanks to you, I can do what I love. I would recommend that everyone try new things and step out of their photography
comfort
zone
because
it
will
ultimately make you so much better at all aspects of photography.”
“ I F O U N D D I F F E R E N T WAYS TO TA K E P H OTO S D U R I N G T H E PA N D E M I C . I L E A R N E D TO TA K E S E L F - P O R T R A I T S A N D I A L S O M E T C LO S E F R I E N D S TO D O S H O OT S .”
TYLER BOGGS, ’24 PHOTOGRAPHY, FIRST GENERATION STUDENT
I can’t even find the words to express how grateful I am for this scholarship. Having the
opportunity
to
attend
the
Maine
Media Workshops is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity because it allows me to take the time I need to work on my skills in small, hands-on classes.”
“ I WO R K E D F O R A M AG A Z I N E AT K E N T S TAT E A N D A L S O CO N T I N U E D TA K I N G M Y F R I E N D S O N P H OTO S H O OT S W H I L E S T I L L F O L LOW I N G S A F E T Y G U I D E L I N E S .”
ALYSSA COYLE, ’24 PHOTOGRAPHY
Because this scholarship encouraged my path as a photography major, it funded my passion for photography and helped me put my heart into my work at Kent State. This scholarship also encouraged me to be a photographer for a student magazine and allowed me to stay on the photography track at Kent State.”
“ I WO R K E D W I T H C LO S E F R I E N D S TO S A F E LY P R AC T I C E M Y P O R T R A I T-TA K I N G A B I L I T I E S .”
ANTONIA DIGIACOMO, ’24 PHOTOGRAPHY
After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in wildlife photography, working for a nature center or a zoo, and work my way up from there by building my skills and my portfolio. I am constantly photographing Kent State’s abundant wildlife, including sparrows, squirrels and groundhogs.”
“ I T R I E D TO G E T I N S P I R AT I O N F R O M O N L I N E A N D C U R AT E M Y P R OJ E C T S A R O U N D B E I N G S A F E W H I L E S T I L L G E T T I N G O U T O F M Y CO M F O R T ZO N E . T H E PA N D E M I C D E F I N I T E LY F O R C E D M E TO B E M O R E C R E AT I V E I N U S I N G R E S O U R C E S T H AT I A L R E A DY H A D.”
ANASTASIA LAWRENCE, ’22 PHOTOGRAPHY
After
receiving
this
scholarship,
I
felt
more
motivated to do well in my classes and especially in my photography classes. I will be attending the Perseid Meteor Shower Workshop in Texas this summer to learn how to take night photography and grow my skills in editorial photography as well.”
“I T RIE D TO U S E P H OTOGRAP H Y TO RE CORD T H E STO RY B E H I N D T H E COV ID-1 9 PANDE MIC . I WAS T H E P H OTOGRAPH E R ASS I STA N T F OR TH E BU RR MAGA ZINE AND MY IMAGE S WE RE I N C LU D E D I N T H E S P RING 2 02 1 MAGAZ INE IN AN ART IC L E - BEH I N D T H E M AS K.”
PEIYU LIU, ’22 PHOTOGRAPHY, FIRST GENERATION STUDENT
Thank you for this precious gift. I believe every shooting and education experience helps me become a photographer. The most important point I learned is trying to use different ways to take photos. In my mind, every shot is an exciting story. We can put our light in many different positions, using different colors to show other emotions.”
“ M Y C R E AT I V E WO R K WA S S O M E T H I N G T H AT H E L P E D M E S TAY B U SY D U R I N G T H I S C R A Z Y T I M E .”
EMILY LOCCISANO, ’21 VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY
This scholarship means so much to me and my family because it is helping me reach my goal of becoming a designer and photographer. Thank you so much to the Wallace J. Hagedorn Trust.”
“LAST SUMMER WHEN COVID-19 WAS VERY IMPACTFUL, I WOULD GO OUT AND TAKE PHOTOS OF NATURE AND FRIENDS (SAFELY OF COURSE), EXPERIMENTING WITH MANUAL MODE AND SLOWLY LEARNING WHAT TO ADJUST AND PLAY WITH TO GET A PERFECT PHOTO.”
HANNAH LUNDQUIST, ’24 VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY, FIRST GENERATION STUDENT
This program has opened up a new world for me that high school photography classes never gave me, and I am so excited to continue in the program. This scholarship has had a substantial effect on my freshman year and future career as a photographer.”
Both the opportunity for growth and resources and the financial assistance from this scholarship have made college attainable for me in a very tangible way. The resource room on campus and the photo workshops and seminars have drastically aided in the depth of my knowledge
and
the
opportunities
created
scholarship are nearly limitless.”
MICHAEL MARHEFKA, ’23 VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY
by
this
This scholarship has allowed me to pursue a number of internships and take a full load of classes to explore my interests in design, photography and writing. Working in the studio with faculty has been a great opportunity for guidance and critique and nothing is more valuable than having the backing and support of others in your work.“
JESSICA MILLER , ’22 VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY
“I WORKED A NUMBER O F P H OTO G R A P H I C J O B S S I N C E THE START OF THE PANDEMIC – F R O M P R O D U C T S H O OT S A N D S E N I O R P H OTO S TO P H OTO G R A P H I C A R C H I VA L A N D R E S TO R AT I O N WO R K .”
“ O N E WAY I R E M A I N E D AC T I V E I N M Y P H OTO G R A P H Y WO R K D U R I N G T H E PA N D E M I C WA S BY P H OTO G R A P H I N G M O R E O U T D O O R LO C AT I O N S . I F O C U S E D O N W I L D L I F E A N D N AT U R E I N M Y B AC KYA R D A N D T H E N TO O K I T A S T E P F U R T H E R BY V I S I T I N G LO C A L PA R K S .”
JENNA PATRICK, ’24 VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY
I have been able to experience different types of photography by learning new techniques and have been able to listen to presentations by professional photographers in the industry that have taught me how to be successful in my future career. I am so grateful that I have received this scholarship and my dreams of becoming a photographer and learning all that I can are coming true.”
The Hagedorn Scholarship has made it possible for me to have real college experiences and gain connections. The scholarship has motivated me and made me believe my work is good.”
FAITH PEPLOWSKI, ’24 PHOTOGRAPHY
SAMANTHA PONOMARENKO, ’21 PHOTOGRAPHY
As a four-time Hagedorn Scholar, I was able to travel and see the world through my lens like I had never before. Most importantly, I was able to focus on my schoolwork while not having to worry about how I was going to afford college. That was a blessing! My absolute favorite experience was attending photography workshops in NYC. I met and networked with photographers from all over the world.”
“ D U R I N G T H E FA L L S E M E S T E R O F 2 0 2 0, I O P T E D TO D O A S E L F - P O R T R A I T S E R I E S A S M Y F I N A L P R OJ E C T W H I C H WA S B OT H C H A L L E N G I N G A N D R E WA R D I N G . I T K E P T M E A N D M Y FA M I LY S A F E B U T A L S O P R O D U C E D P H OTO G R A P H S I WA S P R O U D O F.”
BRAELYN RYBA, ’24 PHOTOGRAPHY
This scholarship has allowed me to excel in my first real photography class and has allowed me to have studio time that is much needed for Photography II. Before I came to Kent State, I had never had a true photography class so it’s very exciting to not only have access to these classes but to the professors who teach them.”
In a world of mobile camera phones and everything being easily documented, I appreciate that there is still a love and appreciation for the art of photography and the work that goes in behind it. I’m so thankful to receive this scholarship. Knowing that someone outside of my circle looked positively at my abilities gave me that push to move forward and be more creative with my work.”
“DURI NG THE PANDEMI C, I FOUND MYSELF BEI NG MUCH MORE CREATI VE WI TH MY WOR K . I CREATED PHOTO SHOOTS WI T H HANDMADE BACKDROPS AND PROPS. THI S SPARKED A LOVE FOR EDI TORI AL AND FASHI ON PHOTOGRAPHY.”
KAITLIN SHIELDS, ’23 ADVERTISING AND PHOTOGRAPHY
“ G O I N G TO K E N T S TAT E A N D S T U DY I N G P H OTO G R A P H Y T H R O U G H T H E P R O G R A M K E P T M E M OT I VAT E D D U R I N G T H E PA N D E M I C . I F E E L T H AT I M A N AG E D TO K E E P U P W I T H M Y P H OTO G R A P H Y S T U D I E S A N D WO R K E D AT A CO N S TA N T R AT E .”
TONYA SINGER, ’22 PHOTOGRAPHY, FIRST GENERATION STUDENT
Being financially independent and a first generation college student, this scholarship has helped put a very large dent into my tuition expenses and takes so much weight off of my shoulders. I am so grateful to receive it as much as I have thus far and am indescribably appreciative of it.”
This scholarship has largely shaped my experience at Kent State because it has helped to eliminate a
lot
of
financial
pressures
from
my
college
experience. With that weight lifted I’ve been able to pursue jobs and activities that help me explore and grow professionally.”
“THE PANDEMI C MADE PHOTOGRAPHY STUDI ES MORE DI FFI CULT, BUT I DI D MY BEST TO OVERCOME THOSE CHALLENGES . MY HONORS PROJ ECT ALSO ALLOWED ME TO KEEP WORKING AND FURTHER MY WORK. WORKI NG FOR FUSI O N MAGAZINE ALSO REQUI RED A LOT OF PHOTO SHOOTS AND WORK.”
AMANDA STAYER , ’23 PHOTOGRAPHY
GRACE SULLIVAN, ’23 PHOTOGRAPHY
Thank you so much for believing in me. It means so much to be able to earn a scholarship based solely on my work.”
This scholarship has provided me with the opportunity to prepare photos for my portfolio. To be acknowledged for that in a good way is very exciting for me as a photographer and it has given me the confidence to work harder knowing that I have been supported by the scholarship. Photography has been my longtime passion and I’m lucky to study for it to be my long-time career.”
“I REMAI NED VERY ACTI VE AND PRODUCTI VE I N MY STUDI ES BY STAYI NG CONNECTED WI TH MY CLASSMATES THROUGH GROUP ME , TEXTS AND MEETI NG I N SMALL GROUPS FOR PHOTO SHOOTS. I ALSO WOULD GO TO THE STUD IOS WHEN THEY WERE OPEN AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EQUI PMENT THEY LET US SI GN OU T.”
HAYLEY VITALE, ’23 PHOTOGRAPHY
IMPACTING STUDENTS SINCE 2015 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
UNIQUE STUDENTS IMPACTED
TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED
240
153
$1,118,038
2 015-2016
2016 -2017
2017-2018
2018 -2019
2019 -2020
2020 -2021
TOTALS TO DATE
T U ITION S CH OL ARSHIPS
$ 14 8,857
$147,693
$58,238
$ 1 9 8 ,787
$ 173,36 0
$ 207,8 5 0
$934,785
E XPERIENCE S CH OL ARSHIPS
$ 34,917
$66,355
$55,95 4
$ 1 4,9 6 2
$ 11 ,0 6 5
$0*
$1 83,2 53
TOTAL AWARD ED
$ 183,774
$2 14,048
$114,1 92
$ 213,749
$ 18 4,425
$ 207,8 5 0
$1 ,1 1 8,038
*During the 2020-2021 academic year, all Kent State sponsored study abroad/study away programs were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
HAGEDORN SCHOLAR PHOTOGRAPHY AND KENT STATE EXPERIENCES MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
THANK YOU During a year with so much uncertainty, Mr. Hagedorn’s support continued to provide photography and photojournalism students with the opportunity to pursue their passions. For the past six years, the Wallace J. Hagedorn Scholarship has made it possible for students to tell stories and capture images in their communities, across the nation and around the world. Thank you for the encouragement, confidence and resilience this scholarship continues to provide our talented students. Their futures are bright because of you.