With only 12 miles seperating the two schools, Kent State University and the University of Akron have a rivalry going back almost 100 years. In case you need any convincing, HC Kent State asked current students and alumni their opinion on why Kent is better than Akron and came up with the ten best reasons (but, let’s be real, the list goes far beyond this).
1. Our Campus
With rolling hills, open green fields, and trees that look magnificent in the fall, we don’t feel trapped like we would walking around a city all day. Walking to class is much more enjoyable with such beautiful views. Thank you Lindsey Mace and Hannah Craddock for your contributions about our campus!
2. Squirrels
One thing all Kent students love are our cute little squirrel buddies. They entertain us and keep us company on our walk to class, making them our unoffical school mascot. What do you have, Akron?
3. Our Greek Life is More Prominent
Every year, Kent’s sororities and fraternities come together for Songfest, preforming for each other and the community to raise money for a charity of their choice. This year, Kent Greek life raised $31,099.45 for Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (S.A.V.E.). As Kent State and Delta Zeta alumni Courtney Kenney put it, “Greek life is everywhere at Kent! Even if you are not Greek you see the pride in the letters worn around campus and hear about the multitude of amazing events Greek life is putting on and raising money for. When I was at Akron, I hardly saw anyone wear letters or promote philanthropy.” Thanks for your contribution on Greek Life, Courtney!
4. Kent is Nationally Ranked
Kent State is ranked among the top 200 universities in America. Kent is also ranked #1 in college graduates in North East Ohio.
5. Downtown Kent
A great place for food, drinks, and shopping, Downtown Kent is one of the cutest college towns around! We have a lot of local businesses, such as original cafés and boutiques, all housed in the beautfiul Acorn Alley. Thank you, Amanda Bevington, for your contribution about our town!
6. The Wagon Wheel Challenge
The PNC Wagon Wheel Challenge has been around since the early 1900s. It is based on a point system dependent on the winning team of various sporting events, including basketball, football, track, soccer, golf, cross country, volleyball, baseball, and softball. The school with the most points at the end of the season is awarded the Wagon Wheel. Kent currently leads the Trophy Series 23-20-1.
7. Fork In the Road
You could go to a school with nothing but boring dining halls, but here at Kent, we have our very own food truck! Catered by professional chefs, it’s a great place to grab specialty food items on the go. Thank you, Chloe Ewing, for your contribution!
8. Famous Alumni
Kent State is the proud alma mater of many celebrities. Some of the most famous include actor Michael Keaton; Nick Saban, Alabama Crimson Tide’s head coach; Josh Cribbs, former special teams player for the Cleveland Browns; Julian Edelman, wide receiver for the Super Bowl winning Patriots; comedian Drew Carey; and Brannon Braga, Executive Producer and writer for the Star Trek franchise.
9. The Fashion School
Kent State is known for many academic achievements, but most notable is our fashion program. Coming in at 3rd best in the nation and 13th best in the world, even non-fashion majors are proud of the school’s accomplishments!
10. We Appear in Toy Story 3
If you look carefully, you’ll notice a Kent State letterman jacket hanging in Ken’s closet. Michael Keaton, mentioned earlier as a famous Kent State alumni, voiced Ken in Toy Story 3. The letterman jacket is a tribute to Keaton’s alma mater!
Clearly Kent State can’t be beat. All we have to say now is: your move, Akron.