1. Campus helps Haiti

In the wake of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, Kent State faculty, staff, administrators and students are responding to relief efforts.

Nursing professor Donna Martsolf was in Haiti last week for business with a nursing school she helped create at the Episcopal University of Haiti.

Martsolf treated injured people at a Doctors Without Borders administrative office after the earthquake and returned home Friday morning.

Additionally, campus groups met Monday evening to discuss relief efforts to Haiti. The groups set up a table in the Student Center for donations, which will stay through Feb. 5.

President Lester Lefton sent an e-mail last week asking students and other members of the Kent State community to donate.

2. Study reveals regional impact

As part of the 2010 Centennial Celebration, the university commissioned a study to gauge Kent State’s impact on the regional economy and students’ future careers.

President Lester Lefton revealed the results yesterday morning: Northeast Ohio receives $292.4 million in added income each year thanks to Kent State, and graduates will earn an average of $1.1 million more in their lives than someone with a high school diploma.

3. Kernich trials pushed back

The trials for the two men accused of beating Kent State student Christopher Kernich in November have been delayed until later this spring.

Ronald Kelly, 20, of Akron will go on trial beginning May 4 in front of Portage County Common Pleas Judge John Enlow. Adrian Barker, 21, will face trial beginning April 13.

Earlier this month, Kelly’s attorney filed a motion to move the trial to another venue because of the widespread media coverage of the case in Portage County.

4. Obama honors KSU professor

Katherine Rawson, assistant professor of psychology, received a presidential award earlier this month.

Rawson was one of 100 researchers across the country to receive the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. She traveled to Washington D.C. to receive the award and met President Barack Obama.

Her research, conducted with professor of psychology John Dunlosky, focused on improving the durability and efficiency of learning.

5. Flashes bully Buffalo on court

After two straight Mid-American Conference losses, the Kent State men’s basketball team dominated MAC East Division leader Buffalo on Wednesday night, winning 89-54.

The Flashes (11-7, 2-2 MAC) hit 10 3-pointers in the second half, shooting 71.4 percent from behind the arc after the break. They shot 74.1 percent overall in the half.

Six players scored in double figures for Kent State, led by senior guard Chris Singletary’s 18 points.