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�鶹ӰԺ’s storied history of excellence spans decades, industries and continents. From research, business, athletics, healthcare, science, engineering, technology and more, �鶹ӰԺ State Golden Flashes are making groundbreaking discoveries and fueling progress throughout their professional and personal lives.

The university recognizes alumni who, through leadership, character and hard work, are making a difference with its Alumni Awards. Sponsored by the �鶹ӰԺ Alumni Association, these awards are the university’s most prestigious alumni honors. Recipients are selected based on their exceptional professional and civic contributions and for their outstanding support of the university.

“Our alumni are innovative, determined and inspiring,” said Alexander Evans, who graduated from �鶹ӰԺ State with his bachelor’s degree in 2014, Master of Business Administration in 2015 and Master of Geographic Information Science in 2019, and who serves as president of the �鶹ӰԺ State Alumni Association National Board of Directors. “Their accomplishments span industries, borders and generations, and they embody the spirit of �鶹ӰԺ State in all that they do.”

The 2025 Alumni Award recipients include six alumni, one recent graduate, one staff member, one current student and one friend of the university who were honored during �鶹ӰԺ State’s Homecoming weekend in the following categories:

Distinguished Alumni Award

Cmdr. Reji Kurien Thomas, Ph.D., CEO of TOL Biotech USA, has devoted his career to advancing technology, sustainability and global business. A 2003 �鶹ӰԺ State graduate with a Master of Technology in Computer Science, he earned honors from Phi Beta Delta and Epsilon Pi Tau for academic excellence, laying the foundation for his career. As a commander in the Indian Navy and director of aviation, Thomas led cybersecurity and digital infrastructure for India’s Strategic Forces Command, developing artificial intelligence-based threat intelligence and blockchain security frameworks that saved more than $32 million. He later served as chief technology officer of Virenxia in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, advancing digital transformation through AI, blockchain and climate-focused innovation. Now CEO of TOL Biotech USA, Thomas leads global projects in carbon sequestration, regenerative agriculture and AI-driven sustainability. His innovations include biochar-based carbon removal systems and a quasi-quantum photosynthesis process producing water at one cent per liter.

Distinguished Citizen Award

Judge Kira Krivosh is a dedicated judge and passionate community leader whose work exemplifies �鶹ӰԺ State’s core values of kindness and impact. A 2005 political science graduate with a focus on international relations, Krivosh now serves as a judge for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, where she works to make the legal system more compassionate and accessible, especially for families and children. Her career includes securing more than $17.6 million for Cuyahoga County families during her time in the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office. Deeply committed to volunteerism, Krivosh co-founded The Giving Tree Project, which has distributed thousands of essentials to those in need. She serves on multiple nonprofit boards and co-leads racial equity initiatives through the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association. Honored with numerous humanitarian awards, Krivosh continues to lead with heart and purpose. She lives in Rocky River with her husband, Ryan, a 2006 �鶹ӰԺ State graduate, and their children, remaining engaged in local youth sports and service.

Professional Achievement Award

Cheng Chen, Ph.D., senior director of hardware technology at Apple, is one of the world’s most influential leaders in display innovation. After earning a Ph.D. in chemical physics from �鶹ӰԺ State in 2006, Chen joined Apple, playing a central role in creating the first iPad and advancing the Fringe Field Switching (FFS) display system, now known as Retina display. He has shaped nearly every major Apple product line, including iPhones, Apple Watches, MacBooks and, most recently, the Vision Pro. Over his career, Chen has secured 177 patents, with his leadership fueling Apple’s success and advancing the global display industry for the benefit of billions of consumers worldwide. A dedicated mentor and advocate, Chen supports young engineers, champions inclusion and has served in multiple leadership roles with the Society for Information Display, where he was named a fellow in 2022. Chen credits �鶹ӰԺ State’s Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute for launching his career and continues to give back by hiring and mentoring �鶹ӰԺ State graduates, ensuring the next generation of innovators can follow in his path.

Professional Achievement Award

James Malenda, a 1971 �鶹ӰԺ State graduate, is an internationally acclaimed artist and educator whose career spans more than five decades. His work, ranging from intricate jewelry to large-scale sculpture, has been exhibited in museums and galleries across the U.S., Europe and Asia, with pieces held in permanent collections in England, Norway and beyond. Malenda first discovered enameling at �鶹ӰԺ State, where he developed his groundbreaking techniques, including “champave,” a method of setting stones using vitreous enamel. Known for pushing the boundaries of scale and material, he creates monumental enamel sculptures rarely seen in the field. As a professor of metalsmithing and enameling at Kutztown University and later an instructor in Italy, Malenda mentored generations of artists. Even in retirement, he continues to teach, lecture and open his studio to the public. A first-generation college graduate, Malenda credits �鶹ӰԺ State for launching his journey, and he has spent a lifetime sharing the transformative power of “making” with others.

Professional Achievement Award

Gene Poor, Ph.D., is a celebrated educator, entrepreneur, author and speaker whose legacy spans both academia and industry. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1966 and Master of Education in 1968, both from �鶹ӰԺ State. Inspired by mentors at �鶹ӰԺ State, Poor transformed early academic struggles into a lifelong mission of mentorship. He went on to become the Endowed Scott Hamilton Professor of Entrepreneurship at Bowling Green State University, where he shared his knowledge with students for more than 20 years. He also founded LifeFormations, a globally recognized animatronics company featured at Disney, Universal Studios and other venues. His innovative spirit inspired other students to succeed, and his generosity continues to impact future entrepreneurs. Honored by both �鶹ӰԺ State and BGSU, he has earned numerous accolades, including multiple hall of fame inductions. For Poor, the most meaningful work has always been in the possibilities. His story is a testament to the power of mentorship and determination.

�鶹ӰԺ State Advocacy Award

Silas Ashley, J.D., is a lifelong advocate, trailblazer and leader whose �鶹ӰԺ State experience became the foundation for a career in public service, education and community building. A former president of Black United Students and senator for Undergraduate Student Government, Ashley helped expand Black student enrollment and secured permanent space for the Institute for African American Affairs, now the Department of Africana Studies. His leadership helped bring national recognition to Black History Month at �鶹ӰԺ State. After earning a history degree in 1974, he pursued graduate work in communications and law, always returning to support �鶹ӰԺ State. As longtime president, now president emeritus, of the Black Alumni Chapter, Ashley has mentored students, championed scholarships and led alumni events. He is known as a man of action whose belief in the “impossible” drives real change. His legacy ensures that Black excellence at �鶹ӰԺ State is both preserved and celebrated.

Outstanding New Professional Award

Tierra James, Ph.D., is a rising force in sociology whose research, teaching and mentorship are transforming lives. Now an assistant professor at Auburn University, she investigates pressing social issues, from suicide in Black communities to LGBTQ health disparities in the South, with work published in top journals like Death Studies and The Journal of Black Psychology. A triple �鶹ӰԺ State alumna who earned her bachelor’s degree in 2016, master’s degree in 2019 and doctorate in 2022, James draws inspiration from her past professors and experiences to create learning spaces where students feel seen, challenged and empowered. She has led students on transformative experiences and continues to mentor emerging scholars. At �鶹ӰԺ State, James received top honors for her academic and community leadership. Through national lectures, peer-reviewed research and university service, she amplifies conversations around equity and justice and continues to live by the words etched into �鶹ӰԺ State’s May 4 Memorial: Inquire, Learn, Reflect.

Outstanding Staff Member Award

For more than 15 years, Cynthia Smith has been an integral leader in �鶹ӰԺ State’s Air and Space Force ROTC program. Since 2009, she has coordinated initiatives across 10 Northeast Ohio universities, supporting more than 1,100 cadets in commissioning as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force. As special assistant in the Department of Aerospace Studies, Smith oversees more than $300,000 in annual financial aid, manages course scheduling and ensures access to �鶹ӰԺ State resources for cadets from partner institutions. She also advises three student organizations – the Fighting Flashes, Arnold Air Society and Silver Eagles Drill Team – promoting leadership, teamwork and personal growth. Her excellence has been recognized nationally, including being named U.S. Air Force Civilian of the Year twice (in 2014 and 2020). A three-time �鶹ӰԺ State graduate who received her associate degree in 2017, bachelor’s degree in 2018 and master’s degree in 2022, Smith embodies mentorship, leadership and service, leaving a lasting impact on students, the university and the Air and Space Force community.

Golden Flash Award

Driven by a lifelong passion for space, Autumn Ohl is shaping the future of aerospace engineering. She received her bachelor’s degree from �鶹ӰԺ State in 2025 and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in aerospace engineering, also at �鶹ӰԺ State. Inspired by childhood visits to the Kennedy Space Center, she knew by eighth grade she wanted to become an engineer. As project manager for �鶹ӰԺ State’s High-Powered Rocket Team, Ohl led more than 40 students to victory at the Spaceport America Cup. She co-founded the Women in Engineering Club, growing it into a thriving community, and launched initiatives like Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day to spark interest in STEM among young women. A dedicated researcher in sustainable energy and a teaching assistant in materials and processes, she balances rigorous academics with meaningful mentorship and outreach. Now a manufacturing engineer co-op at Howmet Aerospace, Ohl continues to lead with purpose. Her unwavering commitment to innovation and impact makes her a rising force in aerospace as well as a role model for the next generation.

Friend of �鶹ӰԺ Award

Charles L. Greene, J.D., has dedicated his life to service as a U.S. Army infantry captain, a university leader and a devoted community advocate. As the first recipient of the Friend of �鶹ӰԺ Award, Greene is celebrated for his decades-long impact on students, colleagues and the broader community. He joined �鶹ӰԺ State in 1970 as one of its first Black faculty members and later became the first person of color to serve as vice president at a state university in Ohio. Throughout his tenure, Greene championed equity, safety and culture change, playing a quiet but powerful role in transformative university milestones. Beyond campus, he has held leadership roles in numerous civic organizations and continues to invest in the success of �鶹ӰԺ State students through endowed scholarships. Honored by the �鶹ӰԺ State Black Alumni Chapter with the Living Legend Award in 2023 and recognized by the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2024, Greene exemplifies the values of leadership, generosity and integrity.

A special reception honoring the award recipients was held at the �鶹ӰԺ Hotel and Conference Center on Oct. 10 during Homecoming weekend.

For more information about each of this year’s Alumni Award recipients, visit flashes.info/alumniawards.

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Photo Caption:
Pictured are the 2025 �鶹ӰԺ Alumni Award winners at the awards ceremony, held Oct. 10 during Homecoming weekend at the �鶹ӰԺ Hotel and Conference Center in �鶹ӰԺ, Ohio. (Photo credit: Scott R. Galvin)

First row (from left to right): Charles L. Greene, Tierra James, Silas Ashley and Gene Poor.

Second row (from left to right): Cheng Chen, James Malenda, Autumn Ohl, Cynthia Smith and Judge Kira Krivosh.

Not pictured: Cmdr. Reji Kurien Thomas.

Individual photos available upon request.

Media Contact:
Leigh Greenfelder, lgreenfe@kent.edu, 330-672-7108