University of Akron Archives - Page 4 of 13 - Signal Akron

Ann'niyha Wilson, 17, a cousin of Jazmir Tucker's, demonstrates on South High Street near the Summit County Courthouse on Thursday, Oct. 2, after a grand jury determined Akron police officer Davon Fields will not face criminal charges for the November 2024 killing of 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker.

Here are Signal Akron’s most significant news stories of 2025

by Susan Zake January 2, 2026January 1, 2026

Dean Yoder, left, Julianna Ly and Renata Gumkowska, right, remove a vacuum membrane and inspect "A Scientist Seated at a Desk by Candlelight" by Anna Dorothea Therbusch after lining with the new Beva-371 Akron formula. (Photo courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art)

Arts and Culture

Here are Signal Akron’s favorite culture and arts stories of 2025

by Signal Akron December 30, 2025December 29, 2025

A display dorm room with two beds, dresser, desk and wardrobe inside of the Orr Residence Hall.

Why the University of Akron is privatizing its dorms in a 50-year deal

by Arielle Kass December 22, 2025December 20, 2025

Robin Hershey of Akron plays during the 45th annual TubaChristmas at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. Hershey has played in every TubaChristmas show.

Arts and Culture

The oom-pah-pahs reign as TubaChristmas fills the stage in Akron

by Susan Zake December 21, 2025December 21, 2025

Hans Dorfi (pictured) is the new executive director and chief innovation officer of The Polymer Industry Cluster.

Akron is building a new place to test polymer ideas beyond the lab

by Andrew Keiper December 19, 2025December 18, 2025

Akron Public Schools mascot Gilby and district Superintendent Mary Outley (left) visit with students at Jennings Community Learning Center on the first day of school on Thursday, Aug. 21. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)

After 25 years as Gilby, Akron Public Schools’ mascot performer reflects on kids and career

by Andrew Keiper December 11, 2025December 10, 2025

“Take Back My Yak,” University of Akron Art Professor Dave Szalay’s ninth book and the first he’s illustrated and authored, has been acquired by Penguin Random House. It will be released in the Spring of 2027.

Arts and Culture

Akron illustrator of ‘Take back my yak’ children’s book revisits his childhood hero

by Kelsei Scott December 9, 2025December 8, 2025

A low-level felony conviction can make a fresh start feel out of reach for many Akron-area residents. There are several local programs, including legal clinics, workforce training and re-entry services, that can help residents rebuild their lives.

Need a fresh start? Here’s where to get legal help with clearing a criminal record in Akron

by Shams Mustafa December 8, 2025December 7, 2025

Jim Collver (center) talks with his father John Collver (right) and Pastor Rodney Bowden of Akron's Rooted in Christ Community Church (left) at a tree-planting ceremony at the Barberton Military Honor Roll memorial on Monday, Nov. 3

Community Reporting

Why this 73-year-old covers Akron-area bridges in bras and plants red maples

by Gary Estwick November 26, 2025November 24, 2025

King Gifford Hubbard (1900-1974), also known as K.G., ran the Hubbard Coal Company of Akron for 30 years before retiring. Hubbard was born in Milledgeville, Georgia in 1900 and came to Akron in 1920. He also served as the treasurer for the Akron chapter of the NAACP for several years. Mining in Summit County began in 1810 and was part of the much larger coal industry in Ohio. Due to changes in regulations and alternative fuel sources, most mines shut down including the Hubbard Coal Company. Today, Ohio has fewer than 90 active mines left and over 22,000 acres of abandoned mining tunnels.

Arts and Culture

Horace and Evelyn Stewart’s photographs capture historic view of Black life in Akron

by Kelsei Scott November 26, 2025December 3, 2025

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