Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University at Tuscarawas will mark the 50th Commemoration of May 4, 1970, with featured speaker Dr. John Hayes on Thursday, April 16, at 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center. The first student government president of Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Tuscarawas and a 1971 Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ alumnus, Hayes served as a correspondent at the Daily Kent Stater during the tragic events at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University. During his presentation, May 4: Reflections of an Eyewitness, Hayes will share his first-hand reporting on the tragedy. The event is free and open to the public.
The upcoming 50th May 4 commemoration represents a significant and historic milestone not only for the university but for the country as well. It was on that day that members of the Ohio national guard opened fire on students protesting the Vietnam war, killing four students and wounding nine others.
A graduate of Dover St. Joseph’s High School, Hayes founded the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Tuscarawas student newspaper, the KUB Reporter, during his freshman year. After his sophomore year, he transitioned to the Kent Campus to pursue a degree in journalism. He is the author of more than 20 books, including Mooney: Life of the World’s Master Carver and the biography of James Michener, who wrote Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹: What Happened and Why.
Currently, Hayes is the Titus Professor for Franchise Leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He has written extensively about franchising and business and has operated several businesses as a franchisee. Hayes earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ and a Ph.D. in American Studies from Temple University.
In addition to Hayes’ presentation, the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Tuscarawas History Club will present several documentaries on the May 4th tragedy. On Thursday, Feb. 27, a showing of The Legacy of Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ will be held from noon to 1 p.m., followed by Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹: The Day the War Came Home on Wed., March 4 from noon to 1 p.m. On March 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m., Fire in the Heartland: Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹, May 4th and Student Protest in America will be shown. All documentary showings will be held in the Founders Hall auditorium and are free and open to the public.
To learn about the special events, speakers and exhibits marking the 50th anniversary of the tragic events of May 4, 1970, at the Kent Campus, visit the .
Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Tuscarawas is located at 330 University Dr. NE, in New Philadelphia.