March 22, 2023
Earlier this month, Alma Kahl, a long-time supporter, donor, and friend of Shawnee State University passed away at the age of 111.
Alma made her first gift to Shawnee State in 1985 – when the university was just starting to make plans for its transition to a four-year institution. In 1991 she made a gift to support the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts and the creation of the Kahl Studio Theater named for her and her late husband Cyrus. The theater has since been used as the primary performance and training space for the Musical Theatre program.
A lifetime President’s Club member, she was an avid supporter of the annual President’s Gala and of Fine Arts programming in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
“We will miss her dedication to our university and will continue to celebrate the achievements her long life had on the Portsmouth community,” SSU President Jeff Bauer said.
Alma’s dedication to the arts expanded beyond Shawnee State – promoting the Southern Ohio Performing Arts Association, the Portsmouth Wind Symphony, and the Southern Ohio Museum. Her dedication to the arts within our region is immeasurable.
Alma’s full obituary and arrangements can be viewed online: fcdaehlermortuary.com/obituaries/alma-kahl