Story courtesy of Kent State's Athletic Communications Department

KENT, Ohio — Women's basketball alumna and current graduate assistant Dionna Gray was presented with the Chief Dean P. Tondiglia Humanitarian Award during a ceremony at the Kent State Student Center Ballroom on Tuesday morning.

Established in 2024 in name of the retiring Kent State University Police Chief and Director of Public Safety, the award is given annually to a student, faculty or staff member who exemplifies the kindness and compassion that Tondiglia was known for during his 43 years of service to the campus community.

Gray served as a Team Impact Fellow for multiple years and represented Kent State on a national level. She developed a passion for the organization's mission after building a relationship with a young girl who was matched with the women's basketball program at the beginning of her sophomore year. This past fall, Gray spearheaded a successful field day and fundraising event featuring student-athletes from across the department, with proceeds going to Team Impact. Her efforts played a large role in Kent State being selected as the 2025–26 Division I Team IMPACT Fellowship Campus of the Year.

The recipient of the Judith K. Devine Excellence in Leadership Award, which recognizes a Kent State senior student-athlete who has exhibited leadership in all facets of a student-athlete's life, including team, department, collegial unit and community, she served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee's executive leadership team and represented student-athletes as an Undergraduate Student Government At-Large member.

Gray was a two-time Academic All-Mid-American Conference honoree and earned her undergraduate degree in public health in May. She is continuing her education in the Criminology and Criminal Justice master's program while also serving as a graduate assistant.