KENT, Ohio - This May will mark 52 years since the Ohio National Guard opened fire at Kent State University, and now the school is planning to remember those events with its first in-person commemoration since 2019. 

Four students were killed and nine were injured on May 4, 1970 in a protest surrounding the American invasion of Cambodia, which prolonged U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

Dr. Roseann"Chic" Canfora, who was an eyewitness and survivor of the Kent State Shootings, is a collaborator for the 2022 commemoration events. Canfora also teaches several Kent State classes as the School of Media and Journalism's Professional-in-Residence. She believes the school will be packed with people who missed in-person remembrance events.

"We expect a larger gathering than usual this year, as the pandemic prevented us from gathering for the 50th May 4 Commemoration that so many had planned for and looked forward to," said Canfora.

While some people have visited the on-campus shooting site in the last two years, the pandemic forced Kent State to remember the tragedy with virtual official events since 2020.

Canfora says people who still are not comfortable attending in-person events will be able to reflect from home.

"Fortunately, our virtual commemorations the last two years enabled people from all over the world to commemorate with us, and we expect that element of planning to continue with livestreaming even as we return to an in-person commemoration this year," Canfora said.

Events at Kent State begin on Sunday, May 1, with folk music and a film series on-campus

The University will present a guest lecturer on Monday, May 2. The speaker will be revealed at a later date, the school said. Student musicians will also perform that day.

On Tuesday, May 3, a public vigil will be held at the shooting site.

The actual anniversary Wednesday, May 4 will see the school host a number of commemorative events.

More information on May 4 related events can be found at www.kent.edu/may-4-1970.