In this article, the author reflects on the learning opportunities provided by the tragedy at Kent State University forty years ago for educators and learners. Four students were slain and nine students were wounded by the bullets of National Guardsmen who had been sent to quell anti-war demonstrations and vandalism. The events of May 4, 1970, polarized the nation, pitting children against their parents and inflaming fragile town-gown relations. Examining the events, before, during, and after the Kent State shootings can offer lessons in at least three ways: (1) educators can help students better understand the social and cultural context in which actions are taken and decisions are made; (2) educators must understand that their institutions are shaped by events of this magnitude; and (3) educators should use such events to reflect on and understand the implications of their own actions and decisions. One positive outcome of the tragedy was the response of the faculty, who rose, united, to meet the challenge of serving the students in a time of crisis. In all, faculty members put forth great effort to allow the students to continue their studies in nontraditional ways in order to finish their coursework. (Contains 22 notes.)