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The University of Akron Alumni Association is proud to announce the 2024 recipients of the Dr. Frank L. Simonetti Distinguished Business Alumni Award. Created by the College of Business Alumni Board in 1987, the Dr. Frank L. Simonetti Award honors alumni who demonstrate career achievement and contribute significantly to their communities and alma mater. To date, 160 College of Business alumni have been honored, raising thousands of dollars for the Dr. Frank L. Simonetti Scholarship Fund.

The award was named after ¹ú²úÂ×Àí alumnus, dedicated business professor, and beloved friend, Dr. Frank L. Simonetti. Dr. Simonetti, who graduated in 1940 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, devoted his career to The University of Akron's College of Business from 1942 to 1986. Notably, he became the inaugural chair of the Department of Management upon the college's establishment in 1953, marking a significant chapter in its history and impacting thousands of students over his 44-year tenure.

2024 Recipients and Award Ceremony

This year’s award ceremony is set for Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Jean Hower Taber Student Union in the Paul and Dorothy Martin Ballroom from 7:30-9 a.m. We are proud to honor this year's distinguished class of recipients:

Dunja Augustin '06, '07: B.S. in International Business, Vice President of Operations at Energy Harbor

Robert E. Chess '72: B.S. in Industrial Management, Retired Human Resources Executive

Lakisha A. Miller-Barclay '14: B.S. in Accounting, Executive Director and CEO of the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society

William A. Scala '75: B.S. in Accounting, Chairman and CEO of Kenmore Construction Co., Inc

John E. Scheatzle '87: B.S. in Finance, Partner at Howard & O’Brien Executive Search

"Dr. Frank L. Simonetti’s vision and dedication to education have left an indelible mark on The University of Akron College of Business and its alumni community. He exemplified excellence and leadership, qualities that this year’s honorees embody with distinction," remarked Willy Kollman, assistant vice president of alumni relations and executive director of The ¹ú²úÂ×Àí Alumni Association. "We are proud to celebrate the achievements of this year's recipients, which not only reflect Dr. Simonetti’s legacy but also inspire future generations of Akron alumni."

The University of Akron College of Business

The awards event is co-hosted with The University of Akron College of Business. The College of Business offers 16 majors and is accredited by AACSB International, the hallmark of excellence in management education and the highest achievement for business schools worldwide. At The University of Akron College of Business, students have the opportunity to thrive and experience business in a unique, supportive environment.

Join Us in the Celebration

For more information on the award ceremony and to learn more about this year’s exceptional honorees, please visit .