51ĀŅĀ×

The 51ĀŅĀ× Alumni Association is proud to announce this yearā€™s Alumni Award recipients, a group of dedicated alumni and friends who represent the very best of the Bobcat community.

While the annual Alumni Awards Gala, typically held during Homecoming Week, is postponed due to COVID-19, the University looks forward to 2021, when the Association will celebrate these distinguished graduates in person once it is safe to do so.

ā€œThe Bobcat community is so incredibly lucky to call this group of extraordinary individuals family,ā€ said Erin Essak Kopp, executive director of the 51ĀŅĀ× Alumni Association. ā€œAlthough we are currently unable to honor these inspiring graduates in person, we recognize the profound impact that these honorees have had on 51ĀŅĀ× and the world, and I am looking forward to expressing my gratitude to each of them in Athens next year.ā€

for more details on this yearā€™s virtual events and activities.

Alumnus of the Year

Recognizing an OHIO graduate who is distinguished in their field and in service and support to the University, this yearā€™s Alumnus of the Year is:

• Frank Krasovec, BBAā€™65, MBAā€™66

Medal of Merit Award

Presented to alumni who have achieved distinction in their chosen fields, this yearā€™s recipients are:

• Kevin Everson, MFA ā€™90
• Paul Hubbard, BSED ā€™65 
• Carolyn Bailey Lewis, PHD ā€™07, EMERT ā€™13 
• Lucian Spataro, MS ā€™91, PHD ā€™93 

Distinguished Service Award

Recognizing alumni who have supported 51ĀŅĀ× and the 51ĀŅĀ× Alumni Association through alumni chapters, societies and other organizations, this yearā€™s honorees are:

• Laura Brege BBA, AB ā€™78
• Julie Mann Keppner, BBA ā€™02
• David Pidwell, BSEE ā€™69, MS ā€™70
• Charles Stuckey, BSME ā€™66, HON ā€™05 

Charles J. and Claire O. Ping Recent Graduate Award

Presented to alumni whose OHIO education has been a factor in outstanding accomplishments achieved within 15 years of having earned their first bachelorā€™s degree and who have demonstrated community leadership and been actively engaged with the University through exemplary service or support, the 2020 recipients are:

• Robert Redd, BBA ā€™09
• Alyson Shupe, BBA, BA ā€™08

The Kermit Blosser Ohio Athletics Hall of Fame

Honoring outstanding athletes, coaches, staff members and administrators who have brought recognition to 51ĀŅĀ× through their significant athletic achievements, the 2020 inductees are:

• Geoffrey Carlston
• Donell ā€œD.J.ā€ Cooper, BSS ā€™15 
• Jennifer Scholl, BSED ā€™93