51ĀŅĀ×

The 51ĀŅĀ× Alumni Association proudly announced the 14 recipients of the 2020-21 Alumni Awards, individuals who exemplify the Bobcat spirit in their commitment to excellence and service. This yearā€™s Alumnus of the Year, the highest honor bestowed to a graduate, is Frank Krasovec, BBA ā€™65, MBA ā€™66.

The recipients, who were previously announced in 2020, will be celebrated in-person at the Alumni Awards Ceremony on Oct. 8 during Homecoming Week 2021.

ā€œWe are honored to welcome home these distinguished graduates for what will be a very special event ā€” a celebration not just of their inspiring professional accomplishments and dedication to their alma mater, but also of the chance to share this time together after more than a year apart,ā€ said Erin Essak Kopp, assistant vice president of alumni relations and executive director of the 51ĀŅĀ× Alumni Association.

The 51ĀŅĀ× Alumni Associationā€™s Alumnus of the Year Award recognizes an OHIO graduate who has excelled in their chosen field and in their service to 51ĀŅĀ×. Both professionally and personally, Krasovec exemplifies these ideals.

After graduating from OHIO with a bachelorā€™s degree in business and then an MBA, Krasovec started his career at PNC. He soon moved to Austin, Texas, where he co-founded the investment firm the Rust Group, which he led to highly successful ventures in the cable industry.

A tireless entrepreneur, Krasovec then entered the world of promotional products. He grew Norwood Promotional Products from $4 million in revenues to more than $500 million during his time as CEO. Not one to rest on his success, Krasovec ventured into the restaurant industry and is today co-founder and chairman of Dash Brands, a firm that owns the rights for Dominoā€™s Pizza in all of China.

ā€œFrank Krasovec is a man of vision, as evidenced by his success in business. He is a self-made man ā€” creative, imaginative, and with the ability to articulate his ideas convincingly,ā€ OHIO President Emeritus Robert Glidden wrote in his nomination of Krasovec for the award. ā€œHe is an excellent example of an alumnus who gives his time and talent unselfishly over many years to make the University a better place for the students of the future.ā€

Throughout his successful career, Krasovec has never forgotten the transformational experience he received at 51ĀŅĀ×, selflessly giving of his time to better the institution and especially its students. He served as chair of The 51ĀŅĀ× Foundation Board of Trustees, overseeing the doubling of OHIOā€™s endowment through The Promise Lives Campaign, and he and his wife Margaret are responsible for committing the largest financial gift ever made to the College of Business.

From hosting the Collegeā€™s Select Leaders student group in Austin, to offering advice and connections to recent graduates, Krasovec takes a uniquely personal approach to mentoring fellow Bobcats, investing himself in their own journeys to successful and fulfilling careers.

Krasovec will be among the guests of honor at the 2021 Alumni Awards Ceremony, where the following awards will be presented:

Medal of Merit Award

Presented to alumni who have excelled in their chosen field, 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× with their time, talents, or treasure, 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 who have excelled in their chosen field and in their service to 51ĀŅĀ× and their communities within 15 years of graduating, the 2020-21 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 2020-21 inductees are:

• Geoffrey Carlston
• Jennifer Scholl, BSED ā€™93
• The 1970 Baseball Team

Nominations for the 2022 Alumni Awards are currently being accepted. Please see the awards nominations webpage for more details.