The Buchtel Awards

Through our annual celebration of the Buchtel Awards, we honor those who significantly enhance the greater good of our community and recognizes vision, leadership, and community building as exemplified by The University of Akron’s principal founder, John R. Buchtel.

The Buchtel Awards ceremony on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at Quaker Station drew a crowd of nearly 300 alumni, friends, and faculty of the College. Thanks in part to sponsorships from FirstEnergy Foundation and OMNOVA Services Foundation, the event raised more than $8,000 to support student scholarships.

Dean Ronald Levant served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening and was excited to premier a new video titled “Student Scholarships: A Wise Investment.” The video provided some background on Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences and features several accomplished BCAS students discussing the need for scholarship donations and revealing how scholarships they have received have impacted their lives and enriched their studies at UA.

Provost Elizabeth Stroble spoke about the importance of liberal arts education and the role Buchtel College plays in The University of Akron.

Each award recipient was introduced by one of his or her colleagues, leading to several humorous personal stories being shared about each recipient and keeping the evening lively. Each recipient, in turn, spoke eloquently about their relationship with the University and why they think it is important to support the University. Many reflected on their time as students, and encouraged the members of the audience to continue to support Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences and The University of Akron.

2008 Buchtel Award Recipients

• The Buchtel Award in Humanities – Dr. Lynn R. Metzger, Retired Distinguished Senior Lecturer, The University of Akron
• The Buchtel Award in Natural Sciences – Dr. Russell A. Livigni, Retired Vice President, GenCorp
• The Buchtel Award in Social Sciences – Mr. David C. Luff, Senior Vice President, FirstEnergy Corp.
• The Buchtel Award for Corporations/Foundations – The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation