Donald Kaufman Sponsors Business Lecture Series

Akron, Ohio, Feb. 9, 2004 — Donald L. Kaufman enjoyed 45 years of successful business at Akron's Alside Inc. Now Kaufman is giving back to the Akron business community by sponsoring a lecture series at The University of Akron.

Kaufman, Alside's retired president and CEO, has given $50,000 to UA's College of Business Administration to establish the Donald L. Kaufman Business Speaker Series. The first speaker in the new series will be Akron native Elizabeth A. Lange, vice president of customer relations for Tiffany & Co., who will speak at 2 p.m. on April 15 in the Goodyear Polymer Center's Goodyear Auditorium.

A popular guest lecturer in CBA's marketing classes, the West Akron resident says he has enjoyed sharing his nearly five decades of business experience with UA's students, and he wants to provide them with more opportunities to learn from national business leaders.

“The purpose of this speaker series is to have the University's students hear first-hand from innovative business professionals about the practical applications of the principles that they have studied at the College of Business Administration,” Kaufman explains.

Kaufman has a gift for reaching out to students and capturing their interest, according to Dr. Deborah Owens, associate professor of marketing and international business. Besides speaking to UA business students, Kaufman also enjoys taking his lessons about business and leadership into areas public schools, including the Barberton City School District, Aurora High School and Buchtel High School.

“As a first-generation college student, Don Kaufman recognizes the impact that one generation of education can have on a family,” Owens explains. “I know that Don is proud of the many degrees that have been earned in his family since he first went to college.”

In addition to his recent work with The University of Akron, Kaufman's other charitable endeavors include establishing the Donald L. Kaufman Family Foundation and the Estelle F. Kaufman Sick Child Care Center at Akron Children's Hospital.

“The founding of the Kaufman Business Speaker Series has given me another opportunity to give back to the Akron community that has been so supportive of me,” he says. “And what finer area institution is there to support than The University of Akron?”

Kaufman offers a wonderful example for UA's business students, according to Jim Barnett, interim dean of the College of Business Administration.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Don Kaufman has shown how to be truly successful — both professionally and personally,” Barnett adds. “We hope that Don's generous gift will encourage other area business leaders to support the cause of higher education.”

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