Akron Zips achieving the American dream
Where can you go from here? Meet four proud alumni who say their Akron experience enabled them to reach the top of their fields and achieve the American dream.
KAREN ZIEMBA
Started at Akron, starred on Broadway
Her dream of becoming a professional dancer drew Ziemba to UA. Then, a professor's teaching technique, discipline and life lessons prepared her for Broadway.
JUDGE RANDOLPH BAXTER
Inspired by family history to pursue justice
Judge Baxter applied to Columbia, Howard and Akron Law, and chose Akron because he felt his greatest opportunity would be here, as a Zip. It proved to be true.
SANDY PIANALTO
From ‘humble roots’ to a powerful voice for women in leadership
Born in Italy and inspired at UA, Pianalto became president of the Federal Reserve Bank in Cleveland.
MARIO GARZIA 
Thriving on mentoring others, inspiring curiosity and discovery
Leaving Argentina for UA at age 16, Garzia learned "the beauty of calculus" here, and that led to a career that reached the highest levels of Microsoft.
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