Family and friends of the late Edward G. Elias joined his wife, Peggy, and his daughters, Annie and Rainy, on April 26 for a special – and emotional – gathering to name the dean’s office in the College of Business Administration (CBA) at The University of Akron.
Peggy Elias (left) addresses family and friends who gathered to celebrate the naming of the dean's office in the College of Business Administration. She is joined by daughters (l-r) Rainy and Annie, who stand beside a plaque honoring their father.
The newly named Edward G. Elias Family Office of the Dean was made possible thanks to a generous gift from Peggy and formally recognizes her husband’s loyalty to the University, his many contributions to the community, and his successful career as a sports and entertainment agent and founder of the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), which he also served as legal counselor.
An Akron native, “Eddie” was a 1951 University of Akron graduate who lettered in basketball, baseball, and football and served as president of Student Council. At just 28, he founded the PBA and went on to establish a marketing firm that represented bowling greats, as well as entertainment and sports legends. In addition, he was a devoted family man and civic leader who supported numerous nonprofits, including The University of Akron.
During the naming celebration, held in the CBA’s Murphy Conference Room, guests heard words of appreciation from Peggy and a touching thank you from both daughters, as well as remarks from current CBA Dean Ravi Krovi and his predecessor, James W. Barnett, who knew Eddie personally and spoke eloquently of Eddie’s outstanding character. In addition, three College of Business Administration students addressed the crowd, expressing their gratitude to Peggy and all UA alumni and friends who make contributions that provide financial assistance to deserving students, thereby improving the educational experience.
The Edward G. Elias Family
Office of the Dean
The College of Business Administration
April 26, 2013
The Edward G. Elias Family Office of the Dean has been made possible through the generosity of Peggy Elias and her daughters in loving memory of ‘Eddie,’ devoted husband, father, and University of Akron alumnus, Class of 1951.
The family’s gift to name the Dean’s Office honors Eddie’s entrepreneurial spirit, his outstanding leadership abilities, and his loyalty to his alma mater.
On behalf of future generations of business students, The University of Akron is appreciative of the extraordinary commitment demonstrated by the Elias Family in advancing the impact of higher education.
A plaque featuring the office’s new name was unveiled for Peggy and her daughters and has been installed outside the dean’s office. (Inscription at left)
Over the years, Peggy has enthusiastically partnered with The University of Akron to keep Eddie’s memory and generous spirit alive. In fact, the Student Union at the University is home to The Edward G. Elias Bowling Center and, with Peggy’s involvement, each fall hosts The Edward G. Elias Scholarship Bowling Tournament, the country’s only collegiate bowling scholarship competition.