Institute for Leadership Advancement Celebrates Students and Mentors at 2025 Advancing Leaders Recognition Reception
The University of Akron's Institute for Leadership Advancement hosted the 2025 Advancing Leaders Recognition Reception on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. This annual event celebrates outstanding students and employers for their achievements, demonstrated leadership, and professional development.
“The Advancing Leaders Recognition Reception highlights the remarkable talent and leadership potential of our students, as well as the invaluable role that mentors play in their development," said Dr. James Thomson, interim dean of the College of Business.
Among the honorees, Parker Doerrer was named Intern of the Year. This award recognizes interns who have demonstrated outstanding performance, made significant contributions to their employer, exhibited leadership skills, and shown professional development and maturity. Doerrer's exemplary work during his internship showcased these qualities, making a lasting impact on his organization.
James Dawson received the Intern Manager of the Year award, honoring his exceptional mentorship and leadership. This award is given to managers who provide meaningful internship experiences, offer professional development opportunities, and model key attributes of successful leadership. Dawson's commitment to guiding interns and fostering their growth exemplifies the standards set by the Institute for Leadership Advancement.
The Advancing Leaders Recognition Reception continues to highlight the importance of internships and mentorship in developing future leaders. By acknowledging the achievements of individuals like Doerrer and Dawson, the University of Akron emphasizes its dedication to leadership advancement and professional excellence.
As part of the Institute for Leadership Advancement’s Leadership Designation Program, 32 students were recognized for completing the Rising Leaders track, which emphasizes personal mastery, ethics, and integrity. An additional seven students completed the Established Leaders track, focused on team and interpersonal development. Meanwhile, 23 students earned EDGE Honors, now known as the Experience Guarantee, by participating in professional development events and experiences that promote career readiness.
Rising Leaders
Jennifer Akello Owot
Brandon Allen
Maryam Alsaadi
Ryan Avery
Steven Bailey
Claire Bennett
Trevor Boss
Jalen Couch
Cayden de Wever
Domenick DiCola
Hayley Duchnowski
Ethan Farnsworth
Matt Fiedler
Grey Francis
Charles Gegick
Purnima Gurung
Carter Hane
Elijah Harbeson
Matthew Heigelmann
Dara Keo
Dylan Leipold
Jonathan Magerko
Gwen Mangan
Lucas McComb
Alicia Olmos Garcia
Gavin Puhala
Luke Roshak
Ariana Sherman
Preston Steele
Grace Vence
Janiah Washington
K’Ijanae Woods
Established Leaders
Dawson Brunner
Saron Girma
Haley Guest
Shanon Jackson
Alexander Kennedy
Stephen Parker
Jeavyon Yanga
EDGE
Devin Allman
Shareef Awadallah
Hailey Barger
Sarah Bliss
Jonathan Clemente
Zachary Cutting
Joseph Ferguson
Irene Garcia Cruz
Natalie Gardner
Irina Haack
Teriny Hill
Wade Hostetler
Elena Kozma
Kazia Krotec
Anna Marble
McKenna Marcum
Chase Marquis
Olivia Neer
Joshua Shull
Bret Skolnicki
Olivia Stetz
Wylie Vue
Tiyana Williams
Additionally, seven graduating members of the College of Business Dean’s Team were honored for their outstanding leadership and dedication to serving as ambassadors for the college. Throughout their time at Akron, these students played a vital role in welcoming and guiding prospective students, leaving a lasting impact on the College of Business community.
Graduating Dean’s Team Members
Shareef Awadallah
Hailey Barger
Morgan Bucy
Joe Ferguson
Natalie Gardner
Olivia Neer
Tiyana Williams
The Institute for Leadership Advancement offers The University of Akron’s only comprehensive academic and co-curricular leadership programs to students of all academic majors and interests. Established within the College of Business in 2012 through a gift from The J.M. Smucker Company, the Institute for Leadership Advancement was envisioned to develop new leaders who will positively affect business for future generations.