University of Akron alumnus Stephen B. Thompson has made a generous gift commitment that will advance College of Business marketing students in several key areas:
- His gift establishes The Stephen B. Thompson Endowed Scholarship supporting undergraduate and graduate marketing students with a preference for those working while pursuing their degrees.
- Funding also will support a Digital Marketing Laboratory, giving students the opportunity to study and analyze social, Email, digital video, and display online activities; allowing them to sharpen skills in developing strategy and delivering success across digital channels for future employers.
- Additionally, funding will support enhancements to The Gary L. and Karen S. Taylor Institute for Direct Marketing Focus Group Lab, used by multiple student groups for class projects including Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior, and the graduate MBA Research class. Enhancements will provide the ability to store the recordings on the cloud where students could easily view, discuss, and share their focus group findings and insights. The lab is currently also used by the college in partnership with outside and non-profit organizations.
Steve, UA class of 1975, received The Dr. Frank L. Simonetti Distinguished Business Alumni Award this year.