College of Business Students Recognized for Leadership and Impact at 2025 LIFE Awards

College of Business students Shareef Awadallah, Mason Dexter, Alex Kennedy, and Zac Werner were honored at The University of Akron’s 2025 LIFE Awards for demonstrating excellence, integrity, and civic and social responsibility.

Each award recipient was selected through a competitive process that includes a nomination or application, a recommendation from UA leadership, and final review by members of the Department of Student Life. The recognition reflects the meaningful contributions these students have made to the campus and broader community.

A-Key Blue:

The A-Key Blue Award is presented annually to undergraduate students that demonstrate academic success and active involvement on campus. Students must meet minimum GPA standards and consistently retain full-time student status throughout their college career. The College of Business congratulates:

Mason Dexter, Financial Management (Major) & Financial Planning (Major)

A-Key Gold:

The A-Key Gold Award is presented annually to undergraduate students that distinguish themselves as some of this university's most actively involved student leaders and academic achievers. Students must meet minimum GPA standards and consistently retain full-time student status throughout their college career. One College of Business major was selected for this award category. Congratulations to:

Alex Kennedy, Accounting (Major)

The Richard L. Hansford NRHH Pillar Award

This person has fully demonstrated that they hold the pillars of the National Residence Hall Honorary (Service, Advocacy, Recognition, and Leadership) to the highest standard. From being involved on-campus at the University of Akron, this person has shown that they are a leader among their peers and has a passion for keeping the university strong by demonstrating these four pillars. This person must have at least a 2.5 GPA and can be a member of any class (first year, sophomore, junior, senior). This student can be full-time or part-time and is not required to live on campus.

Alex Kennedy, Accounting (Major)

Student Recreation Outstanding Student Member Award

The Student Recreation Outstanding Student Member Award is presented annually to a student who has made a positive impact on the campus community through active involvement in Student Recreation and Wellness Services (SRWS) programs or services. Nominees for this award must demonstrate strong leadership within SRWS, show a commitment to enhancing the UA community and student experience, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Zac Werner, Accounting (Major)

Top 10 Senior:

The Top 10 Senior Award is presented annually to ten senior students who show quality, depth, and breadth of involvement in a variety of campus, athletic, and/or community activities. Students also must show high scholastic achievement. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be in good standing, have completed at least 90 credit hours, and their anticipated graduation date must be May, August or December of the current academic year. This award requires 3 letters of recommendation (academic success and engagement, involvement on campus, and community-based activities). Congratulations to College of Business student:

Shareef Awadallah, International Business (Major), Supply Chain and Operations (Major), Arabic (Minor)

For a list of all 2025 LIFE Awards and their descriptions, visit: LIFE Awards 2025 — Award Descriptions.

More information about The University of Akron LIFE Awards can be found here.