The University of Akron (UA) Alumni Association is proud to announce the 2025 Dr. Frank L. Simonetti Awards recipients. Since its inception in 1987, this annual breakfast has honored 165 College of Business alumni while raising thousands of dollars for the Dr. Frank L. Simonetti scholarship.
The Dr. Frank L. Simonetti award was created by the College of Business Alumni Association to recognize distinguished alumni in the name of a fellow alumnus, dedicated professor, friend and a legend in the College of Business. Simonetti received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UA in 1940 and taught at the University from 1942-1986. During his time at UA, Simonetti served as the first department head of management when the College of Business was established in 1953, led the initial report that resulted in the college’s accreditation by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business, developed undergraduate curriculum in management and more. This award honors and celebrates his outstanding contributions to the city of Akron, the University, his students and colleagues.
This year's event will take place on Friday, April 18, from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Jean Hower Taber Student Union in the Paul E. and Dorthy G. Martin Grand Ballroom . This year’s honorees are:
- Kenneth D. Brott ’85, president & CEO, Sgt. Clean Car Washes
- Richard B. Fry, III ’08, partner and chair of Taxation Practice Group, Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC
- Donald J. Pavlik ’00, senior vice president, PNC Bank
- Kendra C. Philon, CPA ’04, vice president assurance services, Meaden & Moore, Ltd.
- Pamela R. Valentine ’78, retired senior accountant, Lockheed Martin and Manager of Major Gifts, Girl Scouts NEO
The honorees each year are selected based on the following criteria, which are reflective of Simonetti’s legacy:
- Achievement of excellence in his or her profession or vocation to the extent that it brings recognition and honor to the college and University.
- Service over a period of years to his or her community and/or to society on the national, state or local level, and to their alma mater.
“Dr. Frank L. Simonetti’s vision and commitment to education have made a lasting impact on the University of Akron College of Business and its alumni community,” said Willy Kollman, associate vice president, alumni and constituent relations, special assistant to the president for external constituent relations and executive director, Alumni Association. “He exemplified excellence and leadership — qualities that this year’s honorees proudly uphold. We are honored to celebrate their achievements, which not only carry forward Dr. Simonetti’s legacy, but also serve as an inspiration for future generations of Akron alumni.”
The University of Akron College of Business
The awards event is co-hosted with the University of Akron College of Business. The College of Business offers 16 majors and is accredited by AACSB International, which is the hallmark of excellence in management education and represents the highest achievement for business schools worldwide. At the University of Akron College of Business, students have the opportunity to thrive and EXPERIENCE BUSINESS in a unique, supportive environment.
For further details about the event and the honorees, please visit https://tinyurl.com/Simonetti2025