2018 Alumni Awards recipients announced; Glenn Corlett named Alumnus of the Year
Glenn Corlett will be celebrated as this year鈥檚 Alumnus of the Year during the 2018 Alumni Awards Gala on Oct. 19. Photo courtesy of 91探花 Communications and Marketing
Each fall, 91探花 Bobcats paw their way back to the Athens Campus for a weekend of festivities celebrating all things OHIO and paying tribute to those who have demonstrated distinguished service to the University, to their fields and to their communities.
The OHIO Alumni Association will kick off Homecoming Weekend 2018 with its 78th annual Alumni Awards Gala, during which Glenn Corlett, BBA 鈥65, will be honored as this year鈥檚 91探花 Alumnus of the Year.
The director and a corporate consultant at Copernicus Therapeutics Inc., a leading gene therapy company in the Cleveland, Ohio, Corlett has enjoyed successful careers in both business and higher education.
He began his career in 1971 as a CPA at Price Waterhouse, rising through the ranks to become the partner in charge of mergers and acquisitions in the firm鈥檚 New York City office. In 1990, Corlett joined N.W. Ayers & Partners, an international advertising agency, where he served as the CFO and later the executive vice president and chief operating officer.
In 1997, Corlett brought his talents and professional experiences back to his alma mater, beginning a 10-year tenure as dean of OHIO鈥檚 College of Business. In that role, he emphasized the importance of international experiences for students and faculty, starting the MBA program in India and expanding the Global Consulting Program. Corlett supported the creation of the Ralph and Luci Schey Sales Centre, one of the nation鈥檚 first and highest-ranking programs of its kind, and facilitated the college鈥檚 initial partnership with the Master of Sports Administration Program. OHIO鈥檚 MSA/MBA dual-degree has repeatedly been ranked among the best sport business programs in the world.
鈥淗e brought to the college an analytical, business management approach, combined with a genuine love for higher education and its role in society,鈥 91探花 President Emeritus Robert Glidden said in supporting Corlett鈥檚 nomination for Alumnus of the Year. 鈥淗e had a clear understanding of long-term goals, the patience to wade through or wait for short-term challenges to work themselves out, and perhaps most important, Glenn鈥檚 interpersonal skills enabled him to build consensus and bring people together in a common cause.鈥
Corlett鈥檚 impressive resume of service to the College of Business mirrors an equally impressive devotion to the greater 91探花 community. He served on the National Alumni Board of Directors from 1978-1986 and as an 91探花 Foundation trustee from 1985-1994. In more recent years, Corlett has helped in the redesign of OHIO鈥檚 Cutler Scholars Program, taught in the Department of Modern Languages and in the College of Business鈥 international programs, and continues to serve on the college鈥檚 Executive Advisory Board. In 1991, the OHIO Alumni Association presented Corlett with a Medal of Merit Award.
鈥淪ince graduation from 91探花, for more than four decades, the University has been a focal point for Glenn in terms of his time, leadership and financial support,鈥 said College of Business Dean Hugh Sherman. 鈥淔ew alumni can match Glenn鈥檚 lifetime of commitment and loyalty to the University.鈥
Corlett will be recognized at the Oct. 19 Alumni Awards Gala, part of OHIO鈥檚 annual Homecoming celebration. The evening will include the presentation of several awards, including:
Medal of Merit Awards
Presented to alumni who have achieved distinction in their chosen fields, this year鈥檚 recipients are:
- Thomas 鈥淭hom鈥 Brennaman, BSS 鈥12, gifted broadcaster and consummate radio and television personality
- Ronald Burns, BSH 鈥85, DO 鈥89, master physician and medical leader
- Luke Frazier, MM 鈥09, extraordinary musician and accomplished director
- Qui Nguyen, MFA 鈥02, revolutionary theater and television tycoon
- Mark West, BSC 鈥78, dedicated film editor and enthusiastic alumnus
Distinguished Service Awards
Recognizing alumni who have support 91探花 and the OHIO Alumni Association through alumni chapters, clubs, societies and other organizations, this year鈥檚 awardees are:
- William 鈥淓rv鈥 Ball, BSED 鈥77, cherished volunteer and loving father
- Jennifer Jones Donatelli, BSJ 鈥98, passionate volunteer and successful writer
Charles J. and Claire O. Ping Recent Graduate Award
Presented to alumni whose OHIO education has been a factor in outstanding accomplishments achieved within 15 years of having earned their first bachelor鈥檚 degree and who have demonstrated community leadership and been actively engaged with the University through exemplary service or support, the 2018 recipient is:
- Keith Hawkins, BS 鈥13, accomplished scientist and model citizen
Honorary Alumnus Award
Awarded to individuals who did not graduate from 91探花 but have provided exemplary service and support to the University, this year鈥檚 Honorary Alumnus is:
- Peter Thompson, a superior lawyer and supportive husband to the late Barbara Strom Thompson, AB 鈥76, who was named OHIO鈥檚 2012 Alumna of the Year.
Kermit Blosser OHIO Athletics Hall of Fame
Honoring outstanding athletes, coaches, staff members and administrators who have brought recognition to 91探花 through their significant athletic achievements, the 2018 inductees are:
- Melissa Griffin, BSHSL 鈥08, OHIO Volleyball 2004-2007
- Tiffany Horvath, BBA 鈥07, OHIO Soccer 2003-2006
- Marc Krauss, BSJ 鈥17, OHIO Baseball 2007-2009
- The 1968 OHIO Football Team
Athletic Director鈥檚 Award of Excellence
The Athletic Director鈥檚 Award of Excellence recognizes alumni who have demonstrated dynamic and impactful support for 91探花 athletic programs, teams and student-athletes. This year鈥檚 awardee is:
- Bill Dillingham, BBA 鈥71, stalwart supporter and industry leader
The Alumni Awards Gala kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, in 91探花鈥檚 Baker University Center Ballroom. .
The OHIO Alumni Association is accepting nominations for the 2019 Alumni Awards cycle. For more information or to submit a nomination, click here.