Akron Magazine - Summer 2009 - (Page 4)

( feATure sTory ) Two Families Step Forward to Aid Track Program to the generosity of two alumni couples—Robert ’60 and Jacqueline Gill, and Roger ’63 and Judith ’63 Read— the Zips Track and Field program has an upgraded Lee Jackson Outdoor Track and Field Complex. The donations enabled the University to install a new 1,500seat custom bleacher system, decorative fencing and surrounding enhancements in time for the 2009 Mid-American Conference Track and Field Championships in May. Bob and Jackie Gill met in the Chuckery of the former Gardner Student Center. Bob was a champion athlete in men’s cross country and track programs, setting a school record for the half-mile. In his career as a student-athlete, he earned seven Ohio Conference Championships in outdoor (800m) and indoor (880m) track and was the 1960 NCAA Mid-East Runner-up in the 800m. In 2001, Bob was inducted into The University of Akron Varsity “A” Sports Hall of Fame. The Gills established the Robert J. and Jacqueline B. Gill Endowed Fund for Track and Field Cross Country as well as The Robert J. and Jacqueline Gill Track Challenge. Bob is the retired chairman of AFD Industries. Thanks Dr. Roger Read received a bachelor’s degree in management and a master’s degree in business administration from UA. His student activities included senior class president, cross-country and track, and the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Roger was recognized for his academic achievements by being named an Outstanding Business College Student and Outstanding Greek man. Judith Read graduated with distinction in 1963, receiving a bachelor’s degree in English. The Read’s son, Scott, is a 1991 University alumnus, and Dr. Read’s mother, Winifred, graduated from the University in 1934. The couple established the Roger T. and Judith A. Read Endowed Scholarship in Business Administration, the Judith A. and Roger T. Read Scholarship Fund in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences and The Roger and Judy Read Project GRAD Scholarships. Dr. Read is the retired CEO of Harwick Chemical Corporation. Roger and Judith Read (left) with Jacqueline and Robert Gill and two Zips student-athletes Taelor Fowler (far left) and Marcus Ferguson (far right) at the 2009 Mid-American Conference Track and Field Championships. |4| <

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Akron Magazine - Summer 2009

Akron Magazine - Summer 2009

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