Benevolence defines Lindner Business Honors Homecoming 2022
Perry and Poston families contribute ‘transformational gifts’ to support students
In what has become a staple of the University of Cincinnati’s Homecoming week in recent years, the Carl H. Lindner College of Business’s atrium bustled with business problem solvers past and present late last week for Lindner Business Honors Homecoming.
Attendees were treated to the announcement of significant generosity by valued donors, stories of impactful domestic travel experiences and the celebration of the latest Norman R. Baker Outstanding Alumni Award honoree.
Lindner Business Honors (LBH) is comprised of ambitious students captivated by a collegiate journey that combines old and new traditions, relationship-building opportunities and real-world possibilities with a stimulating classroom experience. And through what Lindner Dean Marianne Lewis, PhD, termed as “transformational gifts” from the Perry family — notably Kirk and Jacki Perry — as well as the Poston family — principally Dan and Julia Poston — LBH students have the scholarships they need to ascend to new heights at Lindner.
Along with the Perry family, the Poston family — which includes Nick Poston (left), Bus ’21, Bus ’22, and Dan Poston, Bus ’79 — made substantial gifts to ensure scholarships for Lindner Business Honors students.
“We treasure your guidance as business leaders, as well as your positive energy and shared passion for Lindner, UC and our city,” Lewis said of the Perry and Poston families during her remarks. “And your substantial endowment is a testament to your families.”
Ruth Seiple, director of Lindner Business Honors, and professor-educator, department of operations, business analytics, and information systems, introduced the evening’s main feature: a quartet of third-year LBH students retelling recent domestic travel experiences.
- Laura Neltner, BBA ’24, New York City
- Matias Morita, BBA ’24, Washington, D.C.
- Kate Draginoff, BBA ’24, San Francisco
- Aanika Garre, BBA ’24, Columbus, Ohio
Left to right: Current Lindner Business Honors students Nicole Patricio-Agosto and Sneha Amrit with 2022 LBH graduates Margarita Stringfellow and Ruby Cimmarusti.
“They're meeting alumni. They’re getting into companies with partners that want to hire Bearcats and challenge our students,” Seiple said of the traveling LBH students. “It’s been a well-received and positive change in a world that now embraces remote workers, flexible schedules and smaller gatherings.”
The students met with Lindner alumni, toured businesses and witnessed the real-world application of their studies.
“I will strive to embrace the spirit of authenticity, knowing that I can positively impact others by understanding my own unique gifts and talents and applying them to achieve the common good,” Neltner said.
Sean Cox, BBA ’15 and chair of the LBH Alumni Advisory Board, presented Ryan Pontsler, BBA ’10, with the Norman R. Baker Outstanding Alumni Award. The honor recognizes a LBH alumnus for their outstanding post-graduate accomplishments.
Left to right: Norman R. Baker Outstanding Alumni Award honoree Ryan Pontsler, BBA ’10; Ruth Seiple, director of Lindner Business Honors; Lindner Dean Marianne Lewis; and Sean Cox, BBA ’15, chair of the LBH Alumni Advisory Board.
"What’s going on at the college continues to be inspiring to watch,” Pontsler said. “We have always said the stars in these events are the students — and I think they’ve proven that tonight.”
Lewis closed the evening by expressing gratitude for LBH’s forerunners and the program’s advocates.
“I’m often reminded that we stand on the shoulders of giants. It’s humbling and powerful in so many ways,” Lewis said. “Those giants help to build beautiful legacies that we continue to innovate upon. Starting, of course, with the founding vision of Carl H. Lindner Jr. and Marvin Kolodzik.
“And looking around this atrium, I see so many other rising giants. Thanks so much to the supporters here, past and present.”
Featured image: Top row, from left: Sean Cox (LBH alumni advisory board chair), Zane Dennler (LBH board member), Austin Castle (LBH student board member), Xander Wells (LBH student board), Peter Schmidt (LBH board), Rob Neville (LBH board) and Jacob Schulte (LBH student board). Bottom row, from left: Keya Nandi (LBH student board), Liz Schultz (LBH board), Cassidy Hook (LBH student board president) and Aanika Garre (LBH student board). All photos by Joseph Fuqua II.
Interested in Lindner Business Honors?
Lindner Business Honors seeks ambitious students who are intellectually curious, face new challenges head-on and want to hone their talents and take control of opportunities that will propel them into their future careers. Interested high school seniors must complete their application by Dec. 1 for consideration.
Related Stories
Lindner recognizes 2022-23 faculty and staff award winners
April 13, 2023
The Carl H. Lindner College of Business touted its award-winning faculty and staff from the 2022-23 academic year in a reception April 12 at Lindner Hall.
Career, community, connections: Business Fellows piece all...
December 19, 2023
Forty-six first-year Business Fellows embarked on a four-day excursion to Seattle with their peers.