Class 21 Sets the Tone for the Holidays

If you were part of Class 21, you didn’t have any trouble getting into the mood for Thanksgiving this year (with an emphasis on the giving). Last month, I had the privilege of sharing in their celebration of Leadership Akron, of community, and of friendship. All converged in a tribute to their classmate Susan Pavloff. Sue bravely fought cancer after being diagnosed during her Leadership Akron year. While her life tragically ended in July 2007, her struggle revealed the exemplary character that typified her and her classmates. And just as they rallied around her for the two years they were together, her Class 21 mates continue to build upon her spirit of community and friendship.

The event marked a time to signify what Sue’s life and friendship meant for Class 21. Hosted by Class 21 graduates Jim Rollins and Mark Watkins at the office of Hahn, Loeser, & Parks, the gathering celebrated support for three organizations that were dear to Sue. First, Class 21 announced that they have met their goal of $12,500 in class support for the Leadership Akron Endowment Campaign—all to be designated in honor of Sue. But, not content with that outstanding achievement, Class 21 went the extra mile in advancing community in their friend’s name. They arranged for a tree to be planted in Sue’s honor at Old Trail School, where her daughter currently attends. And, they arranged with Summa Health System to name their annual White Coat Internship Program for Leadership Akron in Susan Pavloff's honor.

Together these served as a powerful reminder of the things that make Class 21—and Leadership Akron graduates in general—stand out: going above and beyond when it comes to honoring friends, advancing community, and giving generously. And what better time than the holidays to renew our gratefulness for the many leaders like this who have come to define the character of our Akron community.

To comment on LeaderLog, e-mail Mark at mscheffler@lakron.com.