From college football’s biggest stage, to the C-suites of top companies, successful startups and family-owned businesses, to the boards of service organizations, Fisher’s 2024 Alumni Awards brought together an unparalleled collection of dedicated leaders.

Fifty years after winning his first Heisman Trophy, Archie Griffin (BSBA ’76), returned to Fisher to receive the college’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding career accomplishments, positive community impact and unrivaled passion for Ohio State.

He was joined by fellow honorees: Elicia Azali (Professional Achievement Award), Michael Ritenour (Entrepreneurship Award), Jerome Revish (Global Business Excellence Award), Bruce Wimbish (Excellence in Service Award), Mark Johnson (Distinguished Leadership Award) and representatives from Nationwide (Corporate Partner Award).

”Receiving this Lifetime Achievement Award is truly, truly amazing and fantastic,” said Griffin, who as part of the 50th anniversary of his first Heisman Trophy this autumn also dotted the i against the University of Akron, helped unveil a statue dedicated to him outside of Ohio Stadium and served as the grand marshal for Ohio State’s Homecoming Parade on October 25.

“It’s a real honor just to have my teammates, coaches and Buckeye fans sharing in these special moments with me.”

The annual awards ceremony, hosted by Jennifer Gardner (MLHR ’93), honored exemplary graduates for their leadership, achievements in business, service to the college and communities, civic involvement and entrepreneurial spirit.

“Their success as professionals and their selfless service to their communities certainly exemplify the paths of visionary leaders,” said Trevor Brown, interim dean of Fisher College of Business and dean of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

Corporate Partner Award

Nationwide, one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States, received the inaugural Corporate Partner Award for setting the bar for what a meaningful corporate partnership looks like at Fisher.

For 40 years, Nationwide representatives have been regular visitors in Fisher’s classrooms, attended many career fairs, served as mentors, financially supported leadership programs and scholarships and supported Fisher’s research centers.

“At Nationwide we value our longstanding partnership with The Ohio State University and the Max M. Fisher College of Business,” said Kirt Walker, CEO of Nationwide. “Through our shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of business leaders, we have opened doors that spur creativity and drive industry-shaping research. This collaboration has not only created additional educational opportunities for business students but has also significantly bolstered Fisher’s leadership development programs. We are proud to support and be a part of such a transformative journey.”

In presenting Nationwide with the award Aravind Chandrasekaran, Fisher’s senior associate dean, said: “When we talk about the vital importance of creating partnerships with organizations ― locally, nationally or globally ― it’s hard to find a better example of how mutually beneficial these relationships can be than our longstanding connection with Nationwide.”

Professional Achievement Award

Elicia Azali (BSBA ’05) was recognized for driving awareness for Beazer Homes, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders recognized as a leader in energy efficient construction. Azali is also an enthusiastic supporter of Fisher’s student-focused programming including the Black MBA Association’s Legends Lecture Series, the lunch and learn series hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and for being a fixture for students who are a part of Fisher FIRST (Focusing on Inclusion and Readiness for Successful Transition) program.

“Receiving an Alumni Award feels a bit like winning the lottery – unexpected and completely humbling,” Azali said. “Growing up in Northeast Ohio taught me that where you start isn’t where you’ll finish, and that if you keep putting one foot in front of the other, you might just surprise yourself. I owe a lot to the Buckeye community, which has given me both the roots to start and the wings to keep going.”

In presenting Azali with the award, Zeenia Kaul, the 2023 Entrepreneurship Award winner, said: “Elicia Azali has distinguished herself as a leader at nearly every stop in her professional career ― a career that included roles at P&G, Nationwide, The General and American Family Insurance.”

Entrepreneurship Award

As president and CEO of the Ritenour Group, a specialty trades and construction company, Michael Ritenour (BSBA ’91) was honored for his efforts to move forward the growth of his family’s business into a leader in Northeast Ohio and for his selfless dedication to tomorrow’s ideators, creator and visionaries.

“The greatest lesson I learned from my time at Fisher is that everything doesn’t always go your way,” Ritenour, president and CEO of the Ritenour Group, said in accepting the award. “There will be highs and lows and you need to keep moving forward. It is a great honor to join current and past alumni winners who reflect the values and ideals of a great business school.”

In presenting Ritenour with the award, Jeff Schumann, the 2023 Entrepreneurship Award winner, said: “Michael’s impact is wider than professional achievement. He and his wife, Karen, recognize the importance of paying forward in support of future generations of business leaders and potential entrepreneurs with two scholarship funds at Fisher – the Ritenour Family Scholarship and the Ritenour Family International Scholarship.”

Global Business Excellence Award

As senior vice president and chief technology officer for digital and commercial technologies at Cardinal Health, Jerome Revish (BSBA ’98) has built his career on the unique dichotomy of the power of technology to both shrink our world, while also expanding it.

“One of the most impactful people in my life was Ramon Gregory, who is no longer with us, who was a mentor, sponsor, friend and confidant,” said Revish. “The greatest piece of advice he gave me was we have two hands for a reason: one to give and one to receive. My aspiration is to pour back into those hands and be an ambidextrous leader. That’s my role here at Fisher ― to continue to pay it forward for the ones who come after us.”

In presenting Revish with the award, Larry Hilsheimer, the 2023 Global Business Excellence Award winner, said: “Jerome is at the forefront of the company’s exploration and embrace of artificial intelligence, both internally as a way to drive productivity, and externally to enhance the experiences of Cardinal’s customers and partners. He also regularly finds time to meet with Fisher students in and out of the classroom to share his corporate perspective, advice and experiences.”

Excellence in Service Award

Bruce Wimbish (MBA ’02, MEd ’08) was honored for his volunteerism at six organizations throughout Central Ohio including launching the Cleveland chapter of the National Society of Black Sports Professionals, serving as a volunteer with the College Basketball Parents Association, chairing the Jesse Owens Jog in Columbus, serving as a member of the Columbus Women’s Commission and serving on the board of Ohio State’s Sport and Society Initiative.

“Serving as a graduate assistant in admissions, focused on graduate recruiting with an inclusionary lens, led me to truly understand the power of relationships, and it nurtured my natural networking abilities that still empower me, professionally and personally,” said Wimbish, sports business development manager at ASM Global. “To be recognized by a place whose impact on your life, professionally and personally, was immeasurable is special.”

In presenting Revish with the award, John Hrusovsky (BSBA ’86), the 2021 Excellence in Service Award winner, said: “When we talk about our alumni making a difference as professionals, and in service to our communities, Bruce’s selfless dedication and commitment to helping others is exemplary.”

Lifetime Achievement Award

One of the most in-demand speakers and public personalities Ohio State has ever had, Archie Griffin (BSBA ’76) has been the face of the university and personifies what it means to be a Buckeye. Named a three-time all-American, Griffin’s a member of the Rose Bowl and College Football Halls of Fame as well as the Rose Bowl Court of Champions. While he’s often said that football is a part of him, he doesn’t want it to define him – rather he wants to be remembered for treating people right.

Griffin’s impact on his hometown of Columbus, the state of Ohio and the widespread Buckeye community begins with a genuine smile, a caring attitude and a desire to “pay it forward” in order to do whatever he can to help people succeed and do better in life.

“The most powerful lesson I learned about leading a team came from my mentor and coach Woody Hayes ― that you win with people,” said Griffin, former president and CEO of The Ohio State Alumni Association. “To have success, you’re dependent on building strong relationships with all the members of your teams and prioritizing teamwork and the quality of your team over individual talent. I always follow the golden rule of treating other people they way you want to be treated.”

“I’ve had a lot of special moments over the years as a pro athlete, small businessman, corporate board member, human resources professional and college athletics administrator. But I saved the best for last when I had my favorite job for 11 years heading up The Ohio State University Alumni Association. I worked with a tremendous team of folks and it was the best opportunity I had throughout my career to fully implement the leadership lessons I learned along the way.”

In presenting Griffin with the award, Cynthia Turner, Fisher’s associate dean of access, engagement and outreach, said: “Today marks a homecoming of sorts, for Archie. At our 2001 Alumni Awards, the college presented him the Community Service Award, the predecessor to this award. I’m proud to welcome back Archie and present him with one that recognizes the incredible impact he’s had since that day in 2001, since 1976 when he graduated as a Business Buckeye, and since 1972 when he first enrolled at Ohio State as a local kid from Eastmoor Academy.”

Distinguished Leadership Award

Recognized for his 30-year career as a pioneer in financial technology, Mark Johnson (MBA ’80) has consistently shown the ability to anticipate and capitalize on what’s around the corner including the creation of direct online bill payments, commercial and consumer electronic funds transfer services and electronic bill payment and presentations while an executive at CheckFree.

“I earned my MBA by going to Ohio State for four years at night,” recalled Johnson, partner at TTV Capital. “I enjoyed a number of professors and, given I was working, I felt I appreciated their insights more since I could relate better. It’s a great honor to receive such an award from a school of Ohio State’s reputation.”

In presenting Johnson with the award, Trevor Brown, Fisher’s interim dean, said: “Part of strong, effective leadership is having an understanding and vision for what lies ahead ― challenges and opportunities alike. Mark Johnson has long demonstrated that unique skill.”

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