As Fisher College of Business marks 100 years of excellence in business education this year, the college community recently gathered for its annual Pace Setters awards ceremony. The awards honor the college’s top undergraduate students and faculty members and are a part of the college’s rich history.

“As we recognize 100 years of business education at The Ohio State University, our college community has spent much time reflecting on the people, the milestones, events and accomplishments that have built Fisher into what it is today,” said Anil Makhija, dean and John W. Berry, Sr. Chair in Business.

“One such watershed event was the very first Pace Setters ceremony in 1961, put on by what was then the College of Commerce and Administration. Since then, our college has had three other names, and venues for this ceremony have changed. But through all of this time and change, the Pace Setters awards have remained a constant as our college’s highest honor.”

2016 Pace Setter Awards

Eric Lenard, senior director of finance for DePuy Synthes, a J&J company, received the Pace Setters Executive Award. Lenard (BSBA’97; MBA’97) is a former recipient of Fisher Diversity Business Award and a member of the college’s Alumni Board. He spoke to students about the significance of the Pace Setters awards and of the Fisher experience.

"The Pace Setters award isn’t just about GPA’s," he said. "It’s about honoring and highlighting Fisher’s outstanding students who have been able to fully take advantage of everything this great college and university has to offer.

"...When I was sitting where you were nearly 19 years ago receiving the Robert E. Georges Award, it was one of the highest honors I’ve ever received in my life and still remains to this day. Tonight, I can say that I’ve finally got a worthy neighbor for where that award sits."

More 50 undergraduate students were named Pace Setters award winners, while five others were recognized with special student Pace Setters awards. Four faculty members and a Fisher staff member were also honored for their contributions.

Undergraduate Student Awards

About the winner

Michael Brajdic
Jack W. Stephenson Award

“Michael has made the most of every opportunity while at Fisher, taking part in the Fisher Futures program, completing the Wall Street Prep, working in the Student Investment Management Program and Buckeye Capital Investors…It would be difficult to name a student with greater all-around excellence than he has had during his time at Ohio State."

Caroline Speice
Walter M. Rudin Junior Award

“She is an excellent communicator and has an innate ability to connect with students, staff, faculty and alumni. I strongly believe all of these personal qualities and accomplishments are important and fall in line with this specific honor. I envision Caroline continuing her path to make an impact as a Fisher student and even more as a Fisher alum.”

Susan Vogelgesang
Katherine Porter Allen Prize

“Susan is an exceptional student and leader. Besides receiving good grades, she is one of the leaders of her class."

Kyle Keeran
S. Maurice Bostic & Birch S. M. Bostic Memorial Award

“Kyle has continuously illustrated exceptional leadership capabilities through his initiatives in course material, participation in case competitions and involvement in other student organizations.”

John Renner
Robert E. Georges Senior Award

"His legacy with overhauling the Undergraduate Business Council has allowed it to flourish. While he continues to play an active role with Alpha Kappa Psi, Jack’s decision to spend his senior year serving as a peer advisor is a testament of his commitment to the future of Fisher.”

Faculty and Staff Awards

About the winner

Tony Rucci
Bostic Georges Faculty Service Award

“Tony's selflessness and values make him a role model for the rest of us."

Kewei Hou
Faculty Research Award

“Outside reviewers have consistently commented on the high quality of Kewei’s work, and here at the college, his research is a wonderful example of knowledge creation.”

Matt Sheridan
Daniel Westerbeck Teaching Excellence Award (Undergraduate)

“Professor Sheridan teaches of the importance of ethics in the field of finance, making his students understand the responsibility they have as finance professionals.”

Eric Spires
Daniel Westerbeck Teaching Excellence Award (Graduate)

“We are fortunate and grateful to have Eric serve such an instrumental role at Fisher."

Zach Grammel
Coykendale MAX Staff Leadership Award

“He has brought new ideas to the travel structure, incorporated ways to get students to countries around the world and encourages them to take full advantage of being in a different country.”