The University of Akron's Office of Multicultural Development will recognize outstanding student leaders, distinguished alumni and community leaders at its annual Scholarship Dinner on Saturday, Sept. 28, in the Student Union Ballroom.
UA alumna Ann Lane Gates will receive the Legacy, Leadership and Excellence Award. Gates began her career as a substitute teacher with the Akron Public Schools for 10 years. In 1961, she began working at the district's central administration offices as a resource teacher and special services administrator. Later, she served as assistant to the superintendent, and earned a master's degree in education at UA in 1972. During her tenure with the Akron Public Schools, Gates directed the Youth Tutor Corps, supervising the Head Start Pre-Kindergarten Program, Neighborhood Youth Corps, Adult Basic Education, Evening High School Scholarship Program, Lane South Community School and the Supervised Study Program.
At her retirement in 1999, Gates was the community relations and legislative affairs officer for the schools. Gates belongs to 60 community boards and organizations — including several for which she was a charter member, first female or first African-American member. In 2002, she received the Governor’s Award for the Arts in Ohio and the YMCA's 100 Women of Distinction Award.
The Rev. Dr. Charles Tyler Sr. and Russel C. Holmes will receive distinguished alumni awards. Tyler, a native of Norway, S.C., received degrees from South Carolina State University, UA and the UA School of Law. He attended Ashland Theological Seminary and holds certificates in general mediation and divorce mediation. Tyler is an ordained elder in the A.M.E. Zion Church. He served as pastor of St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church in New Castle, Pa., and is currently the pastor of Wesley Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in Akron.
Holmes earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from UA in 1986. His positions at KeyBank have included new accounts manager, branch manager, commercial lending officer, community development and community reinvestment act officer. Holmes has worked in the Cleveland market as KeyBank's vice president for business sales, overseeing the small business sales activities in 70 branches. Currently, he is a nonprofit financial consultant. In the community, Holmes is a member of Greenleaf Family Services, Akron Area YMCA, Akron Civic Theatre, UA National Alumni Board, Arlington Church of God, Leadership Akron Alumni Association and Hattie Larlham Board.
A reception and silent auction will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $75 per person and proceeds benefit the UA Office of Multicultural Development’s scholarship endowment. For tickets or more information, call 330-972-6446 or e-mail Patricia Miller at plm7@uakron.edu. The reservation deadline is Sept. 13.
Story by Tyeal Howell