The Neugebauer family legacy

The University of Akron (UA) isn’t just a place of learning for the Neugebauer family; it is a thread that weaves through generations, binding them together in a shared love for their alma mater. Without them realizing it, UA became a family tradition.

Beginning the Legacy
Gerard Neugebauer ‘87, ‘91, is deeply rooted in Akron. Growing up in Firestone Park, and the sixth born of nine children, he was no stranger to the importance of education and community. All nine of the Neugebauer children attended UA, with eight of them obtaining degrees. Most of their spouses and children also became Zips.

However, Gerard’s journey through UA began with a decision that shaped his life and his family’s future.

With an engineering degree and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, Gerard found success
in the utility services and construction industry. But his achievements extended beyond academics and business. He also served as the Mayor of Green for two terms, leaving a mark on the city he loved.

Yet, amidst his accolades, Gerard found some of his fondest memories in the mascot suit of Zippy, UA’s beloved kangaroo.

“One basketball game, the cheerleading coach was filling in for Zippy, because the student Zippy had quit that year. While in costume, the coach came up to me at that game and asked for help, because he suddenly wasn’t feeling well. He couldn’t find someone to unlock the office where he had stored his street clothes,” Gerard recounted. “So, I met him in the bathroom, and I gave him my jeans and hoodie and he gave me Zippy. That’s how I ended up being Zippy. I never thought for a minute before that moment that I would be a college mascot, but I felt comfortable because I already knew all the cheerleaders. I ended up continuing as Zippy for the rest of the season, and then an additional two years.”

The story of how Gerard became Zippy was a twist of fate that tied him closer to the University and, ultimately, to his future wife, who was a cheerleader at the time.

The Legacy Continues
Rachel (Neugebauer) Markle ‘15, Gerard’s daughter and one of his three children who attended UA, discussed how her parents’ roots in the University also helped her decision to find a home here as well.

“My parents had so many stories about my mom being a cheerleader and my dad being Zippy at the same time. It was funny because when I was on campus and would mention my dad had been Zippy, people would get so excited. So, there was something nostalgic about that that also geared me toward UA.”

Rachel’s journey began even before she officially became a student. In high school, she immersed herself in College Credit Plus courses at UA’s campus, forming bonds with professors and fellow students. By the time college decisions approached, UA was the obvious choice.

“I already felt at home on campus before I had to make the decision where to go to college. This made my decision to attend UA an easy one,” said Rachel.

Rachel ended up graduating from UA in four years as a double major, with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, as well as an advanced Spanish for Health Care certificate.

But her time at UA wasn’t just about academics; it was about building connections and embracing the vibrant community that had become a second home. From her involvement in various campus activities to her transformative experience studying abroad in Peru, every moment shaped her into the person she was meant to become.

One of her proudest accomplishments was co-founding the Kangablue A Cappella group, where she served as president with one of her cousins as vice president.

After graduating from UA, Rachel went on to attend Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) where she earned a Doctor of Pharmacy and is a state-certified pharmacist.

Rachel walked the same paths her parents once did, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging, a connection to something greater than herself. The legacy of the Neugebauer family lived on in every corner of the campus, in the memories shared between generations and in the pride, they felt for their alma mater. As Rachel and Gerard reflected on their respective journeys, it was clear that UA had left a huge mark. From forging lifelong friendships to pursuing their passions, their experiences at The University of Akron had shaped not just their careers, but their family’s legacy for generations to come. 

Story by Bree Sabin