2026 Cincinnati Business Achievement Awards honorees announced

The Carl H. Lindner Award for Outstanding Business Achievement recognizes a Lindner alum that has achieved the highest level of success in their profession and field of business with a dedication to entrepreneurship and community.

A first-generation college student, John Berding, Bus ’85, was drawn to the allure of UC’s co-op program and strong business reputation from an early age. Berding greatly valued the mentorship he received from professors and industry professionals during his time at UC, which offered a strong foundation toward continuing his education and launching his business career.

His career began with American Financial Group (AFG) as a co-op while attending UC. He would continue his career with the company working with its investment subsidiary, American Money Management Corporation, where he was promoted to president in 2011. In 2012, Berding was elected to AFG’s Board of Directors and became president of AFG in 2023. Berding is deeply committed to giving back, in time, talent and treasure, with service across UC including as a trustee of the UC Foundation and as a member of Lindner’s Executive Cabinet.

“It is a real honor, especially receiving a medal named for Carl H. Lindner. Carl was such an inspiration to me — a self-made man from a very modest background. Carl had tremendous courage and the wisdom to take well calculated risks,” said Berding. “Today, I am also so blessed to work for Craig and Carl Lindner III, who, professionally, have taken their dad's legacy to another level and, philanthropically, continue to give back to Cincinnati in so many ways.” 

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes those who have shown a profound dedication to the Lindner, UC and Cincinnati business communities.

Adam Ante, Bus ’04, began his career on the front lines of financial services working in 401(k) customer support at Union Central Life. Experiencing the company's merger with Ameritas sparked a passion in Ante to take businesses to the next level, something he has continued to pursue throughout his career. During his time at Fifth Third Bank and, later, Vantiv, Ante took on a number of roles from data management and accounting to analytics and finance.

In 2017, he joined Paycor, eventually stepping into the role of Chief Financial Officer. When Paycor was acquired by Paychex in 2025, Ante ascended to senior vice president and managing director. Ante believes strong connections with his alma mater not only bolsters the economy in Cincinnati, but also creates a community where talent can grow, thrive and succeed.

“I believe deeply in connecting students to real work through co‑ops and practical experience, and I want to be part of making that happen,” said Ante. “Helping students turn education into meaningful careers — right here in Cincinnati — is something I care about and want to continue investing in.” 

The Business Partnership Award recognizes a company that has made significant, innovative and ongoing investment in Lindner, helping to sustain its exceptional programs and provide growth opportunities for business students and graduates.

Great American Insurance Group is a dedicated partner to the Lindner learning ecosystem. Over the previous five years, Great American has hosted more than 200 student co-op experiences, and our alumni can be found throughout their ranks as full-time employees. Each year, Great American welcomes Lindner Honors-PLUS students to their downtown Cincinnati offices to engage with professionals and connect with Craig and Carl Lindner III, co-chief executives of American Financial Group, the parent company of Great American Insurance Group.

A founding member of the Center for Business Analytics, Great American’s dedication to innovation and continued professional development for its employees shines through its partnerships with Lindner. This award showcases Great American’s commitment to UC and Lindner and their continued dedication to fostering the Cincinnati community into a shining beacon of innovation and leadership.   

The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes recent Lindner alumni who demonstrate emerging and unique innovation, creativity and success in their careers, and who display a commitment to involvement with Lindner and UC.

For Chizi Igwe, Bus ’13, UC felt like home from her first steps on campus. Visiting as a young student, she instantly felt the warmth and draw of UC. Her UC experience unlocked numerous doors from studying abroad in France to being crowned homecoming queen in 2011, a culmination of the many relationships she was able to build throughout her time as a student.

Her career has taken her around the globe, from four years in China post-graduation, to work with renowned organizations like USAID and the Gates Foundation, to her most recent appointment with the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

“Throughout my time in China and since moving back to the United States, I've had many moments where I was unsure about my next step or worried that I was ‘behind,’” reflected Igwe. “Receiving this award is a great reminder that it's OK to take risks, there is opportunity in the unknown, and that people notice and appreciate my journey, even in moments where I may not.”