Cincinnati Business Achievement Awards celebrates past, present and future

Lewis extolled the power of co-op as the machine that fuels Lindner, bringing together students, faculty and staff, and alumni, employer and community partners to invigorate the region with top talent.

“Backed by more than 120 years of co-op excellence, we continue to push the envelope,” reflected Lewis. “Our co-op model fuses three elements: engaged experts (our tremendous faculty and staff), talented students (who value learning through theory and practice), and vital partners (corporate and community leaders). These examples prove how business problem solving accelerates impact and innovation.” 

Lewis went on to highlight many exemplars of co-op in action at Lindner and UC, including:

• The faculty and staff experts who amplify cooperative learning in the classroom, such as with the new Master of Science in AI Management, and provide industry insights through their research to our trusted partners with projects such as those lead by the Center for Business Analytics. 
• The students who routinely engage in real-world problem solving through course consulting projects with firms such as Cintas, TQL and Deloitte, and who take on the challenge of paid, professional experiences with organizations like P&G, Western & Southern and Fifth Third Bank.
• The employer and industry partners who help Lindner’s students and the college thrive through their dedication to volunteering their time, talent and treasure to fuel Lindner’s innovation and impact. 

“We see every day how collaboration fuels progress — when industry, education, and community work together to shape the future of business,” reiterated Lewis.

Lewis then handed the microphone over to University of Cincinnati President Neville Pinto. Pinto highlighted the upward mobility of the university as it continues to expand, both in its physical footprint and its regional and national impact. 

“As I look around the room, I see so many talented and dedicated leaders from the business community who partner with us. I cannot over-stress how valuable these collaborations are for our faculty and students. They help us prepare students exceptionally well for the workforce and for their roles as citizens and leaders in our society,” said Pinto. 

The Heart of William J. Keating Jr. Leadership Award was bestowed upon Colin Finnecy, Bus ’27. Finnecy approaches everything he does with a service mindset. His community involvement at Lindner and UC is extensive, including serving as vice president of pledge education for Delta Sigma Pi, supporting classmates as a PACE leader and representing the university and college as a ROAR tour guide and Lindner Ambassador. Inside of the classroom, Finnecy demonstrates academic excellence as a five-time Dean’s list recipient, University Honors Program participant and Cincinnatus Scholar.   

The final and highest honor of the night, the Carl H. Lindner Award for Outstanding Business Achievement, was reserved for John Berding, Bus ’85, president of American Financial Group. The award celebrates a Lindner graduate who exemplifies success in their profession and field of business and showcases ample dedication to entrepreneurship and their community. 

“As a first-generation college student, the University of Cincinnati opened my eyes to endless possibilities. My education at UC was exceptional in all regards, not only academically, but also in the way of personal growth,” reminisced Berding. “Although I was a commuter, I tried to take advantage of all the academic and professional opportunities that were available. And I would like to thank the entire UC community, from my classmates to professors for the outstanding foundational experience.” 

Lewis then returned to the stage to send attendees off with a rallying cry to get involved with the Lindner community through mentorship, hiring and other forms of partnership. 

Featured image: From left to right: UC President Neville Pinto, Great American Insurance Group Co-chief Executive Officers Craig and Carl H. Lindner III, American Financial Group President John Berding, and Lindner dean Marianne Lewis. Photos by Lauren Meisberger.