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Stitzlein, Harry P. Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Business

The Harry P. Stitzlein Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Business was established in 1995 by Mr. Stitzlein's wife, Rainy Stitzlein, Malone Advertising, family, friends, and alumni as a memorial to one of the University's most beloved alumni who died March 14, 1995, at the age of 67.The scholarship pays homage to a man who was a great community leader, loyal alumnus and distinguished businessman. Mr. Stitzlein, chairman of Malone Advertising, Inc. of Akron, was a successful businessman and dynamic community leader whose unabashed devotion to his University and hometown never wavered. Like his wife, Rainy, Mr. Stitzlein worked for decades to advance the University's mission. Mrs. Stitzlein, class of 1948, served as chairwoman of the University's Board of Trustees.

A genuine native son, Mr. Stitzlein grew up in Akron and attended Mason Elementary and Central Hower High School before coming to ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· of Akron to study. A born leader, Mr. Stitzlein served as President of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He earned his B.S. degree in business administration in 1950 and continued his active role in the life and development of the alma mater he cherished. He served on numerous and varied committees and councils within the University throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Most notably, he worked as co-chairman of publicity for the University's Challenge '70 drive and was elected president of the University's Alumni Council in 1968. He served as a member of the College of Business ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· Advancement Council from 1988-1994. Mr. Stitzlein earned the University's prestigious alumni Honor Award in 1975, and in 1991, UA honored him with the Dr. Frank Simonetti Distinguished Business Alumni Award. Mr. Stitzlein was feted with a special "True Fan" award during half­time festivities at the 1994 Homecoming game.

A proven leader, Mr. Stitzlein enjoyed work! While at ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· of Akron, he worked as a salesman for the J. Koch Company of Akron. Upon his graduation in 1950, he joined The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a sales trainee.

In 1951, Mr. Stitzlein joined Malone Advertising Inc., of Akron as an assistant to the media production manager. Norman Malone, the company's founder, soon became young Harry's mentor. He recognized in Stitzlein the vigor and willingness to excel. Those two traits brought quick success to the promising executive. In 1962, Stitzlein was named company director and the next year he was promoted to vice president.

This accession continued in 1975 when Stitzlein was named president, a post he held until 1980 when he became company chairman. Stitzlein's partner Bain Malone, son of the founder, succeeded him as president. In his 45-year career with the Malone firm, Stitzlein's number one account was the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

Harry was an assiduous Akron booster, busy and involved with many community organizations and fund drives. He was a trustee of Children's Hospital Medical Center of Akron, Bluecoats, Inc., The Akron Better Business Bureau, the Salvation Army, Akron Regional Development Board, United Way of Summit County, YMCA Camp Y-Noah Management Committee, the YMCA general membership campaign, and the National Inventors Hall of Fame Public Relations Committee. In his comment to the Akron Beacon Journal, Fred Bidwell, president of Malone Advertising, called Mr. Stitzlein's commitment to work and the community "extraordinary." The newspaper stated in its editorial: "Communities grow when leaders put down roots and grow with them. Akron benefited greatly by Harry Stitzlein's energy and commitment, and it will continue to grow, thanks to his efforts on behalf of so many."

The Harry P. Stitzlein Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Business was established to attract students to study business administration with an emphasis in marketing and advertising. The scholarship is for four years and provides for tuition, books, fees, and room and board. The scholarship is renewable based on good academic standing, interest in business and maintaining a GPA of 3.25. Malone Advertising will also provide an internship to the scholarship recipient based on interest and performance. Selection of the candidate will be based on the stated criteria through an application process and determined by an appointed committee. Preference will be given to those students indicating marketing or advertising as their major or minor with demonstrated ability and interest. Criteria for selection will be based on class rank, GPA, ACT/SAT scores, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.