Stories

Doctor's passion lives on through bequest

When Pam Moran met Dr. Kenneth Swanson, her world was upside down. Despite surgery, 70% of a tumor remained on her six-month-old son Derek's brain, requiring two and a half years of chemotherapy and MRIs from Dr. Swanson every six months. "I was mad at the...

Family's good fortune in business turns into holiday surprise

When Pam Perrin Kostoff recalls the history of Perrin Asphalt Company, she always comes back to a transformative moment in the 1980s. "It was the '80s," she said. "St. Eugene's Church needed its parking lot done; it was just seal coating and striping." But,...

A story of legacy: the Pearl Leeper Korman and Sandy Korman Auburn Fund

Pearl Leeper Korman grew up in Akron during the Great Depression, leaving college to work outside of the home, which was uncommon for women during this time. She worked full-time, even with a chronic medical condition, and went on to make a number of...

Accountant helps asphalt heirs give gift and give back

When a family business is considering a significant financial move, their accountant is often the first to know. That was the case for Pam Perrin Kostoff, daughter of Perrin Asphalt Company owners Charles and Patricia Perrin. After a record year of profits,...

Millennium Fund teaches lifelong lessons in giving

Taylor Wessels served as a youth representative on the Millennium Fund from 1999 to 2005. Now married and living in Cincinnati, Taylor reflects on the lessons he learned about philanthropy as a teen: Ever since I was old enough to get an allowance, my...

Night at the Museum program spotlights budding artists

As an internationally acclaimed museum, the Akron Art Museum is famous for its massive collection of art created by virtuosos like Norman Rockwell and Cindy Sherman. But six times a year, the museum showcases special pieces of art created by a different kind...

'Elves' spread holiday joy with special deliveries to Akron youth

It was a quiet Sunday morning in December when a parade of fire trucks, police cars and semi-trailers suddenly appeared in a small Akron neighborhood blasting their horns. Children and parents alike came running out of their houses, shouting with excitement...

Grant helps African-American girls reduce anxiety

By Stephanie L. LangguthAssistant Director of Advancement CommunicationsKent State University Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million U.S. adults age 18 and older – 18 percent of the U.S. population....

Local secretary leaves lasting mark

Betty Axline, an Ellet native, spent nearly 40 years working as a secretary for some of the nation's most notable companies: Goodyear Aircraft, General Tire and Chemstrand/Monsanto. She was a woman of modest means, yet every year she donated her last...

Corporate giving sparked by owner's love for local children

After years of welcoming foster children into their home, Akron residents Kurt and Kathy Davis were overjoyed when the opportunity finally came to adopt two babies of their own. Summit County Children Services had called, asking if they could take two more...

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