Kent State’s College of Technology honored 21 alumni during its annual Vision 21 Awards Banquet on Saturday, May 2.

The banquet honored the alumni who have both set a standard of high achievement in their career and participated in meaningful community service.

“This annual event shines a light on our most distinguished College of Technology alumni,” said Chairman of Vision 21 John DeCola. “This annual event brings us together to both reminisce about our many noteworthy accomplishments as well as to discuss the success of the future.”

The Clinton Van Deusen Award, which recognizes one outstanding individual who has made a significant contribution to the success of the College of Technology, was awarded to Professor George Schneider Jr. Schneider is being recognized for his work at bridging the gap between industry and academia, his publications and his generous philanthropy.

“I am grateful to Kent State for giving me the opportunity that others wouldn’t,” he said.

The recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award are chosen by a committee of current and former school faculty and administrators as well as past recipients. The 21 honorees represent the importance of technology in the 21st century.

The following received the Distinguished College of Technology Alumni Award:

Prakash R. Chhatwani, ’94, M.T., Senior Practice Director, AST Corporation, Chicago, Ill.

Susan Flaviano, ’04, B.S., Director of Operations, Hospital Furnishings and Design, Warren, Ohio

Richard Frantz, Jr., ’84, B.S., CAD Systems Engineer, JLG Industries, New Philadelphia, Ohio

Carl V. Gorman, ’76, Ph.D., awarded posthumously

Joseph Herrmann, ’80, M.A., Industrial Arts Teacher, Jefferson Area Local Schools, Retired, Rock Creek, Ohio

Brian Heston, ’03, M.T., Principal Engineer, New Product Development at Zimmer Inc., Dover, Ohio

Michael Keller, ’97, B.S., Senior Pilot, American Electric Power, Reynoldsburg, Ohio

John S. Kovach, ’76, B.S., FAA Air Traffic Controller, Cleveland Air Route Traffic Control Center, Strongsville, Ohio

Alan M. Kuznicki, ’01, B.S., Pilot, Part 121 Airline, Charlotte, N.C.

Stuart K. Lau, ’85, B.S., Pilot, UPS, Louisville, Ky.

Domenic Maiani, ’91, B.S., Pilot and First Officer, Continental Airlines, New London, Ohio

William Schloman, ’98, B.S., Pilot, ExpressJet Airlines, Streetsboro, Ohio

Randall Schneider, ’97, B.S., President, Schneider Computer Technologies, Dover, Ohio

John W. Schroth, ’85, B.S., Assistant Superintendent, Oberlin City School Systems, Columbia Station, Ohio

Victor Stefan, ’91, M.Ed., Integrated Technology Teacher, Lake Local Schools, North Canton, Ohio

Media Contact: John DeCola, 330-672-8754