In the heart of Ohio’s vibrant business scene, a celebration of collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit is underway. For four decades, the Cincinnati Business Achievement Awards have honored the region’s most innovative and forward-thinking companies, leaders, and partnerships. This year’s 40th anniversary marks a milestone in the Awards’ legacy, shining a spotlight on the transformative power of collaboration and the unwavering commitment of the business community to drive growth and innovation. At the University of Cincinnati, the epicenter of this celebration, the stage is set for an evening of recognition, inspiration, and connection among the region’s top business leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
Celebrating Excellence in Business and Community
The 40th Annual Cincinnati Business Achievement Awards (CBAAs) recently took place, honoring outstanding achievements in business and community. This esteemed event brought together esteemed business leaders, alumni, and students to recognize the power of partnership between the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business and the broader community.
Honoring Outstanding Achievements: The 40th Annual Cincinnati Business Achievement Awards
The CBAAs, presented by the Lindner College of Business and the UC Alumni Association, celebrated the achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions to the business community and the university. The event highlighted the importance of partnership and collaboration between the university and the business community, recognizing the impact that these partnerships have on student success and community development.
Recognizing the Power of Partnership: Lindner College of Business and UC Alumni
The partnership between the Lindner College of Business and the UC Alumni Association is a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering strong relationships with the business community. This partnership has led to numerous initiatives and programs that provide students with valuable learning opportunities, mentorship, and career development.
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
The evening’s program featured a number of awards and recognitions, including the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to Liz Keating, a dedicated alumna and longtime supporter of the Lindner College of Business.
Distinguished Service Awardee Liz Keating: Carrying on a Family Legacy
Liz Keating’s involvement with the Lindner College of Business is deeply personal, driven by the legacy of her father. Through her work with the college, Keating has maintained close ties to the university, engaging in various initiatives and programs that support student success. In her remarks, Keating emphasized the importance of giving back to the community, highlighting the impact that the university has had on her life and the lives of countless others.
The Impact of Mentorship and Community Involvement on Student Success
The importance of mentorship and community involvement was a recurring theme throughout the evening’s program. The CBAAs highlighted the critical role that business leaders and alumni play in supporting student success, providing valuable guidance, and opportunities for growth and development.
Highest Honors and Heartfelt Tributes
The highest honor of the evening was the presentation of the Carl H. Lindner Award for Outstanding Business Achievement, recognizing Rusty Myers, a distinguished alumnus and leader in the Cincinnati real estate community.
Myers, a 1982 graduate of the Lindner College of Business, was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the business community and his deep ties to the university. In accepting the award, Myers emphasized the importance of community and the role that the university has played in shaping his career and personal growth.
The evening’s program also featured the announcement of a new endowed scholarship for Lindner students, made possible by the funds raised from the CBAAs and past events. This scholarship will provide critical support to students, enabling them to pursue their academic and professional goals.
40th Annual Cincinnati Business Achievement Awards Celebrates Power of Partnership – University of Cincinnati
The presentation of the Business Partnership Award was followed by recognition of the Distinguished Service Awardee. From classroom visits to student mentorship, Liz Keating maintains close ties to Lindner and UC. As Keating stressed in her remarks, she is largely driven to do so by the legacy of her father.
“Getting involved with Lindner has given me the opportunity to learn from some of Cincinnati’s greatest leaders who are giving their time to carry out the legacy of Mr. Lindner,” said Keating. “And I am much of who I am today because I have been surrounded by Bearcats and those who have given their time to this university, and particularly to the Lindner College of Business.”
The Carl H. Lindner Award for Outstanding Business Achievement: Rusty Myers’ Contributions to Cincinnati’s Real Estate Community
The final and highest honor of the evening was presented by Jennifer Heisey, UC’s Chief Alumni Officer. As the highest honor a Lindner alumnus may receive, the Carl H. Lindner Award for Outstanding Business Achievement recognizes a Lindner graduate who exemplifies success in their profession and field of business, and showcases ample dedication to entrepreneurship and their community.
The 2025 Carl H. Lindner Award for Outstanding Business Achievement went to Rusty Myers, Bus ’82, recognizing his contributions to the Cincinnati real estate community and his deep ties to Lindner and UC.
“As you can probably tell, I bleed red and black, and I am grateful to the College of Business for preparing me as a student and for being by my side ever since,” said Myers upon accepting the award. “I have served alongside an army of volunteers at the business college, the real estate program, the Alumni Association, and the UC Foundation over the years, and this wonderful Carl H. Lindner Award is not just about me, it is a tribute to everyone who has walked before me and with me over the years.”
A Tribute to the Power of Community and Volunteerism
As the evening ended, there was even more to celebrate as Lewis returned to the stage to announce the creation of a new endowed scholarship for Lindner students made possible by the funds raised from this and past CBAAs.
Featured image: Left to right: UC President Pinto, Carl H. Lindner Award for Outstanding Business Achievement recipient Rusty Myers, Distinguished Service Awardee Liz Keating, Heart of William J. Keating Jr. Leadership Awardee Anne Heuker, Carl H. Lindner Outstanding Junior Scholarship Awardee Marissa Riehm, Fifth Third President and CEO Tim Spence, Outstanding Young Alumni Awardee Lucien Kidd, Lindner dean Marianne Lewis and Lindner Alumni Council Chair Edita Dolan-Mayo. Photos by Lauren Meisberger.
Investing in the Future of Business Leaders
The Creation of a New Endowed Scholarship for Lindner Students: A Lasting Legacy
Lewis returned to the stage to announce the creation of a new endowed scholarship for Lindner students made possible by the funds raised from this and past CBAAs.
The Importance of Supporting Emerging Talent in the Business Community
Investing in the future of business leaders is crucial for the continued success of any organization. By providing opportunities for emerging talent to develop and grow, businesses can ensure a steady supply of skilled and motivated professionals to drive their operations forward.
- Supporting emerging talent can also help to attract and retain top talent, as younger professionals are often drawn to companies that offer opportunities for growth and development.
- In addition, investing in the future of business leaders can help to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, as emerging talent is often more willing to take risks and explore new ideas.
Personal Reflections and Calls to Action
A Personal Perspective on the Significance of the Cincinnati Business Achievement Awards
As I reflect on my involvement with the Cincinnati Business Achievement Awards, I am reminded of the impact that this event has had on my life and the lives of countless others.
Join the Celebration: Networking and Access to Top Talent on April 3
Come join me April 3 to celebrate the success of Lindner and its incredible people. It’s a great way to network and get access to top talent for your companies as well as meet some of Cincinnati’s greatest business leaders.
Go Bearcats! #business #leadership #toptalent #cincinnati
Conclusion
As the 40th Annual Cincinnati Business Achievement Awards celebrated the power of partnership at the University of Cincinnati, it became clear that this year’s theme hit home. The event highlighted the transformative impact of collaborations between businesses, academia, and the community, yielding innovative solutions and driving economic growth. Through the stories of honorees and award winners, it was evident that partnerships have become the linchpin of success, fostering a culture of co-creation and driving progress.
The significance of this development cannot be overstated. As the business landscape continues to evolve, the need for collaborative partnerships has never been more pressing. By embracing this approach, businesses and organizations can tap into diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources, ultimately leading to more sustainable and impactful outcomes. The implications of this trend extend far beyond the corporate sphere, as well. By fostering partnerships that bridge the gaps between academia, industry, and community, we can create a more resilient and adaptable economy that benefits all stakeholders.
As we look to the future, it is clear that the power of partnership will only continue to grow in importance. As the University of Cincinnati and its partners continue to push the boundaries of innovation and collaboration, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking solutions emerge. The question is no longer whether partnerships will drive success, but how we can scale and replicate these models to create a brighter, more prosperous future for all. By embracing this spirit of partnership, we can build a better tomorrow – one that is stronger, more resilient, and more just for all.