5 Under 35 Awards

The University of Akron Alumni Association is proud to announce the Seventh Annual 5 Under 35 Awards, celebrating the achievements of five young alumni. Since its inception in 2018, this annual award has highlighted alumni under the age of 35 who have excelled in their professional fields and made significant contributions to their communities.

About the Award
The 5 Under 35 awards ceremony is a unique event, held in an open forum format. It provides an opportunity for UA's student leaders, faculty, and staff, along with the honorees' families and friends, to engage in a moderated discussion. This forum offers insights into the honorees' experiences, professional advice, and inspirational stories.

The selection committee reviewed over 40 exceptional applications, highlighting the accomplishments of UA's alumni nominees. Choosing only five honorees was a challenging task, but this year's honorees were chosen for their outstanding achievements, impact in their respective communities, and their commitment to The University of Akron.

"Each year, the 5 Under 35 Awards honor the outstanding accomplishments of five extraordinary alumni, providing them with the opportunity to reconnect with their alma mater and inspire UA students by sharing their unique personal and professional journeys with UA students," said Willy Kollman, Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations and Executive Director of The UA Alumni Association. "This year's recipients exemplify the diverse and impactful paths our graduates take, highlighting the University's commitment to cultivating leaders and innovators poised to make a difference in the world."

2025 5 Under 35 Honorees

• Dr. Kristen Crish '14, '16
  B.A., Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology with a minor in Child Development, and a M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology. Crish is currently an assistant professor and incoming graduate program coordinator at The University of Akron, and owner of Boundless Wonders.
• Darnell Davis, Jr. '16, '18
  B.S. in Political Science and Criminal Justice and a Master of Public Administration, serving as the director of leadership/strategic initiatives at Business Volunteers Unlimited, and an adjunct lecturer at The University of Akron.
• Zach Kisor '17
  B.S. in Management Information Systems with a minor in Spanish, working as an IT manager at Progressive Insurance.
• Tiffany McClaskey '18, '24
  B.S. in Computer Information Systems and a Master of Business Administration, currently a cybersecurity consultant for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a professor of practice at Missouri Western State University, and an adjunct professor at The University of Akron.
• Abigail Spraggins '15
  B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Chemistry, quality supervisor for RealTruck A.R.E. and founder and CEO of Abby's Helping Hands, Hopeful Hearts.

Event Details
This year's event will take place on Feb. 26, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at the Jean Hower Taber Student Union. The Alumni Association is thrilled to share that the event will now be held in the Dorothy and Paul Martin Ballroom, as it has outgrown its former location in the Starbucks Lounge. "Year over year we've seen an increase in attendance and feel the time is right to make the jump to a larger space to allow for more meaningful interactions between our honorees and current students," stated Kelli Fetter, Director of Alumni Relations and Advisor to the University Ambassadors. She added, "We also look forward to welcoming back past honorees, as we celebrate all 35, 5 Under 35 recipients to date."

The awards event is co-hosted with the University Ambassadors student organization. The ambassadors work with collegiate and administrative offices to promote and represent the University at special events with current and future students, alumni, government officials, donors and friends of UA.

For further details about the event and the honorees, please visit www.uakron.edu/alumni/events.

Media Contact: Cristine Boyd; 330-972-6476; [email protected]