John S. ’64 and Marlene J. Brinzo Name Kent State Center for Entrepreneurship

John Brinzo’s philanthropic commitment to Kent State began in 1969 with a $10 gift, just after he took a new position in a company where he would stay for the next 37 years, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. 

“I had just earned my MBA and changed fields and was starting to achieve success in my career. I thought it was time to give back,” John said.

John’s and his wife Marlene’s donations to Kent State have grown considerably since his first gift more than 50 years ago, with a specific focus on the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship. In recognition of their gifts of more than $1.5 million, the John S. and Marlene J. Brinzo Center for Entrepreneurship, as well as the John S. Brinzo Entrepreneurship Laboratory, will bear their names. 

“Supporting entrepreneurial thinking for students resonates deeply with me,” said John.

When John arrived at Kent State in 1960, he chose accounting as his major. However, he soon discovered an interest and talent in the areas of marketing and advertising. 

“I was intrigued by socioeconomics and the effects that marketing and advertising have on society,” John said. “One of my advertising professors caused me to visualize my career path, to think critically about my future and to form a real vision. 

John credits Kent State with providing the tools he needed to begin his long and successful career in business. 

“Without Kent State behind me, I would not have achieved my success,” John said.

He also volunteered his time and business expertise as the first chairman of the College’s National Advisory Board. 

“I have been very impressed with Dean Spake and her vision for the college to build on a foundation of academic excellence,” he said. “The new building (Crawford Hall) will provide a legacy for the future and create a learning environment with space to learn, grow and share educational experiences. This is a great way to support my alma mater and future generations of business students.”

To celebrate the naming of the Center, an open house is slated to take place on Tuesday, October 18 from 4-6 p.m. in the Brinzo Center (Room A123) in the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Guests can RSVP here. 

John Brinzo began his successful career in 1964 in the management training program at National City Bank. He joined Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc., the leading supplier of iron ore products in North America, in 1969 as a financial analyst. Through the years, Brinzo worked his way up through Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., being named president and chief executive officer in 1997 and chairman of the board in 2000, a position he held until retired in 2006. He has since served on seven corporate boards, including the Brinks Company and Delta Airlines. He and his wife, Marlene, have two children and five grandchildren.