The Carl H. Lindner Award for Outstanding Business Achievement recognizes a Lindner alum that has achieved the highest level of success in their profession and field of business with a dedication to entrepreneurship and community.

A fourth-generation University of Cincinnati (UC) graduate, Rusty Myers’, Bus ’82, connections to UC and Lindner run deep.

“As I was considering schools to attend, my grandfather’s advice was that if I wanted to stay in Cincinnati and have a career here, there was no better place to go than UC, because you will build relationships and establish your roots here.”

During his time at Lindner, then just called the College of Business, Myers earned a 4.0 GPA and received the Outstanding Business Student of the Year award in 1982. Myers fondly recalls various experiences like study abroad, mentorship from Lindner faculty and the leadership roles he held across campus. 

Myers real estate career began in 1985 with Tipton Associates, where he quickly advanced to Development Manager and later became a partner. In 1993, he co-founded Cincinnati Capital Properties, focusing on office leasing and development, and later merged with JLL. As a managing director at JLL, Myers worked on significant projects like the Digital Futures complex, contributing to the Cincinnati Innovation District. Myers remains connected to UC through mentorship and involvement in the UC real estate program.  

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes those who have shown a profound dedication to the Lindner, UC and Cincinnati business communities.

2025 Distinguished Service Award recipient Liz Keating’s involvement with UC began in childhood, attending sporting events and volunteering with her father on various projects. Inspired by her father's motto, “If you want a degree, go to class. If you want an education, get involved,” she seeks to build lasting relationships through community service.

Her career includes roles such as engagement strategist at UC Health, marketing director at The Jim Stengel Company and a member of Cincinnati City Council. Keating currently serves as VP of Government Affairs & Advocacy for the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, advocating for regional growth.

Keating has received numerous honors throughout the years for her involvement in the community. In 2016, she was named to the Cincinnati Business Courier’s Forty Under 40 and in 2023 received the Senators Taft & Schuler Elected Official of the Year. But her proudest accomplishment remains serving on Cincinnati City Council.  

Keating highly values the camaraderie among Lindner students, alumni and supporters and believes UC plays a critical role in Cincinnati's future by training the next generation of leaders. 

“My favorite part about UC is the people. There is a special camaraderie among Lindner students, alumni and supporters that I have always admired and been drawn towards. I watched so many of my family members — and particularly my dad and grandpa — serve UC in many ways and build lifelong friendships while giving back. Staying involved with UC is my way of carrying on their legacy.”

The Business Partnership Award recognizes a company that has made significant, innovative and ongoing investment in Lindner, helping to sustain its exceptional programs and provide growth opportunities for business students and graduates.

Fifth Third Bank has a long history of recruiting from Lindner, being a top provider of hires for their Finance and Accounting Leadership Program and IT internship program. They participate in classroom activities and sponsor student organizations like Business Fellows and Alpha Kappa Psi. Fifth Third also partners with the Lindner’s First-Year Experience Project Strategy class to introduce freshmen to the banking industry. And Jude Schramm, Bus ’97, Fifth Third’s CIO, serves on the Dean Lewis’ Business Advisory Council.

Receiving this award is a significant achievement for Fifth Third, highlighting their commitment to UC and Lindner. It reflects their dedication to investing in future talent, supporting student organizations and fostering strong community partnerships. This recognition reaffirms Fifth Third's role in driving economic growth and nurturing future leaders in the Greater Cincinnati region.

The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes recent Lindner alumni who demonstrate emerging and unique innovation, creativity and success in their careers and who display a commitment to involvement with Lindner and UC.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Outstanding Young Alumni Awardee Lucien Kidd, Bus ’15, ’22, overcame significant challenges growing up in a single-parent household. Inspired by his mother's resilience and a coach's encouragement, Kidd earned a degree in accounting and an MBA from Lindner. He cites experiences like the study abroad program, involvement with the Business Fellows community and mentorship from Lindner supporters like Marvin Kolodzik as playing significant roles in his development. Kidd began his career as an intern with General Electric before pursuing roles at EY and Kroger. Currently, he serves as finance director at Procter & Gamble.

“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor and allows me to represent UC’s young alumni. UC has been pivotal in shaping my career, and this recognition inspires me to strive for even greater achievements,” said Kidd. “It fuels my desire to give back through mentoring, teaching and nurturing future business leaders. My time in Cincinnati has been incredibly rewarding both educationally and professionally, and I am eager to share my experiences to inspire others about the possibilities that lie ahead.”