Name: Steven A. Dimengo

Occupation: Managing Partner

Employer:  Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC

Name of High School: Archbishop Hoban High School

Location (City/State): Akron, Ohio

Name of College (1):  The University of Akron

Location (City/State):  Akron, Ohio

Name of College (2): The University of Akron School of Law

Location (City/State): Akron, Ohio

Please state the reason(s) you are supporting Project GRAD Akron and raising funds for the scholarship fund. I was very fortunate to receive a quality education from Akron Public Schools, Archbishop Hoban, The University of Akron and The University of Akron School of Law. When looking for ways to give back, I am always most interested in working with organizations that focus on education and addressing students that are in very difficult circumstances, including home and other environments, in trying to bridge the gap to eliminate hurdles to achieving their dreams. I have been a member of Hoban’s Board of Directors for more than 20 years, last year I joined the Summit Education Initiative Board of Directors, and I taught at the University of Akron in their MTax program for approximately 25 years. I am honored to support a program like Project GRAD Akron that helps so many students in Akron Public Schools who may not otherwise be able to realize their full potential. 

Name of your favorite teacher and what made the person special to you: Brother Richard Gilman, Archbishop Hoban High School. He was modestly brilliant and made students feel comfortable even if they couldn’t quite keep pace with him.

What were some of your most enjoyable times in school?  (preschool through college): Interacting with a broad section of students from a social perspective. I was never in a fraternity, but I felt like my school environments were close enough to develop supportive relationships that continue through today.  In fact, in addition to my older brother, everybody in my wedding party was connected to high school in some form.  We stay in touch even today.

Looking back over the years, what advice would you give to your high school self or college self? Follow your passion while also learning the “footnotes” of various educational curriculum. Everything comes back as relevant to your life, but following your passion will enhance the likelihood of fulfilling your full potential. Interestingly, that was not the advice I gave my kids, where I focused on pushing them to pursue jobs that they would be gainfully employed. Guess what? They ignored me and I am very happy they did because they are doing well.

Favorite quote:  “Continuous effort—not strength or intelligence—is the key to unlocking our potential.”—Winston Churchill

Anything else you would like to share or highlight: Don’t give up!  Keep your grit.  In fact, strive for ultimate grit (see immediately prior quote).