News Summary
The Williamson College of Business Administration is set to honor four remarkable alumni at the Outstanding Alumni Awards ceremony. The event will celebrate Anthony Trevena, Jerry Wiant, Dylan Anders, and Michele Merkel for their significant contributions to their fields and the community. Attendees can enjoy a reception followed by the award ceremony at Williamson Hall, showcasing the achievements of these distinguished individuals and their connection to Youngstown State University.
Youngstown, Ohio – The Williamson College of Business Administration (WCBA) will honor four distinguished alumni at the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Awards ceremony on Friday, October 24. The event will take place in Williamson Hall, commencing with a reception and buffet at 5:45 p.m., followed by the award program at 7 p.m.
This prestigious ceremony recognizes the exceptional achievements of four individuals who have significantly impacted their respective fields while maintaining strong ties to Youngstown State University (YSU). The award recipients are Anthony Trevena, Jerry Wiant, Dylan Anders, and Michele Merkel, each bringing unique professional accomplishments and community contributions.
Award Recipients
Anthony Trevena
Anthony Trevena serves as the Executive Director of the Western Reserve Port Authority and the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, a position he has held since 2022. Trevena holds both a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a Master of Business Administration from YSU. Prior to his current role, he was the director of Economic Development, where he worked since 2015 to stimulate economic growth within the Mahoning Valley.
With over 30 years of senior-level experience, Trevena has worked in both public and private sectors. His career began as a congressional district field representative and has included important roles at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and as a congressional chief of staff. Additionally, he has demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit as the owner of a fine dining restaurant. Trevena also plays a vital role in the local community, holding several board leadership positions, notably as Chair of the Government Affairs Committee for the Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce and being active on numerous local commissions and boards.
Jerry Wiant
Jerry Wiant is the Managing Director and Head of Financial Institutions Investment & Corporate Banking at Truist Securities, a role he assumed in 2023. Previously, Wiant held key leadership positions at major financial institutions such as Bank of America, Lazard, and Credit Suisse. With over 25 years of experience, he has been instrumental in handling domestic and cross-border M&A transactions exceeding $250 billion.
A proud YSU graduate, Wiant began his career at Deloitte & Touche and subsequently pursued a master’s degree in Finance and International Business from the University of Chicago.
Dylan Anders
Dylan Anders serves as a Philanthropic Strategy and Investment Advisor at the Cleveland Foundation, a role he began in February 2025. He graduated from YSU in May 2019 with a focus on Business Finance and Marketing. Anders has previously worked as a trust officer and relationship manager at Western Reserve Trust and as a portfolio trust administrator at PNC Private Bank.
He is actively involved in several professional organizations within Cleveland, continuing to foster philanthropy and community engagement.
Michele Merkel
Michele Merkel is the President of Junior Achievement of Eastern Ohio and has dedicated over 28 years to the organization. A graduate of YSU in 1993, she has led Junior Achievement through significant growth. Under her leadership, the organization now offers over 500 programs annually, positively impacting over 17,000 K-12 students.
Merkel has been recognized for her excellence, receiving a 5-Star recognition from Junior Achievement USA for ten consecutive years. She has also enhanced collaboration between Junior Achievement and YSU, developing essential programs for student engagement. Her commitment to community service extends to her active participation in local organizations, including the Youngstown Kiwanis Club and the Junior League of Youngstown.
Event Participation
To attend the awards ceremony, guests are required to RSVP online by October 10 at 4 p.m. For further information, interested individuals can reach out to the WCBA’s Office of the Dean by calling 330-941-3064.
This event promises to be a celebration of the remarkable achievements of these outstanding alumni while providing an opportunity for attendees to connect and network within the community.
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Additional Resources
- Business Journal Daily
- Wikipedia: Youngstown State University
- Mahoning Matters
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
- WKBN News
- Google News: Youngstown State University
- WFMJ
- Google Search: Youngstown community engagement
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