Stricklers honored at Summa Health Golf Outing
Akron philanthropists and community leaders recognized for dedicated service and leadership
George and Alice Strickler, longtime friends and advocates of Summa Health and the Akron community, were the 2021 honorees of the 11th Summa Health Golf Outing held Monday, August 30, at the South Course at Firestone Country Club. Since its debut in 2010, the golf outing has raised nearly $3 million for scholarships, education, equipment and more for the health system’s more than 2,100 nurses.
Avid golfers, the couple are familiar faces at the annual outing. Their love of golf extends to their four children — George IV, who serves on the Golf Outing Steering Committee, and Todd, Steve and Lauren — each of whom played varsity golf in high school.
No matter how busy they are with work, golf and family, Alice and George always have time for Summa Health and the community.
Alice has served as a member of the Women’s Board of Summa Health for more than 30 years. She serves as volunteer chair and George as a member of the Summa Health Orthopedic Institute Leadership Council. Both also volunteer their time and expertise on the Summa Health Cardiovascular Leadership Council.
George Strickler, now retired, is a senior executive with nearly 50 years of global experience leading five major corporations, including The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. He joined the Summa Health Board of Directors in 2018 and was appointed the new chair in January. George previously served as a member of the Summa Health Finance Committee and was also a member of the executive committee of the Summa Foundation board for four years.
Giving back to Summa Health to help others in the community is a way of life for Alice and George. Earlier this year, they made their way of life a legacy with a leadership gift of $1 million to Summa Health that launched the extension of the campaign, “Caring For You … Then, Now, Always,” with an increased goal of $100 million.
Alice and George have given generously to support numerous key initiatives across the health system, including the Summa Sapphire Ball and the Summa Health Cancer Institute at the Summa Health System – Akron Campus.
“We are so grateful to George and Alice for their dedicated leadership and generous commitment to Summa Health,” Cliff Deveny, M.D., Summa Health president and chief executive officer, said at Monday’s event. “We look forward to a bright future of the leading the way in a new era of healthcare at Summa and throughout our community.”
The 2021 golf outing raised more than $240,000 to support Summa Health nursing programs.
The Stricklers join an esteemed group of philanthropic leaders who have been recognized at the golf outing, including Pam and Patrick O’Neill (2019), Phil Kaufmann (2018), Paul Testa (2017), Denise and Norm Wells (2015), Nancy and Vincent DiGirolamo (2014), Tom and Ginny Knoll (2013), Rennick and the late Dee Andreoli (2012), Thomas A. LaRose (2011) and Al and Jonne Gilbert (2010).
For more information about the Summa Health golf outing, contact Nikki Hawk at 330.375.3548 or hawkn@summahealth.org.