Kaufman, Donald L. Essay Competition to Accentuate Ethical Business Practices
Donald L. Kaufman was born in Erie, Pa., and moved to Akron at a young age. He attended Ohio State University, where he earned a BA in 1953 and a JD in 1955. Upon graduating from law school, he served in the United States Air Force as a JAG. Following his service to his country, Mr. Kaufman returned to the Akron area and joined Alside Inc., a company founded by his brothers that together they grew into the recognized leader in the aluminum and vinyl siding industry.
Mr. Kaufman began his career with Alside Inc. as general counsel for the company and rose to the rank of president in 1974 and chief executive officer in 1982, a title he held until his retirement in 2001. During his tenure, he was responsible for more than 3,000 employees and $500 million in sales. Above all, Mr. Kaufman prides himself on the ethical manner through which he balanced the delicate relationships between his associates, customers, and the company’s bottom line. It is his belief that any comprehensive business education includes timely and relevant curricular issues focusing on ethics in business. This resulted in the establishment of The Donald L. Kaufman Essay Competition to Accentuate Ethical Business Practices in The University of Akron’s College of Business Administration. Mr. Kaufman also established the Donald L. Kaufman Business Speaker Series in the College of Business Administration as a way to supplement the academic experiences of students with real world expertise from business practitioners.
The Kaufman Essay Competition is intended to benefit undergraduate students in the College of Business Administration who demonstrate a propensity toward successful careers in business that will be guided by ethical, moral, and overall sound business judgment. To determine a worthy recipient, on an annual basis, the College of Business Administration will make students aware of the scholarship, which will involve a case study and be the basis for the essay. Interested students will apply in writing to receive a copy of the case study and the rules governing the competition. Entries will be judged annually by representatives appointed by Mr. Kaufman and faculty members the College of Business Administration. The winner of the competition will receive a $2,000 tuition credit.