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Lieberman, Alvin H. Memorial Scholarship

The Alvin H. Lieberman Memorial Scholarship was established in 2020 in celebration of his life and profession with an initial gift from his former student, Raymond K. Lee, CEO of Country Pure Foods, along with alumni, faculty and friends privileged to have known or be taught by Professor Lieberman.

Professor Lieberman was born on November 17, 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio, and his dedication to serving others was evident throughout his life. He taught for 49 years at The University of Akron and worked in two different family businesses -- The Summit Leather Company and The City News Agency.

Professor Lieberman earned three degrees from The University of Akron – a bachelor’s degree in Accounting (1960), a juris doctorate in law (1964), and a master’s degree in business administration (1969). He earned his CPA prior to starting his academic career in 1967, retiring as an associate professor in 2016 after a distinguished career. Beloved and respected, he taught taxation and accounting principles classes during most of his tenure. He established, along with Professor Dennis Gordon, С»ÆƬÊÓƵ's Master of Taxation (MTax) Program in 1979 and served as coordinator of the program for more than 30 years. Professor Lieberman also created the National Tax Conference, an outreach activity of the MTax Program in 1979 and managed that conference for more than four decades. The conference is now named in his honor (The National Tax Conference in Honor of Al Lieberman). He also co-founded the International Tax Conference, which he managed for over a decade.

Professor Lieberman taught thousands of students during his career and served as a mentor for many junior faculty members. His students were always assured an outstanding learning experience and the ability to visit with him outside the classroom.  He often gave his phone number for students needing help and would offer professional advice related to their prospective careers. He was instrumental in establishing a pay-it-forward scholarship for students unable to purchase required textbooks in his accounting principles classes. He always insisted that students would perform better if they read the assigned material prior to class.

Professor Lieberman passed away on April 15, 2020. Al, as he was affectionately called, and his wife, Rochelle, have two sons, Robert and Joseph Lieberman.

The Alvin H. Lieberman Memorial Scholarship is to be awarded to undergraduate students pursuing a degree in The George W. Daverio School of Accountancy at The University of Akron. Master of Taxation students with financial need may be eligible for consideration as well.  Students studying accounting or tax (normally MTax or BSA/MTax) must be in good academic standing, be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Candidates must demonstrate at least one of the following qualities, which Professor Lieberman valued: 

1. Participation in activities that demonstrate a willingness to help student peers at The University of Akron, in high school or other higher learning institutions from which a student may transfer
2. Participation in at least one accounting or business student organization on campus
3. Engagement in a civic organization with a mission to assist the less fortunate in society

Selection of candidates will be made by the Chair of the George W. Daverio School of Accountancy with input from the School’s faculty. Scholarship amounts and timing of disbursements will be determined as funds are available.