{"id":225511,"date":"2025-10-22T11:02:02","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T15:02:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/news\/?p=225511"},"modified":"2025-10-22T11:02:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T15:02:13","slug":"poole-college-celebrates-leadership-service-and-excellence-at-inaugural-impact-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/news\/2025\/10\/22\/poole-college-celebrates-leadership-service-and-excellence-at-inaugural-impact-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"Poole College Celebrates Leadership, Service and Excellence at Inaugural Impact Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

More than 150 alumni, faculty, students and friends of NC State\u2019s Poole College of Management gathered at Talley Student Union on September 25 for the inaugural Impact Awards Ceremony \u2013 an evening dedicated to celebrating the people, partnerships and legacy that have shaped the college\u2019s 30-year history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Presented by PNC<\/a> with support from EchoPark Automotive<\/a>, the event brought together members of the Poole community from across generations to recognize outstanding alumni and partners whose leadership and service exemplify the university\u2019s mission to \u201cThink and Do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emceed by Amanda Busick<\/a> \u201808 \u2013 broadcast host and pit reporter for FOX Sports \u2013 the program highlighted stories of mentorship, leadership and innovation that have propelled Poole\u2019s growth since its founding in 1992.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Impact Awards are more than an evening of recognition \u2013 they are a commitment to our future,\u201d said Frank Buckless<\/a>, Stephen P. Zelnak Jr. Dean of the Poole College of Management, who welcomed guests and reflected on the college\u2019s evolution from a fledgling business program to a nationally recognized leader in management education. \u201cBy highlighting those who exemplify the very best of our community, we set a standard for what is possible. We create a legacy that inspires our students, strengthens our alumni and propels Poole College forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That sense of community came to life when NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell<\/a> made a surprise appearance. Howell captured the evening\u2019s warmth perfectly, remarking that NC State is such a close-knit family that it felt like \u201cwalking by a gathering, realizing how many friends were in the room, and knowing I had to stop in.\u201d His words reflected the welcoming, family-like atmosphere that defined the celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chancellor
NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell made a surprise appearance at the event. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Honorees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The event\u2019s first award honored corporate partner Lowe\u2019s<\/a>, which presenter and Poole College associate dean of academic programs Vikas Anand<\/a> described as \u201ca true ally, ensuring our students have the tools and opportunities to thrive \u2013 both throughout their time in Poole College and in their future careers.\u201d Marcus Rountree<\/a> \u201812, a global product leader and career coach with over 15 years of experience leading strategy and innovation, received the college\u2019s Emerging Leader award. His heartfelt thanks to his family \u2013 especially his son Maxwell, sharing \u201cDaddy is the first ever ever ever recipient of the Poole College Emerging Leader Award. Let\u2019s goooo!\u201d \u2013 drew laughs and cheers from the audience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most memorable moments came when <\/strong>Matt Hong<\/a> \u201894 received the Distinguished Alumni Award, presented in partnership with the NC State Alumni Association. Hong is president of the sports division of Versant, overseeing networks including USA Network, Golf Channel and CNBC, as well as premier sports programming such as NASCAR, the PGA TOUR, the English Premier League, WNBA, WWE and the LPGA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a touching full-circle moment, his son Landon Hong<\/a> (\u201822) \u2013 who, like his father, served as a Poole College commencement speaker \u2013 returned to campus to present the award. The exchange brought the audience to its feet and underscored the generational ties that continue to strengthen the Poole community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Landon
Recent Poole graduate Landon Hong presented the Distinguished Alumni Award to his father, Matt Hong.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy time at NC State taught me about EQ and interpersonal skills, about a genuine desire to learn about other people\u2019s backgrounds and how diversity of thought makes things better, about the responsibility of giving back to those who don\u2019t have the same opportunities we are blessed to have,\u201d Matt Hong shared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the evening, Busick \u2013 who was mentored by Hong early in her career \u2014 guided the program with humor and heart, noting how connected the Poole network remains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Professional Achievement Award was presented to John Samuel<\/a> \u2013 author of Don\u2019t Ask the Blind Guy for Directions<\/em>, and the co-founder and CEO of the award-winning company Ablr. His work is dedicated to removing barriers for people with disabilities while advancing global business impact. Samuel, who shared his personal story of hiding his blindness throughout schooling, reminded everyone to turn the challenges they face into opportunities for those around them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poole College Hall of Fame<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The night also included the inaugural Poole College Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, honoring four individuals whose leadership, generosity and vision have left a lasting impact on the college: Lonnie Poole<\/a>, Steve Zelnak<\/a>, Jim Owens<\/a> and Ben Jenkins<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The awards were presented by Ira Weiss, former dean of Poole College \u2014 a fitting choice, as his tenure played a key role in cultivating the very relationships and partnerships that shaped the honorees\u2019 deep connection to the college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ven Poole, son of Lonnie Poole, and Judy Zelnak, wife of Steve Zelnak, accepted the awards in person on behalf of their families, while Owens and Jenkins shared heartfelt video messages expressing their gratitude. Together, the inductees represent the entrepreneurial spirit, leadership excellence and commitment to community that have defined Poole for over three decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Judy
Judy Zelnak, pictured with Poole College Dean Frank Buckless, received the Hall of Fame Award on behalf of her husband, Steve Zelnak. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As the evening drew to a close, attendees lingered \u2013 reconnecting with classmates, mentors and colleagues. For many, the night was more than a recognition ceremony \u2013 it was a reunion and reminder of what makes Poole special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPoole\u2019s story has always been about people,\u201d Buckless says. \u201cWhen you bring together this many members of our community \u2013 alumni, faculty, students and friends \u2013 you see the strength of what we\u2019ve built together as a Poole Pack. And you can\u2019t help but feel excited about where we\u2019re going next.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Poole College Impact Awards Ceremony marked the beginning of a new tradition \u2013 one that celebrates the achievements of its community while looking ahead to the next chapter of impact and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy more photos from the event: <\/h4>\n\n\n
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