Citation for Millbrook Medal Award Presented to John V. Frank '65

John is a man who cares deeply and passionately about a number of worthy causes. We honor him today because of his devotion to the field of education and to this school, in particular, and to the faculty and students who comprise the Millbrook School community.
When John was a young student here, he became involved in numerous and varied activities on campus. He played squash, served as baseball manager, worked on the aquarium, the Milk Bar, and the Library Committee, chaired the Chapel and Dramatics departments, was on the Fire Department, served as editor-in-chief of the Tamarack, and sang in the Glee Club. He was a young man for all seasons.

He has continued his active involvement throughout his adult life as well. Splitting his time between Akron, Ohio, Pomfret, Connecticut, and Florida, John has served on numerous non-profit boards including the Akron Art Museum, the Rectory School, where he was chairman, the Norman Rockwell Museum, and Old Sturbridge Village.

He also served as president of both the Ohio Ballet and the Akron Art Museum. For his day job, John was vice president and trust officer for the First Merit Bank and president and trustee of The Burton D. Morgan Foundation for 30 years. He also served for 20 years as a member of the Akron City Council, and in 2015 the Mayor of Akron appointed John chair of the Civil Service Commission. But it is his joy of quiet involvement and behind the scenes work where John likes to make a difference in the lives of people and institutions. At Millbrook especially, John has enhanced the quality of our school in numerous ways.

Along with the Burton D. Morgan Foundation he established the John V. Frank Lecture Series to bring outstanding young entrepreneurs to campus to speak with our students about their work in varied fields including economics, finance and banking, philanthropy, commerce, and industry. Additionally, the John Frank Art Fund at Millbrook has provided support for the acquisition of various paintings and sculptures that grace the exterior spaces around our campus and the interior of the Holbrook Arts Center. And it was John who was responsible for the construction of the attractive stone walls along Millbrook School Road. John is a collector of art and of friends who admire his service, his eclectic taste, and his dry sense of humor.

Over the years John has been a true partner in Millbrook’s progress, and in the process he has become a valued friend. Today, John, we are delighted to present you with a Millbrook Medal for distinguished service to your school.                  
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