2026 Cincinnati Business Achievement Awards
Thursday, March 5
6-9 p.m.
Program begins at 6:30 p.m.
Networking reception with dinner-by-the-bite to follow
Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel
36 E. 4th Street
Cincinnati, OH
Registration for this event is closed. Please contact Sam Speyer with any questions.
The Cincinnati Business Achievement Awards (CBAAs) celebrate excellence, leadership, and the enduring impact of Lindner alumni and friends. You're invited to join fellow alumni for an unforgettable night of recognition, connection and Bearcat pride.
This signature event brings together Bearcats from across industries to honor distinguished alumni and supporters whose achievements exemplify the values and legacy of the Lindner College of Business. Join this annual celebration of the leaders who continue to elevate Lindner and the Greater Cincinnati community while inspiring the next generation.
Meet the 2026 CBAA Awardees
John Berding, Bus ’85, President, American Financial Group
Carl H. Lindner Award for Outstanding Business Achievement
John serves as President of American Financial Group (AFG), where he began his career as a co-op student with AFG. A first-generation college graduate, John credits UC’s co-op program and mentorship for shaping his career. Berding is committed to giving back to UC, serving as a trustee of the UC Foundation and a member of the Lindner College of Business Executive Cabinet.
Chizi Igwe, Bus ’13, Senior Program Manager, Millennium Challenge Corporation
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Chizi is a global development professional and whose career has taken her from China to organizations including USAID, the Gates Foundation, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation. While at UC, she studied abroad in France and was crowned homecoming queen, experiences that shaped her leadership and global perspective. Igwe credits UC with opening doors and inspiring her to take risks and pursue opportunities around the world.
Adam Ante, Bus ’04, SVP & Managing Director, Paycor
Distinguished Service Award
Adam is senior vice president and managing director at Paycor, a Paychex Company, and began his career in financial services at Union Central Life. He has held roles in finance, analytics, and accounting at Fifth Third Bank and Vantiv. Ante is passionate about connecting students to real-world experience through co-ops and strengthening the Cincinnati business community through engagement with his alma mater.
Great American Insurance Group
Business Partnership Award
A longtime partner of the Lindner learning ecosystem, hosting more than 200 student co-op experiences over the past five years and employing numerous UC alumni. A founding member of the Center for Business Analytics, Great American is committed to innovation, professional development, and student engagement, regularly welcoming Lindner Honors-PLUS students to its downtown Cincinnati offices. Through its partnership with UC and Lindner, Great American supports the growth of talent and the continued advancement of the Cincinnati business community.
Thanks to our Premier Supporter!
This event is open to all University of Cincinnati alumni, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, or any other class or status protected by applicable law.
Sam Speyer
Director, Alumni Engagement, Lindner College of Business