In Tribute 2018

View the event testimonials video and images from this event.

On Tuesday, October 30, 2018 in the Cleveland State University Student Center, approximately 150 people gathered to honor the 2018 In Tribute to the Public Service honoree David Abbott, executive director of the George Gund Foundation in Cleveland.  Mr. Abbott has served in many roles in the Cleveland community over the years, including positions with Cuyahoga County, the Cleveland Bicentennial Commission, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, University Circle Inc., and the Fund for Our Economic Future. The College applauds his service to Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.

As executive director of The George Gund Foundation, a grantmaking organization focused primarily on Cleveland and committed to making Cleveland, and urban areas generally, more globally competitive, livable, sustainable and just, Mr. Abbott oversees the Foundation's work in the arts, community and economic development, education, the environment, and human services.  He is a member of the executive committee of The Fund for Our Economic Future, a collaboration of grantmakers, and serves on the board of Team NEO, a partnership of business and philanthropy. Both are working to catalyze economic transformation of Northeast Ohio. 

Prior to joining the Gund Foundation, he served as president of University Circle Incorporated, executive director of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and executive director of the Cleveland Bicentennial Commission. Abbott was also the Cuyahoga County administrator and, early in his career, a reporter for The Plain Dealer.  He holds a B.A. in political science from Denison University, a M.S. in journalism from Columbia University, and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

Platinum:

Gold Table:

Charles and Charlotte Fowler

Reverend Hilton O. Smith

Robert and Judy Rawson, Jr.

Steven A. Minter

William B. Summers, Jr.