Zips Athletics Lose Treasured Member of Family

[timmyboy]

This past weekend, the University of Akron Athletics family lost one of its dearest members and strongest supporters in Louis Stile. Stile, who graduated from UA in 1943 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, was a highly successful entrepreneur and a philanthropist who always had a special place in his heart for his alma mater. Stile, 87, passed away suddenly on August 3, 2007. Last June, the University named its state-of-the-art field house after Stile and his wife Freda in recognition of the Stiles’ recent gift of $4.65 million to create the Louis and Freda Family Endowment. The endowment helps support UA’s football and basketball programs and/or assists students in need of financial support to attend the University.“Louis and Freda Stile are successful entrepreneurs with a strong commitment to the University and to Akron,” said University President Luis Proenza on the day of the announcement. “We are proud to have the Stile name associated with the continued success of the University and Zips athletics.”Added Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades, “The Stile Field House is the premier facility of its kind in the region and is being named after two wonderful supporters of the University and athletics department. Their contributions are vital to the success of our student athletes in the classroom and in competition. We are fortunate to have such loyal, thoughtful and generous friends.” Born in 1920, Stile was a lifetime resident of Akron and an army veteran, having served his country in World War II as a Captain following his graduation from UA. Upon his return to Akron, Stile began his lifetime career as a real estate developer. The Stile Companies (Stile Realty, Stile Construction and Stile Management) have been a fixture in Akron for 60 years. He was President of the Anshe Sfard congregation, Chairman of the United Jewish Appeal, a Trustee of the University of Akron and a 32nd degree Mason. He was a member of Rosemont Country Club, Akron Homebuilders Association, Shaw Jewish Community Center, B'nai B'rith, First Armored Division Association, Hillel of Can't State University and the Southern Poverty Law Center. Stile was the patriarch of a large and extremely close extended family. He was always the one they turned to for support and advice and he never failed to be there for anyone. His passing will leave a huge void in the many lives he touched.He is survived by Freda, his loving wife of 65 years, his children, Joel (Linda), Shelley and David (Kathy); sister, Bess Rothkin; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Helen and Syd Sude; grandchildren, Aaron, Rachel (Daniel), Sara, Jake, Sylvie, Zachary, Chloe; and many devoted nieces and nephews.

[Zipsrifle]

I know nothing about the man, so please don't take this the wrong way. Do you think someone who busted their @$$ in a rubber factory for their entire life and was a season ticket holder for say 50 years would get a mention on gozips.com if they died? Doubt it.

[Buckzip]

I knew Louis a little and I know his son Joel. My dad was friends with Louis.He was a decent man but a very shrewd business man.

[skip-zip]

Whether it's right or wrong (I'm still not old enough to decide yet), power and notoriety in a community belongs to those with the most money. Every building on our beloved campus has a name attached to it. And we can think of every reason why someone should be the namesake of a particular building or facility. But none of those reasons will ever likely replace a cash contribution.

[zff]

Zipsrifle Posted on Aug 6 2007, 10:46 PM I know nothing about the man, so please don't take this the wrong way. Do you think someone who busted their @$$ in a rubber factory for their entire life and was a season ticket holder for say 50 years would get a mention on gozips.com if they died? Doubt it. 

This article was not written only because Mr. Stile gave a large sum of money to the University. He was a very active Akron Grad and a very successful business man in the Akron area. If you read the article that was attached his name was all over the community. Lou was known and loved by a lot of people. I think this article would have been written regardless of how much money he had donated. And just maybe the whole naming of the fieldhouse was not his idea.......Just a thought to ponder.Lou's gift is going to take the Men's Basketball and Football programs to the next level. Most teams in the MAC don't have the extra income every year this gift will provide. Season tickets holders are necessary to keep a program moving steady but the big donors take it to the next level. So I believe you need to give credit where credit is due.