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DiFederico, Mario A. and Jean A. Endowment for the H. Kenneth Barker Center for Economic Education

The Mario A. and Jean A. DiFederico Endowment for the H. Kenneth Barker Center for Economic Education was established in September 2024 upon receiving a generous gift from The DiFederico Charitable Remainder Unitrust after the passing of Mrs. Jean A. DiFederico.

Mario A. DiFederico (09/19/1921-11/08/2007), an Akron native, graduated from ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ in 1943 with a degree in mechanical engineering before attending the Sloan School of Management at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Upon graduation from MIT, Mr. DiFederico returned to Akron and began his career at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, where he was elected to the Board of Directors in 1970 and retired as President in 1979. He also served as a director of Dana Corporation from 1971 to 1996.

Jean A. DiFederico (01/27/1925 - 05/12/2024) spent her early years in Pittsburgh, Pa. and Canton, Ohio. During World War II, Mrs. DiFederico worked as a secretary at Goodyear Aerospace, where she would meet her future husband, a young engineer at the time. Mr. and Mrs. DiFederico married on September 3, 1949, and raised their three children, Nancy, Martha, and Anthony, in Akron, Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. DiFederico were longtime friends and supporters of ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ throughout their lives. Mr. DiFederico served as a University of Akron Trustee from 1977 to 1986. During that period, he served as vice chairman of the Board, chairman of the development committee, and director of ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Foundation. He also served as a member of the advisory and executive committees for the Center for Economic Education and the advisory committee for the Community and Technical College. In 1972, he was made the first honorary member of the University's chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma. He has also been involved with the National Alumni Board and the Hilltoppers/Buchtelles at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ.

Mr. DiFederico received a Doctorate of Humane Letters from ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ in 1987 and an Alumni Honor Award. He also received the Distinguished Award of Council from the Akron Council of Engineering and Scientific Societies in 1974.

The Mario A. and Jean A. DiFederico Endowment for the H. Kenneth Barker Center for Economic Education was established as part of We Rise Together, the Campaign for ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ.

The Mario A. and Jean A. DiFederico Endowment for the H. Kenneth Barker Center for Economic Education is dedicated to providing unrestricted support for the Center for Economic Education. Funds generated for disbursement from this endowment shall be directed to the Barker Center's tax-free, state-audited account to be used at the discretion of the Director of the H. Kenneth Barker Center for Economic Education or his/her designee for accomplishing the activities of the Barker Center as outlined in the Center's mission statement. 

To make a tax-deductible gift to this fund, please visit ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “DiFederico Endowment for the Center for Economic Education” in the text box. Thank you!