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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING IAN PATRICK SCHWARBER, A TRUE SON OF AKRON, OH
______
HON. TIM RYAN
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend, Ian Patrick
Schwarber, who passed away on September 17, 2019. Ian was a loving
husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend who devoted his life to
creating a vibrant and prosperous community for the next generation.
Ian was born on October 31, 1980, in Akron, Ohio to Donald and
Patricia Schwarber. Ian attended St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary
School and graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School. During his time
at Hoban, Ian was a multi-sport athlete, lettering in both football and
baseball. Ian was involved in a severe accident that damaged his leg
and left him bedridden for nearly a year. Ian's strong faith and his
perseverance--two of his most defining characteristics--brought him
through this time and would ultimately guide the course of his life.
Upon graduation from Hoban, Ian left Akron to attend the University
of Charleston where his passion for music and songwriting manifested
itself into his band Blue Flashing Light. Along with his brother,
Joshua, and his bandmates, Ian shared his talent and gifts with the
world. Ian would later return to his hometown to finish college and
earn his master's degree in Applied Politics from the University of
Akron. Anyone who knew Ian recognized his brilliant light and his
unwavering commitment to serving others. Whether it was his involvement
with community nonprofit organizations like Project Learn Summit County
and the Autism Society of Greater Akron, or to broader issues like
expanding STEM opportunities to underserved youth and entrepreneurship,
Ian gave one thousand percent of his time, energy, and talent.
Ian is most known for his entrepreneurial and innovative spirit that
drove him into his next venture as the co-founder of the University of
Akron's EXL Center, an initiative designed to help students emerge as
civically-engaged, adaptable leaders, ready to join in the enterprise
of building strong and sustainable communities. After launching the EXL
center, Ian transitioned into the IT landscape, becoming the Chief
Strategy Officer and a co-owner of DriveIT, a Tech-centric adult
training center. Ian would later become Executive Vice President and
Chief Strategy Officer at Akron-based IT services company CenterLink
Technologies. Aside from his professional contributions, Ian was most
proud of the family he created with his wife, Mackenzie Justice. Their
children, Mary Justice and Jack, were the most precious gifts in his
life.
Madam Speaker, Ian Schwarber was a true son of Akron. He was
relentless in the promotion of any effort to amplify Akron and was a
wellspring of ideas to move the community forward. Ian was willing to
work with anyone to see a dream grow wings and take flight. May we all
redouble our own efforts to love and serve others the way Ian so
generously did during his life.
____________________