Kent State University at Stark proudly announces Mark J. Samolczyk, president of the Stark Community Foundation, as the speaker for the 2010 Fall Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 3 p.m. in The University Center, 6000 Frank Avenue NW in North Canton, Ohio. Kent State Stark’s commencement ceremony is a ticketed event.
 
Samolczyk assumed the position of president of the Foundation on January 1, 2010. His role includes overseeing the organization’s initiatives toward the goal of promoting the betterment of Stark County and enhancing the quality of life for all its citizens.
 
Prior to joining the Foundation, Samolczyk was senior vice president of corporate planning and development for the Timken Company, before retiring in May 2009. While at the Timken Company, his career encompassed a progression of management assignments in materials management, sales and marketing, strategic management and operations management in the United States, France, Mexico and Canada.

Samolczyk is a board member of the United Way of Greater Stark County and the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum. He serves on the Walsh University Advisory Council and is chairman of the American Bearing Manufacturers Association, as well as Junior Achievement of East Central Ohio.
 
A native of South Bend, Ind., Samolczyk received his bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Denver and completed the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration.

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