John S. And Marlene J. Brinzo Center For Entrepreneurship

MISSION

Employing an entrepreneurial mindset, we generate societal impact through top-tier research, innovative education and meaningful engagement with the business community. We are guided by our core values of excellence, accountability, collaboration, inclusivity and respect. 

The Brinzo Center is open to all, especially those who: 

• Have an idea.
• Are attempting a new venture.
• Wish to incorporate their entrepreneurial mindset within a corporation.

About John S. Brinzo

John Brinzo is the retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Cliffs Natural Resources. Brinzo’s philanthropic commitment to Kent State began in 1969 with a $10 gift, just after he took a new position in a company that would be his home for the next 37 years, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. When John arrived at Kent State in 1960, he chose accounting as his major. However, he soon discovered an interest and talent in the areas of marketing and advertising, so he changed majors. He credits Kent State with providing the tools he needed to begin his long and successful career in business. John’s donations to Kent State have grown considerably since his first gift more than 50 years ago, with a specific focus on the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship. His gifts have funded the creation of the John S. and Marlene J. Brinzo Center for Entrepreneurship.

He has also volunteered his time and business expertise as the first chairman of the college’s National Advisory Board. John Brinzo began his successful career in 1964 in the management training program at National City Bank. He joined Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., the leading supplier of iron ore products in North America, in 1969 as a financial analyst. Through the years, Brinzo worked his way up through Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., being named president and chief executive officer in 1997 and chairman of the board in 2000, a position he held until he retired in 2006.

He has since served on seven corporate boards, including the Brinks Company and Delta Airlines. He and his wife, Marlene, have two children and five grandchildren.