Ian's Story

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.

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.