Siblings’ donation provides huge boost for UA marching band program

The University of Akron (UA) marching band is one of the institution’s most visible representatives. Ohio’s Pride, as the band is known, performs in front of thousands of people each year at Zips athletic events and at campus community events.

Thanks to a donation from two of UA’s greatest supporters, Ohio’s Pride further enhanced its image when the band debuted new uniforms for the fall 2024 Zips football season.

“Uniforms are an important part of what we do, and the pride that comes with new uniforms is significant,” said Dr. Michelle C. Bell, assistant director of bands and director of athletic bands. “I think there’s something special about putting on a uniform and feeling that sense of esprit de corps and being one part of a larger group that is all working together for one common goal.”

The new uniforms were made possible thanks to the Dickerhoff Endowed Family Fund, which was established by siblings Ford Dickerhoff and Wilma Dickerhoff, who were business partners and philanthropists with deep ties to UA.

Ford Dickerhoff was a 1944 UA graduate, a recipient of the Frank Simonetti Distinguished Business Alumni Award and member of Phi Delta Theta. He also played football for UA in the 1940s. Wilma Dickerhoff attended UA and enjoyed golf and travel with her brother.

“Throughout their lives, Ford and Wilma always looked for opportunities to make a difference and share their success and good fortune with others,” said Kim Cole, vice president of advancement and executive director of The University of Akron Foundation. “Because of their love for UA, Fred and Wilma designated a significant gift via their estates to the Foundation.”

These estate gifts are designated to support UA priorities. It was decided that fulfilling the need for new band uniforms was in line with the Dickerhoffs’ unwavering school spirit and Zips’ pride.

Ohio’s Pride had been wearing the same uniforms since 2015 – a remarkable period of time given the wear and tear on materials. The major impetus for the shift to new uniforms, however, was the University’s recent athletics rebrand, when the principal athletics logo was transitioned from a “Z” to an “A.”

The Dickerhoffs’ gift made it possible for the band to transition to new uniforms, which arrived in late summer.

“The students were so excited to see the new uniforms in person! Many had seen sketches of the design, but when the pallets arrived, there was a buzz of excitement,” said Bell, who started in her UA role around the same time as the uniforms arrived. “They immediately organized a room to sort and hang up all the pants and jackets, so they could be stored properly. The best moment, though, was seeing the whole band together in the new uniforms for the first time. I think that’s when the new uniforms felt real.”

In addition to the new logo, the uniforms have a number of features that differentiate them from the previous design. The pants, which come in both blue and white, now have a shiny strip of blue cloth with gold piping down the sides. The new jackets now have epaulettes on the shoulder. The University’s interlocked “UA” logo was added to the sleeves. The horizontal stripes on the previous uniform have been replaced by diagonal stripes.

The new uniforms are also customizable, with buttons that allow the pant hem and sleeve lengths to be adjusted to the individual.

One of the most significant additions to the new uniforms is a pin that Ohio’s Pride members wear on their left shoulder tab in honor of the Dickerhoff siblings. The pin is in the shape of a shako, which is the military-style hat with a high crown and plume that Ohio’s Pride members wear. The design of the pin features the Dickerhoffs’ initials.

“It’s wonderful to keep their memory alive and to share with current and future students,” said Dr. Galen Karriker, professor of music, director of bands and interim associate director of the School of Music. “It plants the seed for students that they’re part of the community now because of the people who were here before them, and someday they will leave an impact on those who follow them.”

Media contact: Cristine Boyd; 330-972-6476; cboyd@uakron.edu