Akron Rotarians all respond the same when they express their love, admiration and friendship for their fellow Rotarian Frank Horn. The notice of Frank’s passing in the Akron Beacon Journal summed up his life as well as any of his friends could.

“God must have asked for a volunteer because Frank Horn, 53, went to join him in heaven on December 10, 2011. “Whether the Rotary, Jaycees, Habitat for Humanity, the Akron Zoo, Bridgestone World Golf Championship, Leadership Akron, St. Vincent Church and School, or any friend doing a project, Frank was there to lend a hand. He always had the desire, time, and energy to help others, despite the long hours he spent at work, first at his business of sixteen years, Frank Horn Architects, and later at the University of Akron as Director of Architectural Design & Construction. A graduate of Kent State University, Frank quickly adopted UA when he started working there. As a coach and lifelong soccer player, he was very proud of the part he played in the construction of the Zips' new football and soccer stadiums. Frank's legacy will not just be about things he designed, but will include the relationships he built with his love for others.

The Rotary Club of Akron has modeled the Frank Horn Service above Self award after a similar award offered by Rotary International. 

Criteria

The nominee must have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service, in any form and at any level, with an emphasis on personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in helping others through Rotary. Service rendered by the nominee through Rotary must have been on a continuing basis. The award will not be given solely in recognition of one’s performance in an elected or appointed Rotary assignment. Personal financial contributions to The Rotary Foundation or any individual project are not relevant considerations for this award. 

The Akron Rotary Club expanded the criteria for the local award to include individuals, organizations, and businesses who in their ongoing service to the greater community exemplify the spirit of Rotary’s motto of "Service above Self”.

The 1^st awarding of the honor will go the Homebuilders Association Serving Summit & Portage County Ohio for their contribution of time and labor to construct two cabins at the Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs.