The Dr. Lucille G. Ford Special Achievement Award

Rick Spreng `70 graduated from Ashland University and entered the insurance industry with insurance sales; serving in the insurance business for 46 years. The Spreng Smith Agency is a part of the Keystone Insurers Group and Spreng has been on the board of directors for the last seven years. Additionally, Spreng has been involved in association work for 25 years. He served on the board of the Independent Agents and Brokers Association of Ohio and ended his service as President of the board. During a merger of this organization with the Professional Insurance Agents Association, Spreng served on the new board of Ohio Insurance Agents. Nationally, he served for the Insurance Agents and Brokers Association board. Early in his career, Spreng joined the board of both Boy Scouts and Junior Achievement, eventually becoming district chair for the Boy Scouts of Ashland County. He was later appointed as Vice President of the Johnny Appleseed Council, which included Richland and Crawford counties. Due to his contribution, Spreng was awarded the honor of Silver Beaver with his volunteer leadership. Spreng’s community service continued with his position as a founding board member for the Ashland City Schools Academic Foundation and his involvement in the United Way. He has acted as chairman of the United Way Board as well as campaign chairman. Spreng has served on the board as chairman of the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce. As a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Ashland, he has served on its church council as Lay Leader of the church. Spreng has also served on the board and as chairman for the Brethren Care Village of Ashland. He is a current member and previously served as president for the Ashland Rotary Club, representing the clubs in Northwest Ohio for a 30-day good will trip to Turkey. Since 1985, Spreng has also been involved in the Ashland BalloonFest. For Ashland University, Spreng has served as campaign chair for the Annual Fund. He also served on the Alumni Board and has been involved in two committees for accreditation. In the past, Spreng has served on a capital campaign committee and he currently serves on a committee. Spreng has since retired from the business of selling insurance and the involvement with the state and national association.