Jane Startzman ‘70 Named Women’s History Project 2026 Women of the Year

2/16/2026

Laurel alum Jane Startzman ‘70, co-founder and director of the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival, has been selected as a 2026 Woman of the Year by the Summit County Historical Society.

A longtime dancer with the Ohio Ballet and key figure in Akron's arts scene, she is recognized for making dance accessible. The Women's History Project will host its 2026 Woman of the Year Awards on Wednesday, March 25.

Jane received Laurel’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.

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