Philanthropist and private investor E. Roe Stamps IV will deliver this year’s spring commencement address at The Ohio State University.

Beginning at noon at Ohio Stadium on Sunday, May 10, the commencement ceremony will feature the conferral of roughly 12,000 diplomas. 

Stamps is best known as the co-founder of the Boston-based private equity and venture capital firm Summit Partners and the Stamps Scholars Program, a charitable initiative that provides scholarships to students at over three dozen universities worldwide. At Ohio State, around 50 students each year receive scholarships through the affiliated Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program.

“We look forward to welcoming Roe Stamps to our university to share words of wisdom with the Class of 2026,” said President Ravi V. Bellamkonda. “Roe is a champion for the transformative power of higher education, and he has been an extraordinary partner in building a tradition of excellence at Ohio State. His lessons on service and creating impact will be of great value to our graduates as they prepare to take their next steps.”

“It is a true honor to deliver the 2026 commencement address to The Ohio State University’s graduating class,” Stamps said. “Ohio State is an extraordinary institution, and through the Stamps Scholars partnership with the university, our family has had the privilege of getting to know many remarkable Buckeye students. I look forward to being on campus and celebrating alongside the graduates as they mark this important milestone and begin the next chapter of their journeys.”

Stamps holds degrees in industrial engineering from Georgia Tech University and an MBA from Harvard. Following early career experiences in venture capital in Chicago and Boston, he co-founded Summit Partners with Steve Woodsum in 1984, working as a managing director before transferring daily operations to several partners in 2001. Summit Partners currently has $44 billion in assets under management and has invested in over 550 companies.

Stamps is also passionate about investing in education and communities. Beyond the Stamps Scholars Program, he is a trustee emeritus of the Georgia Tech Foundation. He also supports a variety of charities in the Miami region where he resides, including the University of Miami, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida and Miami Lighthouse for the Blind.

In addition to delivering his address, Stamps will receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree at the commencement ceremony in recognition of his dedication to advancing educational opportunities and his other philanthropic contributions.

Tahlman Krumm Jr. and Edgar Lampert will receive the university’s Distinguished Service Award.

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Joseph D. Schiavone, 85, Co-Owner and operator of Schiavone Funeral Home, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Joe was born on April 11, 1941, in Youngstown, to his parents Joseph Schiavone and Louise Massaro Schiavone.

A band member and 1959 graduate of Ursuline High School, Joe pursued higher education earnestly, earning an Associate Degree from Youngstown State University and completing his studies at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1962.

His professional journey began with a one-year apprenticeship at the Schiavone Funeral Home, followed by a year of dedicated service in Tiltonsville, Ohio, eventually returning to Youngstown where he continued his career with distinction.

Joe was known not only of his commitment to his work but also for his entrepreneurial spirit, particularly in his passionate pursuit of vintage automobiles. At the young age of sixteen, he built his first car, a 1932 Ford Coupe, igniting a lifelong enthusiasm for street rods, European classics, and unique American automobiles. His remarkable collection earned him various awards and recognition within the car enthusiast community. Joe was affectionately known as “Mr. Fix It” among family and friends, a testament to his skill and ability to solve most problems.

Joe enjoyed the simple things in life, such as working outside and woodworking, along with his love of “oldies” music. These hobbies complemented his personality, often times enriching the lives of those around him.

He was a nominee for the Brier Hill Man of the Year in 2026, a testament to his profound impact on and contributions to his community where he was a dedicated and contributing member of Saint Anthony of Padua Church.

Family was a central part of Joe’s life. He is survived by his two sons, Brian J. Schiavone (Thu T. Ngo) of Chicago, Illinois, and Edward J. Schiavone of Menlo Park, California; his daughter Elaina L. Schiavone of Youngstown; his three cherished granddaughters, Maleah K. Schiavone of Columbus, Liliana M. Schiavone of Youngstown, and Sophia L. Schiavone of Chicago, Illinois. He is also remembered fondly by his sister, Marie A. Lorubbio, his brother John D. Schiavone, both of Struthers, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his devoted wife, JoAnn M. Colonna Schiavone, whom he married October 15, 1964 and died November 13, 2013, and his daughter Yvette M. Schiavone who died at a young age.

Those who knew Joe will remember his quirky sense of humor, his strength in character, his supportive nature, and his firm beliefs and faith that guided him through life’s challenges. His legacy is one of resilience, dedication, and deep love for both his family and his unique interests.

Gathering of family and friends will be held at Schiavone Funeral Home, 1842 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44504, on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., followed by A Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1125 Turin Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44510. Burial will be at Tod Homestead Cemetery, 2200 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44505 following mass.

Contributions made in Joe’s memory to the charity of your choice.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph D. Schiavone, please visit our flower store.