Franklin University Celebrates its 178th Commencement and Honors Matina and Zenios Zenios as Alumni of the Year

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu

Franklin University, a leader in educating working adults, proudly celebrated its 178th Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, at 2 p.m. (ET). The University honored the hard work and achievements of its graduates while presenting the distinguished Alumni of the Year Award to Matina and Zenios Zenios, the first couple to receive this prestigious recognition.

The Alumni of the Year Award, now in its fourth year, celebrates alumni who have made significant contributions to the University and their communities. Matina and Zenios, both Franklin MBA graduates, exemplify this commitment through their impactful leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to enhancing their industries and the lives of others.

Matina Zenios is the owner and president of Artina Promotional Products, a second-generation family company, recognized for delivering high-quality promotional items and branding solutions. With a strong background in marketing and business management, she has cultivated a passion for helping businesses enhance their visibility and connect with their audiences through customized products. Matina is also the co-founder of the Choose Kind Foundation, which is the charitable arm of Artina. The Choose Kind Foundation provides grants to local nonprofit organizations that focus on lessening suffering and giving strength and hope to those in need.

Zenios Zenios is a notable entrepreneur and leader in the real estate development sector, particularly recognized for his work with 3 Pillar Homes and Evans Farm. As the founder of 3 Pillar Homes, he has been instrumental in creating sustainable and innovative residential communities that prioritize quality and intentional design. His commitment to excellence in homebuilding reflects a deep understanding of market trends and community needs.

Zenios is also the developer behind Evans Farm, a master-planned community rooted in the principles of New Urbanism, which emphasize the harmonious integration of living, working and playing. His vision for Evans Farm centers on creating a vibrant neighborhood that prioritizes connectivity, encourages community interaction, and enhances the overall quality of life for its residents. Through his leadership, Zenios strives to redefine residential development by combining thoughtful design with sustainable practices, ultimately making a lasting impact on the communities he serves and promoting a lifestyle that values nature and collaboration.

Through their generous donations of time and financial resources, Franklin MBA graduates Matina and Zenios have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the University, strengthening the institution’s ability to provide quality education and support to students.

About the Franklin University Alumni Awards
The Franklin University Alumni Awards were established to recognize the exceptional achievements of alumni across three categories: professional excellence, social impact, and alumnus of the year. These awards celebrate individuals who exemplify the University's values through their careers and service. One award is presented at each of the University’s Commencement ceremonies on a rotating basis, with nominations reviewed by the Franklin University Alumni Advisory Council and approved by the University President.

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).