Jeremy Umansky is a James Beard Award-nominated chef, mycologist and fermentation expert renowned for his innovative use of koji mold in modern cuisine. As co-owner and co-chef of Larder Delicatessen and Bakery in Cleveland, Ohio, he reimagines traditional Eastern European dishes by incorporating foraged and fermented ingredients. Umansky co-authored "Koji Alchemy: Rediscovering the Magic of Mold-Based Fermentation," a seminal work on the subject.
Want to learn more about Evan and Marisa’s journey? Check out this Forbes video that dives into how they’re shaking up the Midwest wine industry with innovation, passion and a fresh approach to winemaking. It highlights their entrepreneurial spirit, the story behind Red’s Wine, and how they’ve scaled L’uva Bella Winery into a regional powerhouse. Their journey is an inspiring example of next-generation leadership in a traditionally old-school industry.
​Evan Schumann is an entrepreneur and business leader from Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship from Â鶹ÊÓƵ×îÐÂ×îÈ« University in 2017. During his studies, Evan gained practical experience by working with entrepreneurs in Cleveland, which complemented his academic coursework in operations, production, and finance. After graduation, he founded a company in the chemical industry and worked in consulting and mergers and acquisitions. In 2020, Evan and his wife, Marisa Sergi-Schumann, acquired L’uva Bella Winery, where he serves as President.
Marisa Sergi-Schumann is a third-generation winemaker and entrepreneur from Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Enology from Cornell University, where she developed RedHead Wine as her capstone project. After working in California’s wine industry, she returned to Ohio to grow her brand, later rebranding it as Red’s Wine. In 2020, she became Chief Growth Officer of L’uva Bella Winery, expanding its reach across multiple states. Marisa was recognized on the Forbes Next 1000 list in 2021 for her innovation and impact in the wine industry.
Past Schwebel Lecture Series speakers have included a dynamic mix of entrepreneurs, executives, and creative professionals from across the hospitality and tourism landscape. From leaders in international hotel brands to innovators in sustainable food systems and large-scale event management, each speaker brings a unique perspective and passion for their craft. These engaging presentations offer students and community members a front-row seat to real-world experiences and industry trends.
Grill ’72 is preparing for its grand reopening at the Rathskeller, located on the lower level of the Kent Student Center. The Â鶹ÊÓƵ×îÐÂ×îÈ« community is invited to attend the event on Monday, March 31, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The celebration will include menu samples, Grill ’72 giveaways and a DJ. There will also be a sampling of Golden Flashes Swirl Ice Cream and Celsius.With an updated kitchen and new aesthetic, Grill ’72 at the Rathskeller can better accommodate larger groups and events hosted in the space.“The Rathskeller is one of the biggest programmatic spaces we have in the Kent Stud...
Joe Savarise joined the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association as Executive Director in January 2015. He is currently a member of the Boards of Directors for the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau, Greater Columbus Sports Commission and the Columbus StreetRailway Corporation. He serves on the Advisory Board of the American Hospitality Alliance. Prior to 2015, Joe was Senior Vice President with BIPAC the Business-Industry Political Action Committee, in Washington, DC.
