KENNESAW, Ga. | Oct 4, 2017

Longtime Kennesaw State University supporters Harry Maziar and Doug Shore were honored Tuesday with induction into the Michael J. Coles College of Business Hall of Fame.

The Coles College Hall of Fame recognizes business leaders who promote and embody personal integrity, leadership and an entrepreneurial spirit. In a ceremony at Kennesaw State, Maziar and Shore were lauded for their commitment to innovation, community service and global engagement, elements at the heart of the College’s mission.

“Harry Maziar and Doug Shore both are great friends of Kennesaw State University and of the Coles College of Business,” Dean Kathy Schwaig said. “Doug and Harry serve the Coles College out of a sincere desire to be examples for and mentors to our students.”

Shore brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his service on the Kennesaw State University Foundation Board of Trustees and the Michael J. Coles College of Business Advisory Board. He was the co-founder, chairman and co-CEO of Shore-Varrone, Inc., an Atlanta-based business-to-business media company. Shore started Shore-Varrone in 1982 with one publication and one trade show and grew it to 11 magazine titles, seven trade shows and a variety of conferences and online businesses before selling the company in 1998. 

Philanthropy is a priority for both him and his wife, Robin. Last year, they gave a naming gift for the Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship Center in the Coles College. Also, they have supported entrepreneurship scholarships and programs at KSU and invested in the Coles College’s GAVE (Georgia Advancing Veteran Education) program.

“Doug promotes the mission of the College in all that he does,” Schwaig said. “He provides guidance to me as well as to so many others on campus. Doug believes in entrepreneurship and capitalism, and wants to help our students prepare for successful careers and lives.”

Maziar was president of Zep Manufacturing Company for 27 years, developing it into an international leader in the specialty chemical industry. As the company’s first director of sales, Maziar led 2,000 salespeople who produced double-digit growth for 25 straight years before he retired as chairman of the chemical division of Zep’s parent company, National Service Industries. 

Even in retirement, Maziar remains an active member of the community. Along with being on various business and civic boards and volunteering with organizations such as Junior Achievement of Atlanta, the Atlanta Humane Society and United Way of Metro Atlanta, Maziar continues to serve as the first Executive in Residence of the Coles College of Business.

“Harry’s passion for the sales profession makes him an ardent advocate for our sales program, for the Center for Professional Selling and, especially, for our sales students,” Schwaig said. “He wants students to be prepared, energized and ready to be successful when they find their places in business. Harry is eager to see the Coles College take bold new steps into the future.”

Established in 2015, the Coles College of Business Hall of Fame now boasts 10 members. Maziar and Shore join previous inductees Michael Coles, Jack Dinos, Connie Engel, Gene Henssler, Tom Hughes, Lee Rhyant, Kerstin Valdes Benden and Mark Wilson.

– Paul Floeckher

Photos by David Caselli

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 35,000 students. With 13 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the third-largest university in the state. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. A Carnegie-designated doctoral institution, it is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.

-News at KSU