Cartoonist Duane Abel Honored as Distinguished Alumni by The University of Akron

Beloved cartoonist Duane M. Abel, known for his heartwarming comic strip and inspiring school programs, has been named the 2025 Distinguished Alumni by The University of Akron and the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences. He will be officially recognized at an awards ceremony on April 29.

From Carroll County to National Recognition

A lifelong resident of Carroll County, Duane Abel graduated from Carrollton High School in 1998 and was inducted into the CHS Alumni Hall of Fame in 2023. He attended The University of Akron on the Sharon A. Hollinger Memorial Scholarship, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in 2002. While at the university, he also served as the beloved mascot Zippy the Kangaroo.

30 Years of ZED: A Comic with Heart

Duane’s nationally syndicated comic strip ZED is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025. Appearing in nearly 100 weekly newspapers across the country, ZED has earned praise from none other than Jim Davis, creator of Garfield, who called it “a comic strip with a lot of heart.”

Inspiring Students with Just a Marker and Paper

In addition to his work as a cartoonist, Duane has reached over 500,000 students through his motivational school assembly program, DRAW YOUR DESTINY!. With just a marker, an easel, and a large pad of paper—no technology—Duane inspires students to set goals, work hard, read often, and believe in lifelong learning.

Educators across the country have described his assembly as “the best they have ever seen.”

Supported by Prestigious Institutions

Duane’s efforts have received national recognition and endorsements from leading organizations, including:

• LEADER IN ME Lighthouse Schools

• Comics In The Classroom

• The Mazza Children’s Literature Museum

• The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, which houses an original ZED strip in its permanent collection

He is also a proud member of the National Cartoonists Society and is listed as a notable Ohio cartoonist by The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum at The Ohio State University.

From Drawing Boards to Movie Sets

Beyond cartooning, Duane has appeared in films such as Christmas Collision and A Reluctant Heart. His screenwriting debut, the romantic comedy Heartland Harmony, was filmed entirely in Carroll County and is currently streaming on Amazon and Tubi.

His next film project, A Christmas Drawn Together, is set to begin filming in Carroll County this winter.

A Creative Life Anchored in Family

Away from the spotlight, Duane is a proud husband and father. He has been married for over 23 years to his wife Coral, who owns and operates the DanceAbel Ballroom Studio in Minerva. Together, they are raising two sons, Zack and Clayton.