John Austin Dunkel

Inducted: 2017

John Austin Dunkel was a lifelong resident of Upper Arlington. He received his Juris Doctorate from The Ohio State University in 1956, a Master of Law and Taxation from New York University in 1960, and as a practicing attorney rose through the ranks to become a senior partner at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, LLP. He greatly valued giving back to the community he treasured, serving on city council from 1962-1970, including as mayor from 1966-1968.

In the mid-1960s, Mayor Dunkel challenged a 1947 law prohibiting the creation of new library systems in Ohio. At that time Upper Arlington's libraries were part of the Grandview Heights system. Mayor Dunkel believed the citizens of Upper Arlington deserved to have control of their own library system. Thanks to his determination, hard work, and perseverance, the Ohio General Assembly passed HB 494 in 1967, allowing Upper Arlington to independently establish and govern its own library system.

A loving father of two daughters with four generations of his family proud to call Upper Arlington home, Mr. Dunkel loved his community, serving it publicly and with integrity, and leaving a legacy that Upper Arlington residents enjoy today -- an exceptional library system celebrating 50 years of service in 2017.