Dayton Region Walk of Fame Honors 2025 Inductees: Rob Lowe, Vic Cassano Sr., Original Lakeside, the Levin Family, and Jenell Ross
On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, civic leaders, community members, and proud native Daytonians gathered at Sinclair Community College for one of the city’s most cherished traditions: the Dayton Region Walk of Fame induction ceremony. This year’s class—actor Rob Lowe, restaurateur Vic Cassano Sr., funk pioneers The Original Lakeside, the Levin Family, and business leader Jenell Ross—was celebrated for shaping both Dayton’s cultural DNA and the broader national stage.
Celebrating Dayton’s Legacy
The Walk of Fame, nestled in the historic Wright-Dunbar District, honors figures whose accomplishments elevate Dayton’s global reputation. Since its founding, it has immortalized leaders in science, arts, social justice, and innovation. The 2025 inductees showcased Dayton’s reach across entertainment, music, food, business, and civic leadership.
Local timelines on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook overflowed with hometown pride. Residents posted snapshots of new plaques, clips of Lakeside’s classics, and memories tied to Cassano’s Pizza. One attendee summed up the mood: “Dayton isn’t just the birthplace of aviation—it’s the birthplace of culture. This event proved it again.”
Rob Lowe: From Oakwood to Hollywood
Actor Rob Lowe’s induction drew national attention. Before his rise to Hollywood stardom with The Outsiders, St. Elmo’s Fire, and Parks and Recreation, Lowe attended Oakwood Junior High. Social media lit up with tributes to his Dayton roots. Fans celebrated not just his enduring career, but his philanthropic efforts in youth mentorship and cancer research.
Vic Cassano Sr.: The Pizza King
No name in Dayton cuisine carries more weight than Vic Cassano Sr. In 1953, he and his mother-in-law 
opened Cassano’s Pizza King, creating what became a Miami Valley staple. Generations recall family gatherings, late-night runs, and thin-crust pies that became part of the city’s identity.
One post captured his cultural impact with humor and honesty: “In 2017, after a gig at Gilly’s, I bought a deluxe at Vic and Mom’s. I planned to share it with the band, but I ended up eating the whole darned thing in my hotel room—it was that good.”
The Original Lakeside: Funk Forever
Dayton is synonymous with funk, and The Original Lakeside carried that banner worldwide. Hits like
Fantastic Voyage and It’s All the Way Live cemented their place in music history. Their induction sparked cross-generational excitement: older fans reminisced about prom nights and club shows, while younger audiences rediscovered their sound through viral TikTok videos. A local DJ wrote, “Dayton is funk. Lakeside proved it then, and they prove it now.”
The Levin Family: Civic Stewards
For decades, the Levin Family has played a pivotal role in shaping Dayton’s civic and cultural landscape. Their contributions span philanthropy, real estate development, and advocacy for education and the arts. Their Walk of Fame induction recognized both their historic and ongoing impact. Local nonprofits and community groups praised the honor online, calling the family “quiet champions of progress.”
Jenell Ross: Leadership and Legacy
As president of Bob Ross Auto Group, Jenell Ross has carried forward her family’s business while establishing herself as a philanthropic force. Through her foundation, she has supported breast cancer awareness, health equity, and scholarships for underserved students. Social media tributes included personal testimonies, with one young professional writing: “Because of Jenell Ross’ scholarship, I graduated college. Today’s honor is more than deserved.”
Community Reflections
The ceremony blended live music, storytelling, and heartfelt tributes. Attendees described the event as a “family reunion for Dayton,” where locals reconnected and expatriates followed from afar. LinkedIn and Instagram posts from Dayton natives now living abroad spread the news internationally, underscoring how these stories resonate far beyond the Miami Valley.
The event also sparked conversation about Dayton’s heritage preservation. Some called for livestreaming future inductions, while others suggested expanding educational programming linked to the Walk of Fame.
Honoring the Past, Walking Into the Future
By inducting a Hollywood star, a culinary pioneer, funk innovators, civic leaders, and a philanthropic entrepreneur, Dayton underscored its role as a hub of creativity, resilience, and community spirit.
Past honorees—like Olympic gold medalist Edwin Moses, baseball great Mike Schmidt, and actress Allison Janney—remind the world of Dayton’s deep talent pool. This year’s class adds new dimensions to that legacy.
As one attendee posted: “Dayton doesn’t just honor its past. It walks with it into the future.”