While sharing anecdotes relating to the obstacles and challenges they encountered while on their personal road to business success, as well as remedies relating to how they overcame them, the prestigious visitors attended a variety of university events designed to welcome them to various constituent groups.
“Tonight’s honorees are leaders who have generously given their time, talent, and treasure to make the world a better place for all. They epitomize what it means to be a leader – both publicly and privately. And, perhaps most importantly, they’ve made it possible for all of us to do more of the same well into the future,” said Northwood University President Keith A. Pretty, JD, as he welcomed them to the 34th Annual Outstanding Business Leader Awards Gala held at The Breakers, Palm Beach. “This evening, it is our sincere pleasure to recognize yet another class of extraordinary individuals who serve as role models for our students, alumni, and countless friends and supporters. We not only re-affirm our mission tonight but we confirm that it will stand strong for generations to come,” he added.
The eight honorees Outstanding Business Leader Class of 2014 are:
Lisa CopelandManaging Partner, Fiat of AustinAustin, TX
Richard DeVos, Jr. (’81)President, The Windquest Group/ Retired President, AlticorGrand Rapids, MI
J FerronChairman Emeritus, Northwood University Board of TrusteesDirector, Crain Communications Inc/Automotive NewsBloomfield Hills, MI
Richard J. Garber (’78)President, Garber Management GroupSaginaw, MI
David H. GilmourFounder, FIJI Water/The Wakaya Club and SpaPalm Beach, FL
Jonathan HagePresident & CEO, Charter Schools, USAFort Lauderdale, FL
Daniel R. LangdonPresident, East Penn ManufacturingLyon Station, PA
Thomas F. O’HarePresident & CEO (retired), WorldPACNewark, CA
“The event was a wonderful opportunity for our students to interact with the leaders who attended; and I was particularly impressed with the quality of the questions from the students, which in turn, resulted in terrific answers from the leaders,” said adjunct professor of Finance & Entrepreneurship George Stamas of the OBL Student Roundtable which was held Saturday afternoon.
Northwood University annually recognizes a select group of men and women for their business achievements and for their support and exemplary leadership of the communities in which they live and work. These individuals serve as role models for Northwood University students, all of whom are engaged in the study of business management and who aspire to successful careers. In the 34 years since the program’s founding, more than 300 business leaders from more than 30 states and several countries, representing dozens of industries and fields of business expertise, have received the Outstanding Business Leader Award.
