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2018 Distinguished Alumni Lifetime Service Award Recipients

What experiences at Leeds helped lay the foundation for what has become a lifetime of service?
Al: I attended Leeds more than 50 years ago, but I strongly recall that when I transferred into Leeds School of Business from Engineering, I felt immediately like I had a home. Business had always fascinated me, beginning with the paper routes, lawn cutting and snow shoveling mini businesses my brother (also a Leeds alumnus) and I had. The school exposed me to the technical side of the business world, e.g., finance, accounting, marketing, personnel management, etc., all of which became an integral part of my success in a large service business.

Another distinct recollection is that I edited the B-school newspaper; a two-sided, 8 ½ x 14” sheet I cleverly published on currency-colored paper.

My fondest memory is of seeing Carol-Ann walk past the school on her way to class for the first time. Introductions were made and here we are.

Tell us about a significant accomplishment that you attribute to your time and involvement with Leeds.
I have no doubt that my B-school course work, particularly finance and accounting, led directly to my recruitment onto the Management and Executive Committees of McDermott Will & Emery LLP when it was a Chicago law firm with less than 100 lawyers. When I retired, we were blessed with over 1,200 attorneys—and the work to keep them busy—a result I attribute to the entrepreneurial culture we fostered throughout the firm’s offices.

What values are important to you that are also reflected in the culture at Leeds?
We have long believed that a life well lived must include a nurturing of the next generation, not only our own daughters and grandchildren, but also other young people who are striving to realize their dreams. ��������Ƶ students are a particular favorite and the primary focus of our donor dollars.

What best practice has stuck with you throughout your careers?
The Leeds School of Business under Dean Sharon Matusik’s leadership is light years away from the Leeds School I experienced 50 years ago.  Today, Leeds provides a caring, innovative business education focused on preparing students to graduate with vastly greater experiences than were available decades ago. The range of opportunities at Leeds almost makes me wish to re-enroll.

What does it mean to the both of you to be ��������Ƶ alumni?
We take great pride in this multi-campus institution and the entrepreneurial spirit evidenced on, and ever-growing goals of, all our campuses.

To nominate yourself or a fellow Leeds alumnus or alumna to be in an upcoming alumni newsletter, !

November 2018