August 31, 2017

President Daniels’ fireside chat highlights second Lilly Day at Purdue

Mitch Daniels and Dave Ricks Purdue President Mitch Daniels and Eli Lilly and Co. chairman and CEO Dave Ricks take part in a fireside chat during Lilly Day at Purdue on Aug. 30. (Purdue University photo/John Underwood) Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University President Mitch Daniels’ fireside chat with Eli Lilly and Co. chairman and CEO Dave Ricks highlighted Lilly Day at Purdue on Aug. 30.

The multifaceted event is designed to introduce Purdue students to Lilly and the career opportunities that exist within the pharmaceutical company.

Daniels and Ricks sat down for a fireside chat and Q&A in the Purdue Memorial Union North and South ballrooms.

“Dave Ricks is yet another example of a Boilermaker who through talent and hard work reached the top of their profession,” Daniels said. “It’s great of him to come back to campus and share his wisdom with our students who are looking to one day make their own marks in their chosen careers.”

Ricks is a Purdue graduate, having earned a bachelor’s degree in business in 1990. He joined Lilly as a business development associate in 1996 after completing his Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana University. He held various management roles in U.S. marketing and sales, where he served successively as director of pharmaceutical marketing, national sales director and general manager. He was subsequently named president and general manager of Lilly China before becoming president of Lilly USA in 2009. This year he stepped into the role of chairman and CEO after the retirement of John C. Lechleiter.

Students had the opportunity to learn about Lilly and its 130 years of hiring Purdue graduates in areas such as engineering, science, information technology, statistics, finance, marketing, management and animal health, among others. Students also had the chance to learn about career opportunities at Lilly.

Lilly employs more than 1,600 Purdue graduates — more than from any other university.

Media contact: Brian Peloza, 765-496-9711, bpeloza@purdue.edu 

Sources: Kristen K. McCain, Eli Lilly associate consultant, HR, talent acquisition – manufacturing and quality

Dave Ricks, Eli Lilly CEO

Mitch Daniels, president@purdue.edu

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