Krannert dinner to honor alumni, feature 'Shark Tank' star

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University's Krannert School of Management will honor nine alumni and faculty during its 15th annual Leadership Speakers Series dinner Oct. 8 in the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms.

Daymond John, founder of apparel company FUBU and TV personality on ABC's "Shark Tank," will give the keynote address. Purdue President Mitch Daniels and Krannert Dean David Hummels also will make remarks.

The awards and recipients are:

* Krannert Business Leadership Award to Marge Magner, managing partner, Brysam Global Partners. She earned a master's degree in industrial administration in 1974 and an honorary doctorate in 2004.

* Distinguished Alumni Award to Maria Crowe, president of manufacturing operations, Eli Lilly & Co. She earned a bachelor's degree in industrial management in 1982.

* Distinguished Alumni Award to Tom Spurgeon, consultant, Lincoln Office, and vice chairman, Purdue Board of Trustees. He earned a bachelor's degree in industrial management in 1961.

* Distinguished Service Award to Tom Arenberg, retired senior executive, Accenture. He earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1974 and a master's degree in industrial administration in 1975.

* Distinguished Service Award to Marc Hochman, partner, A.T.Kearney. He earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering in 1988 and a master's degree in management in 1993.

* John S. Day Distinguished Alumni Academic Service Award to Dan Horsky, Benjamin L. Forman Professor of Business Administration, University of Rochester (N.Y.). He earned a doctorate in 1974.

* Burton D. Morgan Entrepreneurship Award to Andre Hughes, founder, Powered by Action. He earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering in 1983. 

* Young Alumni Award to Young Lee, vice president, Merrill Lynch. He earned a bachelor's degree in management in 2005.

Also during the event, Daniels will present two Pinnacle Awards. The award recognizes donors who have given more than $1 million to support Purdue. Magner will receive one award. Tom and Mary Howatt also will receive the award. Tom is retired CEO and president of Wausau Paper and earned a bachelor's degree in 1972 and a master's degree in industrial relations in 1973.

The keynote speaker, Daymond John, is a lifestyle branding expert and motivational speaker. The New York City-based entrepreneur launched his career 20 years ago with the founding of FUBU, growing annual sales to $350 million. In 2009, John joined the cast of the ABC entrepreneurial reality show "Shark Tank." On the series, he is on a panel of entrepreneurs who review business pitches from everyday people. The panelists make deals with the budding entrepreneurs, serving as investors and mentors.

Tickets for the dinner are available to the general public for $100 per person, $75 of which qualifies as a charitable deduction. Specially priced tickets are available for Purdue faculty, staff and students. Proceeds from the event go to Krannert undergraduate and graduate scholarships. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms. 

To reserve tickets, contact Lou Underwood, Krannert assistant director of alumni relations and special events, at 765-494-0901, lmunder@purdue.edu. More information about the Leadership Series and this year's event is available at http://www.krannert.purdue.edu/events/LSS/. 

Writer: John Hughey, 765-494-2432, hugheyj@purdue.edu   

Source: Tim Newton, Krannert director of external relations and communication, 765-496-7271, tnewton@purdue.edu