2006 Honorary Degree
John A. Edwardson
Doctor Of Engineering
|
He is currently the chairman of the board and chief executive officer of CDW Corporation, a leading provider of technology solutions for businesses, governmental agencies and educational institutions nationwide. CDW is a FORTUNE 500 company, with approximately 4,300 employees and net sales of approximately $6.3 billion in 2005. He resides in Winnetka, Ill.
Edwardson came to Purdue from Evansville, Ind., and earned a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering in 1971. He also earned a master of business administration from the University of Chicago in 1972.
Edwardson began his career with various roles of increasing responsibility in the commercial banking and energy industries. He then became chief financial officer and executive vice president of Northwest Airlines. After serving as chief financial officer of Ameritech, Edwardson became president and chief operating officer of United Airlines and then chairman and chief executive officer of Burns International Services Corporation. He began his current role with CDW in 2001.
Edwardson has become known for generating revenue growth and adding value for shareholders throughout his career as a corporate leader. He also has made significant community contributions through his service and philanthropic activities. He has served as a member of the board of trustees for Purdue University, and he currently serves on the boards of FedEx Corporation, The Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Ravinia Festival, where he previously was chairman of the board.
He is also a member of the Advisory Council of the Graduate School of Business at the University of Chicago and is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, Civic Committee of The Commercial Club of Chicago, and the Executive Club of Chicago, where he serves as chairman of the board. He is also active with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Habitat for Humanity.
Edwardson previously received the Outstanding Industrial Engineering Award and the Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award from Purdue.