The three were Mary Kay Griffin, John A. Scowcroft and yours truly, Devin D. Thorpe.A public statement from the school said:
The David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah will honor three outstanding alumni with the Distinguished Alumni award. The award is given to alumni who have made significant achievements in business and for their involvement at the School. The awards will be presented at the Graduation Ceremony on Friday, May 5 at the Huntsman Center.
The three who will be honored are: Mary Kay Griffin, director, CBIZ Accounting, Tax and Advisory of Utah, LLC, and shareholder, Mayer Hoffman and McCann P.C for her successes in accounting, and her service to the School’s National Advisory Board and the School of Accounting and Information Systems Advisory Board; John A. Scowcroft, Chief Operating Officer and member of the Board of Directors for Wasatch Advisors, for his business successes and involvement with the School’s National Advisory Board and the department of finance’s Advisory Board; Devin Thorpe, Managing Director of Thorpe Capital Group, LLC, a leading regional investment bank, for his service as Chair of the University of Utah Business Alumni Association and business successes.
Jack Brittain, Dean of the David Eccles School of Business, said this award sets an example for current and graduating students. “The Distinguished Alumni awards honor individuals whose achievements and contributions are invaluable,” he said. “These people serve as role models for the current generation of students.”
Personally, I considered it a real honor to be recognized among such impressive people. Mary Kay has previously been recognized among the most influential women in Utah and is not only an accomplished accounting professional, but a proven entrepreneur. John is what distinguished is all about. Having previously risen to the level of a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS), he returned to Utah a few years ago take a top position in the rapidly growing money management firm, Wasatch Advisors.For me, one of the highlights of the evening was marching into the stadium with former astronaut and Senator Jake Garn, for whom I worked fifteen years ago and whom I consider a hero to this day. At age 73, he brags about flying planes, roller blading with his grandkids and never wanting to retire.
It was also a pleasure to have the award presented by Jack Brittain, Dean of the David Eccles School of Business and Vice President of Technology Commericalization. I've said before, Jack (who comes to Utah from California by way of Texas) is the best thing to happen to Utah since Brigham Young. I consider him a great friend.
Congratulations Devin on this tremendous recognition. And you're in good company too. It is always inspiring to hear of accomplished DESB alumni.
Way to go!
Posted by: David McBride | May 7, 2006 8:06 PM | Permalink to Comment