Concordia Magazine

A Day to Honor Offutt

For Ron Offutt ’64, the April 27 dedication of Grant Center, home of the Offutt School of Business and Barry Auditorium, was the culmination of dreams and efforts for many.

For Concordia, it was a chance to honor Offutt.

“He had a dream and vision of a place where we can teach students important business skills while also teaching them the ethical and responsible behavior that makes up a Concordia education,” said John Tunheim ’75, chair of Concordia’s Board of Regents. “It’s a day that will be long-remembered by the Concordia community.”

Offutt, founder and chairman of R.D. Offutt Co., donated the lead gift for the business school. He also has supported the college many years through his leadership on the Board of Regents.

He was among the core group of business leaders who imagined an undergraduate business program focused on global understanding, entrepreneurship, ethics and leadership.

College leaders and his colleagues, many of whom were honored for their own support of the project, used the opportunity to shower him with tributes.

“The Offutt School of Business shares this in common with its namesake,” said B. John Barry. “It is determined to make a difference in the lives of youth.”

“We honor him for his wisdom, loyalty, generosity and his leadership,” said Dr. Paul Dovre ’58, president emeritus of the college, who noted the business leader’s place among a pantheon of board leaders. “He makes it clear that he wants and expects us to succeed. We do not want to let Ron down.”

At a luncheon before the dedication, Bill Gates unveiled a plaque for the Offutt School. Later, at the dedication, special tributes were also given to Carol Anderson and Barry for their support of the business school.

Bill Gates unveiled the plaque honoring the dedication of Grant CenterAs Offutt took the stage to acknowledge the honors, he began with his familiar down-to-earth humor. “That’s pretty heady stuff,” he said.

But he quickly moved into appreciation for the college that named its school of business after him.

“It’s a legacy that my family will live with for all of its days,” he said. “Thank you for that. Thank you very much.”

Later he said he was flattered that Concordia and its Board of Regents thought so highly of him. He acknowledged that the school of business is the realization of a long-cherished dream.

But on a day that began with a speech by Gates and ended with a ribbon cutting in the business school named for him, Offutt was thrilled to be celebrating.

“I don’t know what you could do to make this better,” he said.

Photos: Sheldon Green/Dave Arntson

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