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Bell, Olson granted honorary doctorates
Krannert recognized the achievements and contributions of emeritus faculty member
Cornell A. Bell and alumnus Bruce A. Olson with the presentation of honorary doctoral degrees during May’s commencement ceremonies.
Cornell A. Bell
Doctor Of Management
Cornell Bell distinguished himself in education with his personal involvement and dedication in helping provide opportunities to underrepresented students through the Krannert School’s Business Opportunity Program (BOP), which was designed to create a more diverse student body.
Bell served as director and chairman of the program for 36 years until his retirement in 2006 and is known as a father figure and mentor to countless graduate and undergraduate management students at Purdue. He was also active with the Graduate Management Admission Council nationally to increase diversity in schools of business throughout the country.
A native of Evansville, Indiana, Bell earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Indiana University. He received his doctorate from Purdue in 1972. Before taking the position at Krannert, Bell worked as a chemist for Stauffer Chemical Company, taught science at Pulaski School in Gary, Indiana, and served as guidance counselor, assistant principal, and principal at Gary Froebel School and Gary Tolleston High School.
Bell’s efforts have been widely recognized. He received the Special Boilermaker Award from the Purdue Alumni Association in 1987, the M. Beverley Stone Non-Academic Counseling Award in 1990, the Indiana Bell Award in 1991, and the Harold T. Amrine Visionary Award in 1994. In 1996, Indiana Governor Evan Bayh honored Bell with the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash. That same year, BOP was renamed the Cornell A. Bell Business Opportunity Program in recognition of his extraordinary efforts.
Bruce A. Olson
Doctor Of Management
Bruce Olson has enjoyed a highly successful career in financing, management, and investment businesses. He is currently president and co-owner of BBI Group, a private investment group, and also serves as chairman of Envisioneering Medical Technologies, a developer and manufacturer of ultrasound and biopsy products for the urology and radiation oncology markets.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Olson earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Purdue in 1971 and an MSIA from Krannert in 1972. He has served as head of New England commercial lending for the Bank of New York and in a variety of executive positions for St. Joe Minerals Corp. and St. Joe International.
After moving to St. Louis in 1985, Olson and his wife, Kim, co-founded Group One Capital, which acquired companies in such diverse areas as electric and beauty products distribution, sunglass retailing, and luggage manufacturing. He also is the past chair of the Missouri Health and Education Facilities Authority and serves on the boards of several community organizations. In addition, Olson and his wife funded the Olson Family Garden at the St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
A recipient of the 2006 Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship Award, Olson has donated more than $1 million to the Krannert School. He spoke in the Krannert Executive Forum in 1994 and has served as a member of the Krannert Dean’s Advisory Council since 1996.
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