Scholarship Banquet
USU's Jon M. Huntsman School of Business Honors Alumnus Elder L. Tom Perry
The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University tried to put the focus on Elder L. Tom Perry, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, when it honored him with the Distinguished Executive Alumnus Award on Sept. 14.
But Perry changed the focus to the students, USU’s Jon M. Huntsman School of Business and the importance of training leaders who demonstrate integrity in the workplace.
Perry was recognized and spoke at the Annual Fall Awards Banquet for the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business , an event that drew 470 people to the Taggart Student Center on the USU campus. While Perry is now better known for his leadership role in the LDS church, much of the focus at the event was on the good example he set before he started serving his church full time.
The new dean of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business , Douglas Anderson, paid tribute to Perry at the event.
"Our recognition tonight of L. Tom Perry continues our tradition of honoring alumni who have shown great integrity, set a good example, demonstrated powerful leadership and given valuable service to their community," Anderson said. "In honoring him, we declare our own firm intention to emulate the example he set."
Perry graduated from Utah State Agricultural College with a degree in finance in 1949 and started to work as an internal auditor at C.C. Anderson Company of Allied Stores. Promotions and new positions led to him eventually serving as the treasurer of R.H. Stearns, a department store chain in Boston, when he was called in 1972 to full-time church service as an assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve. He was called to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in 1974 and, he said, many of his duties since have involved guiding the business end of the LDS church.
Even though the Distinguished Executive Alumnus Award is the highest honor the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business offers, Perry turned the focus, instead, to the people who came to honor him. He said, however, that there is value in giving such awards.
"This recognition tonight is greatly appreciated," he said. "Its value, however, is only in generating enthusiasm and support for the continued growth and development of this special business school here at Utah State University. I hope we have pride in this school and what it is accomplishing. How the world needs those who have the integrity, the enthusiasm and the desire to increase and accomplish the things that this world so desperately needs."
Perry said he’s seen the impact the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business has had in the world.
"The school of business, over the years, has sent hundreds and thousands out into the business world," he said. "In traveling throughout the world in recent years, I have found many Utah State graduates in prominent positions, always noted for their business techniques and integrity."
The event also recognized dozens of college supporters who have funded scholarships for the students. The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business has 2,000 students, and some 300 of them were listed Sept. 14 as having earned scholarships. Outstanding faculty members and staff members were also honored at the event.
Deseret Morning News – Business college honors USU alumnus Elder Perry