ASHLAND – A conversation between Dr. Lucille Ford and Dr. Peter Linneman on the topic of “Inspiration, Hope and Love” will be the featured event of the 15th annual Dr. Lucille G. and L.W. Ford Distinguished Business Lecture and Luncheon at Ashland University.
The luncheon and discussion will be held at noon on Thursday, Sept. 28, in Ashland University’s Myers Convocation Center. For further information or for reservations, contact Dr. Khushwant Pittenger, professor of business administration, at ford-lecture@ashland.edu or call 419-289-5219. Reservations are required by Sept. 1.
The lecture and luncheon is sponsored by Ashland University alumni Dr. Peter ’73 and Kathleen ’73 Linneman and is hosted by Ashland University’s Richard E. and Sandra J. Dauch College of Business and Economics.
Linneman is the principal of Linneman Associates and also serves as the Albert Sussman emeritus professor of Real Estate, Finance and Business Public Policy at the Wharton School of Business. The Linnemans created and support this lecture series in recognition of the amazing impact Lucille and Larry Ford had on their lives. Their intention is to enrich business education at Ashland University by bringing extraordinary business leaders to campus to discuss their business and life philosophies.
A university educator, author and administrator, nationally known economist and lecturer, political activist and community leader, Dr. Ford is perhaps best known as a trailblazer. She set the stage for women throughout the country in a number of arenas. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from Stephens College, she was the rare woman who went on to earn an MBA in 1946 from Northwestern University. She went on to successfully run, and ultimately sell, the family business.
In her 40s, she enrolled at Case Western and received her Ph.D. in economics, and became a beloved faculty member at Ashland University. She also served as Dean and Provost and a Board member at Ashland University for many years before leaving to found and lead for 17 years the highly successful Ashland County Community Foundation. This foundation provides a means for people to make gifts to a fund that will enhance the Ashland County community.
As a trailblazer she was the first woman to run for Lt. Governor of Ohio. She served on five major public company boards. Among her many recognitions and honors, she was inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame as well as the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. She remains an active member of the Ashland community, receiving the role of Grand Marshal of the Community’s Bicentennial Parade in 2015. She was married for 60 years and has two daughters with doctoral degrees and two grandchildren with master degrees. She remains fully engaged with the Ashland community and the world.
