WMU News

WMU emeriti among top food industry leaders of past century

April 13, 2000

KALAMAZOO -- Two retired Western Michigan University faculty members are among the top 100 food and beverage industry leaders of the past century, according to the Michigan Food and Beverage Association.

Richard Neschich, associate professor emeritus of marketing, and William O. Haynes, associate professor emeritus of consumer resources and technology, were named to the list assembled by the MFBA's Century Committee.

Selection criteria included pioneering, innovations, dedication, number of years in business and impact on the industry. Other industry leaders who made the list include Hendrik and Frederik Meijer; the Stroh, Knapp, Zehnder and Felpausch families; Tom Monaghan; James Vernor; Win Schuler; and Daniel and Dorothy Gerber.

"This list represents the best of the best," said Edward Deeb, president of the 3,200-member MFBA. "We honored Dick and Bill in recognition of their leadership in evolving the University's Food Marketing Program into the outstanding success it is today. They persuaded the industry to support the curriculum and provide corporate scholarships, and they were key figures in sculpting the highly regarded annual conference."

Media contact: Jessica English, 616 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu


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