alumnus endows Leadership Program
 

Don Nigbor ’70 recognizes the necessity of professionalism, an entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership skills in today’s marketplace—and that is exactly what he found at Rensselaer last fall. “I know seasoned professionals who are not as polished and articulate as this group is,” he commented after speaking with several Professional Leadership Program (PLP) students in the Archer Center.

Don has served as a speaker for the PLP for many years, sharing his personal experiences and insights with PLP students. His own story exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurialism and his rise to Chairman of Benchmark Electronics could serve as a case study.

Don was working at Intermedics, Inc. when, facing serious financial difficulties, the president approached him and two of his friends with an interesting offer—they had two hours to figure out a way to buy him out — which they did! In 1986, Don directed a management buyout of the medical subsidiary, which later became Benchmark Electronics, and four years later, it went public. Serving as CEO from 2001 to September 2004, Don successfully led Benchmark Electronics through four years of steady growth, taking the company from a struggling 100-person, $4.5 million business to a $2.3 billion global entity in less than 20 years.

Don strongly believes programs like the Archer Center’s PLP prepare our students to become the most effective leaders. Recently, he and his wife Jean ensured permanent funding for this essential program through a generous endowment to the Renaissance at Rensselaer Campaign, providing opportunity for new discoveries and continued innovation for both students and faculty. On behalf of the Rensselaer community, and the many students that will benefit from future programs, we sincerely thank Don and his family for their philanthropy.

Please contact Nick Donofrio ’67, chair for the Scholarship and Fellowship Frontier of Excellence fundraising initiative at Rensselaer, through Bill Shumway, if you would like to discuss opportunities to support students at Rensselaer.