College of Business to host freedom philosophy lecture

PULLMAN–The Washington State University College of Business will present the Maughmer Freedom Philosophy Lecture at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 15 in the Smith Center for Undergraduate Education Room 203, featuring guest speaker Ed Fritzky, retired chairman, CEO and president of the Immunex Corporation.

Fritzky’s topic, “Leadership: a Point of View,” will focus on leadership lessons from managing the world’s third largest biotechnology company:
culture, vision and the challenges along the way.

Fritzky was elected chairman, CEO, and president of the Immunex Corporation in January 1994. Founded as a biotechnology research company, Immunex concentrated its efforts on understanding the biology of the immune system and the discovery and commercialization of breakthrough human therapeutics.

Fritzky led Immunex’s effort to merge with Amgen, completing the largest merger in the history of the industry in July 2002. Fritzky served on the Amgen Board of Directors, and has served as an Advisor to Amgen.

In 2002, Fritzky was recognized by Forbes magazine as a “Best Boss in America”, generating the highest annual shareholder return over a six-year period. During his tenure, Immunex was recognized by Fortune magazine as one of America’s “Best Places to Work”, and one of America’s fastest-growing companies.

The lecture is free and open to the public, and is preceded by a reception at 4 p.m. in CUE Atrium.

For more information contact supportexcellence@cb.wsu.edu or 509-335-1386.

Geoff and Florence Maughmer created The Maughmer Freedom Philosophy lecture series through an estate gift to the College of Business in 1993. They were proponents of a free, fair and open economy and founded the annual lecture to educate students about the importance of a free and open exchange of ideas and capital to American innovation and growth. CB Dean Eric Spangenberg holds the College’s Maughmer Freedom Philosophy Endowed Chair.

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