College of Business Administration and Graduate School of Management Award Recipients
Entrepreneurial Award
CHRISTOPHER J. DALTON, BUS AD '90
Crystal Lake, Ill.
Chris is CEO of Acquity Group, a brand commerce and digital marketing firm he co-founded with Paul Weinewuth, Eng ’86. The fast-growing company now has offices across North America and China and was named by Ad Age as one of the top digital agencies.
“In a constantly changing digital economy, it is exciting to be on the forefront of innovation and change,” Chris says. “Acquity Group is reshaping the way customers interact, transact and engage with brands. This is a global opportunity that continues to evolve every day.”
Before founding Acquity, Chris was instrumental in building Lante Corp. and Modern Business Technology, which was later purchased by USWeb/CKS. He was inducted into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame in 2007 and named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2009.Even while at Marquette, Chris had a knack for spotting opportunity: He and classmates purchased a used school bus to transport fellow music-loving students to music festivals and concerts.
“My Marquette experience taught me that if you surround yourself with diverse, intelligent and driven individuals, you can accomplish anything,” he says.
He has also incorporated the Marquette spirit into his business, creating the Acquity Cares program to support local food pantries, community centers, schools and other charitable organizations.“I feel that Marquette gave me the tools to apply myself in business, as well as in my personal life,” he says. “With over 700 employees, it is important to remember that we are responsible for the financial well-being of many families. The responsibility is critically important to me professional and personally.”
Get to Know: Christopher J. Dalton
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Someone past or present he’d like to have dinner with: Abraham Lincoln
The Marquette faculty or staff member who had a great impact on him: Dr. David Krause has demonstrated a lifelong passion for helping his students excel in business.
In grade school Chris wanted to be successful!
Most influential in Chris’ life: His father, who taught him about family, faith, love, hardship, opportunity, accountability, compassion and drive.
