College of Business Administration Award Recipients

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Richard J. Leinenkugel, Bus Ad '80
Chippewa Falls, Wis.

As president and chief beer merchant, Dick represents five generations of exceptional family leadership at the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. He grew up working for his family’s brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wis. Before he was old enough to brew beer, he was the sole tour guide.

Dick graduated from Marquette and went on to serve as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. The beer business called him back and since his first sales job in 1987, Dick has upheld his family’s history of hard work and excellence. “Growing our Leinenkugel business and introducing our 151-year-old story of heritage and authenticity give me great pride,” he says.

Embracing an opportunity to give back to the state that so richly blessed his family business, Dick spent time in public service with the Waukesha County Board of Supervisors and served as Wisconsin’s secretary of commerce.

Dick lives his Catholic faith daily through volunteering and giving back. “Marquette challenged me to think critically, to set goals and prepared me both intellectually and morally to accomplish those goals,” he says. Dick has been a director of the College of Business Administration Alumni Association, a reunion committee member and a host for CIRCLES events. Dick also serves on the boards of the United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley and the Marshfield Clinic Health System.

Fun facts:

Marquette faculty or staff member who had an impact: “Dr. Gene Laczniak pushed me to learn more about marketing and promotions and brought us real-world business examples as well as applied learning opportunities to engage in business.”

Favorite Marquette memory:
Winning an air guitar contest sponsored by Pabst Brewing Company, held at the union.