The University of Findlay - UF Alumni Return to Honor Professor

UF alumni William Landes, Ph.D., ’75 and Joseph Gaffney ’80 will return to The University of Findlay to present the Shiv K. Gupta Business Scholarship Endowment Fund at the Distinguished Alumni, Hall of Fame and Shiv K. Gupta Recognition Dinner at 7 p.m. Oct. 6.

Both Landes and Gaffney were instrumental in starting the scholarship endowment fund, which has raised over $44,000 and is funded with alumni support.

The scholarship was established in honor of Gupta, a marketing and economics professor, for his dedication to teaching students at The University of Findlay. Landes and Gaffney, as well as many other alumni who have already contributed to the fund, expressed their gratitude for the education Gupta provided them during their years at UF. According to B. Ann Brossia, development officer, Gupta was humbled by the gesture and continues to be amazed at the number of alumni who are contributing to the scholarship in his name.

William Landes, Ph.D., ’75

Landes received his bachelor’s degree from UF and later received his master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Cincinnati. He taught finance at Marquette University for five years and was recruited to work for Putnam Investments, where he served for 18 years in key leadership positions, including head of global investment research and chief investment officer. In 2004, Landes started his own hedge fund – 2100 Capital – under the banner of Old Mutual Asset Management.

Landes resides in Southborough, Mass., with his wife Michele (Evans) ’76.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University, Gaffney began his career in plant management at Ball Metal Corporation in Findlay, where he also worked during college. He then

Joseph Gaffney ’80

worked for American National Can where, as vice president of operations, he was responsible for 12 plants internationally. Gaffney currently works as the director of golf operations for Legacy Golf Resorts.

Gaffney resides in Phoenix, Ariz., with his wife Patricia.

While visiting the University, Landes and Gaffney will share their business expertise with students and faculty. On Thursday, Oct. 5, they will kick off a Visiting Executives Program, sponsored by the UF College of Business, which will provide students the opportunity to meet and interact with senior business executives. Landes and Gaffney will speak on education and globalization as part of the College of Business lecture series, which is free and open to the public, at 12:30 p.m. in the Winebrenner Theological Seminary Convocation Center. In addition, Landes and Gaffney will speak to students in upper-level business courses about their experiences and the global economy on Thursday and Friday.

“We are delighted that Dr. Landes and Mr. Gaffney have returned to join in honoring Professor Gupta, who influenced them greatly during their college years,” said Dr. DeBow Freed, University president. “Both Dr. Landes and Mr. Gaffney have distinguished careers in business and public service. They have taken leading roles in providing private support which furthers the work of outstanding faculty.”

Donations to the Shiv K. Gupta Business Scholarship Endowment Fund may be mailed to the Office of Development, 1000 N. Main St., Findlay, Ohio, with checks made payable to The University of Findlay.

For more information about the Distinguished Alumni, Hall of Fame and Shiv K. Gupta Recognition Dinner, call 419-434-4517.