Beta Gamma Sigma has awarded Juan Rodriguez, a former CU-Boulder professor and a board member of the Robert H. and Beverly A. Deming Center for Entrepreneurship, with the 2003 Medallion for Entrepreneurship.
Beta Gamma Sigma is the only international honor society serving business programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. It has established 374 collegiate chapters in all 50 states plus Canada and Hong Kong. Its mission is to honor academic achievement, support the advancement of business and foster a commitment to integrity.
Each year, the honor society recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the vitality and strength of their communities and who combine innovative business achievement with service to humanity. More than 40 successful entrepreneurs have received recognition since 1985.
CU-Boulder Leeds School of Business professor emeritus and Beta Gamma Sigma representative John Lymberopoulos presented the award to Rodriguez at the school's graduation ceremony on May 9.
In 1969, Rodriguez co-founded StorageTek, serving as vice president and general manager of engineering, operations and optical disc operations.
After resigning from StorageTek in 1985, Rodriguez founded Exabyte Corp. In 1992, Rodriguez began teaching at CU-Boulder, serving as co-executive director and helping to launch the Robert H. and Beverly A. Deming Center for Entrepreneurship.
During his tenure at CU-Boulder Rodriguez reshaped the business plan preparation course, adding an annual competition and cash awards. The course prepares students to face the challenges of starting their own businesses.
Over the years, Rodriguez has received a number of awards both for his achievements in engineering and for services rendered to his community. He also supports the arts in Boulder, including the Chautauqua Music Festival.
"Juan is incredibly generous with his time," said Kathryn Simon, director of the Deming Center. "He cares deeply about the educational experience each of our entrepreneurship students receives at CU and he is a fabulous mentor."
Beta Gamma Sigma selects the award recipients from a pool of candidates nominated by its chapters. The Deming Center and the Leeds School nominated Rodriguez for this year's medallion.