Campus Connection

Russell G. Cleary Distinguished Business Leadership Series features John P. Morgridge Oct. 20

The man who helped Cisco Systems become a world leader of internet networking will speak at UW-La Crosse. John P. Morgridge, chair emeritus at Cisco Systems, will speak as part of the Russell G. Cleary Distinguished Business Leadership Series at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, in Hesprich Auditorium, Graff Main Hall. Morgridge will speak on the significant roles of education, infrastructure and research in advancing economic and social development. His presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session. The program is free and open to all. Advance registration is recommended due to limited seating. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/russell-g-cleary-distinguished-business-leadership-lecture-tickets-28119167186 When Morgridge joined Cisco Systems as president and CEO in 1988, the company was a four-year-old start-up with only 34 employees. Morgridge led the company through a period of spectacular growth, making Cisco the undisputed world leader in internet networking. In over a decade as chair, Morgridge made Cisco hardware and software the essential components in the computer networks of business, government, education and industry. When he retired in 2006, the company employed more than 50,000 in 77 countries. Morgridge was known for creating a company culture of innovation, empowerment and corporate citizenship, fostering the community involvement of Cisco employees. As chair emeritus at Cisco Systems, Morgridge continues to champion a range of education and corporate citizenship initiatives. He is a guiding force behind Cisco’s long-term commitment to focus on basic human needs, responsible citizenship and access to education. Since retiring, Morgridge and his wife, Tashia, have continued to focus on charitable efforts in education, conservation and human services. He has served as chair of the board of the Nature Conservancy and Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) where Cleary also served. The lecture series honors Cleary who attended UWL from 1951-54 and earned the Graff Distinguished Alumni Award in 1980. Cleary built La Crosse’s Heileman Brewing Co. into one of the largest breweries in the country. In addition to numerous other awards, he was named Executive of the Year by Corporate Report Magazine in 1980. Cleary, a strong supporter of UWL, was committed to serving the La Crosse community. The event is coordinated in part by the UWL Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. For additional information about this and future events, visit www.uwlax.edu/cei or call 608.785.8648. If you go— Who: John P. Morgridge, chair emeritus at Cisco Systems What: Russell G. Cleary Distinguished Business Leadership Series When: 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 Where: Hesprich Auditorium, Graff Main Hall Admission: Free, open to all. Advance registration is recommended due to limited seating.