Four inductees have been announced for the prestigious 2013 Roll of Distinguished Alumni in the West Virginia University College of Business and Economics.

Inductees this year will include Jerry Black, senior executive vice president for Aeon Co., Ltd. Japan; Robert “Bob” Reitman, Cleveland, Ohio, retired CEO of The Tranzonic Companies, nonprofit consultant and philanthropist; Robert “Bob” Robinson, Wheeling, W.Va., president, Robinson Automotive Group; and David Woodrum, chairman, Woodrum, Inc.

“The depth and breadth of the successes of B&E continues to amaze me,” said Jose “Zito” Sartarelli, B&E Milan Puskar Dean. “This year’s inductees are evidence of highly successful people who have contributed greatly not only to the business world, but also in capacities where they enrich the people around them. These four gentlemen show us that they have been successful in a number of ways, and they are truly fantastic examples and inspiration for students at our business school.”

Black, a 1982 accounting graduate of B&E, is senior executive vice president and chief strategy officer with Aeon Co., Ltd. based in Japan. In addition to being responsible for the overall strategy of the Aeon group companies, he also serves as the group Chief Information Technology Officer and CEO for the group’s digital businesses and head of all group marketing functions. Aeon’s 2013 estimated revenues are expected to exceed $65 billion USD, with operations in 12 Asian countries and more than 350,000 associates. Black also serves as a board member of the Aeon 1% Club, one of the most outstanding and active corporate social responsibility organizations in the world.

Reitman is an icon in the Cleveland region, having worked at The Tranzonic Companies in Pepper Pike, Ohio, from 1968-98. He served as Tranzonic’s chief executive officer and president from 1973-98, and also served as chairman from 1982-98. A 1955 accounting graduate of B&E, he is currently a principal in Riverbend Advisors of Gates Mills, Ohio. Reitman is a renowned consultant to Cleveland area nonprofit organizations. His philanthropic activities are widely known throughout the Cleveland area and his alma mater, including his support of the Corporate Social Responsibility program at B&E.

Robinson is widely known through the Wheeling, W.Va., region and the Ohio Valley for the highly successful automotive group that bears his family name, as well as a wide range of community efforts. After purchasing his first dealership in 1974 in New Martinsville, W.Va., he returned to Wheeling in 1988 and began the expansion of the Bob Robinson franchise. The family-owned and operated Robinson Auto Group now includes three separate dealerships and nine automotive brands. A 1969 marketing graduate of B&E, his community efforts include the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, YMCA of Wheeling and service as a successful girls basketball coach at Wheeling Central High School.

Woodrum’s career has included a broad spectrum of health care administration, turnaround management and revitalization experience. A 1964 economics graduate of B&E, his hospital administration experience came from his service as president of The Monongalia General Hospital in Morgantown, as well as hospitals in Saudi Arabia and Texas. He has extensive experience as a health systems administrator and has extensive operating and consulting experience in numerous foreign countries. Currently, he is president of Woodrum, Inc., a national acute and ambulatory care management and consulting company, and is a frequent presenter at health care conferences and author of published articles and books.

This is the third year for the Roll of Distinguished Alumni after the award was initiated in 2011 to commemorate B&E’s 60th Anniversary Celebration. Nominees must meet specific criteria, including being alumni of the College, being at least 10 years post-degree, and distinguish themselves by success in business or life at the regional, national or international level. Inductees will serve as representatives of the College and the tremendous successes of its graduates.

A private luncheon and induction ceremony will be held during WVU Homecoming Weekend on Friday, October 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Erickson Alumni Center.

For further information on the B&E Roll of Distinguished Alumni, please visit http://be.wvu.edu/distinguished_alumni/index.htm. For further information on the WVU College of Business and Economics, visit www.be.wvu.edu.

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CONTACT: Patrick Gregg, College of Business and Economics
304.293.5131, Patrick.Gregg@mail.wvu.edu

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