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Richard
Dauch, an alumnus and former Boilermaker football player, and his
wife, Sandy, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, are longtime Purdue
benefactors. They have given the University more than $9 million in
support for various projects in recent years.
Richard Dauch, a native of Norwalk, Ohio, is co-founder, chairman
of the board and chief executive officer of American Axle &
Manufacturing Holdings Inc. in Detroit. He earned his bachelor of
science in industrial management in 1964 and received an honorary
doctorate in management from Purdue in 1999. He was a fullback and
linebacker on the Boilermaker football team from 1961-63.
After graduating from Purdue, Dauch joined General Motors Corp.,
becoming the youngest plant manager in Chevrolet’s history.
In 1976, he moved to Volkswagen of America, where he served as vice
president of manufacturing. In 1980, he was recruited by Chrysler
Corp. Chairman Lee Iacocca to help upgrade that company’s
then-ailing manufacturing operations. He stayed with Chrysler until
he retired in 1991. Three years later, he co-founded American Axle
& Manufacturing, one of the world’s top 25 automotive
suppliers. He is the author of the book Passion for Manufacturing,
which was distributed in 80 countries in several languages and used
as textbook material at colleges and universities. |
The Dauch family has been generous to Purdue. A $1 million challenge
grant was instrumental in the creation of the Dauch Center for the
Management of Manufacturing Enterprises. They also pledged $6 million:
$5 million as a kickoff to the Krannert at the Frontier Campaign,
which Dauch chaired, and another $1 million for intercollegiate
athletics.
Sandy Dauch was born and raised in Ohio and came to Purdue with
her husband shortly after their marriage in 1960. She is active
as a school and community volunteer and as a supporter of Purdue
athletics. The couple has four children: two sons, twin daughters
who attended Purdue, and a son-in-law who is a Purdue graduate.
Their granddaughter is currently a Purdue freshman.
"Sandy and I love Purdue, and we believe in
its vision and future. This university has meant so much to our
lives and the lives of our family members. We are glad to be in
a position to share our blessings and bring together the people
who make Purdue great to build a center that will honor past success
and inspire future accomplishments."
--Richard Dauch
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