Distinguished Lecturer Luncheon

More than 100 faculty, staff, students and members of the School of Management board of overseers attended the SOM’s annual Distinguished Lecturer Series
luncheon on October 24, 2003. The keynote speaker was Florida Tech alumnus Yasuji Yasuharu Wakura, CEO of Asahi group and vice president of Asahi Light
Metal Industry Co., Ltd., in Osaka City, Japan. He discussed the developments in the Asahi group, which is a diversified company with divisions in health
care, real estate, trading, manufacturing and amusements. The group has 1,000 employees and a total sales volume of U.S. $200 million a year. Mr. Wakura
caught the attention of his audience with his demonstration of “liquid metal,” a new product his company is developing. Mr. Wakura received a master’s
degree in management science and system management from Florida Tech. He was awarded Florida Tech’s first President Medal in 1993. The Distinguished
Lecturer Series is designed to enhance communications between successful executives and students interested in the management practices of public and
private enterprises. Selection of the speakers is the responsibility of the School of Management Board of Overseers.