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Honorary Alumni Award
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The Honorary Alumni Award honors individuals who have provided service and support of the University characteristic of a dedicated alum. The Association reserves this award to recognize the strongest non-alumni supporters of Michigan Tech.
Ross E. Roeder (’60) Chairman of the Board, Smart & Final, Inc. Los Angeles, California
Ross E. Roeder says his years at Michigan Tech
gave him "an edge" in graduate school and in his
career.Roeder studied at Tech from 1958-60 before transferring to Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. After serving in the US Army, he earned an MBA at UCLA.
Roeder is chairman of the board of Smart & Final, Inc., a warehouse chain that serves caterers as well as small businesses and restaurants. The firm operates in the western US and northern Mexico.
In a career of remarkable range, Roeder has led businesses in food service, restaurants, photodeveloping, construction, publishing, and consultation for emerging companies.
He maintains close ties with Michigan Tech. He is a charter member of the McNair Society of planned givers; a past president and life trustee of the Michigan Tech Fund; and a member of the National Advisory Board of the School of Business and Economics.
He has established an endowed scholarship for the SBE to encourage entrepreneurship and leadership. He remains a fervent fan and financial supporter of Michigan Tech's football program.
Roeder was a founding member of Tech's chapter of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity.
He was awarded the Michigan Tech Board of Control Silver Medal in 1986.
