Gary Benjamin Wins Award
By Jennifer Crawford, LSSU PR Student Writer SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University’s College of Business, Economics and Legal Studies has presented its distinguished alumnus award to former LSSU Board Trustee Gary Benjamin, current president and chief operating officer of Champion, Inc., in Iron Mountain, Mich.
The award recognizes Benjamin’s work ethic and leadership in several executive positions and community improvement endeavors. He is an active member of the Iron Mountain Rotary Club, Chippewa Club, Pine Grove Country Club, American Society of Testing and Materials ,AGC's National Union Contractors Committee, and member of American Martyrs Church. Benjamin graduated in the first class to earn a bachelor’s degree from Lake Superior State in 1970, with a major in business administration.
Benjamin was a member of the men’s basketball team, lettering four years (’66-’70), and continues to support Laker basketball as a member of the Cager Club.
Benjamin accepted his award on April 28 during an annual recognition dinner in Sault Ste. Marie that honors outstanding business, economics, and legal studies graduates. Business and Economics Professor Madan Saluja presented the citation, which has been given to notable alums since 2001.
“Gary can be described as a natural leader, a change agent, a results-oriented person, and an excellent listener and communicator,” Saluja said. “We are but one department on this campus, but our alums have achieved the most success in the private as well as the public sector. Some have gone to become CEOs and presidents as well as members of various governing boards and organizations.”
In accepting the award, Benjamin highlighted his continued links to Lake Superior State and shared what he considers the top points of character such, as integrity, helpfulness, and courtesy.
Benjamin has been married thirty-six years to his LSSU sweetheart, Dolores Douglas. Gary and Dee live in Iron Mountain and have two grown children, Douglas and Heather. Douglas lives and works in Bethesda, Maryland, with his wife Amanda and daughter Delaney. Heather is an LSSU alum employed by the international accounting firm KPMG in Chicago. Gary and Dee are charter life members of the LSSU Alumni Association and are strong supporters of the College of Business and Economics as well as the University.
Benjamin took a job with Champion following graduation in 1970. During his tenure with Champion, he has held several executive business positions. He was elected president and chief operating officer, and member of the office of the CEO, in 1999. Champion, Inc., is a privately held holding company composed of five business units, including Gundlach Champion, Inc., Champion Charter Sales & Service, and Champion Concrete. The Champion, Inc., family of companies has offices in seven states.
Benjamin served on the Lake State Board of Trustees from 2002 to 2004. LSSU President Betty Youngblood spoke briefly after the presentation saying, “Gary didn’t have enough time on the board and I hope he is re-appointed in the future.”
Benjamin’s daughter, Heather, also spoke to the outgoing class. She assured students that, “Lake Superior State University may be small, but the education you will receive is second to none.” Both she and her father emphasized the importance of three factors for success: Have a positive attitude, be open to change and maintain flexibility, and dedicate yourself to lifelong learning.”
She concluded, “If you wake up in the morning and thank God for another wonderful day, you’ll start every day with a positive attitude.”