Establishes ‘The Toro Company-David M. Lilly Faculty Chair’ at the
University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and Dedicates
‘David M. Lilly Learning Center’ at the company’s headquarters
BLOOMINGTON, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 27, 2015--
To honor the legacy of David M. Lilly, The Toro Company’s fourth
president and former Dean of what now is the University of Minnesota
Carlson School of Management, and in recognition of the company’s
long-standing partnership with the University of Minnesota, Toro today
announced the establishment of The Toro Company-David M. Lilly
Faculty Chair. At an event held at the company’s headquarters in
Bloomington, Minnesota, Toro also made the official dedication of the David
M. Lilly Learning Center in further recognizing Lilly’s leadership
and lifelong passion for learning.
Joining Michael J. Hoffman, Toro’s chairman and chief executive officer,
as he reflected on Lilly’s role in helping shape the company’s success
and his contributions to the greater Twin Cities community was Lilly’s
immediate family – along with President Eric W. Kaler of the University
of Minnesota, Sri Zaheer, Dean of the Carlson School, and other local
dignitaries.
“David was a true visionary and legendary leader that literally
transformed our company and the industries we serve,” said Hoffman. “He
exemplified our culture through the personal value he placed on others,
and his relentless commitment to research and innovation. Beyond Toro,
he gave tirelessly of his time and efforts to the academic community,
along with countless civic and philanthropic causes. Through the
establishment of this chair, and dedication of the David M. Lilly
Learning Center, we want to recognize David’s tremendous contributions
to all of those he influenced and continue his legacy for years to come.”
The endowed chair is established through a grant of $2 million from The
Toro Company and Melrose/Toro Community Fund. The grant will go to
assisting the University of Minnesota in recruiting and retaining
outstanding faculty members in the Carlson School, and help further
support advancements in teaching, research and service.
“David was a man who provided positive energy wherever he went,” said
President Kaler. “The University of Minnesota benefitted greatly from
his time, experience and leadership. And, while Minnesota has lost a
titan, his legacy lives on and will continue to have an impact on
others.”
“While more than 30 years ago, David’s role as Dean of the Carlson
School is still felt today,” said Zaheer. “Among his many contributions,
David helped create close partnerships with the Twin Cities corporate
community, a seminal development that continues to serve as the
foundation of the school’s success and global reach.”
Serving as Toro’s president for nearly two decades (1950-1968), Lilly
also held the position as Toro’s chairman until 1976 when he went to
Washington D.C. to serve as governor of the Federal Reserve Board. At
the end of his term, he returned to the Twin Cities and became Dean of
what now is the Carlson School before later being appointed as the
University’s vice president for finance and operations.
Toro’s relationship with the University of Minnesota dates back to 1930
when, at the University’s request, Toro built a power roller for their
tennis courts. Over the years, Toro has continued its long-standing
partnership with the University collaborating on research in areas such
as turfgrass and water use efficiency, supporting graduate students,
donating equipment to the turf management program and engaging in
advisory boards, among other efforts.
About The Toro Company
The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a
leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor
environment including turf, snow and ground engaging equipment, and
irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions. With sales of $2.2 billion in
fiscal 2014, Toro’s global presence extends to more than 90 countries.
Through constant innovation and caring relationships built on trust and
integrity, Toro and its family of brands have built a legacy of
excellence by helping customers care for golf courses, landscapes,
sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential
properties and agricultural fields. For more information, visit www.toro.com.
About The University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management
Established
in 1919, the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota
is a recognized leader in global business education and research. Its
focus on experiential learning, international education, and engagement
with the business community exemplify the school’s commitment to
excellence. Today, it has more than 4,400 students and 144 full-time
faculty and operates in more than 29 foreign countries. An alumni body
of more than 53,000 contributes to the success of businesses and
communities in 95 countries and all 50 states.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150527006191/en/
Source: The Toro Company
The Toro Company
Branden Happel, 952-887-8930
Senior Manager,
Public Relations
branden.happel@toro.com
or
University
of Minnesota
Johnny Thompson, 612-625-8567
Executive Director,
Strategic Communications
thom3374@umn.edu
