Page 1 - The Rhomer - Summer 2017

Summer 2017 | Sigma Alpha Mu, University of Illinois | Alumni Relations Office | P.O. Box 80828, Atlanta, Georgia 30366 | 770-903-3987
From the President
Alumni Spotlight Kenneth A. Hoffman ’76

Dear fellow Rho Editor’s Note: For this edition of the newsletter
Sammys, we’re shining the Spotlight on brother
Ken Hoffman ’76. From the hometown of
ummer is in full swing Chicago, Ken graduated with a degree in
Sand we are already biology at Illinois. He has recently retired
looking to the fall to inspire as Group President at Signode Industrial
gatherings that will bring Group after 29 years. During his time as an
alumni and active chapter active, Ken served the Rho Chapter as pledge
members together. father and social chairman. He continues to
volunteer his time today by working in the
We’re considering creating a few nonprofit arena – his greatest passion. Ken
consistent events for alumni – an event at is doing great things as board president for
the house during Homecoming, basketball the Les Turner ALS Foundation, and he was The Les Turner ALS Foundation hosted its annual
season, or a championship game. Please let recently honored with the Hope Through Hope Through Caring gala Feb. 25, honoring the
us know if you would be interested in getting Caring Award. Additionally, for the past 13 organization’s board president, Ken Hoffman, and
together. Our main goal is creating something years, he has served as vice chairman of Lake people living with ALS. Held at the Loews Hotel Chicago,
that brings the alumni and actives together. Forest Graduate School of Management. 500 guests attended the sold-out event celebrating the
th
If you haven’t been by the house lately, Outside of work, Ken enjoys travel, hiking, 40 anniversary of the foundation, one of the nation’s
we invite you to come by anytime. Though and golf. He and his wife Melissa have been largest independent ALS organizations. Ken was
presented with the Hope Through Caring Award.
we have made several capital improvements married for nearly 34 years, and they proudly
share two children, Rebecca and Michael.
over the years, the house currently has a few
needed repairs. The kitchen was forced to
close last year due to fraternal regulations. What are some of your best memories from being love the world of
The kitchen must be upgraded in order for an active member? manufacturing
us to serve food and meet compliance. This When I arrived at the U of I, I knew only one and production.
means that we must install a commercial person in the house. From day one, the brothers This apparently
grade kitchen which includes the following: made me feel welcomed. Some of my best was reflected in
• Nearly all new cooking equipment memories of that time center around the lifelong my work and
• New ceiling tiles and other beautification friendships that were started there. I became one
• More usable space and dry storage After graduation, what type of work did you do for of the youngest
Being able to provide meals at the Johnson & Johnson? managers in Ken and Sammy bros
house goes way beyond the food itself – it My start in the business world was a little less the facility. As I Buddy Blinick ’77 and Steve
is important to sustain, grow, and maintain conventional than many of my brothers. Within gained experience, Blumenthal ’77, circa 1973.
comradery. weeks of graduation, I moved to central Illinois to I received more
As repairs and upgrades are made this begin my career in manufacturing and operations opportunities and roles within the organization.
summer, I would like to remind you that last management. J&J provided great training and What type of leadership skills did you develop
summer – thanks to the alumni support of de v el opm e nt during this time?
our Annual Fund – we were able to replace for beginning Leadership to me has always been based on
the floor in the living room and install a new professionals and the establishment of trust and respect between me
first floor bathroom. Prior to that, in 2015 I took advantage and my team. That trust is the basis for creating
the plumbing was improved, we replaced the of everything they an environment of transparency to allow for the
dining room floor, and had the common areas had to offer. establishment of clear expectations and goals
painted (including ceiling fan and lighting How were you for team members. Early in my career, I learned
upgrades). able to advance so that a good leader always gives the credit to
Something is always going on at the house his team when things are going well and takes
and there is always a need. How can you show quickly at J&J? responsibility for the situations that don’t!
your support? Help us by contributing to the At the time
Rho Annual Fund. The Annual Fund not only when I started What achievements are you most proud of?
While I have had an extraordinary career in
helps us to maintain the house, but it also at J&J, I had business, I am most proud of my 34-year marriage
gives us the support we need to plan events Ken, circa 1973, at the Sammy no idea how
quickly I would
President (Continued on Page 4) house. Hoffman (Continued on Page 4)