Alan K. Ruvelson

Outstanding Achievement Award Recipient

Carlson School of Management, June 21, 2001

Alan K. (Buddy) Ruvelson: Buddy Ruvelson graduated from the University in 1936 with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He has lived his life as a pioneer and a bridge builder, in business and in larger society. His involvement with and interest in the growth of small business continued to grow after President Eisenhower appointed him as the regional field advisor for the new Small Business Administration in 1953. In 1959 he founded First Midwest Capital Corporation, one of the nation's first venture capital companies, to provide funding for small companies that could not access the public markets. Throughout his career he has been a tireless supporter of emerging growth companies in Minnesota. He was an early advocate establishing rural focused venture capital funds such as Northeast Ventures and Minnesota Technology, Inc.'s Equity Fund program. Minnesota Technology's Equity Fund program is now Minnesota Investment Network Corporation (MIN-Corp.), a community development venture capital organization focusing primarily on rural Minnesota. Ruvelson has served on numerous civic boards and professional organizations including St. Mary's Hospital, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Foundation for Minnesota Progress. He also served four Minnesota governors (from both parties) as a member of the state's Advisory Commission on Economic Development. The All-University Honors Committee strongly endorsed the awarding of an Outstanding Achievement Award to Alan K. (Buddy) Ruvelson from the University of Minnesota.

Biographies are as-of time of award presentation.