Jeno F. Paulucci

Doctor of Laws

University of Minnesota, Duluth, May 16, 2009

Jeno F. Paulucci is described as one of the nation's most influential business leaders and an internationally recognized entrepreneur, activist and humanitarian. Over the course of more than 70 years, he created, financed or led more than 50 privately held companies, creating numerous brands and thousands of jobs in Minnesota and across the country. He and his family are credited with developing the planned city of Heathrow near Orlando, Florida, and the launching of eight Republic Banks. He is the founder of NEMO, Inc., the North Eastern Minnesota Organization for Economic Education, which led to the passing of the Taconite Amendment and the revival of the iron ore industry; he has served as a presidential economic advisor for more than five decades; and he is the founder of the National Italian American Foundation in Washington, D.C., which has served as a cultural and educational hub and a voice for the nation's 25 million Italian Americans. In addition, he is the recipient of many honors and awards including, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, U.S. Employer of the Year by the President's Council, and he was inducted into the World Entrepreneur of the Year Academy in Monte Carlo, Monaco.