Webster's B-School Honors Distinguished Alumni

When it comes to adding up the keys to success, SBT's outstanding alumnus Don Huonker says Webster University provided him with the direction needed to find the road "best" traveled.

"Without a roadmap to guide me through today's constantly changing economic conditions, I rely on my Webster experience to help find the opportunities created by difficult times."

Don Huonker, the Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Services for U.S.’s largest drugstore chain Walgreens, began his rising career with the company in 1995 and never looked back. He didn’t have to. His MBA from Webster steered him in the right direction.

"The honor helps me reflect on how instrumental my experiences at Webster were in helping me progress within the business world."

-- Don Huonker, Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Services, Walgreens

"I believe one of the key learnings from my experience at Webster is to look at every business challenge as an opportunity," says Mr. Huonker. "Through our discussions and case studies we learned that successful businesses cannot stand still but must continue to innovate and challenge the status quo," he adds.

Mr. Huonker’s constant strive to improve himself and his business has made him invaluable to Walgreens which plans on opening its 7000 store by 2010 and was ranked by Forbes magazine as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies just last month.

"Don is a classic example of how hard work, education and drive can lead to a rewarding career," say Kermit Crawford, Walgreens Senior Vice President of Pharmacy. "He’s proven that if you work hard and see the big picture, you can move up within a company and ultimately help shape where that company goes in the future. Don is finding innovative ways to help our pharmacists better serve patients and each day, he uses life lessons to advance this important field."

The School of Business & Technology will recognize Don Huonker as our 2009 Alumni of the Year and will be honored at Webster’s Commencement Saturday May 9, 2009. Don Huonker represents the best of Webster and the transformational capacity that is enabled.

"It is an unbelievable honor to be selected as the 2009 Alumnus of the Year," says Mr. Huonker. "The honor helps me reflect on how instrumental my experiences at Webster were in helping me progress within the business world. Webster did an outstanding job of preparing me for increasingly complex roles and for that I am extremely grateful."

"We are proud of Don’s accomplishments," says Dean Akande, "And we believe that more success awaits him in the future."

Coming Next Week - NotaBene 2009: Crisis & Change

The SBT magazine dedicated to opportunities and challenges that come from change and crisis.