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RECIPIENTS WILLIAM
J. AVERY
During his tenure as CEO and Chairman, sales jumped from $1.5 billion to almost $8 billion. Today, Crown is the world's premier manufacturer of packaging products for consumer goods, counting Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Nestle and Pillsbury among its largest customers and employing tens of thousands in over 50 countries around the globe. When not carrying out his numerous responsibilities as head of an international corporation, Bill Avery is one of the most generous supporters, both financially and in terms of time and energy, of charitable, educational, cultural and other not-for-profit organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region. He is cofounder with Governor Tom Ridge of Team Pennsylvania, and has been actively involved in raising funds for the construction of the Regional Performing Arts Center and the National Constitution Center. In addition, he serves as chairman of the board of the Franklin Institute Science Museum and Greater Philadelphia First. Reflecting upon his career in manufacturing and how it provided him with so many opportunities, he co-founded Philadelphia Area Accelerated Manufacturing Education, Inc. (PhAME), an economic development organization that offers a rigorous 61-week training program in manufacturing skills. He serves as chairman of the board and has committed significant personal resources to this effort to provide individuals with life-altering skills and the region with a desperately needed pool of highly trained workers. He has also provided leadership and resources for Project Home, an inspirational advocacy group that provides counseling and transitional housing for the homeless. He has received numerous distinguished awards, including the William Penn Award in 2000 from the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Vision for Philadelphia 2000 Award from Philadelphia Hospitality, Inc., and Citizen of the Year Award in 1998 from the American Red Cross. The Fox School of Business and Management proudly recognizes Bill Avery for exemplifying how working hard and smart, with your head and your heart, positively impacts not only your own life but also the life of your colleagues and your community. |
2000
Excellence in Teaching Excellence
in Research Excellence
in Faculty Service Excellence
in Administrative Service Excellence
in Student Leadership Excellence
in Alumni Achievement
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Bill
Avery began his career at Crown, Cork & Seal in 1959 as a management
trainee while attending night school at the University of Chicago.
With his steadfast work ethic and strong people skills, he moved
quickly through the ranks of the Philadelphia-based company, working
in both operations and sales. He and his family moved to Philadelphia
in 1974 when he was named Corporate Vice President of Sales. In
1980 he became President and COO and, in 1990, CEO and Chairman
of the Board.
