John “Jack” Beeson Jr., Executive MBA Class of 1999, is the retired senior vice president and former head of global capital markets at Wilmington Trust Company. A proud alumnus of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics and a dedicated member of the Lerner Dean’s Advisory Board and Executive Mentoring Program, Jack, along with his wife, Sue, continues to make a lasting impact on the UD community.
The Beesons recently made a generous $50,000 gift to the Student Success and Professional Development Initiative and have also established an endowed scholarship in the Lerner College. Grateful and proud to be Lifelong Lerners, Jack and Sue’s ongoing support exemplifies their commitment to empowering the next generation of business leaders.
Lerner: Why did you decide to pursue your program at the Lerner College?
Beeson: I decided to pursue my program at Lerner because I felt my career needed a boost. I wanted to test myself and improve my discipline.
Lerner: What did you learn through this opportunity that you wouldn’t have learned anywhere else?
Beeson: Through this opportunity, I learned I could handle pressure in any situation. My confidence greatly improved because of it.
Lerner: Please share an example of a course or concept that you were able to apply directly to your life and/or career.
Beeson: As a leader of 500 staff, I learned to balance priorities between people, finance, controls and the business. A focus on each would enhance my leadership skills.
Lerner: Describe an important connection you have made through your program (personal, professional, peers, mentors, professors, etc.)
Beeson: An important connection I made was Former UD Professor Don Puglisi and his team, who became friends and a client.
Lerner: If you were to describe your classmates in one word, what would that be?
Beeson: Diverse
Lerner: Fill in this sentence: “My program helped me become…”
Beeson: a more disciplined and thoughtful leader.
Lerner: What piece(s) of advice would you give to current UD students?
Beeson: My advice would be to know you are being watched and that every day you are creating your personal brand.
Lerner: What are your professional plans or next steps for the future?
Beeson: My professional plans include continuing to support the university in many ways and contributing to the Lerner Advisory Board.
Lerner: What piece(s) of advice do you have for fellow businesspeople?
Beeson: One piece of advice I would give fellow businesspeople is to treat everyone with care and respect.
Lerner: What does it mean to you to be a Lifelong Lerner?
Beeson: To me, being a Lifelong Lerner means having gratefulness and pride in what we stand for.
Lerner: Is there any additional information you would like to add?
Beeson: Speaking of pride, I was honored to have been named the Lerner “Fabulous 50” Alumni Award. This award honors MBA alumni who have made significant contributions to their industries and communities, are pioneers and innovators, and possess outstanding leadership and management skills.