Look Who Stopped By!

Bill Strong

Thanks for stopping by Bill!  ​

This year's Business Leadership Award, the school's highest honor, was presented to William H. Strong, who earned his BSIM degree from Purdue in 1973. Strong began his career with Price Waterhouse & Co. in Chicago before moving into investment banking. Over the next 40 years, he held senior roles at Salomon Brothers and Morgan Stanley. His work spanned global financial centers — including New York, London and Chicago — before he concluded his full-time career in Hong Kong as co-CEO of Morgan Stanley's businesses in Asia. In that role, he oversaw roughly 5,000 professionals and served on the firm's Global Management Committee.

Since retiring in 2019, Strong has remained active in private equity and venture capital. Beyond business, he has made significant contributions to education, the arts and national service, serving on numerous prestigious boards, including the Navy SEAL Foundation and the Hudson Institute.

Receiving the award was a meaningful moment for Strong, who credits Purdue as a foundation for his success and for shaping his personal and professional growth. "To me, it validates my choice to go to Purdue," he says. "It showed me a bigger world and helped illuminate my path forward."

Looking back on his career, Strong doesn't point to a specific accolade but rather meaningful moments — particularly during the 2008 financial crisis when he helped major clients navigate turbulent times. "We came up with unique ideas. That was very fulfilling," he says.

Strong champions leading by example and building trust. "I wouldn't ask anybody to do anything that I wouldn't do myself," he says, emphasizing his commitment to supporting his team despite the demanding hours of investment banking. He also fostered an open-door policy, encouraging colleagues to share anything with confidence. "I was a free resource, which helped create a workplace built on mutual respect and accountability," he says.

Reflecting on the award and his return to campus, Strong expresses his gratitude and enthusiasm for engaging with students. "Once I get here, I always learn something," he says. "I always feel like I get as much out of these visits as they do."

Bill with the Brothers of Acacia