One of this year’s honorees is Donald G. Southwell (BA ’73) of Wayne, Ill., chairman of the board of Kemper Corp. (former Unitrin), one of the nation’s leading financial services providers specializing in insurance for families and small businesses. He has been the director of the company since 2002, has served as Chairman of the Board since 2010, and has served as President and CEO since 2006.
Mr. Southwell will be returning to campus during Homecoming weekend to accept his award. In preparation for his visit, Mr. Southwell had some words of advice for current students and recent graduates
“Find something you like to do and do it well. Earning more than you make is the best job security. If you increase your contributions, the pay will follow.”
Southwell previously served as President of Prudential Insurance & Financial Services and Chairman of the Prudential Property and Casualty Company.
In 2009, Southwell received the Department of Mathematics Outstanding Alumni Award. He has been a member of the WMU President’s Society, a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, a Chartered Life Underwriter, and a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter. He is also a loyal supporter of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. Southwell holds a Bachelor of Art in Mathematics from WMU and was a member of the Lee Honors College.
In celebration of 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award reception, MyWMU.com is featuring each honoree. To view the Q&A from Wendell Christoff (BS ’68), click here. Daniel J. Martin (BA ’76) will be featured next week. In the meantime, click here to learn more about the Distinguished Alumni Award.