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Manchester University to honor Steve Ford at 2020 Commencement


Steve FordAs president and chief executive officer of the Ford Meter Box Co. in Wabash, Ind., Steve Ford reflects the best of corporate and servant leadership.

Manchester University will honor him on Saturday, May 16, at both the morning and afternoon commencement exercises. He will be awarded an honorary doctorate at the afternoon undergraduate ceremony.

 “Steve Ford is an advocate for the Wabash community – supporting education, arts and culture, youth development and economic development,” said Manchester University President Dave McFadden.

He is a past president of the Wabash Area Chamber of Commerce, the Honeywell Foundation, Wabash County United Fund, Wabash Community Service and the Wabash Kiwanis Club.  He is a past director of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, the Community Foundation of Wabash County and ARC of Wabash County. He was named the Wabash Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen in 2011.

Ford served eight years as a Manchester University trustee, and his wife, Lisa, is currently on the Board of Trustees. They live in Wabash with their sons, Rob, Dave and Grant.

A lifelong resident of Wabash, Ford graduated from Wabash High School before earning a degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University. After graduate studies at the University of Illinois, he returned to his hometown to work in the family business, Ford Meter Box Company Inc.

The company is a leading manufacturer of water meter setting and testing equipment, service line valves and fittings, as well as pipeline repair and restraint products for the waterworks industry.   Produced in Indiana and Alabama, these products help deliver clean water critical to public health and economic development across North America and around the globe.

For the media

Office of the President: 260-982-5285
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About Manchester
With campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., Manchester University offers more than 70 areas of academic study to 1,400 students in undergraduate programs,a Master of Accountancy, a Master of Science in pharmacogenomics, a Master of Athletic Training a four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy degree and a four-year dual degree in pharmacy and pharmacogenomics. Learn more about the private, northern Indiana school at www.manchester.edu

Our mission
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.


February 2020