Lang Lecture Series
Established by Tom and Linda Lang With a Generous Gift in 2015
The lecture series was created to demonstrate, discuss and disseminate ideals of leadership to SDSU Fowler College of Business students, as well as the wider campus and business community. The Lang Lecture Series is aligned with the Fowler College of Business mission of promoting positive impact through ethical leadership, where ethical leadership is directed by respect for ethical beliefs and values (such as trust, honesty, consideration and fairness), and for the dignity and rights of others.
Lang Lecture Student Award
As part of the Lang Lecture Series, a student is selected to receive a $1,000 stipend that honors their dedication, commitment and achievement in ethical leadership. The awardee is identified by the Thomas and Evelyn Page Dean of the Fowler College of Business, based upon a review of students who meet the ideals of the Lang Lecture Series.
About Linda Lang
Linda Lang (MBA, ’91) is a graduate of SDSU’s College of Business, and has more than twenty-nine years of experience in marketing, operations, new product development, supply chain and financial management. After joining Jack in the Box in 1984, she held various positions of increasing responsibility in marketing, operations and finance, including officer- level positions since 1996. In 2003 Linda became President and Chief Operating Officer and from 2005 to 2014, she served as Chairman of the Board and CEO. As Chairman and CEO, Linda transformed the Jack in the Box, Inc. business model to benefit from increased franchise ownership of the Jack in the Box brand and significantly expanded its Qdoba Mexican Grill concept.
Linda served on the board of directors for the Fowler College of Business. Previously, she served on the Board of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and was appointed by the Governor of California to serve as a Trustee of the California State University System from 2006 to 2009. Linda has also served as a member of the Corporate Directors Forum and has been an active supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior Achievement, YMCA, Preuss School and the Veterans Center at San Diego State University.
Inaugural Event
December 5, 2018 Featuring Garry Ridge, CEO WD-40 Company
The inaugural event for the Lang Lecture Series took place on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 and featured the CEO of WD-40 Company, Garry Ridge. As chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors of WD-40 Company, Garry Ridge is responsible for developing and implementing high-level strategies, all operations, and the oversight of all relationships and partnerships for the company. Garry is passionate about the learning and empowering organizational culture he has helped establish at the WD-40 Company, and his vision and leadership have positively impacted the WD-40 Company in both measurable and immeasurable ways.
Garry joined WD-40 Company in 1987 and has held various management positions in the company, including executive vice president and chief operating officer, and vice president of international. He has worked directly with WD-40 Company in over 50 countries. In 1997, he was appointed president and chief executive officer of WD-40 Company. Garry is also an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego where he teaches leadership development, talent management, and succession planning in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership program. Garry holds a certificate in Modern Retailing and wholesale distribution and a Master of Science in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego.
