Chairman and CEO of Marathon Pharmaceuticals and CEO of Paragon Pharmaceutical Capital is one of only four recipients worldwide
April 12, 2016, DeKalb, IL – Jeffrey S. Aronin, a graduate of Northern Illinois University College of Business, has been selected to receive a 2016 Medallion for Entrepreneurship from Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society.
Aronin is one of only four nationwide recipients this year of the Beta Gamma Sigma Medallion for Entrepreneurship. Recognized as an innovator in business with extensive experience leading private, private equity-backed, and public companies, including three pharmaceutical companies he built, he currently serves as chairman and CEO of Marathon Pharmaceuticals and CEO of Paragon Pharmaceutical Capital. Marathon Pharmaceuticals is a prescription pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-need pharmaceutical products for patients with rare diseases.
“Jeff Aronin is incredibly deserving of this award,” said Dr. Denise Schoenbachler, dean of the College of Business at Northern Illinois University. “He’s a successful biopharmaceutical entrepreneur, civic leader and philanthropist…all of which epitomizes NIU’s ideals of making an impact and career success. Jeff makes a positive difference, not only in his professional life but also in his personal life where he devotes his energies and resources to supporting patient advocacy organizations, emerging biotech businesses, science education, and social tolerance.”
“The Medallion for Entrepreneurship is awarded annually to outstanding individuals who combine innovative business achievement with service to humanity and we are pleased to present this award to Jeffrey Aronin,” said Christina Carosella, CEO of Beta Gamma Sigma, which has more than 560 collegiate chapters and 30 alumni chapters. Founded in 1913, BGS is the oldest international business honor society and has inducted more than 775,000 outstanding students around the world.
Aronin, who received his bachelor degree in marketing from NIU and an MBA in marketing management from DePaul University, is a biopharmaceutical entrepreneur, civic leader and philanthropist. His success in developing pharmaceutical treatments for people with rare diseases, and personal commitment to underserved patients, has brought hope to those with few or no treatment options.
For the past decade, he has also served on top-level corporate boards, overseeing growth strategies, risk management, and corporate transactions for public, private and non-profit corporations. He serves on the board of directors of public and private companies, including Discover Financial Services (NYSE), one of the nation’s largest financial services companies, as well as the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Science and Industry. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed him to key positions to enhance economic development and entrepreneurship in the City. He is co-chair of ChicagoNEXT and chair of ChicagoNEXT’s bioscience committee where he is spearheading development of the new health technology startup center MATTER.
About Beta Gamma Sigma
Beta Gamma Sigma, the global honor society serving higher education business programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), has more than 560 collegiate chapters and 30 alumni chapters.
Founded in 1913, BGS is the oldest international business honor society and has inducted more than 775,000 outstanding students around the world. Members residing in all 50 states and more than 160 countries serve in management and leadership roles in academic, corporate, government, nonprofit and professional service sectors. More information is available at www.betagammasigma.org.
About Northern Illinois University College of Business
Where the Classroom Meets the Business World
NIU’s College of Business is nationally recognized in academic and industry circles for its teaching, research, and public service. We are distinguished by our student-centered approach combined with our ability to narrow the gap between thinking and achieving. Among the ways we demonstrate this is by providing students with broad academic excellence combined with hands-on learning situations in actual organizations. We are recognized for our active engagement in the Chicago business community as well as for our nationally and world-renowned faculty, the majority of whom served as business professionals before earning their PhDs. Our prominent alumni include those who hold leadership positions in Fortune and global companies, as well as numerous successful entrepreneurs in a multitude of industries. Fully accredited by AACSB International since 1969, we have ranked continuously among the best business schools in the nation. We serve the Midwest, nation, and global business community by fostering intellectual and character development in students, as well as addressing business and societal issues through the transfer and application of knowledge. For more information on the Northern Illinois University College of Business, visit cob.niu.edu.
