CEO of Merit Medical Systems to Speak at WSU Commencement

OGDEN, Utah – Fred Lampropoulos, CEO of Merit Medical Systems, will deliver Weber State University’s spring commencement speech, April 29, 2022 at 8 a.m. in the Dee Events Center. Lampropoulos will also receive an honorary degree. 

Lampropoulos has been in the medical device industry for more than 30 years. He invented and owns more than 200 patents on devices used for diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of cardiac, peripheral, gastrointestinal and pulmonary conditions. These devices save an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 lives daily. 

Lampropoulous served as chairman and chief executive of Utah Medical before founding Merit in 1987, where he currently serves as chairman and chief executive officer.

A dedicated community servant, Lampropoulous supports several organizations through board memberships. Not only is his company highly decorated, but also he is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology, CEO of the Year, Salt Lake Chamber’s Giant in Our City and MountainWest Capital Network’s Entrepreneur of the Year. Lampropoulos is also a former Special Forces Officer and Honorary Colonel in the Utah National Guard and an inductee of the Utah Business Hall of Fame.

Also receiving honorary degrees are Jeff Stephens, Norma Kier and Kathy Mower.

Stephens, who is set to retire as superintendent of the Weber School District, earned his bachelor’s and his Master of Education from Weber State in 1993 before going on to earn his Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Utah State University. In 2021, Stephens was honored as Utah Superintendent of the Year, the first time for the district since 1989. His district leadership and involvement in local, state and professional organizations earned Stephens numerous recognitions, honors and awards. 

Norma Kier and her husband, Jim, arrived in Utah from Canada in 1957 with only $100 in their pockets. After years of saving, the two founded Kier Construction in 1961. By 1972, their company became known for constructing single and multi-family housing as well as commercial properties. Jim passed away in 2005, leaving Norma to serve as president of Kier Corporation, which recently celebrated 60 years in business, generating more than $135 million annually. The James E. Kier Memorial Scholarship supports WSU students majoring in construction management. In addition, Norma provides annual support for the Norma Kier Interior Design Scholarship and has a legacy gift in place that will fund the scholarship in perpetuity. 

Mower graduated from Weber State College in 1972 with a certificate of proficiency in office administration. The same year, she married her husband Barry, and they started their family and a new business venture – American Playworld Inc. In 1994, the two sold American Playworld to focus their attention on Lifetime Products, which the Mowers founded in 1986. Currently, Lifetime Products employs over 2,200 people worldwide with annual revenue of nearly $645 million. As an advocate for education, Kathy has made a difference at Weber State University in positively impacting the lives of its students.

Author:

Kennedy Jones, Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948 • kennedyjones1@weber.edu 

Contact:

Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu