Memphis – Christian Brothers University (CBU) will honor John Mitchell Graves as the 2012 Distinguished Alumnus and Mark Baricos as the 2012 Distinguished Young Alumnus at the Alumni Dinner & Celebration during Alumni Weekend October 6. Richard “Dick” Gadomski will also be honored at the dinner as the recipient of the prestigious Brother Lawrence Egbert Distinguished Service Award.
The Distinguished Alumnus Award, CBU’s highest award, was established in 1974 and recognizes an alumnus who graduated more than 10 years prior to being nominated. The Distinguished Young Alumnus Award was established in 1988 and recognizes an alumnus who graduated less than 10 years prior to being nominated. These awards are given to CBU graduates who have achieved a notable level of success in life, made significant contributions to their profession, supported the efforts of CBU, and contributed to society through public service and/or church activities.
Mitch Graves (‘83) has served as president and CEO of Methodist Healthcare’s Affiliated Services Division since June 2005. This division includes a variety of home health companies such as nursing and therapy, hospice, infusion and medical equipment. Affiliated is also comprised of a variety of outpatient services such as minor medical/urgent care centers, sleep centers, a dialysis center, diagnostic radiology centers, and five surgery centers.
Graves joined Methodist in 1988 as vice president of Consolidated Recovery Systems and Miracorp Financial Services. He also served as corporate director of Finance from 1994 to 2005.
Graves graduated from Christian Brothers University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Economics. He presently serves on the CBU Board of Trustees and the board of the United Methodist Neighborhood Centers as Past Chairman and Health Choice.
Mark Baricos (’02) has more than 10 years of public accounting experience and currently manages tax engagements for large privately-held and publicly-held companies. In addition, he runs the firm’s manufacturing segment where he is responsible for the strategy and profitability for the Memphis office. He became a manager at 27 and was made a partner this past July at the age of 30 with CBIZ/Thompson Dunavant.
Baricos graduated from Christian Brothers University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/ Accounting. Since graduation, he has returned to the CBU community serving on the alumni council and attending numerous alumni events. He has a deep respect for the University and the path that it has helped bring him down over the past 14 years.
The Brother Lawrence Egbert Distinguished Service Award is given to a person who has devoted extraordinary time and service to the University over a period of many years in a fashion that exemplifies the devotion of Brother Lawrence.
Dick Gadomski (‘62) became a member of the CBU Board of Trustees in 1979 and served as Chairman of the Board from 1984 to 1988. He then served on the Board from 1994 to 2000 and returned February 2001 where he continues to be actively involved. Since the 1970s, he also has been actively involved with the Alumni Association.
Gadomski founded the PSI Group of Companies in 1974 developing it into the largest engineering and construction firm in this region of the country. In 1998, he sold the group of companies to the German engineering conglomerate, Lurgi, staying on during the leadership transition before retiring from Lurgi PSI in 2001.
Gadomski is no stranger to the CBU Community. His generosity and impact can be seen in buildings on campus and the multiple scholarships that bear testimony to his life and devotion to the University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Chemistry from Christian Brothers University, a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Southern California, and an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service from CBU.
This year’s CBU Alumni Weekend is being held October 5-6, 2012 and will also be celebrating the Golden and Silver reunions for the graduating classes of 1962 and 1987, respectively.
To learn about all of the activities being held with CBU Alumni Weekend, visit http://www.cbu.edu/alumni/events.html or contact the Alumni office at alumni@cbu.edu.
