Entrepreneur gives St. Thomas $10 million to support business ethics

Philadelphia energy industry entrepreneur Harry R. Halloran Jr. has given $10 million to the Opus College of Business to support its programs in corporate ethics and responsibility. Halloran is chairman and CEO of the American Refining Group Inc. and founder and CEO of Energy Unlimited Inc., two Pennsylvania-based companies. He also is the founder of…

Philadelphia energy industry entrepreneur Harry R. Halloran Jr. has given $10 million to the Opus College of Business to support its programs in corporate ethics and responsibility.

Halloran is chairman and CEO of the American Refining Group Inc. and founder and CEO of Energy Unlimited Inc., two Pennsylvania-based companies. He also is the founder of Halloran Philanthropies, an organization that supports efforts to enhance global business ethics, microfinance and community service.

“Over the past decade I have come to know and admire St. Thomas’ scholars and programs devoted to corporate ethics,” Halloran said. “The university and its OpusCollege of Business are leaders in this critically important field, and I am grateful to be able to support their efforts.”

Halloran’s donation to St. Thomas’ Opening Doors capital campaign will support work in corporate ethics and responsibility undertaken by two organizations in the Opus College of Business: the SAIP (Self-Assessment and Improvement Process) Institute and the Center for Ethical Business Cultures.

“This is a wonderful boost to what has been a longstanding emphasis of St. Thomas in the increasingly important discipline of business ethics,” said Father Dennis Dease, president of St. Thomas.

“Harry Halloran’s generous gift reflects his deep concern for the ethical and social impact of corporations,” said Dr. Christopher Puto, dean of the Opus College ofBusiness. “It ranks among the most significant contributions ever made to a university for business ethics, and it further enhances the strong position of the Opus College of Business within that discipline. With this gift we now have more substantial strengths inunderstanding, teaching, implementing and measuring ethical business practices.”

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