Franklin Businessman honored at Lipscomb University
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| President Steve Flatt (left) presented Ronnie Ferguson (center) the "Christian Business Leader of the Year" award during chapel. In attendance to congratulate Ferguson was Kenny Perry (right). |
Ferguson, who has been recognized in recent weeks as the benefactor who ignited Kenny Perry's success on the PGA tour, was honored for his model of commitment to his church, family and his entrepreneurship, said Lipscomb University President Steve Flatt as he addressed the student body during chapel.
"As a Christian university we want to present models to our students that are good stewards of everything God places in their hands. Ronnie is exemplary at doing just that," said Flatt.
"Ronnie gives so much of his time and money. He sponsored Kenny as a friend and asked him to donate a percentage of what he made to Lipscomb," said Flatt.
Ferguson was presented a plaque in honor of his selection as the 2004 Christian Business Leader of the Year during chapel on Wednesday.
"I really appreciate this honor," said Ferguson. "Lipscomb is family to me. This school works hard to prepare students for life but more importantly, it prepares them for living."
Ferguson, a 1962 business graduate from Lipscomb University, is past stockholder and president of Franklin Laundry Dust-Tex Service Inc. Ferguson is a current stockholder of Global Specialty Cleaners Inc. and Life@Home Inc. He is also vice-chairman of the trustees of Potter Children's Home and Family Ministries in Bowling Green, Ky.; a past board member and president of Franklin Chamber of Commerce; past director of Simpson County Bank and Mid-South Bancorp Inc.; and is a past board member and president of Dust-Tex International Association.
He is a longtime member of the Franklin church of Christ and serves the church as an elder. A 1958 graduate of Franklin-Simpson High School, Ferguson is also a facilitator for the city and county CHARACTER COUNTS! Program.
In 1985, Ferguson loaned Perry $5,000 for a final attempt at earning his PGA tour card. In return, Ferguson asked that Perry not repay the money, but instead give a percentage of his tour winnings to Lipscomb University. They agreed on five percent and Perry has maintained that commitment since. Perry was on hand to congratulate Ferguson on his award.
The Christian Business Leader of the Year is an annual award at Lipscomb, which seeks to present to students role models who have lived by Christian principles and have been highly successful in business. The award is presented by the university's College of Business.