The NDSU College of Business has named John Erickson as the 2009 Distinguished Alumnus. The announcement, usually made in the spring, was postponed due to flooding.

Erickson will give a presentation on Friday, Nov. 6, at 10:30 a.m. in the AgCountry Auditorium (room 140) at Richard H. Barry Hall. A reception and award presentation are scheduled for 1:15 p.m. in the Dean’s Suite (room 102).

Erickson, president and chief executive officer, of Otter Tail Corp. in Fergus Falls, Minn., earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from NDSU in 1980. He leads Otter Tail’s executive team, providing direction for the corporation by setting organizational strategy, fostering and entrepreneurial culture and defining the vision, mission and values.

Also a certified public accountant, he has been part of the Otter Tail organization for more than 25 years. He joined the organization at an analyst in the rate department. He was named executive vice president in 2000 and appointed president in 2001. He assumed chief executive officer duties in 2002.

He is an active community volunteer and serves on the boards of Lake Region Healthcare Corporation and the NDSU Alumni Association. He also serves on the boards of Texas-based Optim Energy and the Edison Electric Institute.

For more information, contact Roxann Williams at roxann.williams@ndsu.edu or 1-8235.