Board approves honorary doctorate for alumnus Perna Sigurdi; award to be made at May commencement

The Tennessee Tech Board of Trustees voted unanimously to award an honorary Doctor of Finance to alumnus and former trustee Perna Sigurdi and approved his appearance as the May commencement speaker.

The board chair read Tennessee Tech Policy 268 (honorary degrees) aloud — criteria include sustained professional achievement and that current trustees, faculty and staff are generally ineligible — before President Philip Oldham and Provost Bruce presented the recommendation. Oldham said Sigurdi, a 1982 chemical engineering alumnus with an MBA from the Wharton School, rose through a long career in investment banking, served in senior roles at Merrill Lynch and Bank of America, and has advised international organizations. The nomination letter, read to the board, noted the special committee chaired by the provost unanimously recommended Sigurdi.

Trustee Stites moved the nomination and it was seconded. After brief remarks from trustees who had served with Sigurdi, the board took a roll call vote: Trustees Jones, Lowery, Luna, Lynn, Rose, Rudd, Sykes and Chair Harper recorded “Aye.” The motion passed.

President Oldham said the university will present the honorary degree and Sigurdi will serve as the commencement speaker in May; staff noted Sigurdi had been informed that the award was being considered. The board’s discussion repeatedly cited Sigurdi’s long professional career and prior service on the board as reasons for the nomination.

No dissenting votes or conditions were recorded in the meeting minutes provided to the trustees.