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John H. McConnell

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other people named John McConnell, seeJohn McConnell (disambiguation).

John Henderson McConnell(May 10, 1923 – April 25, 2008) was the founder ofWorthington Industries,which manufactures processed steel products, pressure cylinders, and metal framing. He was the founder, majority owner, chairman, and governor of theColumbus Blue JacketsNHLteam. In addition, McConnell was a part of the ownership group of theAFL'sColumbus Destroyers,an early investor in theMLS'Columbus Crew,and minority owner of thePittsburgh Pirates.[1]

A native ofPughtown,West Virginia,McConnell served in the navy aboard the aircraft carrierUSSSaratogaduringWorld War II.He went on to receive a degree in Business Administration fromMichigan State Universityin 1949. As a young steel salesman, he foundedWorthington Industriesin 1955, using his car as collateral to purchase his first load of steel for custom processing. He remained chairman until 1996, and retired from the board of directors in 2002.[1]McConnell's son,John P. McConnell,succeeded McConnell as CEO of Worthington Industries in 1993, chairman of the board in 1996[2]and majority owner and governor of the Blue Jackets in 2008.

Among his philanthropic contributions was a donation of over $15 million to develop the McConnell Heart Health Center atRiverside Methodist Hospital.He also donated to promote the development of the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center, a community gathering/arts center named after his late wife. After bringing the NHL expansion franchise toColumbus,he helped establish the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation in March 2000 with the stated goal of helping improve the quality of life throughout central Ohio.[1]

McConnell was named theChief Executive Officerof the Year byFinancial WorldandIndustry Weekmagazines. He also received theHoratio Alger Award,theNational Football FoundationGold Medal Award, the Ohio Governor's Award, and the Golden Plate Award of theAmerican Academy of Achievement.[3]He was inducted into the Central Ohio Business Hall of Fame, the Columbus Hall of Fame, and the Junior Achievement National Business Hall of Fame.[1]

McConnell was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in East Lansing Lodge #480, Free and Accepted Masons in East Lansing, MI on October 4, 1948, where he was made a Life Member in 1988 and presented with his 50-year award in 1998.

A tribute to "Mr. Mac" was held atNationwide Arenafor the home opener of the2008–09 Columbus Blue Jackets season.The Blue Jackets defeated theNashville Predators5–3.[4]

References

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  1. ^abcdColumbus Blue Jackets - Team - John H. McConnell - 1923-2008Archived2008-09-07 at theWayback MachineAccessed 2008-10-17.
  2. ^Forbes.com
  3. ^"Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement".www.achievement.org.American Academy of Achievement.
  4. ^Columbus Blue Jackets - Recap: Nashville @ Columbus - 17 October 20082008-10-17. Accessed 2008-10-17.
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