It is Taylor’s privilege each year to confer honorary doctorates upon exceptional servant-leaders who are both exemplars of faithful service in their fields and professions as well as role models for our students in how they can reflect a heart for Christ while still striving for excellence in their own vocation and calling. This fall we look forward to recognizing three such individuals: Pat Gelsinger, Dayton Molendorp, and Teresa Wagler.
Pat Gelsinger is an American business executive and engineer known for his long tenure at Intel, where he served as CEO from 2021 to 2024. Gelsinger played a pivotal role in developing the i486 microprocessor and later became Intel’s Chief Technology Officer, leading advancements in Wi-Fi, USB, and processor technologies. After leaving Intel in 2009, he held leadership roles at EMC and VMware before returning as CEO in 2021 to lead a massive turnaround effort of Intel’s manufacturing and market position. As CEO, Gelsinger spearheaded Intel’s expansion into semiconductor manufacturing, announcing major investments in fabrication plants in the U.S. and Europe. His leadership aimed to regain technological parity with competitors like TSMC and Samsung, earning praise from investors and policymakers. He also advised the Biden administration on semiconductor policy and supported the CHIPS and Science Act.
A devout Christian, Gelsinger has been active in philanthropic and faith-based initiatives, including Transforming the Bay with Christ. Gelsinger and his wife, Linda, have four children and are known for their charitable work, including supporting disaster relief medical teams and Christian education initiatives.
Dayton Molendorp is a seasoned executive with nearly four decades of experience in the insurance and financial services industry. After earning a degree in mathematics and business administration from Westmar College, he served in the U.S. Air Force before launching his career at Mutual Security Life. In 1987, he joined OneAmerica affiliate AUL, where he played a pivotal role in expanding individual insurance operations and introducing fixed annuities. He was named CEO of OneAmerica in 2004 and led the company through a period of significant growth and resilience during the Great Recession, more than doubling its assets under administration.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Molendorp is actively involved in numerous civic and business organizations. He serves on the boards of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, and several nonprofit and investment groups. Committed to his faith and community, he and his wife Trudy are active members of College Park Church in Indianapolis, where they continue to support initiatives in education, business, and public service.
Theresa Wagler is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Steel Dynamics. Wagler has a number of community affiliations and board memberships; she is Director of the Steel Dynamics Foundation, Director and Chair of CF Industries Holdings Inc., member of the Board of Trustees for Trine University, and Director at Large for Metals Service Center Institute.
Wagler graduated from Taylor in 1993, but her commitment to her alma mater has only grown since she graduated. Wagler has spoken in chapel for the Rick Seaman lecture series as well as participated in Taylor’s Executive Speaker Series. Her servant-leadership extends beyond Taylor as she is personally involved in numerous charitable and community organizations, with a focus on areas that benefit children through education, growth opportunities and services.
