Builder of one of the largest African American-owned companies in America
Mamon M. Powers Jr. earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1970. After briefly working for Amoco following graduation, he joined his father's company, Powers and Sons Construction, in 1971. Initially serving as the company’s treasurer, the younger Powers was appointed president in 1987. Under his leadership, Powers and Sons Construction changed its focus from residential to commercial and industrial construction, expanding its operations to become one of the largest African American-owned companies in the U.S. Recognizing his contributions to the industry, Indiana Gov. Evan Bayh appointed him to the Purdue Board of Trustees in 1996. Powers served on the board for four additional terms, retiring as vice chair in 2011. Throughout his career, Powers has contributed his time, skills and resources to various boards and organizations within his community. He continues to serve as CEO and chairman of Powers and Sons Construction. Purdue honored him with a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award in 2003 and an honorary doctorate in 2014.