Gordon M. Binder

For his outstanding management of one of the country's leading biotechnology firms, the Schools of Engineering are proud to present the Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award to Gordon M. Binder.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Amgen, Inc.
BSEE '57

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Managing editor of the Exponent during his senior year at Purdue, Mr. Binder spent three years in the Navy after receiving his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. He went on to earn an MBA from Harvard in 1962, joining Litton Industries after graduation.

Mr. Binder joined Ford Motor Company in 1964, serving in a variety of financial management positions and ultimately as Division Controller. In 1971 he became Vice President, Finance, and Treasurer of the System Development Corporation.

Mr. Binder's career with Amgen-the largest independent biotechnology company in the United States-began in 1982, when he became Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the company. He was elected Amgen's Chief Executive Officer in 1988, and since 1990 he has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.

 

  • "My engineering background has been very useful throughout my career in business. The process of analyzing a problem, considering various solutions, and selecting one and refining it so that it becomes practical for the real world is an approach that applies to nonengineering pursuits as well as to engineering."

     

  • "I think an engineer needs a balance of today's technology and at least some good hints about the world of the future. You can be so theoretical that you're not all that useful when you come to work. If all you know is today's automobile engines, you won't have the background you need as technology moves ahead."

     

Young Binder bust

Advice for the engineering student:

"You're going to get out of your education what you put into it. The university will offer you many educational opportunities, but it is not going to educate you. You have to do that yourself."