Lasting Legacy: Dickinson Honors John M. Paz '78
John M. Paz '78 and Rachel Paz attend the Founders' Society induction ceremony in Memorial Hall. Photo by Dan Loh.
Global entrepreneur inducted into prestigious Founders’ Society
by MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson
John Paz ’78 is a tremendously successful businessman with deep and enduring connections to family and friends. And as the primary donor for the new John M. Paz ’78 Alumni & Family Center, he's helping to foster similar successes and connections through his alma mater.
Dickinson recently honored Paz as the newest member of the college's prestigious Founders’ Society, which recognizes dedicated alumni, parents and friends with a cumulative giving to Dickinson of $1 million or more. The May 3 celebration in Paz's honor included an induction ceremony and reception as well as the grand opening of the state-of-the-art center bearing his name.
Successive successes
As a student, Paz was an economics major, a student leader with Phi Delta Theta and a member of Skull and Key. As a recent graduate with cum laude honors, he took the helm of Godwin Pumps of America, over time growing the company into a worldwide network offering equipment sales, manufacturing and rentals.
Five years after being presented Ernst & Young’s 2005 Entrepreneur of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award, Paz sold his business and branched out into new ventures, managing a real estate company and serving as a leadership consultant. He's also a community volunteer who's served on the board of directors of the Gloucester County Boys & Girls Clubs and on the advisory committee of the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance.
“From day one, he was a leader who excelled in every aspect of college life,” said Jim Chambers ’78, who's known Paz since their first year on campus together, "and because of his hard work, his entrepreneurship skills, analytical ability, leadership and competitiveness, he continued to be successful in everything he does."
Founders' Society honorees (from left:) Rachel, Wesley, Vivienne and John Paz. Photo by Dan Loh.
Putting the ‘family’ in ‘Alumni & Family Center’
A few years back, campus leaders shared with Paz an idea to transform the underused Historic President’s House into a vibrant alumni and family center. It would be a monumental undertaking, but Paz was quick to grasp the project’s outsized potential. He stepped up as lead donor for the renovation project, which was funded entirely through gifts to the college. Dickinson broke ground in 2022 and completed the project this spring.
“And it was John who inserted the word ‘family’ into the center’s name,” said Chambers, a former Dickinson trustee and fellow Founders’ Society honoree. “That’s what he cares most about—his friends and family. That’s who he is.”
Speaking during a 2015 visit to Dickinson, Paz confirmed that close family ties are essential to his ongoing success. He described his late father, John, as a self-made entrepreneur who provided invaluable mentorship and support, while his mother offered equally essential encouragement. And both parents' work ethic and community involvement inspired Paz to give back by mentoring local teens and early-career businesspeople.
In gratitude, Paz dedicated Dickinson's Paz Center to his parents and family. He also shares Founders' Society honors with his wife, Rachel, and their two children, Wesley and Vivienne.
‘Dickinsonians for life’
Paz's mother, Barbara, took part in the grand opening and Founders’ Society induction virtually, and other family members and friends attended in person, along with alumni, college leaders, staff members and students. During his brief remarks, Paz thanked them all.
“I'm honored to be inducted. I'm honored to be a Dickinson graduate, and I feel proud that when you graduate from Dickinson, you’re ready to do good for the world," Paz added. He also thanked President John E. Jones III '77, P'11, and expressed that Jones's leadership figured into his decision to give back to the college so meaningfully.
As Founders' Society honorees, John and Rachel Paz and their children are part of a permanent display in Old West, highlighting the family's transformative contribution to Dickinson. Photo by Matt Getty.
The admiration is mutual, Jones said, expressing deep gratitude for Paz's commitment to the college and to its future. And, Jones announced, the center is already a success, with special events and overnight stays booked well in advance.
During the induction ceremony, Sophie Asbell ’24, a religion major and advancement intern, reflected on Paz's long-lasting influence in the lives of young Dickinsonians.
"As a proud third-generation Dickinsonian and the thirteenth member of my family to attend the college over the last 100 years, I am representative of the truth that we are Dickinsonians for life,” Asbell said, just weeks before joining the alumni community as a new graduate. “Your generosity will resonate for generations to come, and for that we are profoundly grateful."
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Published May 10, 2024