BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — David C. Petrick '67, a lifelong entrepreneur and ardent supporter of Illinois Wesleyan University, will be honored posthumously as the 2025 IWU Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year.
The event will take place on Tuesday, April 15, at 12 p.m. in Young Main Lounge at the Memorial Center, immediately following the groundbreaking ceremony for the forthcoming Petrick Idea Center.
Those wishing to attend the luncheon should call 309-556-3091 or visit iwu.mobi/eoty to register to attend. Registration is not required to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at 11 a.m., which will be held outdoors west of the The Ames School of Art & Design.
Petrick, who passed away on Dec. 2, 2022, was a former member of Illinois Wesleyan's Board of Trustees and served as chairman of Bretford Manufacturing, a company founded by his father and uncle that produces technology furniture products for schools and businesses. During his time as a student at Illinois Wesleyan, Dave studied political science and met his wife, Ellen (Reid) '68.
The Petricks have been instrumental in developing IWU’s initiatives centered on innovative thinking, particularly as lead donors for the IDEA Center and The Petrick Idea Center. Dave envisioned The Petrick Idea Center as "a culmination of our passions and dreams,” a focal point on campus for innovation, creativity and collaboration. His entrepreneurial spirit will always be felt on campus, providing inspiration and opportunities for future generations of Titans.
“It’s our hope that this space will positively impact students whose majors span the academic spectrum,” said Petrick in first announcing support for The Petrick Idea Center. “We believe that everyone has a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit, and through the development of The Petrick Idea Center, students from across campus will have access to the resources and support needed to advance new products, services and initiatives in the ‘do well, do good’ spirit of former President Minor Myers jr.”