UPS COO Thomas Weidemeyer to Speak at Embry-Riddle Commencement

Weidemeyer is also a member of the UPS management committee, which is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the company, and is a member of the UPS board of directors.

UPS is the world's largest express carrier and package distribution company, serving more than 200 nations and territories with a broad range of integrated ground and air express delivery options and customized logistics services. Revenues for 2001 were $30.6 billion. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS has more than 370,000 employees, 2,500 distribution sites, and a delivery fleet of nearly 88,000 vehicles worldwide.

As COO, Weidemeyer is responsible for all UPS operations in the United States. He oversees the pickup and delivery of 13.6 million packages and documents every day to a service area that includes every address in the nation.

In 1985, as a UPS attorney, Weidemeyer negotiated the launch of UPS Airlines. Since 1990, as president of the airline, he has been responsible for its worldwide operations and has led its dramatic growth. UPS Airlines is now the ninth largest airline in North America and the 11th largest in the world. The airline owns 253 jet aircraft and charters 346 aircraft, serving 475 U.S. airports and 451 international airports. Weidemeyer was also instrumental in expanding the presence of UPS in Latin America, including the acquisition of Challenge Air Cargo.

UPS was honored with the 2001 Corporate Citizen of the Year Award by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Fortune magazine surveys have rated UPS the world's most admired mail, package, and freight delivery company for four consecutive years and America's most admired mail and package delivery company for 19 consecutive years.

Weidemeyer began his career with UPS in 1972 and has worked in various departments. As manager of the Americas international operation, he directed the development of the UPS delivery network in Central and South America. Later he served as vice president of air operations and then as vice president of transportation operations.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Weidemeyer is a member of the board of directors of the Air Transport Association of America, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and the National Center for Family Literacy. He is a member of the Military Airlift Committee.

Weidemeyer holds a J.D. from the University of North Carolina Law School and a B.A. in history from Colgate University.

He will receive Embry-Riddle's Distinguished Speaker Award, which recognizes individuals for their professional accomplishments, national or international stature, or exceptional contributions to society. The award is bestowed on an individual at the conclusion of a special presentation or lecture delivered at a major university function such as commencement, and is used to honor speakers for sharing their special insights with the university community, especially its students and faculty.

Embry-Riddle, the world's largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, meets the needs of students and industry through its educational, training, research, and consulting activities. Embry-Riddle educates 24,000 students annually through the master's level at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., at more than 150 teaching centers in the United States and Europe, and through distance learning.