The Wilbur Parker Award

Wilbur Parker
Class of 1950, MBA

First African American Graduate

First African American CPA in State of New Jersey

Tuskegee Airman

One of the most community-minded individuals you’re likely ever to meet, Wilbur Parker has spent his whole career working to make a difference. Perhaps more important, long after retiring, Parker continues to inspire minority students — and everyone else he meets — to strive to improve oneself and one’s community, help others, and never lose the passion for learning.

In a ceremony on September 5, 2003, Wilbur Parker received the first Distinguished Alumni Award from the Black Graduate Business Association.

The award recognizes alumni who demonstrate outstanding professional achievement, commitment to their community, and who embody The Johnson School’s shared values of mutual respect, collaboration, integrity and trust, pride and accountability, professionalism and investment in self.

The Black Graduate Business Association created the award as a legacy to The Johnson School for providing a forum for African-American alumni and students and the greater Johnson School community to come together, connect with one another, and celebrate business and life successes.

Each recipient is selected by a committee that includes the dean, the Office of Alumni Affairs, the Office for Women and Minorities in Business, faculty representatives, and the BGBA.

Past Award Recipients