Gus Ramirez receives an Honorary Doctor of Engineering
On Saturday, May 27th Milwaukee School of Engineering presented Agustin Ramirez with an Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree during the University’s spring commencement. The school was excited to bestow the honor not just for Gus’ successes in the engineering world with the global growth of HUSCO International but for his substantial philanthropy efforts.
For over 30 years, Gus has built a global hydraulic powerhouse at HUSCO International. From taking the division private by way of a leveraged management buyout to the present, HUSCO has grown from $20 million to over $400 million in revenues. The firm has created some of the largest innovations in mobile hydraulics controls over the course of those years, as well. Netting over 200 patents in what was formerly known as a relatively stagnant industry, HUSCO’s growth is based not only on sound business sense but an engineering environment that fosters innovation.
While building HUSCO into the force it is today, Gus still found time to make contributions to the betterment of communities from Waukesha, Wisconsin to far flung locations like Central and South America where he has help build and expand almost 100 Christian schools. Through the Ramirez Family Foundation, Gus helped fund Schools That Can Milwaukee and school expansions at the United Community Center, Milwaukee College Prep, St. Marcus schools, Carmen School of Science and Technology, and others. He also initiated the “Lean Scholars” program at MSOE and the Medical College of Wisconsin which involves developing student scholars to facilitate using lean processes to deliver medical services more effectively.
Perhaps his grandest contribution yet is the creation of St. Augustine Preparatory Academy on Milwaukee’s Southside. A completely new school that is determined to change the lives of the underserved in the Milwaukee’s poorest areas through offering access to world-class education – something Gus has often said is the key to changing the fortunes of those who need it most.
The honorary doctorate of engineering is in addition to Gus’ bachelors and masters degrees in aerospace engineering from Georgia Tech and MBA from the Harvard Business School.
