Augusta, Ga. – Mr. Edward Polite, a retired corporate executive, was presented the 2009 President’s Award—one of the highest honors bestowed by Augusta State University —at the President’s Club reception held May 7.

Mr. Polite is an ASU Foundation trustee who was recognized for his significant service to ASU and for his generosity in providing the opportunity for future generations of students to find an improved quality of life through education.

The ASU alumnus graduated from the institution in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and began a career with Continental Can Company.  He advanced through several leadership positions completing his 20 year career at Continental as the executive vice president for quality and technology.

Mr. Polite was then named the president of Gilbreth Packing Systems, a subsidiary of Culbro Corporation, and later became the president of Culbro, a $2 billion international company with holdings in cigars, real estate, wholesale distribution, nursery products, publishing, and packaging. He then retired in 2000.

Mr. Polite is a member of several organizations that include the One hundred Black Men of New York City, a former board member of the Philadelphia Police Athletic League, a board member of the Southern Women’s Campaign School, and the former president of the Educational Foundation for South Carolina State University.

Mr. Polite and his wife, Pat, have two sons Edward and Donald.  Edward, a graduate of the University of Iowa; and Donald, a graduate of Northwestern University and Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.

The President’s Award is given to individuals who display service, dedication, and leadership to the university. The President’s Club reception was held at the home of Mr. James T. and Dr. Mary Anderson.
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