Elden L. Auker Awarded the University Alumni Medallion
Elden L. Auker of Westboro, Massachusetts, is president of Bay State Abrasives, the third largest grinding wheel manufacturer in the United States. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1932 with a degree in physical education and following graduation became a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers until 1938 when he joined the Boston Red Sox. He completed his outstanding 10-year professional baseball career with the St. Louis Browns. In 1969, Mr. Auker was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.
Only a few years after he joined Mid-West Abrasive Company in Michigan, he became a district manager. In 1946, he was employed by Bay State Abrasives and was named president in 1971.
Mr. Auker is chairman of the board of the famed international Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, an organization credited with the development of the birth control pill. The organization also is deeply involved in cancer research. He is serving an unprecedented third term as president of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts; and was president of the Worcester Economic Club and the Worcester Sales Executive Club. Furthermore, he is chairman of the board of the Grinding Wheel Institute; a member of the executive committee of the American Supply and Machinery Manufacturers Association; and a member of the Diamond Wheel Manufacturing Institute's board.
In recognition of your brilliant career, Mr. Auker, Kansas State University and its Alumni Association proudly present you the University Alumni Medallion.