Roland parrish biography

Roland Parrish has shared his story and his success countless times since graduating from Purdue's business school with a bachelor’s degree in 1975 and a master’s degree in 1976, yet the narrative today remains as relevant, compelling and inspirational as ever.

Just ask the teens who listened to him speak at his first alma mater, Hammond High School in Northwest Indiana, where in October 2016 he donned an honorary jersey as the second recipient of the Distinguished Hammond Alumni Leadership and Service Award and encouraged students to work hard, study hard and pursue the American dream.

Indeed, Parrish was on the fast track to success even before he arrived at Purdue in 1971 on a full athletic scholarship.

He was an All-American in track and field and won the 1971 Indiana state title for Hammond High in the 800-meter run. He lettered four years on Purdue’s track and field team, served as team captain in his senior year and was voted MVP twice by Roland Parrish - The Times of Northwest Indiana VOF