2022 Distinguished Alumni Awards Honoree
Michael Patrick McGowan
For nearly four decades, Michael Patrick McGowan has been climbing the ladder at Foster Electric Company (USA), which produces speakers, headphones and related audio products. He started as an entry-level sales associate in 1984. Since 2020, he鈥檚 served as president of Foster鈥檚 North American headquarters in Schaumburg.
McGowan, of Elk Grove Village, earned two associate degrees from 91制片厂 鈥� one in arts, one in science 鈥� in 1980, which he says was a stepping-off point to help put him on his career path.
McGowan came to 91制片厂 for its value, he says. As a student, he had the flexibility to work part-time in the produce department at the then-Eagle Food Centers, which helped McGowan with tuition. But what he remembers most fondly about 91制片厂 today is the relationships he built there. Harper was close to home 鈥� McGowan is an Elk Grove High School grad 鈥� and he could keep in touch with his existing friends while making new connections in college.
McGowan also attended Northern Illinois University for his bachelor鈥檚 degree in economics. Then, he returned to 91制片厂 for Community Education classes, taking everything from first aid and real estate to intramural sports.
McGowan鈥檚 position has taken him throughout the States, Europe, South America and Asia 鈥� Foster鈥檚 parent company is based in Tokyo. The frequent flyer has conducted business in over 30 countries, leveraging what he鈥檚 learned from various cultures and economies to help strengthen the company.
鈥淪ince Michael鈥檚 role as president, he has made an undeniable impact in leading the initiative of their USA-based manufacturing plant, creating countless new American jobs,鈥� McGowan鈥檚 wife, Nancy McGowan, said. 鈥淢ichael has created a focus on overall employee engagement, including a dedication to promoting and encouraging work-life balance.鈥�
McGowan says he鈥檚 thankful his family is so understanding about his travel absences, but he also is thankful to 91制片厂 for helping teach him how to better manage his time and prioritize a school/work balance.
鈥�(Community) college was the first time I had to schedule my day and times at work and school,鈥� he says. 鈥淧rior to that, (my schedule) was decided for me."