Trine University honored Steel Dynamics Inc. executive and university Trustee Theresa
Wagler with its annual Woman of Distinction Award during the university’s annual Touchstone
and Homecoming Celebration Dinner on Friday, Sept. 30.
Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine University president, announced the award following
a video presentation featuring images of Wagler throughout her lifetime.
“Theresa, we are so grateful for your strategic and insightful leadership. You are
a powerful servant leader and we couldn’t be more blessed to have you as part of the
Trine team,” Brooks said. “Thank you for all that you’ve done for Trine University,
our students and our region.”
Saying the honor caught her “completely off guard,” Wagler challenged those in attendance
to make an impact with their lives.
“There’s stuff that we can do in the world. People need people,” she said. “If there
is something you have in your heart that you want to do, just do it.”
About Theresa Wagler
Wagler has served as executive vice president, chief financial officer and corporate
secretary of Steel Dynamics since May 2007. She joined the Steel Dynamics corporate
finance team in 1998, and has held various finance and accounting positions, including
chief accounting officer and vice president and corporate controller.
Prior to joining Steel Dynamics, she was a certified public accountant with Ernst
& Young LLP. She graduated cum laude from Taylor University with a bachelor’s degree
in accounting and systems analysis. In addition, she serves as a director and chair
of the audit committee of CF Industries Holdings, Inc., a public company.
Wagler has been listed among America’s Outstanding Financial Executives and was included
in CFO Magazine’s inaugural listing honoring top female CFOs in Fortune 500 companies.
CEO Today Magazine recognized her as a finalist for Business Women of the Year in
2019.
In 2022, Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana recognized Wagler with the Ove Jorgensen
Spirit of Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership and dedication to the community’s
economy.
She joined the Trine University Board of Trustees in 2011, where she is actively engaged
on the Audit-Investment-Finance Committee as well as the Compensation and Board Officers
Committee.
Through her engagement and leadership, Steel Dynamics Inc. and the Steel Dynamics
Foundation have remained a longtime supporter of Trine University. She played an integral
role in the foundation’s support of Trine’s new Steel Dynamics Inc. Center for Engineering
and Computing.
In addition, Steel Dynamics Inc. provides internships, co-op and employment opportunities
to Trine students.
Wagler is personally involved in numerous charitable and community organizations,
with a focus on areas that benefit children through education, growth opportunities
and services.
The Woman of Distinction Award was first given in 2006 to honor Marjorie Bowstrom,
a Tri-State University trustee. The award recognizes the powerful contributions of
women in the areas of philanthropy, business and education, and is presented annually
to a woman judged by the university to mirror the attributes represented by Bowstrom.
It signifies the university's high regard for the lofty achievements of today's female
leaders.
Last Updated: 10/05/2022