Executive, philanthropist, decorated war veteran, mountain climber, world traveler, elected official, volunteer. Now, add another line to Ted Fuller's already lengthy resume: Woodbury University's (2001) outstanding alum of the year.

Fuller was lauded for his ethical—and successful—business practices, as well as his commitment to community. The outstanding alum of the year award recognizes an individual who has achieved significant long-term success in personal and professional endeavors and has made outstanding contributions to the advancement of Woodbury. Fuller graduated from Woodbury in 1971 with a bachelor of science degree in marketing.

"Woodbury was a great experience from the standpoint that it gave me the opportunity to work and go to school," he says. Fuller, whose time at Woodbury interrupted by a tour of duty in Vietnam, owned a gas station at the corner of Washington and Hoover, just below the campus at that time. The station was open from 6 a.m. to midnight, so Fuller took advantage of Woodbury's morning, afternoon and evening schedule to take classes while employees worked various shifts.

Fuller fondly recalls professors who helped by using him and his business as case studies for classes such as accounting and marketing.

"It was like consulting in the classroom," he says.

While it's more than 30 years since Fuller left Woodbury, he recently made a significant, unrestricted gift to the university. The decision was prompted by the simplest reason, he says: "They (Woodbury) asked. I think that's very important because many times no one asks or doesn't think someone will give."

Fuller also hopes his donation, which makes him part of the university's Chancellor's Society, will aid Woodbury's effort to continue helping people to realize their educational goals with a curriculum that provides flexibility.

The generous support for Woodbury is part of a Fuller family tradition -- Ted has also given money to his high school and graduate school and wife Joan has made similar gifts to the schools where she completed her graduate and undergraduate studies.

Now retired after 25 years with Johnson & Higgins, the world's largest private insurance broker, Fuller and his wife live in Incline Village, Nevada. Fuller has immersed himself in activities in this resort area near Tahoe, joining Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. He also was elected trustee for the Incline Village General Improvement District.

Even prior to retirement, Fuller had sought out and volunteered his time at various charitable organizations. Fuller served as chairman of the Orange County YMCA Federation and chairman of the YMCA Orange County. He also was chairman of the board of the Newport Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce.

In Philadelphia, he was chairman of the board of directors of the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and held officer's posts with the World Affairs Council, American Red Cross and YMCA of Philadelphia. He was also a trustee of Thomas Jefferson University and Medical Center.

In addition to his volunteer work and spending time with his five children, Ted and his wife of more than 30 years keep busy traveling the globe. The couple recently returned from a month-long trip to China and Ted has climbed to the top of Mt. Killiminjaro and to the base camp of Mt. Everest.