March 28, 2007 Howard Weyers, '56, speaker Former Owner Weyco, Inc. “Mr. Weyers is known internationally for the tobacco policy he placed within his company.  He has his employees tobacco free as well as 90% of their spouses, an incredible feat.  Today, Mr. Weyers has his mind set on the health of the United States employees and how we can improve it.” ~ William Blankenship, senior . “I asked, ‘How to you respond to people that claim that your “smoke free” policy is infringing on their constitutional rights?’  His company is based in Michigan and in Michigan there is no law that states that companies can’t make a policy such as the one he has.   He doesn’t want to infringe on their rights but give them a better and healthier life.” ~ Cory Lamison, junior . “He gives incentives for quitting smoking and helps employees stop their unhealthy habit.  Howard is in the process of making a foundation to continue helping people and supporting their healthy lifestyles.  I think this work is very important.  He is making wonderful changes in the workplace and I hope other employers will follow his example.  His overall speech was informative but introducing the non smoking, healthier lifestyle to employees really sparked my interest because I am for non smoking institutions and living healthy.” ~ Abby Ritter, junior "Lessons Learned: Don’t let anyone knock you down. Be health conscious, don’t use tobacco. Money doesn’t mean everything. Work hard. Learn to finish what you start. You have to be passionate about what you do. Learn to give back to people, help out. Learn how to talk to people. It’s never too late to start a new career.” ~ Jennifer Monasky, senior   “The different work experiences and athletic endeavors that he has had helped him prepare for the rigors of running a large corporation like Weyco.  He was a very intriguing man whose life story is something that is a benchmark for success.” ~ Robert Williams, senior “While at Thiel, he was an athlete all year round and was part of a fraternity.  Howard said that all the diversity in the people at Thiel influenced and built his personality.  Howard emphasized the significance of giving back.  He gave money to help build the football stadium and tennis courts at Thiel.” ~ Tahnee Gruzkiewicz, junior “His work ethic was and is amazing thanks to the way he was raised.  His parents were very careful with money; whenever they lent it out to their children, they had to pay it back.  I thought it was interesting to learn that he was a coach for so long and for some big schools.  Overall, Howard is a very nice man, always giving back to Thiel and the community.  He is an inspiration and I think many should follow in his footsteps.” ~ Travis Matson, senior