Hewitt named 2016 Distinguished Alumnus at UW-River Falls

June 22, 2016 --Brad Hewitt, CEO of Thrivent Financial, was honored as the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls commencement in May. A native of Minneapolis, Hewitt graduated from UW-River Falls in 1982 with a bachelor of science degree in mathematics. Hewitt later completed the Harvard Graduate School of Business Program for Management Development in 1995.

During his remarks at the commencement ceremonies, Hewitt encouraged the graduating class to not only continue to enhance on their knowledge, but to also continue to discover how they can make a difference in the world. He suggested that a life lived with gratitude and generosity leads to greater contentment and success.

"I am humbly honored to be recognized with this distinction from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls," said Hewitt. "My experience at the university has provided me a foundation not only of knowledge, but also a community that I've been able to build on during my life, and for that I am grateful."

Hewitt has been active within the UW-River Falls community. In 2011, he served as Executive in Residence in the College of Business and Economics. He has also been a key supporter of the Falcon Scholars program.

Hewitt serves on the board of Habitat for Humanity International, the board of the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation and the board of managers of the Ron Blue Institute. He also volunteers as vice-chair of the Itasca Project, an employer-let cross section group that works to improve the quality of life for all in our region. He is a member of the WHEREhouse Church, a new church plant in urban St. Paul. He is co-author of the book, "Your New Money Mindset: Create a Healthy Relationship with Money," published in 2015. Hewitt and his wife, Sue, live in St. Paul and have two adult children.

For more information about the Distinguished Alumnus Award, email chris.mueller@uwrf.edu or call 715-425-3545.

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About Thrivent Financial
Thrivent Financial is a financial services organization that helps Christians be wise with money and live generously. As a membership organization, it offers its more than 2.3 million member-owners a broad range of products, services and guidance from financial representatives nationwide. For more than a century it has helped members make wise money choices that reflect their values while providing them opportunities to demonstrate their generosity where they live, work and worship. For more information, visit www.thrivent.com/ or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
For more information about Thrivent Financial or Hewitt, email callie.briese@thrivent.com, call 612-844-7340 or 540-878-8093.

About UW-River Falls
Founded in 1874, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is located in a scenic community just 30 miles from downtown St. Paul, Minn. UW-River Falls students are empowered, beginning in their first semester, to participate in hands-on research, global travel, and collaborative learning with award-winning and caring faculty. By fostering a culture of innovation and active learning, increasing numbers of students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research, scholarly or creative activity outside of the classroom. This commitment to academic excellence has led to UW-River Falls consistently being named a Best College in the Midwest.