Bud Denker ’80
Bud Denker ’80 has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Outstanding Alumnus Award. The award was established in 1968 and is the highest honor that the university bestows on graduates. The outstanding alumnus award recognizes recipients for their personal and professional accomplishments and their involvement with LSSU, highlighting the significant achievements of alumni who serve as leaders in our region, state and nations.
Denker, a native of Brimley, Michigan, worked for PepsiCo, Inc. and Eastman Kodak, before joining the Penske organization in 2005, where he was named President of Penske Corporation in 2017. As President of Penske Corporation, Denker helps lead a global transportation services company with more than $43 billion in annual revenue and a worldwide workforce of 74,000 employees operating from 3,200 locations. He also serves as Executive Vice President of Human Resources for Penske Automotive Group, overseeing associates across more than 400 dealerships and truck centers, and as Executive Vice President of Team Penske, supporting its championship-winning IndyCar, NASCAR, and Porsche Penske Motorsport teams.
A recognized leader in the sports and business communities, Denker serves as Chairman of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, an event that generates more than $100 million annually for the Detroit region while showcasing the city to a global audience. In August 2026, his vision became reality with the successful debut of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, the first-ever motorsports race held on the streets of Washington, D.C., and the National Mall. Held as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, the historic event brought international attention to the nation’s capital and marked a significant milestone in American motorsports.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Denker is deeply committed to civic engagement and community leadership. He contributes his time and expertise to numerous organizations, including the Downtown Detroit Partnership, The Henry Ford, The Parade Company, the Detroit Regional Partnership, and the CEO Group.
A proud Lake Superior State University alumnus, Denker remains closely connected to his alma mater and is a passionate supporter of student success. Through the Mary & Claude Denker Scholarship, which he established in 2019 in honor of his parents, he has helped provide financial assistance and opportunities for countless students pursuing their educational goals.
Upon learning of this recognition, Denker expressed his gratitude and reflected on the relationships that have kept him connected to the university. “While I appreciate the recognition of the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award, I want to thank Professor Madan Saluja for his passion, enthusiasm, and steadfast support of the university,” he said. “Without Madan’s commitment to engaging with alumni like me, our connections to the school would have likely waned.”
Denker also recognized the lasting impact of Professor Saluja and his wife, Karuna. “For over four decades, Professor Saluja and his lovely wife Karuna have given their lives to LSSU. There are no better ambassadors to the institution than the Salujas. I thank them for their commitment, but most importantly, for their friendship.”
Denker reflected on what makes the recognition especially meaningful. “I am humbled to receive the 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award. While I have received other recognitions from LSSU and many other organizations, what makes me most proud are the contributions and resources that have provided opportunities to others, including those students who have received financial support from the Mary & Claude Denker Scholarship.”
Bud and his wife, Melissa, are the proud parents of two sons, Christian and Cameron. Whether leading global organizations, supporting his community, or investing in the success of future students, Bud Denker has never lost sight of the values and relationships that helped shape his journey.