Distinguished Alumni Award
Jeffrey M. Yordon
B.S. '70, Political Science
President, Sagent Pharmaceuticals
Jeffrey M. Yordon has achieved great success and has had many accomplishments in his life and career since graduating from Northern Illinois University in 1970 with a B.S. in political science.
Currently, Yordon is the president, CEO, founder, and chairman of the board of Sagent Pharmaceuticals, which is a start-up injectable pharmaceutical company with a unique business model. He is recognized internationally for his knowledge, experience, and leadership in the pharmaceutical industry and has been involved in negotiations with leaders in China and India to launch this organization. The organization is likely to be the first privately owned firm in China.
Before leading Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Yordon was the chief operating officer with American Pharmaceuticals. Yordon employed another unique business model, as he founded this company as well. Through this venture, Yordon was awarded numerous awards from the industry for innovative results and marketing as well as business development skill.
Yordon shares his expertise with students in the College of Business. He returns to campus annually as a guest speaker in marketing strategy classes. He also shares his time and knowledge with NIU through his commitments to serve on the NIU Foundation Board, as well as the NIU Executive Club Board. He has taken time to mentor students and has served as a panelist during NIU Executive Club meetings. In addition, the generous monetary gift given recently by Jeffrey and Kimberly Yordon will provide NIU with a new building: the Yordon Academic and Athletic Center. This facility will make a major difference for NIU students and alumni for years to come and will stand as a testament as to how far an education from Northern Illinois University can take an individual.
