A year-long celebration of a century of excellence in business education at The Ohio State University culminated in a once-in-a-lifetime event, as the Max M. Fisher College of Business community gathered for its Centennial Celebration.

Fisher students, alumni, faculty, staff, friends and partners packed Mershon Auditorium for an afternoon that highlighted the college’s incredible past and explored the themes of principled leadership in innovation and global business.

Dr. Fareed Zakaria, host of CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS, contributing editor at The Atlantic, and Washington Post columnist, delivered the event’s keynote and discussed the role of innovation in education today.

The Centennial Celebration also honored one of the college’s most successful alumni — Leslie H. Wexner (BSBA ’59). Wexner is founder, chairman and chief Executive Officer of L Brands, Inc., which includes Victoria’s Secret, PINK, Bath & Body Works, White Barn Candle Co., La Senza and Henri Bendel.

“Les is a role model for our students, not only because of his remarkable achievements in business, but also because of his steadfast belief in the power of effective leadership,” said Anil K. Makhija, dean and John W. Berry, Sr. Chair in Business at Fisher. “On numerous occasions, Les has brought to our campus the idea that great leadership inspires others to bring about change, to move people to a better place, improve their businesses, their community and our world.”

He was presented with the college’s Centennial Award of Distinction by David Sherman, grandson of Max M. Fisher and a trustee of the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation. The award recognized Wexner’s transformational leadership in business and philanthropy.

Zakaria conducted a Q&A with Wexner that featured questions from Fisher students and explored the importance of principled leadership throughout his past 50 years as a CEO.

Ohio State University President Michael V. Drake, MD, and Dean Makhija delivered remarks highlighting the accomplishments of business education at The Ohio State University throughout the past 100 years.

The event also featured Fisher students Carolina Tovar Fuentes, Michael Inman and Morgan Deegan. Each spoke throughout the event and shared the many ways their Fisher experience has shaped their pursuit of their passions.