The Legion of Honor Award was established in 1978 to recognize a member of Phi Delta Theta who has made a major contribution of his time, effort, and energy to serve the Fraternity and improve its stature; has distinguished himself in representing the Fraternity’s Principles of Friendship, Sound Learning, and Rectitude; is widely recognized as a leader of fraternity men and identified with the promotion of fraternities; and has widely advanced and enlarged the opportunities for growth and leadership among college men through fraternities. During the 85th General Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, Phi Delta Theta recognized Brother Jay V. Ihlenfeld, Purdue ’74, with the Legion of Honor Award.
Jay V. Ihlenfeld was initiated into Phi Delta Theta by the Indiana Theta Chapter at Purdue University on April 18, 1971.He graduated from Purdue in 1974 with a degree in chemical engineering and went on to earn his PhD in the same discipline from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His academic journey, marked by rigor, innovation, and excellence, was a clear signal of the leadership and impact he would later bring to the professional world and to Phi Delta Theta.
Brother Jay V. Ihlenfeld built a remarkable career that spanned both the corporate and scientific arenas. He is perhaps best known for his work with 3M, where over a career spanning more than a decade, he held multiple senior leadership roles across the globe. As senior vice president for Asia Pacific, he was responsible for strategy and operations throughout adynamic and complex region. Prior to that, he served as 3M Japan’s executive vice president and later as the company’s senior vice president of research and development. His tenure at 3M was marked by a commitment to reinvigorating innovation and research, helping shape product development and global market growth with a sharp technical mind and visionary leadership.
In 2014, Brother Ihlenfeld generously supported the establishment of the Ihlenfeld University of Online Education, supporting Phi Delta Theta’s leadership development through online learning. Inspired by his own leadership experiences at 3M, PDT U empowers members with consistent, accessible training that mirrors top corporate development models. He supported the creation of PDT U through Ihlenfeld University and further advanced this cause in the most recent campaign, reflecting his deep commitment to helping Phi Delts “break away from the pack” and lead with character in a global world. Brother Ihlenfeld has also made a lasting mark through board service at leading companies in the chemical and materials sectors. He has served on the boards of Celanese and Ashland, including roles as lead independent director, where his insights into corporate governance, strategic planning, and sustainability helped guide companies through periods of transformation and growth.
It is not just his professional success that defines Brother Ihlenfeld—it is the way he has used that success to give back. He served as a Trustee on the Phi Delta Theta Foundation Board of Trustees from 2014 through 2022. During his tenure, he brought strategic thinking, long-term planning, and a passion for mission-driven philanthropy. His generous giving and support of the Phi Delta Theta Foundation has helped ensure that young Phis continue to have access to leadership programming, scholarships, and educational opportunities for generations to come. He is a proud member of the True Blue Society and has demonstrated, time and again, what it means to be a Phi for Life—showing unwavering loyalty to the brotherhood and a deep belief in the power of The Bond to transform lives. Brother Ihlenfeld continues to be a champion of higher education, research, and global leadership. He has been honored as a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus by Purdue University, and his professional journey is cited as an example of what it means to combine technical expertise with values-based leadership.
For his lifelong service to his profession, his global impact on industry and innovation, his heartfelt commitment to Phi Delta Theta, and his remarkable investment in future generations of young leaders, it is with the utmost pride and appreciation that we recognize Brother Jay V. Ihlenfeld with the 2025 Legion of Honor Award.
