NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - FARGO, ND
Graduating from NDSU in 1969 with a B.S. in Pharmacy, Larry K. Ellingson is best known for his career achievements in the medical and medical marketing industry with special accomplishments in the field of diabetes awareness. While attending NDSU he was active in various organizations including the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, Bison Baseball, and Alpha Phi Omega.
Ellingson’s career path to success ultimately began with help from NDSU Dean Phil Haakinson who “gave me a very strong recommendation to Eli Lilly and Company” says Ellingson, when he applied for a position as a sales representative. He cites his experiences at NDSU and growing up in North Dakota as the foundation for his work ethic, “people are everything; the work ethic here is infectious and it stays with you forever”. Frequent career advancements elevated Ellingson to an executive statusearly on, but it wasn’t until the 1990’s that he began what he describes as his most rewarding work—fighting for diabetes awareness, prevention and cure. He is currently working on a global project with the Academy of Family Physicians developing a peer to peer program with and for people affected by diabetes.
Ellingson has been honored several times for his achievements in this field. He was honored by being the first and only non-scientist to receiveboth the President’s Award and the Lilly Research Award in 2001 for contributions to diabetes research. Then, in 2001, the Eli Lilly Company created the Ellingson Legacy Award to honor those who provide outstanding service to the customer and Ellingson, himself, was the first recipient.
Other honors that reflect Ellingson’s achievements include: Chair of the Board of the American Diabetes Association, J.K. Lilly Award for contributions to diabetes in 2004, and the American Diabetes Association’s highest honor, the Charles H. Best award for outstanding service to the cause of diabetes research in 2005.