University of Wisconsin System Regent Héctor Colón took in a tour, a meeting with Chancellor Andy Leavitt and conversations with faculty, staff and students over lunch and at the Multicultural Education Center during a visit Thursday to UW Oshkosh.

Regent Héctor Colón speaking at UWO April 6.

At the lunch, he talked about his book, Journey from Boxing Ring to Boardroom: 5 Essential Virtues for Life and Leadership.

Colón is the president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS). Under his leadership, LSS has adapted new models and business strategies to increase relevancy and operational efficiency.

Before the start of Colón’s tenure in 2017, the organization had not met its budget for four consecutive years. Since that time, LSS has generated multi-million dollar surpluses with a gain of $2.4 million in 2019.

In 2019, Colón was named the Nonprofit Executive of the Year by BizTimes Media and the Hispanic Man of the year by United Migrant Opportunity Service.

As a member and champion of the U.S. national boxing team, Colón won seven national titles and competed in the 1992 Olympic trials. At the height of his boxing career, Colón stepped away from his Olympic dreams and the potential of millions to serve God. Today, he is an independent director on the board of USA Boxing with a focus on inspiring athletes to discover their own path towards personal and professional greatness.