Alumnus, Adventurer, Family Man

By Vivianne Schnitzer

Manuel Luis del Valle (BSE ChE '47) describes himself as an adventurous man. "I've always enjoyed adventure. I'm not much for deskwork; I'd rather be going somewhere new and exciting."

This attitude, formed at an early age, brought him to the University of Michigan in 1941, following in the footsteps of his father, Manuel Angel del Valle (BSE ChE '16), the first president of the U-M Alumni Association from outside the United States, and his grandfather, Manuel Vicente del Valle (DDS, 1891), whose own penchant for excitement launched a career as a ship-board dentist for sailors on the high seas.

"I have marvelous memories of my time at the College of Engineering," he said. "I was president of my fraternity - Beta Theta Pi - I lived in a house close to the Michigan Union, and I loved to attend concerts at Hill Auditorium. There was Professor Katz, who had a special ability to explain things in a way that everyone could understand. What I learned during those years was discipline. The College of Engineering and the University were keys that opened many doors. They were a calling card - everyone knows the University of Michigan."

Immediately after graduation, del Valle took a position with Ochoa Fertilizers, a Puerto Rican company that, in 1960, was sold to W.R. Grace, where del Valle continued working until 1970, when he moved to Rexach Construction, in San Juan. "In 1975, I went to Bacardi," he said. "That was its golden era and I have many fond memories of the Bacardi family."

During his tenure at Bacardi, he served the company in a number of roles - president, chairman of the board and director for companies that shipped more than 200 million bottles of rum blends annually to about 200 countries worldwide. In addition to his many business successes at Bacardi, he pursued environmental objectives, having waste treated by an aerobic process to reduce the toxic discharge from Bacardi plants and capture methane gas. Similar plants around the world still use his process to protect the environment.

Del Valle's achievements placed him in Puerto Rico's Hall of Fame of top business leaders, who are selected annually by readers of Caribbean Business. The Puerto Rican business community also singled him out for his ever-present support of organizations and institutions that "enhance the human capital of Hispanic communities."

An emphasis on the human element was a fundamental ingredient in his success. "A 'must' for a good manager is to know how to hire the right people, be modest, delegate and, most importantly, give credit to others. And, when it's time to retire, you must realize the importance of passing the torch to the younger generation."

Del Valle did exactly that, which gave him more time to spend with his wife, Marianne, traveling between their two favorite locations, Dorado, Puerto Rico, and Stowe, Vermont, where they enjoy their grandchildren.

"I have always loved travel and adventure, as I mentioned. This explains all of the African and South American big game trophies that I took on safari - leopard, gazelles and buffalo. They won't be around the house much longer; at Marianne's request we'll be donating all of them for exhibitions at schools."

In addition to traveling, hunting, fishing and testing his sea legs on a 50-foot yacht, del Valle finds time to read - ''especially history books about economic management and World War II. Michigan football is something I watch avidly. I also like to make repairs - I'm the plumber and the electrician at home. During my first marriage, we adopted two children, who gave us five grandchildren. That was my biggest success. I'm a family man, above all else."

Manuel Luis del Valle, a man of many
accomplishments, has received numerous honors, including Michigan Engineering's Alumni
Society Award in 1998, which he takes great pride in receiving. But if there were one thing he'd like to be remembered for, what would it be?

"Mostly, I want people to know that I was a humane person who did something of value in his life."

Those who know Manuel del Valle will tell you he has far exceeded that wish. - E