This page is no longer being updated and remains online for informational and historical purposes only. The information is accurate as of the last page update.
For questions about page contents, contact the Communications Division.
Economics and business graduate Robert Hargesheimer ’79 sees his job as the opportunity of a lifetime. He joined West Pharmaceutical Service in August 1992 and was recently named president of West’s Device Group.
“The medical device components and drug delivery systems we develop and manufacture will be used around the world to enhance the quality of people’s lives,” says Hargesheimer, who works under CEO Donald Morel ’79. “When you combine this concept with the chance to take an already successful company to its next level of growth, and to work with some of the world’s best engineers and developers, it becomes an opportunity that surpasses any other in my career.”
Making a difference in people’s lives through West’s products is an important aspect of the position to Hargesheimer. He feels an equal responsibility for making a difference in the lives of West’s employees.
“I realize these people have placed their trust in me and other senior managers here, to make the right choices for their careers,” he says.
People are what he most enjoys about his job.
“The people you meet in your life are what makes any endeavor worth pursuing. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by bright, talented professionals who provide valued counsel, who take their careers seriously but bring a true spirit of collaboration,” he says. “It’s amazing what can be done when you get the right people together to solve a problem.”
Hargesheimer valued the same spirit of collaboration at Lafayette, as well as the problem-solving skills he acquired there.
“The social skills learned by living in a fraternity house were invaluable. You learned how to work with people from diverse backgrounds, people who had very different goals,” he says. “[James] Lennertz [associate professor of government and law] taught my constitutional law class. His real skill was teaching how to think about a problem, to examine and weigh the different aspects. Lafayette prepared me for Wharton [business school] and provided tools that I continue to use today. The atmosphere directed me toward serious, investigative learning. My four years there were an excellent start for what I am doing today.”