Contact: Carl Nathe

Rodney N. Lanthorne

Lanthorne, who began working with Kyocera in 1979, was named president of North American operations in 1987 and became a director of the parent company in 1988.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 5, 2005) -- The University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics today honored a leading alumnus during its 12th annual Hall of Fame Induction. The ceremony took place in the atrium of the Gatton College building on the UK campus.

Rodney N. Lanthorne, President of Kyocera International, is the 2005 inductee.

“Induction into the Gatton Hall of Fame has become a prestigious honor for our business school alumni. Mr. Lanthorne is very deserving of this recognition,” said D. Sudharshan, dean of the Gatton College. “He represents integrity and hard work in the business world and in the community in which he lives. The University of Kentucky is privileged to count Rodney among its alumni, and the Gatton College is pleased to honor him with induction into its Hall of Fame.”

Lanthorne expressed his gratitude to the university for the positive role it has played in his life.

“UK provided me with a solid foundation and the confidence to dream large and actively pursue my career and life ambitions,” said Lanthorne. “For this, I am eternally grateful.”

Rodney N. Lanthorne

Rodney N. Lanthorne is president of Kyocera International, Inc., the San Diego-based holding company for the North American operations of Japan’s Kyocera Corporation. Kyocera’s products range from advanced ceramic components for electronic and structural applications to wireless phones, document solutions equipment, solar energy systems, cutting tools, medical and dental implants, and ceramic cutlery. Kyocera also makes a variety of other products from semiconductor casings to knives and utensils.

Lanthorne, who began working with Kyocera in 1979, was named president of North American operations in 1987 and became a director of the parent company in 1988.

Lanthorne graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1967. He grew up in Ashland, Ky., the son of an Ashland Oil employee.