James Dicke II ’17H is the Chairman and CEO of the Crown Equipment Corporation, a family business now starting its fifth generation of family management. The family-owned business with more than 20,000 employees, located in the United States, Germany, Australia, China, and Singapore, operates a service and distribution network that exceeds 500 retail locations in more than 80 countries. Crown Equipment Corp. designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value.

Dicke began his studies at the Culver Military Academy, where he undertook a rigorous academic curriculum and also studied painting under Warner Williams, noted bas-relief artist and amateur astronomer. He received his bachelor of science degree in business administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

Born in San Angelo, Texas, where his parents served in the military, Jim is a lifelong resident of Ohio. He and his wife Janet have been married 57 years and have a married son, a married daughter, and five grandsons. Throughout his career, Jim has also served in leadership roles across business, government, political, arts, and think tank organizations; most recently, serving as Chairman of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans and a board member of the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress.

Stephen Coston ’16 is the founder and partner of Stay Bar Harbor Hotel Group. He also worked for a decade as a registered investment advisor and partner with Coston, McIsaac & Shea Investment Advisors. He graduated from Husson University with a degree in business-financial management and was a valedictorian of the class of 2016. 

Stephen’s hotel group in Bar Harbor, Maine, has grown from a single hotel in 2018 to 404 rooms in Bar Harbor and 37 in Camden. He is passionate about restoring boutique properties and is an enthusiastic collector of both contemporary Maine artists as well as Old Master and 19th Century European paintings, many of which are displayed in his hotels. During his time at Coston, McIsaac & Shea the firm was able to grow its portfolio of managed assets from $60 million in 2015 to $400 million by the end of his tenure. 

In addition to his business success, Stephen has a passion for reading and education, and supports those causes locally in his community, including sponsoring the nonfiction section of the Jesup Memorial Library expansion as well as the library at Connors Emerson School. He is also a supporter of local youth sports and local schools. 

Additionally, Stephen helped Husson create space for One Circle Agency, Husson’s student-led marketing agency. He has also served in numerous volunteer positions and on boards, including the Bar Harbor Village Improvement Association, Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Bar Harbor Town Council, Bar Harbor Parking Solutions Task Force, and the Husson University Board of Visitors. He is presently a sitting member of the Husson University Board of Trustees. 

Please go here to register: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/vt_FYg?vid=1plcal