"Engineering the Future" Awards Bestowed to Outstanding Leaders at Emulex Corporation

Paul F. Folino and James M. McCluney honored for their extraordinary contributions to engineering education and scholarly excellence

Two exceptional individuals were recognized as part of The Henry Samueli School of Engineering’s annual dinner and awards banquet on May 18, 2009.  Paul F. Folino, executive chairman, and James (Jim) M. McCluney, president and CEO, both from Emulex Corporation, were each presented the “Engineering the Future” award for their outstanding leadership and tireless dedication to advancing technology and supporting education.   

“I am pleased to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Paul Folino and Jim McCluney on behalf of The Henry Samueli School of Engineering,” said Dean Rafael L. Bras.  “They are both exemplary leaders and visionaries in the technology industry, and have a passion for scholarly excellence and promoting innovation.”

“Engineering the Future” Award – Paul F. Folino


“For His Invaluable Leadership in the Orange County Engineering and Business Communities, and His Commitment to The Henry Samueli School of Engineering at UC Irvine”

Paul F. Folino presently serves as executive chairman of Emulex Corporation after joining the company as president and chief executive officer in May 1993. In this role, Folino focuses on strategic investments and initiatives for the NYSE publicly traded corporation with a market capitalization of more than $500 million and more than 82 million shares outstanding. Emulex is the industry’s preeminent source for a broad range of advanced storage networking infrastructure solutions spanning host bus adapters, embedded storage switches, I/O controllers and SAN Storage Switches.

Folino was recognized as the 1999 Orange County Co-Entrepreneur of the Year for technology, as well as Ernst & Young’s 2000 Orange County Director of the Year for high-growth technology. In 2006, he was recognized by the Los Angeles Times as “one of the top 100 most influential” people in Southern California and “Orange County Philanthropist of the Year” by the Association of Fund Raising Professionals. More recently in 2008, Folino was recognized by the Orange County Business Journal as one of the “top 50 most influential business leaders” in Orange County.

 
“Engineering the Future Award” – James M. McCluney

“For His Vision in Advancing Innovation and Research in the Technology Industry, and His Instrumental Engagement and Support of Scholarly Excellence in The Henry Samueli School of Engineering at UC Irvine”

James (Jim) M. McCluney joined Emulex Corporation in November 2003 as president and chief operating officer, and was subsequently appointed to the position of president and chief executive officer in September 2006.  During his tenure at Emulex, McCluney has been instrumental in formulating Emulex’s strategy for growth and executing two strategic acquisitions, Aarohi Communications and Sierra Logic, which have positioned Emulex for entry into new high-growth market segments.

Prior to Emulex’s acquisition of Vixel Corporation in November 2003, McCluney served as Vixel’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. From October 1997 to January 1999, he served as president and chief operating officer of Crag Technologies, formerly Ridge Technologies, a storage system manufacturer. From October 1994 to September 1997, McCluney served in various executive positions at Apple Computer, including senior vice president of worldwide operations and vice president of European operations. Prior to Apple Computer, McCluney held several executive positions in the U.S. and Europe with Digital Equipment Corp. for 13 years.