Alfred F. Ware (‘50 BS, ‘52 MA)
Alfred F. Ware, a native of Rupert, W.Va., graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1950 and a master’s degree in speech communication in 1952. While at WVU, he was a member of Delta Tau Delta, served as Cadet Colonel of Army ROTC, was captain of the Men’s Varsity Debating Team, and earned varsity letters in track and cross country.
Ware served as chairman of the board of Amherst International. Inc., a corporation he founded in 1977. Amherst manufactures and markets fiber optics, opto-electronics and allied laser products for telecommunications and cable companies, as well as those industries using optical fibers.
In 1954, Ware began his professional career in the textile industry.
He was founder and CEO of Mitsubishi-Burlington, Ltd. (Tokyo), from 1969-74, and president of the International Division of Burlington Industries in New York City from 1974-77. Burlington was the world’s largest manufacturer of textiles and home furnishings during his tenure.
He has spent most of his business career in multi-national companies. After his success in the textile industry, he went on to serve as vice president of Manufacturers Hanover Corporation and as vice president and director of Manufacturers Hanover World Trade Corporation. His pioneer trading in the Peoples’ Republic of China began in Shanghai in 1972. He has been the chief architect of many OEM projects in the United States and overseas.
Throughout his distinguished career, Ware has been involved in a variety of organizations enhancing civic awareness and education. He has served the positions of chairman of the board of directors of the American School in Japan, chairman of the civic affairs committee for the US Chamber of Commerce in Japan, member of the International Committee of the US Chamber of Commerce and US/Japan Trade Council, board of directors member for the United Fund of New York City, and deacon of his local church.
Ware is a member of the School of Physical Education Visiting Committee and is chair of the School’s Wellness Task Force. He served on the WVU Alumni Association’s Board of Directors, and, in 2004, he received the Most Loyal Alumni Mountaineer award.
