1933-2022
Marvin L. Mann (1933 – 2022) was born in Springdale, Alabama on April 22, 1933, and is remembered for his impact on business, community service, and philanthropy. As a first-generation college student who often hitchhiked to campus, he earned a bachelor's degree in accounting, economics, and office management from Samford University (then Howard College). After graduation, Mann served in the United States Navy. After being honorably discharged, he earned a master’s degree in marketing and economics from the University of Alabama.
In 1958 Mann joined IBM becoming Vice President. During his 32 years at IBM he is particularly remembered for his key role in developing the Universal Product Code alongside major retailers and manufacturers. Since its introduction in 1974, this familiar barcode symbology has been used worldwide for tracking trade items in stores. At IBM, Mann served as general manager of the IBM typewriter business, laying the foundation for the development of products ranging from typewriters to computer printers, Then, as president of the IBM Information Products Division, he led the development and manufacturing of typewriters, printers, copiers, ATMs and numerous other banking systems used in businesses worldwide.
After he retired from IBM in 1991, Mr. Mann worked with the private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, in the purchase of IBM's desktop printer and typewriter business. Additionally, Mann served as president and CEO of the Satellite Business Systems Company, a large partnership of IBM, Aetna Casualty, and the Communications Satellite Corporation. Satellite Business Systems is a communications company that places satellites into space and enables the expansion of wireless networks. Mann then became chairman, CEO, and investor in the company, Lexmark International, which became a "highly competitive, high growth" computer printer company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2010, Mr. Mann retired as chairman emeritus of Lexmark.
Mann was named Alumnus of the Year at Samford University and later was the first recipient of the university's Ethics-in-Business Award (later named the Marvin Mann Ethics-in-Business Award). He also received the Doctor of Commerce (honoris causa) degree from Samford. Mann continued to support academics and serve both the University of Alabama and Samford University in many ways. After his retirement, Lexmark created a $250,000 scholarship fund in Mr. Mann's name. In addition to many other financial gifts to Samford University, Mr. Mann and his estate awarded $100 million towards student scholarships and to support the Francis Marlin Mann Center for Ethics and Leadership. This bequest ranks as the largest philanthropic gift in the history of the State of Alabama.