Global business leader to discuss entrepreneurship and share success story with students

ELSAH, IL (February 12, 2026)—Principia College is pleased to host Jean-Luc Diard, co-founder of the global running shoe company HOKA, for a campus visit on March 5, 2026. During his visit, Diard will engage with students and community members, sharing insights from his entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned while building one of the world’s most recognizable athletic footwear brands. This event is free and open to the public to attend.  

“I’m really looking forward to connecting with Principia students and sharing what I’ve learned along the way,” said Diard. “Entrepreneurship is as much about curiosity, resilience, and collaboration as it is about business strategy, and I’m excited to explore those ideas together.” 

Diard co-founded HOKA in 2009 with a vision to rethink running shoe design and enhance athletic performance. Under his leadership, HOKA grew from a niche brand into an internationally recognized company worn by elite athletes and everyday runners alike. Known for its innovation-driven approach, HOKA has experienced rapid global growth and has become a major player in the athletic footwear industry, redefining comfort, performance, and design. 

Principia College is committed to connecting students with real-world opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. Guest visits like Diard’s are designed not only to inspire, but to invite meaningful dialogue, allowing students to engage directly with leaders who are shaping industries around the world. By encouraging students to ask thoughtful questions and think collaboratively, Diard’s visit reflects Principia’s dedication to cultivating creative thinkers and doers who are prepared to seek and find solutions to complex challenges. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Jean-Luc Diard to Principia College,” said Principia College President Dr. Meggan Madden. “This opportunity is truly special for our students—particularly those studying business—to learn firsthand from a global entrepreneur whose work demonstrates innovation and perseverance.” 

Diard’s visit is organized by Principia College in collaboration with its Academic Center for Business and Computer Science, which equips students to develop their creative capacity for innovation and cultivate an agile, entrepreneurial mindset. The Center’s programs emphasize ethical leadership, real‑world problem‑solving, and forward‑thinking business practices, giving students the tools to navigate complexity with confidence. By connecting students with professionals who exemplify these qualities, the Center broadens students’ understanding of how principled leadership can influence systems and communities far beyond the bottom line. 

“This experience gives students a rare chance to hear directly from someone who has built a global company from the ground up,” said Lucia de Paz, center director and business professor at Principia College. “Hearing Jean-Luc Diard reflect on challenges and successes will help students see how theory translates into real-world action.” 

To register and learn more, please visit principiacollege.edu/hoka.  

Media personnel are invited to attend the fireside chat with Jean-Luc Diard on March 5 at 7:30 p.m. with an optional tour of Principia College. Please RSVP to Communications and Media Manager, Allex Jesper.  

Event Details: 
What: Conversation with HOKA Co-founder Jean-Luc Diard 
When: Thursday, March 5, 2026 
Where: Cox Auditorium, Principia College, Elsah, Illinois  
Contact: Allex Jesper, Communications and Media Manager, Principia College 
Phone: 636.697.6159 | Email: allex.jesper@principia.edu  

About Principia College  

Principia College is a top-ranked liberal arts college in Elsah, Illinois, set on a scenic 2,600-acre campus along the bluffs of the Mississippi River. Students attend the College from around the globe and a variety of faith backgrounds. Founded on Christian Science principles, Principia College creates a collaborative and inclusive community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and sees each other as infinitely capable. Principia College’s globally focused curriculum honors diverse perspectives and develops creative changemakers. In-depth study meets real-world experience through study abroad programs, internships, capstone projects, and a robust slate of student activities, including a world-renowned mediation team, top-ranked solar car team, national champion rugby club, and the nation’s oldest student-run public affairs conference. Principia College, founded over a century ago, is part of The Principia, an organization that also encompasses an award-winning Early Childhood through Grade 12 school in St. Louis, Missouri, and a global network of alumni and friends.  

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