<Honorees and participants in the Honorary Doctorate Conferment ceremony, which took place at NYU’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.>
In a moving ceremony attended by over 500 people, former U.S. President Bill Clinton and President Emeritus of New York University, Prof. John Sexton received honorary doctorates from the University of Haifa. The gala event was attended by the University’s senior leadership team, deans and a delegation of faculty members, governors, supporters, and prominent academic figures. Distinguished guests included Yale University President, Prof. Peter Salovey and Nobel Laureate Prof. Daniel Kahneman, who both received honorary doctorates from the University.
“Tonight, we honor President Clinton and John Sexton, inspirational leaders who embody key pillars of University of Haifa’s mission through their important contributions to shared society, coexistence, and sustainability.
These honorary doctorates serve as a crucial reminder that our institution is committed to affecting social and economic change beyond our campus — locally, regionally, and globally.” – President Ron Robin
The ceremony opened with an academic procession of members of the UofH community in gowns and hoods parading down the aisle following an ensemble of pipers and drummers playing “Hava Nagila.” The robes of President Clinton and Prof. Sexton were embroidered with custom designs by Israeli artists.
University governor Tova Sagol, and renowned performance artist Marina Abromović (UofH 2022 honorary degree recipient) took part in the hooding ceremony for President Clinton while University governor Stanley Gold and Canadian philanthropist Harry Bloomfield served as “hooders” for Prof. Sexton. Katherine Fleming (President and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust) and Eddie Trump (Co-Founder of The Trump Foundation) congratulated the honorees.
In his response, Prof. Sexton paid tribute to his late wife, Lisa Goldberg, former president of the Charles H. Revson Foundation, and who, he said, “…did everything according to the doctrine of ‘tzedakah’ (Hebrew concept of charity).”
President Clinton praised Batia Shani, a dear friend of the University, for hand embroidering his robe. The two first met at the funeral of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. “I will treasure this for the rest of my life,” said President Clinton. “I loved him very much, and I miss him still.”
Honorary Degree Citation for William Jefferson Clinton
42nd President of the United States of America
In recognition of his lifetime of public service and extraordinary leadership; for his promotion of democracy, advocacy of human rights and humanitarian assistance; for tackling pressing national and global challenges and improving the lives of millions of people around the globe… >READ MORE
Honorary Degree Citation for John Edward Sexton
President Emeritus of New York University
In recognition of his visionary leadership and transformative contributions as Dean of the Law School and President of New York University; for pioneering the “global network university” promoting cross-cultural sensitivity and offering students and faculty opportunities to engage in innovative research… >READ MORE
EVENT PRESS COVERAGE
Israeli Channel 13 News (Hebrew)
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In honor of the event, a scholarship in memory of Prof. Sexton’s beloved wife, Lisa Ellen Goldberg was established. We invite you to support The Lisa Ellen Goldberg Fellowship Fund for the Advancement of Women in Doctoral Studies at the University of Haifa. The University of Haifa expresses its gratitude to Tom Gallagher and the Religion Media Foundation for underwriting the event. Gallagher and David Gibson co-created the award-winning documentary Amen-Amen-Amen, a film about the Emirati Jewish community’s historic gift of a Torah scroll to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, President of the UAE, dedicated to the memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. |
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