President, Wayne State University
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
1965
Citation:
Every university numbers among its faculty loyal and devoted professors who have dedicated their lives and their talents to the development of their school. In some cases universities are wise enough to call on these stalwarts to lead them as their presidents. Wayne State University displayed this wisdom when in 1953 her trustees selected Dr. Clarence B. Hilberry as her fourth president. Dr. Hilberry had already given Wayne State twenty-three years of outstanding service as a Professor of English and Dean of Administration. The confidence of the trustees in Dr. Hilberry has received manifold justification in the past twelve years. Under his leadership, departments have matured and programs have burgeoned. From a struggling city university, Wayne State has been transformed into an academic power to take its place as one of the noteworthy trio of state universities in Michigan. Dr. Hilberry not only presided over the spectacular growth of Wayne State, but also, in fact, has been guiding force in that development. Dr. Hilberry's achievements have been recognized by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, which has appointed him to it accrediting Commission of Colleges and Universities and has made him chairman of its Committee on Leadership Training and Studies. He has served as President of the Association of Urban Universities and locally has been a board member of practically every social and cultural agency in Detroit. Dr. Hilberry is the paradigm of educational administrator and statesman, as well as civic leader. The University of Detroit is proud to welcome him into the ranks of her graduates. Reverend President, it is my privilege to present Dr. Clarence B. Hilberry for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters Commencement, University of Detroit, June 5, 1965.