Editor Emeritus of Knight-Ridder Newspapers
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
1981
Citation:
Entrepreneur, sportsman, publisher, philanthropist, you have been first and last an editor, celebrated by your peers and acclaimed by the readers you served for the vigorous independence of mind which is the distinguishing characteristic of the life you have lived. A founder of what is today our nation's most widely read group of newspapers, you established the standards of economic independence and editorial integrity for which those newspapers would be known. For more than forty years, your trenchant commentary, An Editor's Notebook, appeared each week throughout the country; for your wit and wisdom, your colleagues have awarded you the Pultizer prize for Distinguished Editorial Writing. Your commitment to the freedom of speech and your willingness to take issue with conventional opinion are hallmarks of your long career. As a citizen, you have been generous with both your time and your fortune; you have served your country in a variety of special missions and the foundation which bears your name contributes generously to cultural and educational endeavors across America. You are a man of many accomplishments and many honors. Your personal life has been marked by great happiness and, yes, great tragedy and loss. You have met the latter with courage of the highest order. It is with admiration and respect that the University of Detroit confers upon you the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. Commencement, University of Detroit, May 16, 1981.