General Sales Manager, Dearborn Motors
1951
Citation:
Merritt D. Hill, of the class of 1927 in the University's College of Commerce and Finance, began his professional career with the United Motors Service, a division of General Motors, in Battery Division and then as general merchandising manager of Untied Motors Service. In 1942 he became Vice-President and a member of the Board of Directors of Harry Ferguson, Inc. In 1946 he organized the Western Implement Merchandisers in Oakland, California. Joining the Dearborn Motors in January 1947, Mr. Hill, as general sales manger, developed a nationwide sales, parts and service organization with six months. Last year he was named Vice-President and a member of the Board of Directors of Dearborn Motors. He is a recognized authority on man-power management and on methods of recruiting, training and man-power management and on methods of recruiting, training and supervision sales personnel. He organized in 1940 the Detroit Sales Executives Club and in 1950 was convention chairman of the annual meeting, held in Detroit, of the National Sales Executives. Merritt Hill's connection with his Alma Mater has been constant, devoted, self-sacrificing, time-consuming, and a stimulus to everyone who has worked with him. When the University asked him to become General Chairman of its Alumni Fieldhouse Campaign it did so in the conviction that he would carry it to a successful issue. Reverend Assistant to the President, I have the honor of presenting Merritt D. Hill for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws. Commencement, University of Detroit, June 13, 1951.