President, General Motors Corporation
Honorary Doctor of Engineering
1939
Citation:
William S. Knudsen, native son of Copenhagen, Denmark, and honors graduate of its School of Technology; Knight of the Order of Dannabrog at the hands of His Majesty, the King of Denmark; who, by his rugged courage, determination and honesty, and his mastery of production organization, has risen from humble beginning to the presidency of one of the nation's largest industrial corporations; who, by his democratic spirit, diplomacy, and sympathetic concern for his fellowman, has done much to effect a better understanding between management and labor; who, by his active participation in the civic, cultural and philanthropic life of the city, and his direction at present of a major drive on behalf of Christian charity, has shown a generous sense of the responsibility of leadership in the community, - is recommended for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Engineering, and a place on the roll of those whom the University of Detroit has singled out for special recognition. Commencement, University of Detroit, June 6, 1939.