Labor Leader, President, United Automobile Workers
1973
Citation:
Noble, indeed, is the person who dedicates his life's work for the economic and social well being of the working man. Leonard Woodcock, you are such a man. You are one who recognizes the great dignity of the common man, he who achieves dignity only by leaping the almost insurmountable hurdles of his environment. You have served long and faithfully the men and women of your own organization. You have often submerged your own personal ambitions to achieve great goals for the labor movement. You are a man who walked in the footsteps of a great leader only to become a master yourself. Thoughtful and reflective - the highly respected bargainer - you are the clear and compelling voice of the working man, the pioneer warrior against discrimination in jobs, housing, and all other aspects of American life. You have demonstrated your conviction and have reminded us again and again that "mankind possesses the world in common" and that each man must have a certain equality in the distribution of the world and its goods. Reverend President, it is my privilege to present Mr. Leonard Woodcock for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws. Commencement, University of Detroit, April 28, 1973.