President, Burroughs Adding Machine Company
1952
Citation:
From time to time it is proper for the University of Detroit to single out individual men and women whose lives illustrate what is meant by the achievement of an ideal. Tonight on the occasion of its 75th anniversary year, the University has chosen to be especially bountiful not only in the number of those whom it presents for emulation and for honor, but also in the wide diversity of the vocations in which they have made their dreams come true. I present, Very Reverend President, for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws. John Strider Coleman, tonight's Commencement speaker, who spanned the American continent in his early legal training, graduating from the Georgetown University Law School and being admitted to the Bar of the State of Texas. Detroit is the city of his adoption. After service with the AEF in World War I, he joined the Burroughs Adding Machine Company as a junior salesman in 1920, and proved his exceptional abilities by consistent and rapid advancement, from salesman to President of the Company in 1946. His directorships and memberships in professional, educational, and civic associations are impressive in number. The University most warmly recognizes in Mr. Coleman her friend and counselor. Commencement, University of Detroit, June 11, 1952.