2008 Commencement-Honorary Degree Recipient, Steven Grossman, MBA

The honorary doctorate is the highest academic recognition that a school can bestow. It is conferred on those whose life and work have demonstrated the highest standards of excellence in academics, professional practice, personal integrity and service to the community.

This degree is offered “honoris causa” or “out of respect or admiration.” A medieval tradition allows institutions of higher learning to waive the usual academic work that is the requirement of the doctor’s degree for those who have so distinguished themselves in the academy of life that their accomplishments warrant the recognition and the academy wants them to be among its committee of professors. Since these special people become alumni of the school, it is also a way for the institution to claim them as their own.

Let me ask our Board Chair Mr. Peter Berenson to introduce you to our third Honorary Degree recipient.

This is a man who is always recognizing the call from those who are in need. Today he comes before us, because we who are witnesses to his extraordinary commitment to improving the world…want to recognize him.

Let me ask Mr. Grossman to come forward to receive his degree.

—Nicholas A. Covino, PsyD

Introduction by Peter Berenson, CPA

Good afternoon.  It’s an honor to introduce you to a dear friend, Steve Grossman.  In just a moment Dr. Covino will confer upon him one of MSPP’s highest symbols of recognition – an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, but first I’d like to tell you why Steve is being recognized here today.

Approving honorary degrees is a matter that we, on the Board of Trustees, take seriously, and one of the criteria is that there must be a meaningful link between the degree recipient and you the graduates.  After all, this is your day, and the focus is appropriately upon you.  I think you’ll see that the link in this case could not be more meaningful.

You may not remember, but just about when you were thinking of continuing your studies at MSPP our school was referred to, and we referred to ourselves, as a hidden jewel and a diamond in the rough.  At about that time I asked Steve for what I thought was a one-time bit of advice.  We were planning our first gala and I knew that he had planned what seemed like hundreds of them.  So who better to ask?  After a quick but thorough study, he recognized opportunities for MSPP that weren’t so obvious to us.  He took out his grinding wheel and polishing stone and over the last four to five years he prodded, challenged, guided and advised us in ways that transformed MSPP into the smooth and sparkling jewel that it is today.  So when you display your diplomas, or include MSPP in your CVs, or discuss your alma mater with your colleagues and patients you can do so knowing that MSPP is one of the most respected and prominent schools in its field and you can thank Steve Grossman for helping to make that happen.

But the link doesn’t stop there.  Steve is a passionate advocate for social justice and religious and racial harmony and has a deep history and interest in politics.  Not a day goes by when he isn’t somehow involved in feeding the hungry, healing the sick, giving a voice to the oppressed and honoring the departed.   I first met Steve about 25 years ago when he was the National Director of the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee.  He subsequently served as the Chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, Chairman of the National Democratic Party during the Clinton years, Chairman of the Board of Brandeis University and a Board member of the Anti-Defamation League.   Steve was a candidate for Governor of Massachusetts in 2000, is currently a Democratic Party Super Delegate, and a MSPP super friend.  He was honored last year by the Franciscan Hospital for Children and serves on boards of charitable organizations that are too numerous to mention.    

In his spare time, Steve carries on the traditions of a fourth generation family business that is a leader in its field and he and his lovely wife, Barbara, take pride in watching their own family grow in their deep routed traditions and values.  

Steve’s qualities are shining examples of those that we look for in our applicants and try to instill in our students.  I hope MSPP has done that for our graduates here today, and that as you launch your professional careers, Steve Grossman will be an inspiration to you to make our world a better place for all.

President Covino, I present to you Steve Grossman.

Citation

Steve Grossman, MBA
Businessman, activist, policy maker, teacher, humanitarian

You are equally at home with heads of state as directors of small community agencies; you combine your passion for social justice and human rights with an exceptional ability to form networks and coalitions that have benefited millions in this country and internationally. 

Whereas, you are a catalyst for social change who brings extraordinary intelligence, unusual compassion, and a unique ability to engage people, resolve differences, build consensus, and motivate them towards a common goal, and

Whereas, you have an unerring moral compass and an extraordinary commitment to social justice that invites you to engage organizations, causes, leaders and candidates in need of counsel or champion, and

Whereas, you are a man of indefatigable energy, considerable creativity and expertise who forms relationships of such respect that your partnerships never destabilize and always enhance the other, and  

Whereas, you have served on and chaired countless civic, educational, social service, political and religious boards giving generously of your time and expertise, drawing attention to issues and outcomes and never to yourself, and  

Whereas, you prize and exemplify “Tikkun Olam” in your work of repairing and healing the world and, in the words Isaiah, you are a true “rebuilder of the ancient walls, a restorer of dwelling places and a repairer of the breach.”

By virtue of the authority invested in me by the Board of Trustees and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I confer upon you the degree Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, and invest you with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto.  In token, thereof, I hand to you this Diploma and direct that you be vested with the hood appropriate to your degree.

Updated 6/13/08