Citation
Mr. President:
On behalf of the Trustees and Faculty of Clark University I have the honor to present Jacob Hiatt.
Jacob Hiatt, lawyer and judge in his native Lithuania, entrepreneur and successful industrialist in his adopted country, leader, counselor and philanthropist in the field of higher education.
He received his Master’s Degree in European History from Clark in 1946. As a result of his respect for Clark and its distinguished faculty, he began a 33 year association with the University involving enthusiastic support as an alumnus and wise counsel and generosity as a Trustee. As Chairman of the Investment Committee and as a member of the Finance Committee and Executive Committee, he has brought prudence and wisdom to the financial affairs of Clark. But his major contribution been his enthusiasm and steadfastness during periods of uncertainty and doubt. His belief in the successful future of the University has been contagious.
The generosities of Jacob Hiatt and his wife Frances to Clark have resulted in the endowment of a Chair in European History, of which Dwight E. Lee was the first recipient, and their support of every important program at the University has been significant.
Jacob Hiatt has not confined his strong support of private higher education to Clark University, but has also been a member of the Boards of Trustees of several colleges and universities and is currently President of the Board of Trustees of Brandeis University.
His strong support of his cultural and religious heritage has enhanced his contributions to his adopted country.
Mr. President, we honor Jacob Hiatt today particularly as a son of Clark, who has contributed so much to this University. We also honor him for his extraordinary contribution to higher education in the United States and for his major contributions to all good civic causes.
On behalf of the Trustees and Faculty of Clark University, I request that the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, be conferred upon him.