McGreevey and Rose receive honorary degrees
Click here to read bios on McGreevey and Rose
Receiving honorary degrees this year were New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey and television personality Charles Peete Rose. Montclair State President Susan A. Cole gave the following introductions of the recipients:
Gov. James E. McGreevey
As a leading educator of New Jersey’s citizens, Montclair State
University is especially pleased to recognize the commitment of those
for whom education is an important priority. Governor McGreevey, you have
been a staunch champion of the goals and ideals of education.
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When you attended last year’s commencement, then as a candidate
for office, you were campaigning on a promise to improve the quality of
education in New Jersey. Upon being sworn into office you pledged to make
educational excellence the cornerstone of your administration.
Governor McGreevey, we know that you made these promises and pledges because
you truly understand that in order for a diverse society to flourish all
people must have access to high-quality education. You made these pledges
because you know that, just as free public schools defined American life
in the 20th century, access to higher education will define the quality
of American life in the 21st century. You made these pledges because you
know that New Jersey’s greatest asset is the ingenuity and creativity
of her citizens.
We know that it is this staunch commitment to educational excellence that
will guide you over the course of the next four years. And we also know
that New Jersey and her citizens will be the beneficiary of your passion,
your energy and your understanding that an educated citizenry is the cornerstone
of American democracy.
Montclair State University is proud to bestow upon you, Governor James
E. McGreevey, New Jersey’s 51st governor, the degree of Doctor of
Laws, honoris causa.
Charles Peete Rose
Charles Peete Rose, your compelling public television program regularly
challenges viewers with the observations and keen analyses of the nation's
foremost thinkers. As host of "Charlie Rose," you strip away
all the barriers to good conversation and your round oak table has become
perhaps the most recognized table on television. Liz Smith has said, "I
am convinced Charlie could draw a fascinating interview from a stone."
A window on cultural areas rarely seen on television, your show has hosted
guests ranging from international statesmen to Nobel laureates.
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"The greatest story you will ever tell is your own...You don't know how many chapters there will be and you know you can't change the end, but you will make each chapter yours. Montclair is a chapter in this story. You taught yourself here how to learn and that skill will serve you the rest of your life. As you write your own story, make sure you define who you are." --Charles Peete Rose |
Your second program, "Charlie Rose Special Edition," presents
profiles on prominent entertainers as well as weeklong specials on the
cutting edge of science. You delve into the artistic world as you draw
from major exhibits at distinguished museums for your series, "Great
Masters;" you are a correspondent for "60 Minutes II,"
the CBS newsmagazine program; and you are a popular speaker on a variety
of subjects at college campuses across the country.
Your interviewing style has garnered widespread praise and awards, including
an Emmy, the George Peabody Broadcasting Award, a Cable Ace Award and
the World Citizen of the Year 2000 Award from the Charlotte World Affairs
Council.
You have traveled a great distance from your boyhood in Henderson, North
Carolina, where your family lived in rooms above the general store that
your father owned and managed, and where, at night, you would read in
bed by flashlight. In some great part, it was education that made that
journey possible for you.
For your achievements in journalism, Montclair State University proudly
bestows upon you, Charlie Rose, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters,
honoris causa.