Eugene Lang, a prominent New York City business leader whose “I Have a Dream” program has funded college education for thousands of disadvantaged youths, received an honorary doctor of laws degree during Spring Convocation for Honors on Wednesday, April 21. Details...
“Elon University is proud to recognize Gene Lang’s significant contributions to society,” said Elon President Leo M. Lambert. “His life challenges all of us to become involved in our communities and help shape the future in positive and constructive ways.”
“I am very proud and privileged to be so greatly honored by Elon University,” Lang said. He praised Elon for being an “institution whose compass is so emphatically directed to the future.”
Lang’s most recent philanthropic effort is Project Pericles, designed to promote a sense of civic responsibility among college students. Elon is among 10 colleges and universities nationwide to take part in the program. Elon students in the program, known as Periclean Scholars, identify a problem of regional or global significance and explore possible causes and solutions.
Lang’s “I Have a Dream” program gained national recognition when he promised a group of New York City schoolchildren that he would pay for their college education if they graduated from high school. Since the program started in 1981, it has expanded to more than 75 cities across the country.
Since establishing the Eugene M. Lang Foundation in 1963, Lang has devoted most of his time to philanthropic efforts. Focusing primarily on education, Lang’s foundation has contributed more than $150 million to philanthropic efforts that encourage civic responsibility, innovative scholarship opportunities, fellowships and internships.
A 1938 graduate of Swarthmore College, Lang founded REFAC Technology Development Corp. in 1952, serving as chairman until his retirement in 1998. During Lang’s tenure, the company became the world’s largest organization specializing in the negotiation of international manufacturing licenses and joint ventures. He has also served on the board of directors of several corporations and colleges, including Scriptomatic, Inc., Electronic Research Associates, Inc., and Swarthmore College.
Lang’s awards include the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, presented by President Bill Clinton in 1996. Lang was also designated as a Point of Light by President Bush in 1990.