St. John’s School of Education Lauds Joel Klein And Merryl Tisch at University’s Honorary Degree Convocation

As St. John’s School of Education closes a historic chapter with a final 100th anniversary salute,  the University took time to celebrate in grand fashion with their Honorary Degree Convocation this past Wednesday night (April 14) at the schools  Queens campus.

Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M., President of St. John’s, conferred honorary degrees to New York City Public Schools Chancellor, Joel J. Klein, J.D., and New York State Board of Regents Chancellor, Merryl H. Tisch, Ed.D., at a private ceremony in the Belson Moot Courtroom of the University’s School of Law. Chancellor Klein received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree and Chancellor Tisch received an Honorary Doctor of Pedagogy Degree.

“The School of Education’s Honorary Degree Convocation marks the final event in the final year of our 100th anniversary celebration and we’re thrilled to honor two of the most influential education policy makers – chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents and the chancellor of the largest school system (New York City) – in the United States,” said Jerrold Ross, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Education at St. John’s University. “Our honorees tonight are both direct descendants of the great past U.S. reformers – often criticized for policy decisions but courageous enough to experiment with controversial ideas for the sake of the service and welfare of the children of the City and State of New York.”

Since New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg appointed him as New York City Schools Chancellor in 2002, Joel Klein has had several major accomplishments on the job. He has implemented the Child First initiative, a program that has transformed the educational landscape of New York City. His passion for education dates back more than 40 years to his studies at New York University’s School of Education, which he undertook during a leave of absence from Harvard Law School.

“I am deeply humbled and somewhat emotional in receiving this honor. I can’t help but think about the American Dream tonight that enabled me to stand on the shoulders of teachers at Bryant High School many years ago to get to see a world I couldn’t see from the first floor of the Woodside (NY) public houses where I grew up,” said Chancellor Klein during his Convocation Address. “Teachers set expectations for me that were not commensurate with my background or my family’s income - and opportunities wouldn’t have happened for me if people hadn’t insisted, no matter where I came from or what I’d been through, that I could go on to aspire to do whatever I chose to do.”

His address while personal, also took on a theme of universal proportions when speaking passionately about his job and the role education plays in our society.

“From the day I took the job as chancellor of the NY Public Schools, friends told me that I would never fix education in America until you fix the poverty in our society. I’ve done this for eight years and I’m convinced now more than ever that those people have it exactly backwards – because you’ll never fix poverty in America until you fix education,” added Chancellor Klein.

Chancellor Tisch has amassed an extraordinary record of service to others through her dedication to education, community service and philanthropy. In 2009, she was elected the first female Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents, a post for which she is eminently qualified with 13 years of membership on the Board, including two as Vice Chancellor.

Her educational and professional background is equally impressive and includes an Ed.D. from Teachers College at Columbia University, an M.A. in Education from New York University and a B.A. from Barnard College.

St. John’s University’s School of Education was founded on September 28, 1908. The School of Education (then called The School of Pedagogy) was considered one of New York State’s top three education schools from its earliest beginnings. It was one of the first to award graduate degrees to teachers and administrators. St. John’s University was able to achieve this at a time when a normal school diploma — the equivalent of a two-year community college degree today— was all that was required for teacher certification. The School of Education also became known for its commitment to helping underserved populations — including immigrants of all ethnicities and religions — a commitment that it still honors today.

The School of Education recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary with a two-year schedule of centennial activities, lectures, networking and social events highlighting its history of academic excellence and commitment to service.

For more information contact Dominic Scianna, Assistant Vice President for Media Relations, St. John’s University by calling (718) 990-6185 or e-mail inquiries to sciannad@stjohns.edu.