Citation
President Angel, I have the honor of presenting Robert Stevenish, an executive at the highest levels of the retail industry and longtime member of the Clark Board of Trustees.
Mr. Stevenish, for many years you led, nurtured, and grew a host of companies whose names are familiar to shoppers across America: J.C. Penney, Montgomery Ward, and Modell’s Sporting Goods, where you served as president and chief operating officer. Your leadership extended to the suites and boardrooms of other companies that needed thoughtful decision-making and a steady hand at the helm, including in CEO positions at Trilegiant Corporation, NetMarket, and Fedco. Today, you offer sound guidance as chairman of the board for Adler Germany and Myron Corporation USA.
Though you are not an alumnus of Clark — that particular honor lies with your son, Robert Stevenish II — your commitment to this University could not be deeper and more genuine than if you’d laid the bricks for Jonas Clark Hall yourself. In your years on the Board of Trustees, you’ve proven to be a perceptive and tactical leader. The skills and instincts you’ve honed in corporate boardrooms help ensure that Clark sets the strategies and marshals the resources necessary to provide a world-class education for generations of students eager to make their mark on the global stage.
Mr. Stevenish, you answer the call of organizations that need someone of talent and integrity to help them navigate the road to better outcomes. We are grateful that you continue to give Clark University the benefit of your talents — as a businessman, as a father, and as a true Clarkie.
Mr. President, on behalf of the trustees, faculty, students, and staff of Clark University, I request that the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, be conferred on Robert Stevenish.