Robert I. Lipp, Class of 1960, Doctor of Laws
“Bob Lipp is one of America’s outstanding business leaders.” That’s not just me saying it because you’re my boss. It’s William Harrison, CEO of JPMorganChase, who ought to know. Judgment, leadership, and an uncommon ability to develop managers have marked your meteoric career. It began at Chemical Bank, where you rose to the position of President; continued at Citigroup where you became Vice Chairman; at The Travelers Companies, which you led as Chairman and CEO; and at JPMorganChase where you now serve as Senior Advisor. Your professional life and personal life have both been enriched by a deep devotion to the arts, which you have long drawn on and given back to, particularly as a Trustee of Carnegie Hall and President of the New York City Ballet. No institution, however, has benefited more from your wisdom and judgment than Williams, where you have contributed from the classroom, in your Winter Study courses on philanthropy and non-profit management, to the boardroom, where you have served as Chairman of the Executive Committee. As that remarkable term of Board service now comes to an end, please know that so much of this College’s strength and growth is surely attributable to you.
I hereby declare you recipient of the honorary degree Doctor of Laws, entitled to all the rights, honors, and privileges appertaining thereto.
June 1, 2008