Flash


Dr. Donald A. Henderson, Professor of Medicine and Public Health and a Distinguished Scholar at the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Biosecurity, and Alphonse "Buddy" Fletcher Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Fletcher Asset Management Inc., were each awarded honorary doctor of science degrees from Clarkson at the 113th Commencement.


Henderson is most widely known for having directed the World Health Organization's (WHO) global program to eradicate smallpox. He worked for more than 10 years on the global small pox eradication program and led WHO to discover and contain the final cases of smallpox in Somalia in 1977, which led to the worldwide eradication of the disease.


In addressing the graduates, Henderson told the Class of 2006 "select your specialty with care. For 11 years I worked directing the global small pox eradication program. At the end of that time, I think I was an international expert in that area — just one problem, there was no more disease." He went on to relate that in his four years serving as the science advisor to President George H.W. Bush he gained an appreciation of how rapidly the pace of biological science was and is continuing to change.


"We cannot remain as single discipline scientists any longer," Henderson said. "Today, engineering and chemistry, physics and humanities and the social sciences are coming together. The most significant breakthroughs are coming now by changing our direction – doing and thinking about them very differently. Clarkson captures the spirit of thinking and acting differently and this will serve the graduates well and its brand message defying convention."


Fletcher received his honorary degree from Clarkson for his civil rights and education philanthropy.
Fletcher received his
honorary degree from
Clarkson for his civil
rights and education
philanthropy.

Throughout his career, Henderson has played a leading role in developing policies and plans for national public health preparedness. In 1966, he was appointed to direct the WHO successful global smallpox eradication program. In 1974, he was instrumental in initiating WHO's global program of immunization, which has vaccinated 80 percent of the world's children against six major diseases. Henderson also served as dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and founded the Johns Hopkins Center for Civilian Biodefense Studies in 1998.


In 2002, Henderson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation's highest civilian award.


Fletcher received his honorary degree from Clarkson in recognition of his philanthropy to many causes, including a $50 million initiative which awards fellowships to scholars, writers and artists working on civil rights issues that further the broad goals of the landmark "Brown v. Board of Education," a Supreme Court ruling passed 50 years ago. He was also honored for his environmental efforts and support of education.


In his remarks, Fletcher told the class of 2006 that "today you get a new mother — an alma mater — and as with your own mother learn to appreciate that embrace, which will never stop. I would encourage you all to keep close to your school and follow in the tradition of philanthropy and family which I have seen stressed so emphatically today. I am honored to be included in the Clarkson alumni family."


Fletcher earned a bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University and a master's degree in Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. He founded Fletcher Asset Management Inc. in 1991. Fletcher has a long-standing interest in community service and philanthropy.