The University awarded two honorary doctor of science degrees in the spring to internationally recognized leaders, one in business and one in environmental policy.

Joseph Neubauer, chairperson and chief executive officer of ARAMARK—the world’s leading provider of managed food and food service, uniform and career apparel and child care and early education programs—was awarded the degree in April.

Russell W. Peterson, an environmental advocate and former Delaware governor, received the degree at the Department of Political Science and International Relations’ Convocation after spring Commencement ceremonies.

The honorary doctorate is the highest degree the University bestows. Other recent recipients include artist Jamie Wyeth, documentary film director Ken Burns and the president of Ireland, Mary McAleese.

President David P. Roselle called Neubauer “an industry icon and friend of the University of Delaware.” He said Neubauer is a recipient of the Horatio Alger Award honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals who have succeeded in spite of adversity and encouraged young people to pursue their dreams through higher education.

Neubauer came to America from Israel at age 14, living with an aunt and uncle and learning English by going to John Wayne movies. He worked his way through Tufts University by waiting tables.

Neubauer joined ARA Services in 1979 as chief financial officer and built the company into an $11 billion sales leader, with approximately 240,000 employees.

In the citation honoring Peterson, Howard E. Cosgrove, chairman of the University Board of Trustees, noted Peterson’s “lifelong pursuit of justice and civic duty.” He added that Peterson is “acknowledged as one of Delaware’s foremost policy leaders and one of the nation’s most highly respected voices in the areas of energy, environmental and marine policy and international relations.”

Peterson had a distinguished 26-year career as a DuPont Co. scientist and then served as governor of Delaware, receiving national acclaim with the state’s passage of the landmark 1971 Coastal Zone Act.
He has received numerous awards for his environmental work, including the National Audubon Society’s Audubon Medal, the World Wildlife Fund’s Gold Medal and the National Wildlife Federation’s Conservationist of the Year award.