UMD News Releases

During the ceremonies Chancellor Martin will award honorary Doctor of Law degrees to UMD graduate and University of California, Berkeley Law Professor Emeritus John "Jack" Coons, and to former University of Minnesota Regent Erwin Goldfine and community leader Beverly Goldfine. The honorary degree is the highest award conferred by the University of Minnesota, recognizing individuals who have achieved acknowledged eminence in cultural affairs, in public service, or in a field of knowledge and scholarship.

Featured speaker for the event will be Berkeley Law Professor Emeritus Coons. Coons graduated from UMD in 1950 and went on to graduate from Northwestern University Law School. He was a professor of law at Berkeley from 1967 until his retirement in 1994. He is the author of numerous published articles, special reports and eight books. His books include: Freedom & Responsibility in Broadcasting, Making School Choice Work for All Families, and (his latest) By Nature Equal: the Anatomy of a Western Insight (with P.M. Brennan). Professor Emeritus Coons' areas of expertise include: law and society, law and education, children and the law. He has served as a national consultant to such organizations as the National Education Association, Office of Economic Opportunity, Ford Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Institute for Contemporary Studies, National Crime Commission and the N.A.A.C.P. Legal Defense Fund.

Erwin Goldfine was a member of the Minnesota Board of Regents from 1975 to 1987 and played a strong role in establishing the UMD School of Medicine. He has been a trustee of the University of Minnesota Foundation since 1979. A native Duluthian and life-long entrepreneur, he is president of Manley Management Company and vice president of Manley Investment Company. Goldfine Hall, a residence hall on the UMD campus, is named in his honor.

Beverly Goldfine is an active community leader and dedicated volunteer in service to the arts, education, and an advocate to those less fortunate. She is a founder of the Duluth-Superior Community Foundation, which has grown to more than $20 million. Her commitment to providing low-income housing in Duluth led to a national award from President Ford. The Beverly and Erwin Goldfine Scholarship for Academic Excellence at UMD was established in 1987. Since that time more than 100 students have received substantial support from the endowed scholarship.

Chancellor Martin said of the awards, "We are very happy and proud to present these honorary degrees to three such outstanding individuals whose contributions to education and to their fellow man are indeed exemplary. We all benefit from their example and dedicated service. We are honored that they will share this very special day with UMD."

Goldfine was a member of the Minnesota Board of Regents from 1975 to 1987 and played a strong role in establishing the UMD School of Medicine. He has been a trustee of the University of Minnesota Foundation since 1979. A native Duluthian and life-long entrepreneur, he is president of Manley Management Company and vice president of Manley Investment Company. Goldfine Hall, a residence hall on the UMD campus, is named in his honor.

Beverly Goldfine is an active community leader and dedicated volunteer in service to the arts, education, and an advocate to those less fortunate. She is a founder of the Duluth-Superior Community Foundation, which has grown to more than $20 million. Her commitment to providing low-income housing in Duluth led to a national award from President Ford. The Beverly and Erwin Goldfine Scholarship for Academic Excellence at UMD was established in 1987. Since that time more than 100 students have received substantial support from the endowed scholarship.

Chancellor Martin said of the awards, We are very happy and proud to present these honorary degrees to three such outstanding individuals whose contributions to education and to their fellow man are indeed exemplary. We all benefit from their example and dedicated service. We are honored that they will share this very special day with UMD.