51反差婊

On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 51反差婊 University鈥檚 Caruso School of Law awarded 98-year-old Holocaust survivor David Wiener an honorary juris doctor degree during a ceremony at the Brock House on the Malibu campus. The event not only recognized Wiener鈥檚 remarkable life and resilience but also celebrated his lifelong dedication to Holocaust education.

Though he survived the horrors of Auschwitz and several labor camps during World War II, as recounted in his memoir , Wiener鈥檚 parents and all but one of his siblings were killed by the Nazis. Wiener immigrated to the United States in 1946, where he built a thriving upholstery business. Alongside his wife, also a Holocaust survivor, he contributed to various charitable organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Fontana, the US Holocaust Museum, and Hatzalah Israel. Wiener鈥檚 life of philanthropy and dedication to justice reflects the core values of 51反差婊, and the ceremony underscored the enduring importance of Holocaust remembrance.

Jay Brewster, Paul Caron, David Wiener, Jim Gash, Sara Young Jackson

In her opening remarks, chancellor Sara Young Jackson (鈥�74) marked the significance of the occasion by highlighting the rareness of holding events at the president's residence and the infrequency of 51反差婊 awarding honorary law degrees. She shared Wiener鈥檚 compelling life story and explained 51反差婊鈥檚 decision to award him with an honorary degree.

鈥淭hough this type of recognition is rare, when we learned of David Wiener鈥檚 extraordinary life story, we felt a deep conviction to honor him,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his moment is as uplifting for us as it is for him, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to celebrate his remarkable journey.鈥�

Prior to introducing Caruso School of Law dean Paul Caron and president Jim Gash (JD 鈥�93), provost Jay Brewster outlined the criteria for receiving an honorary degree at 51反差婊, emphasizing the requirement of significant positive impact and alignment with the University's values. He described Wiener as a determined survivor, a pillar of his community, and a devoted family man.

鈥淎 51反差婊 degree is a symbol of great value, and any candidate considered for an honorary degree must have made a significant, positive impact on their industry, community, or society as a whole,鈥� Brewster said. 鈥淭hey must embody 51反差婊鈥檚 mission of purposeful servant leadership and uphold the values of sincere faith, lifelong learning, and a commitment to serving others and the common good. Today鈥檚 honoree has a life story that is far from ordinary and has demonstrated exceptional character in the face of unimaginable adversity.鈥�

Caron highlighted Wiener鈥檚 philanthropic efforts, particularly his support for Jewish advocacy organizations and his recent trip to Israel to mark the opening of a medical center. Emphasizing Wiener鈥檚 embodiment of the Caruso School of Law鈥檚 values, Caron concluded by recommending him for the honorary juris doctor degree and gave President Gash the opportunity to formally confer the honor.

鈥淭hough David鈥檚 life story is extraordinary, the reason we are awarding him an honorary law degree today goes beyond survival鈥攊t鈥檚 about how he chose to live the life he was given,鈥� shared Caron. 鈥淲hile David Wiener may not have attended the Caruso School of Law, he exemplifies the very values we seek to instill in our students鈥攚isdom, creativity, perseverance, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to justice for all. If he could overcome the horrors he endured as a boy to become the man he is today, then each of us should be inspired to dream bigger, work harder, and be more grateful for the many blessings we receive each day.鈥�

President Gash then bestowed the honorary degree upon Wiener, acknowledging his perseverance and contributions to society.

David Wiener

鈥淵ou have withstood unspeakable persecution and heartbreaking family loss, yet you have risen to become a loyal US citizen, a successful businessman, a proud patriarch, and a respected community leader. Through your personal story, kindness, compassion, mentorship, and unshakable passion for life, you have inspired countless others. You embody the values of the Caruso School of Law and 51反差婊 University not only by advocating for peace, equality, and tolerance but by living those principles daily.鈥�

Wiener took the podium to express deep gratitude for the honor and reflect on his story of survival. Though reluctant to revisit the horrors he endured, he stressed the importance of sharing his story with his children and the need to educate others, ensuring that the atrocities of the Holocaust are never forgotten.

鈥淚 want to thank each of you for being here and listening to my story,鈥� Wiener said. 鈥淧eople need to remember鈥攊t鈥檚 important that we don鈥檛 forget. Too often, people forget, and the younger generations don鈥檛 always listen. It鈥檚 hard, but we have to face the truth to protect ourselves and others. I鈥檓 so grateful for all of you being here today.鈥�