REMARKS OF ROBERT M. MORGENTHAU ON RECEIVING
THE PRESIDENT’S MEDAL FROM THE CITY COLLEGE OF
 NEW YORK – MAY 30, 2008

“President Williams, I am greatly honored and moved by receipt of the President’s Medal.  City College is where so many students from minority and immigrant families got their start.  It is a symbol of diversity that is one of New York City’s greatest strengths. 

It has special meaning for me since my grandfather came to this country, 10 years of age, having little knowledge of English.  Five years later, he was able to enter City College with the Class of 1875, but he had to leave half-way through the second semester to help support his family.
 
I took the oath of office for my current term as District Attorney of New York County here in Shepard Hall because I believe it is important to remember your roots.   Too often, those who are successful or who have advantages in life develop a sense of entitlement; they climb the ladder and then want to pull it up behind them.  We all need to remember where we came from – in order to reinforce our respect for others of different backgrounds and circumstances.  In a just society, people from the neighborhoods with the least advantages are entitled to the same protections of the law as the wealthy and the powerful. 

The establishment of the Rangel Center to enhance the opportunities for minority students is in the great tradition of City College.

Within the last three months, I have established the Immigration Affairs Unit in the District Attorney’s Office to insure that immigrants to New York, legal and illegal, are given the full protection of the laws. 

I am proud and honored to share this important day with my old friend, Dr. Elie Wiesel, Mr. Enrique Garbajal “Sebastian” and the Class of 2008.  I am confident that your education here at City College will stand you in good stead in the years to come.”

 

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