The Conferring of Honorary Degrees
Governor Ed Rendell

Citation Presented by Stephanie G. Larson, Professor of Political Science
Conferring of the degree by William G. Durden, President

Governor Ed Rendell , we honor you today for your public service and leadership as District Attorney and then Mayor of the City of Philadelphia and now Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania .

Throughout your career, you have shown us that government is more than policies and politicians and that cities are more than their histories and their problems. You have inspired people to believe that government can change lives for the better; that persistence and sacrifice can turn things around; and that hope is both possible and essential for creating a prosperous future.

As a leader, you have been both optimistic and realistic. Where others have only seen insurmountable obstacles, you have seen opportunities. In your mayoral inaugural address you began by saying: "Make no mistake, our situation is worse than we thought it could ever be." Then you challenged local politicians, the public, and yourself to face these problems with courage, unity, and innovation. You concluded that "We cannot and will not fail." You were right.

Under your leadership as mayor of Philadelphia the city went from near bankruptcy to a budget surplus. By cutting spending and instituting competitive contracting programs, you were able to accomplish this without raising taxes. Restoring fiscal balance was only one of the reasons that Philadelphia 's national reputation and its local pride were redeemed. The revitalization of downtown has made it a vital tourist destination and cultural center. The New York Times called this renaissance "the most stunning turnaround in recent urban history." Your tireless promotion of the city and its people has not only earned you the informal title of "Booster-in-Chief," but also American City & County 's 1996 Municipal Leader of the Year award.

As Governor since January 2003, you have focused your irrepressible energy and exuberance on enacting "The Plan for a New Pennsylvania." Many of its initiatives have already begun. These include property tax relief, economic stimulus packages to towns and communities, and the expansion of prescription drug benefits to senior citizens. Your leadership in creating the Keystone Innovation Zone initiative recognizes and enhances the value colleges and universities bring to local communities. You once described yourself as " Philadelphia 's biggest cheerleader," now you are Pennsylvanian's biggest cheerleader working to keep physicians in the state, to close the resource gap between school districts, and to create new businesses.

We recognize you today, not because of any specific proposal or achievement, but because you exemplify a dedicated public servant. You believe in common people and in uncommon solutions. You are not afraid to tackle hard problems, to say what you think, to laugh at yourself, or to acknowledge your mistakes. You offer us plain talk, common sense, and perhaps most importantly, comforting strength.

President Durden, I am honored to present to you, Edward G. Rendell, for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Public Administration.

**************************

Governor Edward G. Rendell, upon the recommendation of the Faculty to the Board of Trustees, and by its mandamus, I confer upon you the degree of Doctor of Public Administration, with the rights, privileges, and distinction thereunto appertaining, in token of which I present you with this diploma and cause you to be invested with the hood of Dickinson College appropriate to your degree.

«Back to Commencement 2005