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David Rockefeller Today, with pride and admiration, the Carnegie family of institutions has taken the unusual step of recognizing another great name in the annals of American philanthropy: the name of Rockefeller. For it was John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie who, together, at the dawn of the last century, began the "business of benevolence": with the same vision and fervor that they founded their own great industrial ventures, they set the standards for philanthropy that even today serve as the guiding stars for the philanthropists and humanitarian leaders that have come after them. The contributions of the Rockefeller family are staggering in their extraordinary range and in the scope of their contribution to humankind. As Rockefeller University this year celebrates its own centennial—one hundred years dedicated to scientific excellence for the benefit of humanity—we must also take note of the many other far-reaching benefactions of the Rockefeller clan that have literally affected the lives of millions and brought hope, education, research breakthroughs, medical advances, food programs, health care, and so much else to people in every walk of life, in every corner of the globe. Through the Rockefeller Foundation, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the creation of the University of Chicago, Spelman College and so many other institutions and endeavors such as the creation of Colonial Williamsburg, the Rockefeller family has enriched humankind and made the name Rockefeller synonymous with generosity, excellence and a vision of international relationships founded on mutual respect and goodwill. Perhaps the best way to honor this great family is to honor David and Laurance S. Rockefeller, two of the most outstanding representatives—indeed, symbols—of this unparalleled family. Both of them have combined public service, civic commitment and private philanthropy in the service of not only our own city of New York but of the state, the nation and the world, as well. And while their interests may vary, they have always complemented each other in preserving our heritage and advancing knowledge. David Rockefeller, you have been a deeply dedicated philanthropist and co-steward of your family's legacy while also pursuing an extraordinary and distinguished career that has included being founder and honorary chairman of the Trilateral Commission, honorary chairman of the Americas Society, the Council on Foreign Relations and Rockefeller University, chairman of the Rockefeller University Council, chairman of the Museum of Modern Art, chairman and chief executive officer of Chase Manhattan Bank, chairman of the bank's International Advisory Committee, author of landmark publications on the economy and banking, and helping to launch the New York City Partnership. Laurance
S. Rockefeller, you have long been known as a pioneer in the field
of venture capital and celebrated for your deep philanthropic commitment
to the environment—for which you have been admiringly called
"a catalyst for conservation"—and to the betterment
of the human condition, to cancer research and care, historic preservation,
higher education and the study of human values. You have served
under two presidents as chairman of the Outdoor Recreation Resources
Review Commission, brilliantly orchestrating an assessment of the
recreation and conservation needs and wants of the American people
and played a pivotal role in the development of several national
parks through major deeds of gift, including Grand Teton in Wyoming
and, most recently, with your late wife, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller
National Historical Park in Vermont. Your more than four decades
of service to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center was recognized
when you received the first Alfred P. Sloan Memorial Award from
the American Cancer Society. | |
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