Penn President Emeritus, Martin Meyerson (HON '70), died on Saturday, June 2, of complications of pneumonia. He was 84. A distinguished teacher, administrator and urban planner--and a devoted friend of the Penn Libraries--Meyerson served as University President from 1970-81. He was educated at Columbia and Harvard, and held over twenty honorary doctorates. His earlier academic appointments included Williams Professor at Harvard and Director of the Joint Center for Urban Studies of MIT and Harvard. Before that, he was Dean and Acting Chancellor at the University of California at Berkeley, and President of the University of Buffalo.
Martin Meyerson loved libraries. In 1981, when he retired as President and assumed his new duties as President Emeritus, he established an office in the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center. For the next twenty-six years, he was a constant presence at the Libraries, known to generations of staff and student workers for his warmth, generosity, and knowledge of all manner of subjects. Meyerson was elected President of the Friends of the Library in 1993 and, until his death, served as a tireless advocate of the Penn Libraries and valued member of its Board of Overseers.
The recipient of honors that included decorations from Italy, France, and Japan, Meyerson enjoyed an international reputation as an educator. He served on numerous company boards and was an advisor to various governments, the United Nations, and the White House. He served as Chairman of the Institute of International Education and was Honorary President of the International Association of Universities in Paris.
Dr. Meyerson is survived by his wife Margy and two children. The family has suggested that memorial donations be made to the University Libraries. For further information, contact the Office of Development, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, 3420 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6206, 215-573-3610. Contact the Office of the Secretary, at 215-898-7005, for information regarding memorial services
For more information:
