2008 Woodie Awards
Timberland CEO To Be Commencement '05 Speaker
Josh Kra
Issue date: 2/15/05 Section: News
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Mr. Swartz, who is an Orthodox Jew, was personally invited by President Richard M. Joel and secured by the Committee on Honorary Degrees. According to director of Yeshiva's Office of Communications and Public Affairs, Peter Ferrara, who himself is a member of the committee, "[Swartz] is a personal friend of the President. He was chosen because he is a highly successful corporate leader who has shown a deep commitment to values of giving, caring, helping others - he has built in and supported the values of community service and ethical practice into his company environment."
Timberland is traded publicly on the New York Stock Exchange, and in 2000, its consolidated revenue totaled $1.1 billion. Success, however, has not hindered Mr. Swartz's commitment to public life. A distinguished leader and philanthropist in the Boston Jewish community, Mr. Swartz is also director of Business for Social Responsibility and Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston. Mr. Swartz is also a member of the Board of the Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik Institute in Boston, Massachusetts.
Yet in addition to his Jewish philanthropies, Mr. Swartz is on the board of City Year, a national youth organization providing community service in thirteen cities across the United States. In line with those national social initiatives is Timberland's own "Path of Service" program, which gives Timberland employees 40 hours of paid leave to work in communal leadership positions and serve their communities.
Mr. Ferrara believes President Joel and Mr. Swartz share similar aspirations and dreams. "[President Joel] sees the education and environment we provide you with has to give you the tools to add value to the world, as well as the best skills and knowledge to do well in your chosen field of endeavor... Jeffrey Swartz is a man who walks the walk; in an age when most corporate leaders are singularly focused on maximizing profit he has consistently promoted the value of giving back."
Though Mr. Swartz's name does not carry great recognition among Yeshiva students, news of his speaking engagement was heard by many with great enthusiasm. "He sounds interesting," said Yeshiva College senior David Hellman. "I'd like to hear what he has to say. Timberland boots may be exactly what's needed to give Commencement 2005 that little extra kick."