Holocaust survivor David Wiener receives honorary doctorate from Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law
MALIBU, Calif. — Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law awarded an honorary juris
doctor degree to Holocaust survivor David Wiener in a special ceremony today at Brock
House, Malibu. The event honored Wiener’s lifelong commitment to Holocaust education
and resilience in overcoming the atrocities of World War II.
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Born in Lodz, Poland, Wiener survived the Holocaust, including internment at Auschwitz
and several labor camps. He was the only member of his family to escape the Lodz ghetto
at the age of 13. After the war, Wiener immigrated to the United States, building
a successful career in real estate development in Los Angeles despite arriving with
no money and limited English language skills.
“Aside from his eldest brother Jack, he lost his entire family. Arriving in the United
States alone, he had no money, support, or understanding of the English language,
leaving him a mere shell of a person," said Helene Wiener Shapiro and Michael Wiener,
David's daughter and son, in a joint statement. “This honorary degree, recognizing
his unwavering commitment to Holocaust education and his resilience in overcoming
the atrocities of World War II, is a profound tribute to his life's work and the legacy
of survival and hope he represents.”
Now 98 years old, Wiener frequently speaks to underprivileged youth about the value
of education and determination.
“The conferral of an honorary degree is the single highest honor a university can
bestow and David Wiener is certainly deserving of this recognition,” said Pepperdine
President Jim Gash. “David’s life demonstrates a profound resilience in the face of
evil, determination to overcome challenges, and winsome and generous witness to the
world. These are at the very center of the Pepperdine ethos and we are proud to welcome
him into Caruso School of Law.”
Wiener, who had always dreamed of becoming a lawyer, was unable to attend law school
due to his imprisonment during the Holocaust.
“David Wiener’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit
and the importance of remembering history so we can build a better future,” said Paul
Caron, Duane and Kelly Roberts Dean of the Caruso School of Law. “We are deeply honored
to welcome him into the Pepperdine Caruso Law family through this honorary degree.”
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Pepperdine University is a private Christian university located 30 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles in
Malibu, California. Rooted in the Christian tradition, Pepperdine is committed to
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and professional formation, Pepperdine Caruso Law offers a juris doctor degree, two
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