Luella Gross Goldberg

Doctor of Laws

University of Minnesota Foundation, May 7, 2007

Luella Gross Goldberg, Minnesota native, graduated Valedictorian from Wellesley College in 1958. Described as a pioneer among women in public life, throughout her life she has been breaking down barriers so that women can fully participate in business and nonprofit organizations. Her dossier lists numerous firsts – first in her class at both Washburn High School in Minneapolis and Wellesley College; first woman board member for Northwestern National Life Insurance Co., TCF, Communications Systems, and Amsterdam-based ING Group; first woman to chair the Minnesota Orchestral Association and first woman to chair the board of any major U.S. symphony orchestra; first woman to chair the University of Minnesota Foundation; and, first Jewish woman to serve on the board of St. John’s University, a Catholic men’s university. For eighteen years she served as trustee at Wellesley College, chair of the board for the last eight of those years, and acting president for three months. She has demonstrated distinguished leadership in each of these capacities. She is known for her integrity and wise counsel. The influence of her leadership is felt not only in Minnesota, but internationally as well. She is deeply committed and passionate about education. In addition to serving as member and chair of the University of Minnesota Foundation, she has served as a member of the Carlson School of Management Board of Overseers, the Humphrey Institute Advisory Council, and the Campaign Minnesota Steering Committee. She is the recipient of numerous state and national awards recognizing her leadership. In 2002, The Business Journal named her one of Minnesota’s most influential women in business and she is consistently included in The Business Journal’s Top 50 List of Minnesota’s Hardest Working Board Members (ranked #2 in 2006).