Retired ProLiteracy President Honored by Syracuse University

Robert Wedgeworth receives honorary doctorate

Syracuse, NY

Robert Wedgeworth, who retired last year after five years as president and CEO of Syracuse-based ProLiteracy, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Syracuse University at its graduate ceremonies May 11, 2008.

Wedgeworth guided ProLiteracy, the world’s largest organization of adult basic education and literacy programs, after the organization was created by the merger of Laubach Literacy International and Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA).

“Everyone at ProLiteracy here in Syracuse and the organization’s member programs throughout the U.S. and internationally congratulate Bob on this prestigious honor from Syracuse University,” said David C. Harvey, current ProLiteracy president and CEO. “He has contributed a great deal to the fields of education, library science, and adult literacy throughout his career and it is fitting that SU recognize all that he’s accomplished.”

Wedgeworth served as university librarian, professor of library administration, and professor of library and information science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was retired from that position and a member of the Laubach Literacy board of directors when he was asked to guide the organization through the merger with LVA.

Wedgeworth has returned to his home in Chicago, but continues to serve on the board of directors of the New York Center for the Book; is a trustee of Syracuse University Library Associates; serves on the advisory board of SU’s School of Information Studies; and is a member of SYRACUSE 20/20’s Education Task Force.

About ProLiteracy: ProLiteracy supports adults and young people in the U.S. and internationally who are learning to read, write, and do basic math by training instructors, publishing instructional materials, and advocating for resources and public policies that support them. ProLiteracy represents more than 3,000 organizational and individual members in the U.S. and works with 125 nongovernmental agencies in 65 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The sale of materials produced by ProLiteracy’s publishing division, New Readers Press, support its programs and services.