Long-time Miami Lakes resident, Richard C. Nerod, was the recent recipient of a doctoral degree, “Honoris Causas” from his undergraduate Alma Mater. St. John’s University (SJU), one of the nation’s largest catholic universities with over 20,000 students, presented Nerod with the “Doctor of Commercial Science” (DCS) degree during its most recent commencement exercises where 2,500 degrees were awarded, but only two were “Honoris Causas.”
The honorary degree recognizes, among other considerations, his successful 40 year career, including 28 years abroad with General Motors (GM) corporation. Nerod ascended from his entry as a senior clerk to his retiring from the Miami Lakes base as a corporate group executive vice president and founding member of GM’s automative strategy board. Additionally, the degree recognizes his continuing support for SJU, including his endowing graduate level scholarships.
After retiring, he became just one of eight individual executives to receive GM’s Chairmans Lifetime Achievement Award. SJU previously awarded him the Outstanding Achievement Award, followed in 2009 with the president’s medal, its highest non-degree award. Since relocating to Miami Lakes in late 1991, he has been a member of Our Lady Of The Lakes parish. Nerod and his wife, Mary Ellen, reside in the Loch Lomond area of Miami Lakes.