It is not every day that the chairman of one of the world's largest corporations stops by Wayne State University to congratulate one of his company's hourly employees. But that is what happened Aug. 26 when Ford Motor Company Chairman William Clay Ford Jr. joined other dignitaries at WSU in honoring Matel Dawson Jr., a 78 year-old rigger at the Ford Rouge Plant.

Dawson has given over $1 million to educational causes, including more than $440,000 to WSU, which hosted a reception in his honor. WSU President Irvin D. Reid and federal Judge Damon J. Keith of the 6th U.S. Court of Appeals co-hosted the event. Some 40 dignitaries and WSU executives were on hand to congratulate and thank Dawson for his largess.

"One of the things that we think sets us apart as a company is our extended family," Ford said. "Mat has been a part of our family for a very long time. In fact, if it were not for my grandfather, Henry Ford, one might say neither Mat nor I would be here today."

He added that Dawson should not be called the "million dollar man," but rather "Dr. Dawson" because of the advanced lessons he teaches about the value and joy of giving.

Also commending Dawson for his generosity was Judge Keith "Mat has been an example for all of us," he said, "and I am proud to call him my friend." (Dawson's first gift to WSU was in support of the Damon J. Keith Collection of African American Legal History at the university's Walter P. Reuther Library of Labor and Urban Affairs.

In thanking Dawson on behalf of the university, Reid told the guest of honor, "Your money is important to us and our students, but the example you are setting for others is even more important. You are leaving a lasting legacy through your investment in today's young people"

Dawson, who lives modestly in a small apartment and seldom takes vacations, said he felt good about giving to help others and that "I'm not through yet."