Ben Gurion University will award American Jewish leader and philanthropist Ronald S. Lauder with an honorary Doctoral degree as part of the annual Ben-Gurion Day commemorations next Monday. Four others also will receive honorary degrees.

Lauder is a former United States ambassador to Austria, and a foundation bearing his name is dedicated to rebuilding Jewish communities in Central and Eastern Europe. He is former chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, former president and now chairman of the Jewish National Fund Chairman of the International Public Committee of the World Jewish Restitution Organization and President of the World Jewish Congress.  He also serves on the International Board of Governors of the International Society for Yad VaShem and is a member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council and the International Board of Governors of the Tel Aviv Museum.