Chicago Mercantile Exchange’s Leo Melamed to receive honorary degree
Thu, Mar 12, 2015-
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Waseda University will present an honorary degree to former Chairman of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Leo Melamed, at its entrance ceremony on April 1.
During World War II, Melamed was one of some 6000 Jews who escaped Nazi persecution in Europe thanks to a life-saving visa issued by Japanese diplomat and Waseda graduate Chiune Sugihara (1900-1986). As Japan’s vice consul in Lithuania, Sugihara is credited with saving thousands by issuing transit visas, against prevailing Ministry policy, allowing them to escape advancing Nazi oppression.
After transiting through Japan, Melamed settled in the United States, later becoming a leader in global finance as head of the CME. He is credited with creating the world’s first financial futures products and the first electronic trading system.
Melamed visited Waseda’s Chiune Sugihara memorial in June 2014, also meeting with President Kaoru Kamata, Sugihara’s descendants, and Waseda students.
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