An Indian American entrepreneur has received an honorary doctorate from New Jersey Institute of Technology, a top US science and technology university.

Javad Hassan addressing to graduating members of the Class of 2012 after receiving his doctorate from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, New Jersey, on May 15, 2012.

NJIT conferred a Doctor of Science degree on Kerala-born Javad K. Hassan at its 2012 Commencement in Newark, New Jersey, earlier this month, for his "accomplishments as a leader and visionary in the world of technology."

Hassan, holder of more than 20 US patents in semi-conductor technology, is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of the US-based NeST Group, a conglomerate of some 25 companies. He is the first person of Indian origin to receive an honorary doctorate from 130-year-old NJIT.

Addressing new graduates of the university after receiving his degree, Hassan told the students that "passion" and "perseverance" are the two guiding principles that rule his life."If you have a passion for your work and also possess persistence and perseverance you will succeed," the businessman said in his commencement address to graduating members of the Class of 2012. "Take risks, never give up, and work hard to overcome difficulties."

Hassan arrived in the United States in 1966 to do a bachelor's degree from Columbia University. Later, he earned a master's in material science and engineering from University of Bridgeport in Connecticut.

Before founding NeST Group in the 1990s, Hassan worked as a high-level executive of two top US companies, IBM and AMP.

At IBM, he headed the company's semi-conductor development operations, leading a group of more than 2,000 engineers and scientists, and also led its $6 billion storage business. During his tenure at AMP, he spearheaded its fiber-optics and wireless technologies divisions.

Hassan is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a professional association dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence. (Global India Newswire)