Ceradyne founder being honored on Thursday

Joel Moskowitz, founder, president and CEO of Ceradyne, Inc. in Costa Mesa, will be honored Thursday by the Orange County chapter of the American Jewish Committee.

Moskowitz will receive the chapter’s National Human Relations Award for his contributions to his profession and the community.

Moskowitz founded Ceradyne, Inc., a manufacturing company that produces technical ceramic mechanisms, in 1967 and has remained active in the community.

“It’s typical of people building large companies to put so much into a business and forget the community, but he has constantly contributed throughout the years of his business and has been a tremendous contributor of his time,” said Martin Brower, American Jewish Committee board member and past president.

Moskowitz has been involved with organizations such as the Orange County Interfaith Shelter, the Jewish Bureau of Education, the American Cancer Society and Alfred University, where he graduated.

“I’m involved in the community because it’s the style and ethic of my wife and myself,” Moskowitz said. “I’m obligated for not only religious causes, but also for other areas, such as academics and helping people not as fortunate.”

He said he is pleased to be receiving the award.

“I’m very honored and flattered,” Moskowitz said. “It’s terrific. I have a lot of respect for the American Jewish Committee.”

The Orange County chapter has been giving out this award since it was established 25 years ago, but this year’s award is particularly meaningful to the American Jewish Society.

“It’s a very special honor because it’s the 100th anniversary of the American Jewish Society,” Brower said.

When Moskowitz was asked to receive the award a few months ago, he was informed that he would be able to invite a keynote speaker. He chose Dr. Charles M. Edmondson, the president of Alfred University.

“I graduated from Alfred University in 1961, and I’ve been on the board of trustees since 1983,” Moskowitz said. “It represents the single basic focus of my life and my philanthropic efforts.”

Moskowitz’s recognition dinner will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Newport Beach Fairmont Hotel.

It is an open event, so members of the community are welcome to attend.