Coughlin joined Wal-Mart in 1978 after working for the west coast division of R.H. Macy. At Wal-Mart, he has served as vice president of human resources, executive vice president for operations of Wal-Mart subsidiary Sam's Wholesale Club, and as executive vice president of Wal-Mart's specialty groups. He is also currently responsible for the company's loss prevention and marketing programs.

Coughlin will receive his honorary degree along with three other highly accomplished individuals: Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, celebrated photographer and author; Lawrence Prusak, executive director of the Institute for Knowledge Management at IBM; and Howard M. Lorber, chairman and chief executive officer of Nathan's Famous and a C.W. Post graduate.

In addition to his work at Wal-Mart, Coughlin actively supports the Boys' & Girls' Club, and Students In Free Enterprise, an organization that provides leadership training and career fairs for college students in 20 countries. Wal-Mart has donated scholarship aid to the College of Pharmacy at Long Island University's Brooklyn Campus, which has an arrangement with Wal-Mart Stores through which students may obtain clinical experience in Wal-Mart pharmacies. Coughlin serves on the boards of ChoicePoint, Inc., a risk management and fraud-protection firm; and Lake West Group Ltd., a retail management-consulting firm. He is a member of the executive committee of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. Coughlin earned a B.S. from California State University at Hayward. He and his wife, Cynthia Herbert, have three children.

Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals who, through their perseverance, dedication to their field, and commitment to community, serve as role models to students. Dr. David J. Steinberg, president of Long Island University, will confer Thomas Coughlin's honorary degree during commencement ceremonies at the C.W. Post Campus on May 13.