One of the most prestigious honors any university can bestow is an honorary degree, a degree which is conferred honoris causa, that is, for the sake of honor. This degree recognizes an individual’s exceptional achievement or distinction in a field or activity consonant with the mission of the university. Through this major public action, the university is able to acknowledge worthy individuals of national and international acclaim whose accomplishments support the ideals of the university and serve as an example for our students, alumni, and society.

A Faculty Committee on Honorary Degrees (Committee) reviews nominations, selects a slate of candidates for honorary degrees, and recommends a University Commencement speaker. The Committee is appointed by and responsible to the President and supported administratively by the Office of the Secretary of the University. Nominations may be made by the public or any member of the university community and will be accepted throughout the year.

More information on the nomination process is available below.

• Open Call for Honorary Degree and Commencement Speaker Nominations
  
  
• Guidelines on Honorary Degrees and Commencement Speaker
  
  
• Nomination Form
        PDF Format (.pdf)
        Microsoft Word Format (.doc)
  
  
• Past Honorary Degree Recipients
        Listed Alphabetically
        Listed By Year Awarded