Nominations for honorary degree recipients at Commencement 2017 and beyond are now being sought until Nov. 1.
The Honorary Degrees Committee invites all students, staff, faculty, alumni and trustees to nominate individuals they believe would be worthy candidates for an honorary degree from Emory.
Joseph Crespino, Jimmy Carter Professor of History, is chair of the Honorary Degrees Committee. The committee is under the Office of the Vice President and Secretary of the University, Allison Dykes.
While there are criteria for nominees, the committee emphasizes that these are suggested, not restrictive.
Nominees are considered to have achieved the highest distinction in their fields with a transformational impact. Their lives and careers should show consistency with Emory’s values, which can include “exploring the human spirit,” “improving the human condition,” “engaging society,” “fostering sustainability,” “new frontiers in science and medicine,” “transformational art” and “creative philanthropy.”
Nominations should include a letter and supporting documents that address the following:
• The nominee's achievements that would merit this honor
• The special significance an honorary degree from Emory would have for this nominee
• The special significance or meaning for graduating students
The committee notes that except in extraordinary circumstances, persons who have spent the greatest part of their careers as members of the Emory faculty or administration or those currently serving in U.S. elective office are not considered.
However, nominees otherwise associated with Emory such as alumni, distinguished visiting faculty and other similar situations are considered by the committee.
The committee also encourages the nomination of individuals from diverse demographic backgrounds.
Letters of nominations with supporting documents may be submitted in one of three ways:
• Submitted online.
• Via email.
• Via postal mail to Honorary Degree Nominations, Emory University, Office of the Vice President and Secretary of the University, Administration Building 407, Mail Stop #1000/001/1AN, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Nominations are kept active and considered each year for a period of five years. To review past honorary degree recipients and related information, visit the website.