Degrees and Certificates
Process of Obtaining an Honorary Degree
Jan
Many universities around the world offer honorary degrees as a way to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to their field, community, or society as a whole.
This type of degree is not earned through traditional means such as coursework and exams, but rather is awarded as a form of recognition and appreciation for the individual’s accomplishments.
Famous people who have been awarded honorary degrees include:
- Nelson Mandela: The former President of South Africa and anti-apartheid leader has been awarded over 50 honorary degrees from many universities worldwide, including Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge, for his contributions to human rights and political reconciliation.
- Martin Luther King Jr.: Received honorary doctorates from over 60 universities in recognition of his civil rights activism.
- Malala Yousafzai: The Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate was awarded honorary degrees from Oxford, University of Edinburgh, and University of King’s College, for her activism in support of education and women’s rights.
- Bill Clinton: The former President of the United States was awarded honorary degrees from Yale, Oxford, and University of Glasgow, for his contributions to public service, humanitarian causes, and global leadership.
- Muhammad Ali: The legendary boxer was awarded honorary degrees from Princeton, University of Louisville, and University of Miami, for his contributions to sports and social justice.
- Oprah Winfrey: The media mogul and philanthropist was awarded honorary degrees from many universities worldwide, including Harvard, Duke, and University of Southern California, for her contributions to media, entertainment, and philanthropy.
- Stephen Hawking: The renowned physicist and cosmologist was awarded honorary degrees from Cambridge, Oxford, and University College London, for his contributions to science and education.
- Mother Teresa: The Catholic nun and missionary was awarded honorary degrees from Princeton, University of Dayton, and University of Calcutta, for her contributions to humanitarian causes and service to the poor
There are many more famous and not so famous people who have been honored in this way, from actors to politicians, artists, writers and so on.
What’s Required?
The process of obtaining an honorary degree varies from institution to institution, but generally, it involves a nomination and selection process.
First, an individual is nominated for an honorary degree by a member of the university community, such as a faculty member, student, or alumni. The nomination is then reviewed by a committee of faculty and administrators who assess the nominee’s qualifications, achievements, and impact. If the nominee is deemed worthy, the committee will recommend that the nominee be awarded an honorary degree.
The final decision is typically made by the university’s board of trustees or governing body. Once the degree is awarded, the individual is honored at a ceremony, where they receive the diploma, and give a speech to the graduates and attendees.
Is it Ethical?
The ethics of awarding honorary degrees can be debated. On one hand, honorary degrees can serve as a way to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to their field, community, or society as a whole. They can also serve as a way to inspire future generations to make similar contributions.
On the other hand, some argue that honorary degrees can be seen as a form of “honorary elitism,” where individuals are awarded degrees based on their fame or status rather than their academic achievements. It could also be seen as a way for universities to gain prestige or financial benefits by associating themselves with famous or influential individuals.
Additionally, some people have criticized the practice of awarding honorary degrees to people who have not earned them, arguing that it devalues the hard work and dedication of those who have earned their degrees through traditional means.
Overall, it’s important to consider the reasons behind awarding an honorary degree and ensure that it serves a meaningful purpose such as recognizing significant contributions to the field, community or society and not just for prestige or financial benefits. It’s also important that the process of selection is fair, transparent and based on clear criteria. Universities should also be transparent about the criteria and selection process used to award honorary degrees, so that it can be evaluated by the public.
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