Each year Marquette celebrates its values and commitment to excellence by awarding honorary degrees, and including in its graduating class a number of outstanding individuals recognized for their exceptional achievements. President Michael R. Lovell invites the Marquette community to help identify future honorary degree recipients. The Committee on University Honors considers nominees in three categories:
- High profile individuals who could serve as the commencement speaker
- Individuals who have distinguished themselves as an academic and/or intellectual
- Individuals who have distinguished themselves in public and/or community service to our community and/or our larger society
Nominations can take the form of an email or letter of support briefly explaining why it would be appropriate to honor this person. It should include basic biographical information, an account of the individual’s principal accomplishments, the degree for which the individual is being nominated, and a clear rationale for recognition by Marquette. Questions and nominations should be directed to Mark Johnson, chair of the Committee on University Honors and associate professor of theology, by April 1, 2017. To avoid duplication please consult the list of previous honorary degree recipients.
Individuals whom the Board of Trustees approves for an honorary degree may not be able to accept it with the next graduating class. Once approved by the trustees, an offer may be extended at some point over a five-year period that is mutually agreeable to both the individual and Marquette.