Honorary Degree Recipient Procedures
Grand Valley State University, as a leading public university in the State of Michigan, recognizes a particular responsibility to acknowledge and honor persons of outstanding and distinguished achievement and/or public service. These candidates are typically considered for commencement speaker as well. The honorary doctorate is the highest academic recognition Grand Valley State University can bestow. Thus, all nominees for the honorary degree must have demonstrated the highest levels of excellence as scholars, artists, or professionals. Equally high expectation is placed on their personal integrity and concern for the public good. In recognizing such persons, the university identifies women and men who can serve as role models for students, faculty, staff and alumni of Grand Valley State University.
Background
In January 2011, President Haas asked for a committee to be formed to provide him with a recommended pool of candidates for consideration of honorary degrees. The Provost convened the Honorary Degree Committee to create a process for gathering nominations of potential candidates and narrowing down these nominations for recommendation to the President. After consideration of the pool of candidates, the President will present candidates to the Board of Trustees.
The Honorary Degree Committee seeks your input for nominees. The committee will consider leaders and innovators in his or her field. An honorary degree confers distinguished individuals with recognition for their outstanding contributions to academics and community that furthers the university's mission, vision, values, and goals. Commencement speakers are chosen for these contributions and their ability to inspire, motivate and enlighten our graduates. The achieved education level of an honorary degree recipient need not correspond to the honorary degree. Please note that current GVSU employees will not be considered. Nominations will be kept on file for future considerations.
It is imperative that all nominations be kept confidential.
*Please note that Grand Valley State University only awards one Honorary Degree in a recipient's lifetime.
Nomination Timeline
The deadline for submission of nominees for the April and December 2012 commencements is Monday, May 30, 2011. The deadline allows for appropriate time to receive approval from the Board of Trustees, make arrangements, and give notice as appropriate.
Nomination Form
Honorary Degree nominations may be submitted online. To participate in the online nomination process, please fill out the form here.
If you prefer to mail your nomination, please send the information requested to:
The Provost's Office
c/o Maria Cimitile, Chair of Honorary Degree Committee
24 JHZ
1 Campus Dr.
Allendale, MI 49401
Page last modified April 20, 2011
