The University’s first Honorary Degree distinction was awarded to four individuals in 1933: Editha Carpenter Trevorrow (Education); Rev. Dr. Burleigh Cruikshank (Religion); Allan Sutherland (Philanthropy); Dr. C. Waldo Cherry (Religion). Almost a century later, the purpose of granting an Honorary Degree remains the same: It allows the University to recognize outstanding people and promote the expression of its Lived Values. Arcadia Knights are adaptable, fearless, respectful, and responsible, and embrace excellence, integrity, justice, and intellectual freedom. 

Nominees express these values through proven acceleration in their industry and their life achievements. “An Honorary Degree acts as both an honor to thep erson being recognized, but also to the University,” said Barbara Nodine, PhD, Professor Emerita and former University provost (2014-2016). Nodine generously made a gift to the University that granted the purchase of a digital, interactive kiosk in Grey Towers Castle (at right). The kiosk displays Honorary Degree recipients for viewing by all visitors, including prospective students and their families, to inspire viewers and foster a sense of pride and belonging.

The former provost understands the needs of Arcadia and its students, and recognizes an Arcadia education is unique; she expresses that she enjoys championing the University that supported so much of her career. “It seems to me that Arcadia deserves some publicity around the notoriety of those who have received an Honorary Degree,” said Dr. Nodine. “People like Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson ’23H, Hon. George H.W. Bush ’72H, and Rev. Leon H. Sullivan ’67H, who are not alumni in the normal sense, or would not necessarily be talked about to or among students. It’s important to display these names prominently. I think we’ve always had this nice mix of external University community members that reflect important goals and concepts that are relevant to Arcadia, and I would love to see us get out of our traditional bubble and nominate more internal candidates, like alumni.” 

John A. Noakes, PhD, associate provost and honorary degree committee chair, added, “Alums are really good people to nominate others because they open up connections for the University and can really get us to honor someone interesting.

Recent alumni recipients of Honorary Degrees include Suneet P. Chauhan ’79, ’18H, MD, Julianne Mamana Boyd ’66, ’17H, PhD, Lois E. Haber ’71, ’16H, Dr. Ellen Schecter ’66, ’14H, WWL ’25, and Kay WalkingStick ’59, ’11H, WWL ’24. 

Dr. Noakes wants individuals to know that the process takes a bit of time to establish who will be granted an Honorary Degree .A Committee of about 10 individuals conducts a vetting process for each person nominated. Once the person is approved by the President’s Cabinet, Faculty Senate, and the Board of Trustees, they are placed into a pool for up to three years. The president and provost make the final decision on who receives a degree at Commencement in May.