Overview
The first University of Washington honorary degree, Doctor of Laws, was conferred in 1885 by the territorial university to Orange Jacobs, who later became a local judge. Two years later, the UW conferred three doctor of divinity degrees to local religious ministers and in 1894 it granted an honorary doctor of philosophy degree to the editor of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Frederic James Grant. From 1894 to 2002, only one honorary degree was awarded, in 1921, to French Marshal Ferdinand Foch, who led the Allied forces in World War I.
In 2002, the Faculy Senate passed legislation that specified procedures for resuming the practice of awarding honorary degrees, with the responsibility for recommending them vested in the Faculty Council on University Relations. Five honorary degrees have been awarded since.
Desmond Mpilo Tutu
An Academic Convocation was held in May of 2002 to bestow a Doctor of Humane Letters on Desmond Mpilo Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, South Africa and 1984 Nobel Peace Prize recipient. Desmond Tutu was presented an Honorary Degree and Citation for the Honorary Degree.
Madeleine Korbel Albright
During the 127th Commencement Ceremony in June of 2002 a Doctor of Laws was bestowed on Madeleine Korbel Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State. Madeleine Albright was presented an Honorary Degree and Citation for the Honorary Degree.
August Wilson
During the 129th Commencement Ceremony in June of 2004 a Doctor of Arts was bestowed on August Wilson, playwright and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. August Wilson was presented an Honorary Degree and Citation for the Honorary Degree.
William D. Ruckelshaus
During the 131st Commencement Ceremony in June of 2006 a Doctor of Laws was bestowed on William D. Ruckelshaus, a two time administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). William Ruckelshaus was presented an Honorary Degree and Citation for the Honorary Degree.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
An Academic Convocation was held on April 14, 2008 to bestow a Doctor of Humane Letters on Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. He was presented with an Honorary Degree and Citation for the Honorary Degree.
For more information contact:
Office of Ceremonies
(206) 543-2592
ceremony@u.washington.edu