Honorary Degrees

The Honorary Degree is designed to recognize excellence and extraordinary achievement in the fields of public affairs, the sciences, humanities and the arts, scholarship and education, business and philanthropy and social services which exemplify the mission and purpose of Berry; to honor meritorious and outstanding service to the college, the United States, or to humanity at large; and to recognize individuals whose lives and significant achievements should serve as examples of the college's aspirations for its students.

Candidates should meet the following qualifications:

1. Achievement of  high distinction in a field of learning, the arts, the professions, or public service, especially those achievements that manifest or contribute to the life of the mind;
2. Compelling reasons why it would be particularly fitting for Berry College to honor the nominee;
3. Special significance the honor might have to the individual being recognized;
4. Appropriateness of recognition at commencement, before a general audience of undergraduates, graduate students, and families;
5. The recipient must have demonstrated the humane values that are the aim of education, as well as significant contributions in that person's chosen field.

As you consider potential nominees, please be aware that Honorary Degrees may not be conferred upon current employees or those who have been a Berry employee within the past five years. Candidates may not nominate themselves. Those nominated must not be informed of their candidacy until they are contacted by the president. Those receiving honorary doctorates must agree to attend and participate in ceremonies or events associated with the awarding of the honorary degree prior to the final approval of that honorary degree. Honorary degrees may not be awarded in absentia.

The deadline for nominating candidates is November 15, 2012. 

Nomination Form  

The following persons associated with Berry College are able to nominate candidates to receive honorary degrees:

1. The President
2. Current and former members of the Board of Trustees
3. Current and retired members of the Faculty and Staff
4. Alumni
5. Current students
6. Parents of current students and parents of alumni

A selection committee composed of the Faculty Assembly officers, the President of the Student Government Association, the Vice President for Advancement, the Provost, and the President of the Staff Advisory Committee will review the nominations and provide recommendations to the President, who will then offer recommendations to the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees for its consideration.