Nominations open for 2025 Honorary Degree recipients

The tradition of recognizing Honorary Degree recipients at The University of New Mexico began in 1924. That's when John J. Tigert, the U.S. Commissioner of Education, was awarded the LL.D. as the first UNM recipient of an Honorary Degree. In most years since, the Honorary Degree Committee has recognized at least one individual, with more than 150 individuals being recognized with an Honorary Degree from UNM.

Honorary degrees are typically awarded to honor and recognize individuals' contributions to a specific field or to society in general. Strong candidates are eminent individuals and scholars whose contributions are of general significance and transcend geographical limitations. Nominations of individuals who have contributed significantly to the cultural or scientific development of the Southwest or the spiritual or material welfare of its people are especially welcome.

Each year, a subcommittee of the Faculty Senate Graduate & Professional Committee, solicits nominations for honorary degree recipients. Currently, the Office of the University Secretary is seeking nominations to be awarded as part of its Spring 2025 Commencement.

A successful nominee must have an exemplary record of academic or public accomplishment in keeping with the University's standards of rigor, quality, and significance. Honorary degrees are awarded at spring commencement.

Nominators should submit a letter stating in sufficient detail reasons for the nomination. Please include biographical information, a record of accomplishment, and supporting letters. Because the Honorary Degree Committee must choose among illustrious nominees, please provide as complete a nomination as possible.

• The nominations should be sent to the Office of the University Secretary, Scholes Hall, Room 103 or [email protected], no later than Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024.

• If a nominee is proposed by a person, department, or college representing a discipline other than that of the nominee (e.g., Music nominates a poet), the Committee will consult with the appropriate faculty before making a recommendation.

The Honorary Degree Policy and a listing of past honorary degree recipients is available on University Secretary's website https://secretary.unm.edu/awards/honorary_degrees/.