Honorary degree nominations

Dear members of the Mount Holyoke community,

The Office of the President is currently soliciting nominations for honorary degree candidates.

We encourage you to nominate those persons of unusual ability, who have distinguished themselves within their profession, whose accomplishments are of national and/or international note, particularly in areas which improve the human condition, or whose lives have had a significant impact on Mount Holyoke College. Nominations should be submitted to the Office of the President via email to hd_nominations-g@mtholyoke.edu. All nominations must be received by Monday, September 19, 2022.

Your nomination should consist of a letter in support of the candidate, detailing why they should be honored, and at least one of the following two components:

1. Biographical information in the form of a C.V. or short bio.
2. Other supporting documentation.

Please note that honorary degrees are not awarded posthumously.

Once all nominations are received, the materials will be reviewed to ensure each nominee meets the stated criteria. All eligible nominees will then be presented to the faculty for a virtual vote. A list of candidates endorsed by the faculty will be submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval at its October meeting.

I will identify invitees for the 2023 Commencement from the approved list. Several factors are taken into consideration in the final selection process for any given year including candidates’ disciplinary affiliation, availability and relevance to current events and institutional priorities. Candidates on the approved list who are not selected in a given year will remain on the list for future consideration.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the President via hd_nominations-g@mtholyoke.edu.

We look forward to your participation in this important process.

With best wishes,

Beverly Daniel Tatum
Interim President