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SU seeks honorary degree nominees

Although Grammy Award Winner Billy Joel rhapsodized about places like Allentown, Miami and Saigon in his famous songs, it was Syracuse University that literally made him sing, giving him an Honorary Doctorate Degree at the commencement ceremony in 2006.

An Honorary Degree from SU recognizes the recipient as an outstanding member of his or her respected fields, said Peter Moller, a member of the university’s Honorary Degrees Committee and a television radio and film professor.

‘The degree is a distinction that says the university recognizes the person’s achievements in academia, science, entertainment, letters… and it is a distinction that when people get them, they should feel honored,’ Moller said.

Currently, SU is looking for new degree recipients and is accepting applications for possible nominees from students and faculty through Jan. 18.

Those nominated will go through a lengthy review process conducted by the Honorary Degrees Committee, which is headed by Chairperson Eileen Lantier, and includes various members of the faculty and student body.



All applications are carefully analyzed by the committee, and those who receive approval are passed on to be reviewed the University Senate. Eventually, a select few make it to the Chancellor’s Office where they are further reviewed by the chancellor and the Board of Trustees, Lantier said.

When searching for ideal candidates to receive honorary degrees, the committee tries their best to stick to specific criteria listed on the application.

‘We look for some evidence of significant contributions in whatever area the persons contributed in, and require it be shown through a narrative and a letter of support,’ Lantier said. ‘We look for hard evidence.’

After the committee is finished deliberating, the finalists will receive their degrees at the 2009 or 2010 commencement ceremony.

Aside from Joel, who received his doctorate in music in 2006, many other respected public figures such as former president John F. Kennedy, poet Robert Frost and NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw received honorary degrees from SU.

Because the list of degree recipients spans 135 years, many important names are often overlooked amidst all the famous faces. But as Lantier advises, it is important not to leave anyone out.

‘Each is selected because of their unique contributions to society, and although some names might be more recognizable, that does not lessen the contributions or prominence of the others,’ Lantier said.

As for those in consideration for a degree in 2009 or 2010, the committee remains tight-lipped.

‘The HDP process and sharing of information about who is being considered is confidential. Beyond that which is already publicly available about

the process, I can’t comment further,’ said Associate Dean Arthur Jensen, who is also a member of the selection committee.

The HDP plans to keep the information quiet until at least early 2009. In the meantime, those interested in contributing their nominations can log onto the University Senate Web site to obtain an application.





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