Campus News

UK Graduate School Accepting Nominations for Honorary Degrees

President Capilouto clapping at Commencement Ceremonies

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 27, 2019)  Honorary degrees are conferred upon those who have earned distinction through outstanding intellectual or creative achievements, or through outstanding leadership in education, business or public service. The Graduate School at the University of Kentucky welcomes nominations of individuals who merit this high level of recognition during December 2019 Commencement.

An honorary degree sends a message that principles, values and contributions play an important role at UK. In addition, well-chosen honorees affirm and dignify the university’s own achievements and priorities.

Below is a sampling of honorees:

  • Helen Thomas (2009, journalist and longtime member of the White House press corps)
  • T. Pearse Lyons (2011, founder and president of Kentucky-based Alltech Inc.)
  • Daniel Libeskind (2010, renowned architect and UK English and journalism graduate)
  • Sally Mason (2012, 20th president of the University of Iowa and UK zoology graduate)
  • J.D. Crowe (2012, renowned bluegrass musician and Lexington native)
  • Deborah A.P. Hersman (2013, former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board and, prior to that, was NTSB’s lead investigator at the scene of the 2006 crash in Lexington of Comair flight 5191)
  • Leslie Coleman “Les” McCann (2015, renowned “Father of Soul Jazz” and Lexington native)
  • Matt Cutts (2015, software engineer and one of Google’s first 100 employees; a UK computer science and mathematics graduate)

Nominations can be made by students, faculty, staff and friends of UK. For criteria and directions on the nomination process, visit The Graduate School website.

The nomination package must include a letter of nomination, two letters of support and the nominee’s bio, resume or CV. Lead nominators should upload the completed document at the link by midnight April 19.

Questions should be directed to Brian Jackson or Morris Grubbs in The Graduate School.