Honorary Degrees

Honorary Degrees: Bucknell University awards honorary degrees in order to recognize individuals whose work exemplifies the qualities of intellect, character, and creativity most cherished by the University. Special consideration is given to those individuals whose distinguished contributions have not been widely or formally recognized outside their own fields and to individuals who are part of the Bucknell community.

Nominations: Nominations for honorary degrees will be received from all members of the Bucknell community: faculty, administration, students, and trustees. Nominations must include

1-2 page letter giving reasons for the nomination and
biographical information on the nominee (including education, positions held, accomplishments, honors, and awards).

Nominations may include letters of support and published articles about the nominee. Complete nominations for honorary degrees received by August 15 will be considered during the next academic year. Nominations received after this date will be considered the following academic year. Nominations remain active for two academic years.

Please send nominations to:

Faculty Committee on Honorary Degrees
c/o Office of the Provost
Bucknell University
701 Moore Avenue
Lewisburg, PA 17837-2010

Members of the Bucknell community can submit nominations through myBucknell. The Honorary Degree Nomination channel is under the Academic category.

Nominations for honorary degrees will be evaluated by the Faculty Committee on Honorary Degrees in consultation with the Trustee Sub-committee on Honorary Degrees. The agreed upon list of candidates will be submitted to the President for review. The President’s recommendations from this list will be submitted to the Committee on Educational Policy of the Board of Trustees for its approval and recommendation to the Board. Honorary degrees, although traditionally awarded during Commencement exercises, may be presented at any time during the academic year.