Honorary Degrees

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Elizabeth Burke Bryant receiving honorary degree at RIC Commencement Ceremony 2023

One of the greatest distinctions Rhode Island College can award is an honorary degree. Since 1854, the college has conferred nearly 400 honorary degrees. Our past honorary degree recipients consist of both alumni and friends of the college. 

Making Nominations

During a specific part of the academic year, the Honorary Degree Committee invites members of the college community to submit nominations. These nominations recommend individuals to receive an honorary degree and/or serve as commencement speaker.

Nomination Criteria

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The work of the nominees should align closely with the mission of the college and represent at least one of the college’s strategic pillars. When submitting a nomination you will be asked to familiarize yourself with the institutional mission and pillars and to discerning how they relate to the work of your nominee.

Our Nomination Deadline

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As of Friday, January 26, 2024 our window for receiving nominations has closed.

Explore Honorary Degrees

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Questions about the Nomination Process?

Contact the Honorary Degree Committee