Honorary Degree Nominations

The University of Saint Joseph may award, upon the recommendation of the President and acceptance by the Board of Trustees, the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters to outstanding leaders on the basis of meritorious service and contributions to society and education.

No longer accepting nominations for the 2027 Honorary Degree

Criteria

A candidate for an honorary degree will generally have demonstrated excellence in at least one, but preferably more than one, of the criteria listed below.

  • Personal and professional achievements
  • Eminent scholarship and/or research accomplishments
  • Notable creative work
  • Outstanding public service
  • Leadership in their profession and/or the community
  • Regional, national, or international prominence that will bring favorable attention to the University
  • Demonstrated or potential service to the University
  • Demonstrated commitment to education
  • Reflection of the University’s Mission and Core Values and its underlying Catholic intellectual and spiritual values

Recent Recipients

James C. Smith
Banker & philanthropist
2026
Lenworth M. Jacobs
Healthcare Innovator
2025
Beth Shluger
Hartford Marathon Founder
2024

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