Honorary Degrees
History
Western Washington University has been given authority by the Washington State Legislature to grant honorary doctoral degrees in recognition of outstanding achievement in arts, letters, sciences, or the professions, or service in education, government or humanitarian endeavors. Western’s honorary degrees are awarded to not only recognize extraordinary accomplishments, but those which resonate with Western’s distinctive excellence and values.
Nominations may be submitted at any time during the academic year by Western Washington University students, faculty and staff, or advisory board members using the online nomination form. For more information on the nomination and review process, please see the relevant university policy and procedure concerning honorary degrees.
Catharine Stimpson
At the spring Western Washington University Commencement Ceremony, on June 16, 2018, the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa, was bestowed on Catharine Stimpson, Dean Emerita of the Graduate School of Arts and Science at New York University.
Ralph Munro
At the winter Western Washington University Commencement Ceremony, on March 19, 2016, the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa was bestowed on Ralph Munro.
Polly Dyer
At the winter Western Washington University Commencement Ceremony, on March 22, 2014, the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters was bestowed upon Polly Dyer.
Noemi Ban
At the winter Western Washington University Commencement Ceremony, on March 23, 2013, the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters was bestowed upon Noemi Ban.
Heidi Grant Murphy
At the summer Western Washington University commencement ceremony, on August 18, 2012, the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts was bestowed upon Heidi Grant Murphy ('87, Music Performance).
Gary Locke
At the spring Western Washington University Commencement Ceremony, on June 14, 2014, the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, was bestowed upon Gary Locke.
Do Ho Suh
At the spring Western Washington University commencement ceremony, on June 9, 2012, the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts was bestowed upon artist Do Ho Suh.
Timothy Egan
At the winter Western Washington University commencement ceremony, on March 17, 2012, the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters was bestowed upon author and journalist Timothy Egan.
Jane Lubchenco
At the fall Western Washington University Commencement Ceremony, on December 10, 2011, the honorary degree of Doctor of Science was bestowed on Jane Lubchenco, Chief Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
For more information contact:
Paul Dunn, Senior Executive Assistant to the President
Paul.Dunn@wwu.edu