Temple University has a rich tradition of awarding honorary degrees to outstanding leaders, artists, scientists, journalists and professionals from all walks of life whose values and achievements exemplify the mission and ideals of the university. Honorary degrees are generally conferred at the official Commencement Exercises in May.
The University Committee on Honorary Degrees seeks nominations of deserving candidates from members of the Temple community. The committee will provide recommendations to the President and the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees. Honorary degrees are not awarded by individual schools or colleges of the University, and must be approved by the Board of Trustees.
Selection Criteria
Recipients of Temple honorary degrees will serve as models of Temple University's aspirations for its students and community. Candidates should be nominated on the basis of their life's work and should exemplify the highest quality of professional, intellectual, humanitarian or artistic achievement and leadership. Evaluation will be based on the level of intellectual and professional attainment and the significance of the nominee's contributions to the enrichment and/or welfare of the state, the nation or the world.
Nominations
Nominations and supporting information may be submitted to the chairman of the University Committee on Honorary Degrees at the following address:
University Committee on Honorary Degrees
c/o Executive Office of the President
200 Sullivan Hall
1330 Polett Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Supporting information should include sufficient explanation of the candidate's qualifications for the honorary degree based on the selection criteria outlined above.
Liaison with Honorary Degree Recipients
The Executive Office of the President manages all communications, logistics and arrangements for honorary degree recipients upon selection and throughout the Commencement Exercises.
Past Honorary Degree Recipients
Temple University confers honorary degrees to distinguished individuals whose values and accomplishments exemplify the university’s mission and ideals. Temple has awarded more than 850 honorary degrees throughout its history.