Honorary Degrees
Muhlenberg recognizes exceptional individuals at commencement with one of the college’s highest honors.
President Kathleen Harring with honorary degree recipient Beverly Daniel Tatum
One of Muhlenberg’s Highest Honors
Honorary degrees are presented to individuals who embody the institution’s mission and values through their character, intellect, and actions in service to humankind.
The college is committed to honoring individuals who represent a variety of professions, fields, and sectors as well as diverse ethnic, racial, and gender backgrounds. Each year, one such individual is selected to serve as the commencement speaker.
Nomination Requirements
Candidates are to represent the college’s missions and values, bringing honor to the college. To qualify for an honorary degree they must demonstrate high personal integrity and contribute to an increase in knowledge within their field or service to humankind.
Honorary degrees are granted in recognition of distinctive accomplishments in the following areas:
- Academia
- Arts and Culture
- Public Service
- Humanitarianism
- Business
- Journalism
- Religious and Spiritual Leadership
- Science and Technology
All nominations may be considered for up to two years. Self-nominations are not considered. Nominations for consideration at the 2026 commencement ceremony should be submitted by April 21, 2025. The 2026 honorees will be announced to the community in spring 2026.
Honorary Degree Nomination Form
Submit a nomination for an honorary degree recipient at Muhlenberg College.
Selection Process
The honorary degrees subcommittee of the board of trustees’ nominations and governance committee invites the Muhlenberg community to submit nominations for candidates for honorary degrees.
This committee comprises students, faculty, staff, and a member of the board of trustees. They are charged with presenting the president with a slate of honorary degree nominations based on the submissions of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The board of trustees holds final authority for approval of all honorary degree recipients and commencement speakers.
Honorary degrees will not be awarded in absentia or posthumously. The college does not provide an honoraria to those awarded honorary degrees.