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Honorary Degree Nominations

Honorary Degree recipient being honored at commencement

Would you like to nominate someone to receive an honorary degree from Swarthmore? The Honorary Degree Committee uses these criteria in choosing recipients:

  • Distinction, leadership, or originality in significant human endeavor
  • Someone in the ascent or at the peak of distinction, with a preference to the less honored over those who have received multiple degrees
  • Ability, as a Commencement speaker, to serve as a role model for graduating seniors
  • Preference (but not a requirement) for individuals who have an existing affiliation with or some connection to Swarthmore

In addition, the committee seeks to balance choices over the years from a variety of categories such as careers, gender, academic discipline, race, ethnicity, and public service.

If you know a worthy candidate, please submit this form by Sept. 15, 2023, to the Honorary Degree Committee, Office of the Secretary, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore PA 19081-1390; or contact Erin Brownlee Dell, Chief of Staff and Secretary of the College.

All nominations are confidential; please do not inform the nominee. The committee will forward its recommendations to the faculty in mid-November.