Honorary Degree

Honorary Degree recipients

In accordance with College regulation 2.0012R, Official Recognition of Members of Community and Guests of the College, the Honorary Degree Committee accepts nominations for honorary degree recipients, after which the Committee votes on proposed candidates. The public and the college community (employees, students, trustees, and alumni) are notified and encouraged to nominate a candidate worthy of this honor. The award will be presented at the College Commencement ceremonies in May. The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 31, 2025.

To be eligible for consideration, a nominee must be in good standing in the community and have achieved excellence in one or more of the following:

• Professional Accomplishments: Candidates should have a proven track record of excellence in their respective professions, demonstrating leadership, innovation, and a positive impact on their field.
• Community/Public Service: Individuals nominated should be committed to community and public service, actively contributing to the betterment of society through their philanthropic endeavors and civic engagement.
• Personal Accomplishments: The committee is interested in recognizing individuals who have overcome challenges and demonstrated resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to personal growth and development.
• Inspirational Life Achievements: Nominees should have a story or life achievements that can serve as a source of inspiration for Brookdale students. Whether through overcoming adversity or achieving extraordinary success, the nominee should embody qualities that resonate with and motivate the college community.

Past Honorary Degree Recipients

2006 Dr. Margaret Parker
2007 George Waple, Kevin Smith
2008 Rev. Dr. Henry Davis, Tim McLoone
2009 Denny Walling, Greg Mortenson
2010 Gwendolyn Love, Barbara McMorrow
2012 Rev. Robert F. Kaeding
2013 Risa Clay
2014 Marshawn Love, Cindy Zipf
2015 David Prown and David Goldman
2016 Bernard Weinstein and Norma Hardy
2017 Carlos Rodriguez
2018 Carol Stillwell, Bob & Joan Rechnitz, Marilyn Schlossbach
2019 Dianne Raver and Francine Acquaviva
2020 Thomas F. Hayes and Roy Lamanna
2021 Chaz Salvatore Bono
2022 Danny Clinch & Maria Barba-Clinch and DonnaLyn Giegerich-Zapcic
2023 Douglas Quinn and Stephanie Hueston
2024 Matthew Modine and T.S. Nandakumar