President Mary Sue Coleman issued this statement Thursday following the death of Nelson Mandela:

“When the University of Michigan awarded an honorary degree to Nelson Mandela in 1987, it was the first and only time such recognition has been extended in absentia. It was an historic act for an extraordinary individual. At the time, Mr. Mandela was still three years from his release from prison and his future as a Nobel laureate and South Africa’s first black president.

“Nelson Mandela was the embodiment of leadership, perseverance and humility. His unwavering commitment to social justice and human equality continually inspires us and will resonate long after his passing.”