honorary degrees

April 29, 2023
Marsalis to graduates: ‘We need a revolution of thought and feeling’
Spring Commencement speaker Wynton Marsalis told U-M’s spring graduates they are “a bridge in the unrelenting cycle of life,” and must step up during difficult times to be leaders, critical thinkers and people willing to spark a change.
- UM-Dearborn graduates told, ‘The future belongs to you’
- UM-Flint emphasizes embracing challenges, building community
December 18, 2022
Winter graduates told ‘persistence makes the impossible achievable’
Winter Commencement speaker Vera L. Songwe encouraged U-M graduates to embrace a future of possibilities and persist throughout any hardships that may come along the way.
- UM-Flint celebrates graduates at fall 2022 commencement
- UM-Dearborn awards nearly 800 degrees at fall 2022 commencement
October 31, 2022
Three recommended for Winter Commencement honorary degrees

Three leaders in the fields of international finance, higher education and medical research are being recommended for honorary degrees at the U-M Ann Arbor campus’ 2022 Winter Commencement.
September 26, 2022
University seeks nominations for honorary degree recipients

The U-M community is being asked to nominate individuals who have contributed to their field or society to be considered for honorary degrees.
April 30, 2022
Maria Shriver tells grads that fears are ‘a window into your own bravery’
At the first in-person U-M Spring Commencement since 2019, award-winning journalist, author and former California first lady Maria Shriver told graduates they’ve been given “the gift of a shredded rule book.”
- The UM-Dearborn degree: ‘The blueprint to construct a well-rounded world view’
- UM-Flint honors graduates during Spring 2022 Commencement
March 17, 2022
Shriver, Fauci, Klawe to speak at Spring Commencement

The U.S. president’s chief medical adviser, an award-winning journalist and a computer scientist are recommended to receive honorary degrees and will speak at U-M’s various Spring Commencement ceremonies.
December 19, 2021
Winter graduates urged to ‘value the fearless pursuit of truth’

Speaking at U-M’s first in-person Winter Commencement since 2019, Ruth Simmons, president of Prairie View A&M University, cautioned graduates not to shed the high expectations and standards set for them as students.
November 11, 2021
Four recommended for Winter Commencement honorary degrees

Four leaders in the fields of higher education, theater, mathematics and community research are being recommended for honorary degrees at the Ann Arbor campus’ 2021 Winter Commencement.
September 27, 2021
Campus briefs

Short news items from around the University of Michigan.
September 21, 2021
University seeks nominations for honorary degree recipients

The U-M community is being asked to nominate individuals who have contributed to their field or society to be considered for honorary degrees.