Purpose

The purpose of honorary degrees is: to recognize and celebrate extraordinary human achievement in a way that aligns with the aspirations, values, and commitments of Johns Hopkins University. The university seeks to recognize nominees who have notable achievement in the categories listed below.

Academic excellence

Civic or political leadership (domestic or international)

Health sciences

Arts and letters

University support

Business and commerce

Process

The Board of Trustees Office manages the honorary degree process. A committee, composed of President Daniels, trustees, faculty, and university leadership, reviews nominations and makes recommendations to the board of trustees for final selection. All nominations, which are kept confidential, have to be received by October 16, 2020, to be considered for the 145th Academic Year. Nominations received after this date will be kept on file for future consideration.

When filling out the online form, please describe how your nominee meets the criteria for selection, and highlight achievements and contributions. It is helpful to the committee if biographical and other supporting information is as complete as possible, but remember: do not contact a nominee as the process is confidential and nominees should not know that they are being considered. Also, honorary degree recipients are not selected on the basis of write-in campaigns or the number of nominations an individual receives. Finally, please note that current faculty (except for emeriti faculty or faculty who have served or practiced more than 45 years in their specialty) and staff are not eligible to receive an honorary degree.