Marquette confers a limited number of honorary degrees annually, usually in conjunction with Commencement in May. The individuals are selected through a nomination process that is open to all members of the university community.

In soliciting nominations, President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., suggests that nominees be "outstanding individuals who are recognized for their scholarship or for excellence in achievement. This achievement may be shown by acknowledged leadership in a profession or by exemplary service to society.

"In all cases, however, there must be an appropriateness of the nominees to the distinctive mission and values of Marquette University."

In addition, it is helpful if the nominee has one of the following: a direct connection with Marquette (alumna/us, parent, friend); a major intellectual influence on the faculty and students of Marquette; or values that are consistent with Marquette's Mission Statement.

Committee on University Honors

The Committee on University Honors, appointed by the president and composed of faculty, student(s) and alumni representatives, considers nominations at an annual meeting. After receiving counsel from the Committee on University Honors, the president submits names to the Board of Trustees, which approves a list from which the president is authorized to award an honorary degree. The president uses this list of Board-approved names to invite recipients to receive honorary degrees.

Nominations

Members of the Marquette community are invited to present nominations in writing to Andrea Schneider, Law School professor and chair of the Committee on University Honors.

Nominations must include a short statement about why it would be appropriate for Marquette to grant an honorary degree to the nominee. The Committee on University Honors, appointed by the president and composed of faculty, student(s) and alumni representatives, considers nominations at an annual meeting. After receiving counsel from the Committee on University Honors, the president submits names to the Board of Trustees, which approves a list from which the president is authorized to award an honorary degree. The president uses this list of Board-approved names to invite recipients to receive honorary degrees.