Honorary Degree records

Collection

Identifier: 00.HD

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection of Honorary Degrees contains programs, transcripts, and biographies from honorary degree recipients at Eastern Michigan University. Records span from 1914 when Eastern Michigan University was known as Michigan State Normal College until 2007. The collection is arranged into three series: Administrative Files, Committee Meeting Minutes, and Degree Recipients. The Administrative Files series contains clippings, correspondence, nomination forms, and policies rules and regulations. Committee Meeting Minutes includes records from 1938-1942 and 1952-1954. The Degree Recipients series is arranged chronologically and contains programs, transcripts, and biographies for the honorary degrees recipients.

Dates

1914 - 2007

Creator

Eastern Michigan University (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Researchers are asked to request materials 24 hours prior to visiting the the University Archives.

Historical Note

In 1890 Michigan State Normal College began the tradition to recognizes excellence in service or vocation by awarding individuals with honorary degrees, a tradition that continues. Today the Board of Regents approves all honorary degree recipients. Some recipients have attended the university but have not graduated, more often recipients are individuals of prominence and influence. Honorary degree recipients include Dann Florek, Rosa Parks, Greg Mathis, and William Jefferson Clinton. The degrees are presented at commencements and other special University occasions

Extent

1.4 Linear Feet (1 record center carton, 1 archive box )

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Honorary Degrees records collection documents the honorary degree recipients at Eastern Michigan University. Materials are arranged chronologically and include clippings, correspondence, and transcripts. Records span from 1914 until 2007. The collection is further arranged into three series: Administrative Files, Committee Meeting Minutes, and Degree Recipients including biographies, transcripts, and programs. This is not a complete record of the honorary degree recipients at Eastern Michigan University; the tradition of awarding honorary degrees at Eastern Michigan University began in 1890, the records begin in 1914. In addition, there are several years missing from the record, 1975-1976 and 1978.