History of Honorary Degrees
Harvard was the first university to confer honorary degrees in 1692. Since then it has become a recognized function of degree granting institutions. Honorary degrees are an opportunity for universities to single out people who have made contributions to society. At ASU, honorary degree recipients are nominated by faculty members. The Academic Affairs Honorary Degrees Committee reviews faculty nominations for the honorary degree. It then recommends candidates to the president. The committee is appointed by and responsible to the president.