Since the commencement of 1702, the Yale Corporation has awarded honorary degrees to recognize outstanding achievement. Currently, the honorary degrees awarded annually at the university’s Commencement are the highest honors conferred by Yale. From Martin Luther King, Jr. to Toni Morrison and Cole Porter, those who have received honorary degrees represent collectively the aspirations of this institution. Recipients over the years have been models of excellence and service to our students, to our graduates, to our community, and to the world.
A committee of the Yale Corporation, the Committee on Honorary Degrees, recommends honorary degree recipients to the Corporation for formal vote.
Read more about the honorary degrees conferred at Commencement.
Send a candidate nomination to the Committee on Honorary Degrees.