Call for nominations for honorary degrees

Dear members of the Northwestern community,

Every year, Northwestern awards honorary degrees to select individuals of exceptional accomplishment. On behalf of the Honorary Degrees Selection Committee, I invite you to nominate deserving individuals for this esteemed honor. This year’s nominees will be considered for recognition during the Commencement ceremony in 2026 or later. 

The success of the nomination process depends on our community members’ committed and ongoing participation. We appreciate your engagement in one of Northwestern’s oldest academic traditions.

The selection committee strongly encourages nominations to reflect a wide range of diversity across multiple dimensions, including gender, ethnicity, ability and veteran status, and expertise across discipline areas. The selection process — including nomination criteria and required materials — is detailed online. Please submit nominees by completing the online nomination form by March 1, 2025. Questions may be directed to honorarydegree@northwestern.edu.

I hope you will consider nominating distinguished individuals to honor as part of our University Commencement activities, and I look forward to receiving many excellent nominations.

Sincerely, 

Kathleen Hagerty
Provost 
First Chicago Professor of Finance