Purpose
Honorary degrees recognize those who have made profound and enduring contributions to scholarship, culture, or society. Recipients will be persons of great integrity, reflecting our values as an institution.
Eligibility
The criteria for selecting honorary degree recipients are:
- Distinguished and sustained professional, scholarly, intellectual, or creative achievement; and
- Demonstrated activities that contribute to the public good, including public service and/or philanthropy.
Preference will be given to candidates with sustained commitment, contribution, or service to the university or the state.
Nominations
Nominations for honorary degree awards are made through a UIS academic unit. Nominators should consult the for submission due dates.
UIS honorary degree recipients
2025
William L. Bloemer, honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Richard "Dick" Osborne, honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
2024
Burks Oakley II, honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
2023
Raymond Schroeder, honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
2019
2017
2014
2006
2004
James Stukel, honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
2002
Governor James R. Thompson, honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
2000
A. Lee Fritschler, honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
1993
1991
1983
1988
Robert C. Spencer, honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
1982
updated 2025-5-20