| Below, scientists who received honorary degrees at graduation ceremonies this spring give their thoughts on the tradition. |
Roald Hoffmann, John A. Newman Professor of Physical Science at Cornell University, who received honorary degrees from the universities of Arizona and Central Florida last month: "One of the most memorable honorary degrees I received was from Yale University in 1980. Two times--when I had applied to college, and later, when I applied for a job after getting my Ph.D. I was rejected from Yale. They [the honorary degree committee] didn't know it but it made a good opening line for my talk."
Seymour D. Kety, professor emeritus of neuroscience at Harvard University, who received an honorary degree last month from the University of Michigan: "I remember an honorary degree I received from Georgetown University about three years ago. Another recipient was Nancy Reagan; she and I were sitting on the platform, next ...
