January 24, 2018

Dear Members of the Trinity College Community,

An honorary degree is one of higher education’s most significant accolades. Trinity College awards honorary degrees, honoris causa, to distinguished individuals who during the course of their lives have made enduring contributions to society and to the world through education, public or humanitarian service, arts and culture, business, medicine, philanthropy, the media, or other endeavors. Honorary degree recipients should have demonstrated commitment to the humane and educational values that exemplify the mission of Trinity College.

We invite all members of the Trinity community to submit nominations for Commencement 2019. Nominations for 2019 honorary degree recipients can be submitted here​ until 5:00 p.m. on March 7, 2018. Nominations will be reviewed by the Honorands Review Committee composed of representatives from the faculty, staff, student body, and Board of Trustees. The committee will make recommendations to me, and I will submit nominations to the Board of Trustees in April for final approval. Nominations submitted after March 7 and those not selected this year will remain under consideration for Commencements 2020 and 2021.

Eligibility for Nominations
The president of the college, trustees, faculty members (individually or jointly), and members of the College community may nominate candidates to receive honorary degrees, though a nomination to the committee does not guarantee selection or approval. Honorary degree nominations for sitting faculty, trustees, or staff will not be considered. All nominations will be held in the strictest confidence.

Commencement Speakers
We also welcome nominations for Commencement speakers. It is college practice that individuals delivering the Commencement address also receive honorary degrees; therefore, nominations for Commencement speakers follow the honorary degree nomination process. On occasion, someone not being conferred an honorary degree may serve as speaker.

I look forward to your nominations and appreciate your participation in this important process. Questions may be submitted to Karolina Kwiecinska, special assistant to the president for external affairs, at [email protected]​ or 860-297-4203.

Sincerely,

Joanne Berger-Sweeney
President and Trinity College
Professor of Neuroscience