Gov. Bill Richardson, author Tony Hillerman and artist Georgia O'Keefe have one thing in common.
They all have honorary degrees from the UNM
"They're awarded to individuals who have had a lifetime of extraordinary accomplishments," said Claudia Isaac, associate professor of Community and Regional Planning.
The decision to award such degrees comes after much deliberation, she said.
"We look at what's most extraordinary rather than what's not extraordinary enough," Isaac said. "It's positive scrutiny. Recipients should be very special."
The tradition of awarding honorary degrees dates back to the 1920s at UNM. The professional backgrounds of recipients vary from musicians to educators to political figures.
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Even astronauts are among the list of the University's honorary degree recipients. Former NASA astronaut Harrison Schmitt received his honorary degree in 1997.
The award is given to recognize individuals who have contributed significantly to the cultural or scientific development of the Southwest or to the spiritual or material welfare of its people, Isaac said
A maximum of three honorary degrees may be given annually and are awarded at spring commencement. An honorary degree does not carry the same weight as an earned degree.
"Recipients are hooded at the ceremony," Isaac said. "Outfits worn at commencement are comparable to those worn by monks."
The tradition goes back to the Middle Ages, she said.
"Students should become aware of the tradition of honorary degrees," student Terry Garcia said. "It seems to be a really cool tradition."
Honorary degrees should be viewed as the University's way of thanking those who have bettered the community, Garcia said.
Each year, the Honorary Degree Committee, a subcommittee of the Faculty Senate Graduate Committee, solicits nominations for honorary degrees from any source members deem proper.
Nominees whose contributions are to the University, New Mexico or the Southwest are preferred, but candidates aren't excluded based on geographic location.
Once selected, the names of nominees are presented to the Senate Graduate Committee for confidential consideration. Then Faculty Senate members must approve the decision.
The Board of Regents must OK the choices before any honorary degree is awarded.
According to the University's Faculty Handbook, the committee comprises the president of the University, the president of the Graduate and Professional Student Association, members appointed by the president of the Board of Regents, members appointed by the Senate Graduate Committee and members of the general faculty.
"It's good as long as people who get it are deserving, and there's nothing corrupt about the process," Garcia said.
He said misuse of the award is a potential downside to giving such degrees.
Isaac said the stringent consideration process ensures the validity of all honorary award recipients.
Regulations maintain high standards, she said.
Favors to UNM, such as the delivery of a commencement address, are barred from being the sole cause for awarding honorary degrees, according to the handbook.
"All contributions are to be at the doctoral level," Isaac said.
Although disapproval of one name doesn't halt consideration for others, disapproval of all nominees by any of the authoritative bodies immediately stops the process for that year.
