The Office of the University Secretary is accepting honorary degree nominations.
The University awards honorary degrees to those who have made significant contributions to a certain field but don’t have the ultimate degree in that subject area.
The Honorary Degree Committee, a subcommittee of the UNM Faculty Senate, picks degree recipients from nominations they receive.
Tim McElvain, president of McElvain Oil and Gas Properties, received an honorary doctor of science degree in 2009 for his work in the field of geology. He also set up a foundation to help students at UNM study geology.
“My geological research led to the discovery of the Santa Fe impact crater and eventually to an honorary doctorate degree in geology,” McElvain said. “I continued my research, and in addition set up a foundation for the study of impact cratering.
Dena Kinney, Honorary Degree Committee chair, said nominees who set up scholarships or foundations or do other community service projects are strong candidates for an honorary degree.
“The committee is looking for outstanding contributions in various areas such as science, cultural studies, improvement to the community and service — service is very important,” she said.
Up to three honorary degrees are awarded each year, Kinney said, and past recipients include Tony Hillerman in 1990 and Gov. Bill Richardson in 1998.
Kinney said that there aren’t any set criteria for nominees.
“What you’re trying to achieve is recognition by your peers or others in the University and in the community,” she said.
Kinney said University staff, faculty or administration members cannot get honorary degrees, because recipients shouldn’t just be remembered for their time at UNM.
Kinney said faculty, students, community members and people who aren’t affiliated with the University can submit nominations.
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University Secretary Vivian Valencia said the Honorary Degree Committee reviews and picks nominations, but the regents must approve recipients. The degrees are awarded at each spring commencement, she said.
“Each honorary degree recipient sits on the stage at commencement as part of the platform group and is recognized individually by the (UNM) president,” Valencia said.
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Honorary degree nomination
Deadline Oct. 9
Office of the University Secretary
Scholes Hall, room 103
See www.graduation.unm.edu for formatting guidelines
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