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Office of the President

Honorary Degrees

History

The tradition of awarding honorary degrees dates back to the 15th century, originating in European universities to honor significant scholarly contributions and societal achievements. The California State University (CSU) system upholds this tradition by recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society. The first honorary degree in the CSU system was awarded to President John F. Kennedy at San Diego State University in June 1963. Since then, CSU campuses, including Cal State San Marcos, have honored distinguished individuals across various fields who have benefited the state, nation, and humanity. These honorary degrees are conferred by the CSU Board of Trustees on behalf of the respective campus.

At Cal State San Marcos, the tradition began under the university’s second president, Alexander Gonzalez, who served from 1997 to 2003. In May 1998, he awarded the first honorary degree to Janet (Jean) R. Kellogg, a philanthropist and civic volunteer deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life for local citizens and supporting higher education. She was recognized with a Doctor of Humane Letters.

To date, CSUSM presidents have bestowed over 30 honorary degrees.

Learn more about how Honorary Degrees are awarded. 

Types of Honorary Degrees CSUSM Awards

    • Doctor of Fine Arts (D.F.A.)
    • Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.)
    • Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
    • Doctor of Letters (Litt.D.)
    • Doctor of Science (Sc.D.)

Past Recipients

Cal State San Marcos has honored a diverse group of distinguished individuals with Honorary Degrees, celebrating their significant contributions to our community and beyond. These recipients, often regional leaders, exemplify high moral character and are recognized for their outstanding achievements in various fields.

Honorary degree recipients at Cal State San Marcos are selected based on their exceptional accomplishments and their embodiment of intellectual and humane values. These values align with the ideals of the California State University system, the goals of higher education, and the highest standards of their respective disciplines. By recognizing these individuals, Cal State San Marcos not only celebrates their achievements but also highlights the importance of leadership, integrity, and dedication to the betterment of society. 

View list of recipients

Nominating

To learn more about nominating someone for an Honorary Degree at Cal State San Marcos, please visit our Nomination Page. Here, you’ll find detailed information on the nomination process, criteria, and how you can contribute to recognizing outstanding individuals in our community. Your participation helps us celebrate those who exemplify the highest ideals of leadership, integrity, and dedication to the betterment of society.