Honorary Degree Recipients

Since 1984, it has been a tradition at The American University of Paris to award honorary degrees as a way of recognizing a distinguished person’s contributions to a specific field or to society in general. An honorary degree is very often awarded to distinguished individuals whose accomplishments are consistent with the mission and core values of AUP.

Previous Honorary Degree Recipients

Honorary degrees have been awarded at AUP's commencement ceremony since 1984. Honorary degree recipients often give lectures or presentations in the days preceding commencement. These events are open to the public and provide graduates and their families with the opportunity to meet awardees in informal settings. One or more of the recipients is often invited to give a commencement address before the assembled faculty, graduates and parents – an event that is often the highlight of the ceremony. The following renowned scholars, artists, writers, political figures and researchers have received honorary degrees from AUP.