Honorary Degrees

At Portland State University, an honorary degree is the university’s highest honor. This award recognizes individuals who have achieved outstanding scholarship or artistic accomplishments or performed distinguished public service during their lifetime.

Nominees should be distinguished educators, scholars, scientists, business and community leaders, creative artists, reformers, humanitarians, public servants, or philanthropists whose accomplishments have had a positive impact on society regionally, nationally, or internationally.

Nomination Criteria

Accomplishments in scholarship, arts, or public service, specifically highlighting alignment with PSU’s motto, "Let Knowledge Serve the City" (preferring individuals who make a real difference locally, nationally, or globally).

• Review & Approval Process: Portland State University uses a dedicated committee to review nominations, and all require top-level sign-off (from the PSU President) before awarding the degree at commencement.
• Required Documentation: The Honorary Degree Committee asks for a formal nomination explaining why the person qualifies, as well as one other letter of recommendation.
• Candidate Credentials: They all require background materials—like a resume, CV, or biographical overview—along with supporting evidence via the form and letters of support.
• Eligibility: Current faculty, staff, and students are not eligible until 3 years after departing PSU.

Who Can Nominate?

PSU staff, faculty, students, alumni, PSU trustees, PSU Foundation staff and PSU Foundation Board members.

Timeline

• Nominations open via Google Form and the Honorary Degree website on November 2nd. Nominations are due December 18 for spring commencement.
• The PSU Honorary Degree Committee meets after December 15th to review submissions and select up to 3 candidates.
• Honorary Degree finalists are announced during the spring quarter.
• Degrees are formally presented during Commencement.