At Portland State, honorary degrees are more than a tradition — they’re a tribute to those who’ve inspired through intellect, artistry or public service. This year, PSU is excited to announce three outstanding recipients whose passion for the arts and dedication to public service have helped define Portland’s unique spirit.
Please join us in celebrating our 2025 Honorary Degree recipients!
Aminé (Adam Aminé Daniel)
Grammy-nominated artist Aminé (known to his family and friends as Adam Aminé Daniel) first gained notoriety in 2016 for his debut commercial single “Caroline,” which he wrote while he was a PSU student and peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. However his music career began in 2014 with the release of his first mixtape “Odyssey to Me” and a second mixtape “Calling Brio” in 2015.
Aminé (Adam Aminé Daniel)
Following on the success of his single “Caroline” — and a deal with Republic Records — he released his first studio album “Good for You” in 2017, followed by “Limbo” in 2020, and in 2023 Aminé collaborated with Montreal-based music producer Kaytranada to release “Kaytraminé.”
Aminé was nominated for Best New Hip Hop Artist at the 2017 BET Hip Hop Awards. In 2021, he received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording for his collaboration on "My High" with Disclosure and Slowthai.
Although Aminé tours worldwide, his roots are based in Portland. He graduated from Benson Polytechnic High School and attended Portland State seeking a degree in marketing until 2016 when he decided to pursue music full-time. Born to Ethiopian and Eritrean immigrants, Aminé grew up surrounded by music, and took inspiration from his family heritage to build his distinct award-winning sound.
“Aminé means so much more than just music for most people. He represents the kids who are determined to reach their goals no matter the inequitable circumstances and hardships one must endure,” wrote one nominator.
“Aminé has created a new path within rap and hip hop — one that allows for creativity and radical expression of self,” wrote another nominator. “His music empowers those who listen, filling them with joy, allowing them to be carefree and for a moment, forget about what may be going on around them or internally.”
His third studio album “13 Months of Sunshine” is due for release on May 16.
Al Barkouli
Growing up in his native Libya, Al Barkouli saw a career in civil engineering as a way to improve people’s quality of life. A scholarship led him to PSU, where he earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in civil engineering (BS ’83; MS ’87) from the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science.
Al Barkouli
Barkouli is Chairman and CEO of David Evans Enterprises, Inc. (DEEI), which includes the nationally recognized David Evans and Associates — a leader in the design and management of complex transportation, land development, water resources and energy projects nationwide — and its subsidiaries, which focus on specialty staffing, disaster-related services and organizational resiliency. Founded in Portland, DEEI employs nearly 1,300 people in 32 offices in 11 states.
Barkouli is well known for building a culture of service and inclusion at David Evans. He earned a doctorate in organizational culture and leadership from Antioch University to develop the skills to help him drive a philosophy he calls “success through service,” the practice of nurturing relationships and mentoring talent in the next generation.
Barkouli continues to give back to PSU by serving as a trustee on the Portland State University Foundation Board of Trustees — a role he’s held since 2014 — and is currently serving as Chairman of the Board. He also now serves on the Oregon Community Foundation Board of Directors and the Standard Insurance Company Board of Directors.
“Al is known for his unrelenting interest in uplifting clients, employees and community partners and helping them find success,” shared PSU Foundation President Sarah Schwarz. “He is an individual whose professional and civic achievements are truly extraordinary.”
Barkouli received the Legacy Award from Engineering New Record — Northwest in 2023, the Daily Journal of Commerce “Icon” award in December 2020 and was profiled in Oregon Business Magazine’s April 2013 issue. In 2006, he was recognized as “Rainmaker of the Year” by the Daily Journal of Commerce. He lives in Nevada with his wife Najat and enjoys spending time with his six children.
Poison Waters (Kevin Cook)
Poison Waters is not just a personality, Poison is an experience. Whether dressed as Poison Waters or her alter ego Kevin Cook, they are both captivating and one of a kind.
Poison Waters (Kevin Cook)
They are perhaps best known as co-hostess of the legendary Darcelle XV Showplace where they have graced the stage for the last 34 years. That includes co-producing Drag-a-Thon, the Guinness World Record breaking longest running drag show at 48 hours, 11 minutes and 30 seconds, that raised more than $300,000 for The Trevor Project in 2023. Featured in the best selling book, “Legends of Drag,” Poison was also named one of 2023’s 25 most inspiring people by the Oregonian.
When they aren’t on stage at Darcelle XV, Poison can be found hosting an endless docket of benefits, revues and shows benefiting charities nationwide including the Cascade AIDS Project, Dress for Success Oregon and the Oregon Humane Society.
“Poison Waters has consistently shown up for PSU students for the last 5 years. She emceed Lavender Graduation in 2022 and the SALP Student Leadership Awards Ceremony in 2023,” an anonymous nominator wrote. “In 2019 she presented at a 50th Anniversary Stonewall riot event. Poison has also consistently been a resource for the Queer Resource Center staff when they are seeking drag artists or needing to connect with queer community leaders for events. She always shows up and always brings her best.”
Poison has received The Assistance League of Greater Portland’s National Operation School Bell Award, a Jose Honor as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Court System, the 2023 Mama Bernice Humanitarian Award from the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon, the Fred E. Tree Spirit of Stonewall Award for outstanding activism and leadership, the 2022 Klonsky Award for Civic Engagement, Hero of HIV Award and the Red Ribbon Award from the Coalition for AIDS Awareness — just to name a few.
Whatever the title, event, cause or venue, one thing remains the same: the important bond between Poison Waters and her audience. She remains “the smile on the face of Portland.”