The University of Michigan community is asked to nominate individuals who have contributed to their field or society to be considered for honorary degrees.

“We look forward to recognizing exemplary individuals who have shaped our world with their ideas, talents, service and leadership,” said President Domenico Grasso.

Nominees may be those who have advanced their field of endeavor in significant ways, or who have made compelling contributions to society.

The nominating committee typically meets in the fall, spring and summer. Although nominations can be submitted at any time, the nominating deadline for candidates to be considered for the 2026 winter and 2027 spring Commencement exercises is 5 p.m. Sept. 22.

The committee, chaired by Rackham Graduate School Dean Michael J. Solomon, includes faculty members from the Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn campuses, students and alumni, all of whom are appointed by the Board of Regents on the recommendation of the president.

“Our faculty, students, staff and alumni are ideally suited to bring forward honorary degree nominations that bring honor to our university and its mission,” Solomon said. “I invite all members of our community to consider nominating distinguished individuals who exemplify the aspirations of our institution.”
U-M commencement speakers are typically drawn from the pool of those approved for honorary degrees.

Past U-M honorary degree recipients include musician Wynton Marsalis, President Barack Obama, author Brad Meltzer, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, neurosurgeon Sanjay Gupta, U.S. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, journalist Christiane Amanpour, artist Michele Oka Doner, poet Rita Dove and economist Robert J. Shiller.