What is an Honorary Degree? An Honorary Degree is the highest degree that anyone can receive from a university. You receive one not by passing exams or studying but by making a huge contribution to society or your respective field.
Honorary decorates are given a ceremony and are typically requested to give a speech and wear the traditional gowns of the university. They could wear colorful capes or robes and even a bonnet hat if permitted.
The University of Bologna was founded in 1088, making it the oldest university. However, it was not the first to give someone an Honorary Degree. The University of Oxford was the second one to be established, which was from 1096 to 1167. Lionel Woodville was the first to receive an Honorary Degree in the 1470s from the University of Oxford.
Stormzy (Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo)
Stormzy has received an Honorary Degree. His real name is Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo. He earned his degree by donating millions of pounds to organizations dedicated to fighting racial inequality, and partly also because of helping young black people get into universities.
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford also has an Honorary Degree. He is a footballer and was the youngest person to get an Honorary Degree. He didn’t earn his degree for amazing football skills; he has worked tirelessly to put an end to childhood poverty and hunger. He spent more than 20 million euros every year during lockdown. This was enough for almost four million meals!
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is a singer who earned an Honorary Degree in fine arts from New York University.
Swift’s field spans from many genres and her narrative songwriting. Most of them were inspired by her life.
“Never be ashamed of trying. Effortlessness is a myth,” she said in her speech.
“I hope you know how proud I am to share this day with you,” she said. She also added, “We’re doing this together so let’s just keep on dancing like we’re the class of 22.”
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is also a singer. He received a degree in 2015 from the University Campus Suffolk. He earned it because of his contribution to music.
Sheeran was brave enough to drop out of school when he was 16 to focus on his music. Since then, he sold more than 150 million records worldwide and was the most listened to artist of 2021.
In his acceptance speech, he said, “There’s no key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone, so make sure you please yourself.”
“Choose something you love and work hard at it and you’ll be surprised how far you can get,” Sheeran said.
Sir David Attenborough
Sir David Attenborough currently holds the record for the most honorary degrees. He currently has 32 for his services to science and broadcasting.
“I think universities are the most important institutions in our society. They are the one place where truth has no reference to commerce or politics, and such kinds of institutions are rare and should be cherished. If one of them gives you an honor it should be an honor to be treasured.” Attenborough said.
Ncuti Gatwa
Ncuti Gatwa will receive his doctorate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. That is where he studied acting when he was younger.
Conclusion
There are many celebrities that possess an Honorary Degree, and it’s not for their academic excellence. They earned it because they used their lives to influence society. Some celebrities earned multiple, which is fascinating. Universities know whom to give the degree to.
Honorary decorates are given a ceremony and are typically requested to give a speech and wear the traditional gowns of the university. They could wear colorful capes or robes and even a bonnet hat if permitted.
The University of Bologna was founded in 1088, making it the oldest university. However, it was not the first to give someone an Honorary Degree. The University of Oxford was the second one to be established, which was from 1096 to 1167. Lionel Woodville was the first to receive an Honorary Degree in the 1470s from the University of Oxford.
Stormzy (Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo)
Stormzy has received an Honorary Degree. His real name is Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo. He earned his degree by donating millions of pounds to organizations dedicated to fighting racial inequality, and partly also because of helping young black people get into universities.
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford also has an Honorary Degree. He is a footballer and was the youngest person to get an Honorary Degree. He didn’t earn his degree for amazing football skills; he has worked tirelessly to put an end to childhood poverty and hunger. He spent more than 20 million euros every year during lockdown. This was enough for almost four million meals!
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is a singer who earned an Honorary Degree in fine arts from New York University.
Swift’s field spans from many genres and her narrative songwriting. Most of them were inspired by her life.
“Never be ashamed of trying. Effortlessness is a myth,” she said in her speech.
“I hope you know how proud I am to share this day with you,” she said. She also added, “We’re doing this together so let’s just keep on dancing like we’re the class of 22.”
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is also a singer. He received a degree in 2015 from the University Campus Suffolk. He earned it because of his contribution to music.
Sheeran was brave enough to drop out of school when he was 16 to focus on his music. Since then, he sold more than 150 million records worldwide and was the most listened to artist of 2021.
In his acceptance speech, he said, “There’s no key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone, so make sure you please yourself.”
“Choose something you love and work hard at it and you’ll be surprised how far you can get,” Sheeran said.
Sir David Attenborough
Sir David Attenborough currently holds the record for the most honorary degrees. He currently has 32 for his services to science and broadcasting.
“I think universities are the most important institutions in our society. They are the one place where truth has no reference to commerce or politics, and such kinds of institutions are rare and should be cherished. If one of them gives you an honor it should be an honor to be treasured.” Attenborough said.
Ncuti Gatwa
Ncuti Gatwa will receive his doctorate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. That is where he studied acting when he was younger.
Conclusion
There are many celebrities that possess an Honorary Degree, and it’s not for their academic excellence. They earned it because they used their lives to influence society. Some celebrities earned multiple, which is fascinating. Universities know whom to give the degree to.
