Rochester Institute of Technology Honorary Degree records

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: RITArc-0156

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Rochester Institute of Technology Honorary Degree records consist of items related to the various degrees conferred by the university. The collection includes general information such as lists of former recipients, copies of university policies and procedures, and sample diplomas. However, most of the collection is made up of files on individual degree recipients that include biographical information as well as copies of the conferred honorary degrees. Information is available through 2007.

Dates

Creation: 1968-2007

Creator

Rochester Institute of Technology (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Historical Information: Rochester Institute of Technology Honorary Degrees

Although the New York State Board of Regents first allowed the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to issue honorary degrees in 1958, RIT did not award its first degree until 1968 at the dedication ceremony for the university's new campus. Degree recipients were chosen by a faculty committee and were conferred by the university's Board of Trustees. The degree was considered to be the university's highest award and was given to individuals who have:

Achieved national recognition

Made an outstanding contribution to society

Made a significant contribution to his/her professional field.

Past Honorary Degree recipients (current 2007)

1968
: Honorable Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller; Mr. William Scott Vaughn
1986
: Mr. Jack St. Clair Kilby
1989
: Mr. Silvio O. Conte; Dr. S. Richard Silverman; Mr. Gordon Parks; Mr. Albert Rose; Honorable Alfonse M. D'Amato
1990
: Honorable Frank Horton
1991
: Mr. Robert R. Davila; Ms. Henriette D. Avram; Mr. Vaclav Klaus
1992
: Mr. Joseph M. Juran; Mr. Jīhān Sādāt
1993
: Mr. Mervin D. Garretson; Mr. Genji Murai
1995
: Mr. Burton S. August, Sr.; Mr. Douglass C. North
1996
: Dr. James C. Marsters; Mr. Thomas H. Gosnell; Ms. Gertrude B. Elion; Ms. Rosalyn Yalow
1997
: Ōhi Chōzaemon; President George H. Bush
1999
: Mr. Lucius R. Gordon; Mr. E. Kent Damon; Honorable William A. Johnson, Jr.; Ms. Mary McAleese
2000
: Mr. Norman Jewison
2002
: Honorable George John Tenet; Mr. Massimo Vignelli
2004
: Ms. Anne Mulcahy
2005
: Dr. Richard Cheng
2006
: Mr. Dean Kamen
2007
: Mr. Yōhei Sasakawa; President William Jefferson Clinton

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet (1 half document box)

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

Materials related to honorary degrees conferred by the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). RIT awarded its first honorary degree in 1968. The collection includes information on policies and procedures, biographical information, copies of diplomas, and other related materials.

Arrangement

Materials are separated by recipient and are arranged in chronological order.

Other Finding Aids

In addition to this finding aid, an inventory is available below. For more information, please contact the RIT Archive Collections.

Rochester Institute of Technology Honorary Degree records