University to Award Three Posthumous Degrees at 2010 Commencement Ceremony
Apr 29, 2010 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
The University of Dubuque will award baccalaureate degrees posthumously to three students who died during their student years at UD and who would have graduated with the Class of 2010 on May 8.
Shane Frederick (son of Criag and Laura Frederick of Page, Arizona) will be awarded the bachelor of science in nursing, honoris causa ; Alexandria Grant (daughter of Ophelia McCarroll of Wiesbaden, Germany and Charles Grant of Georgetown, South Carolina) will be awarded the bachelor of business administration, honoris causa ; and Grant Vogt (son of Larry and Julie Vogt of Dubuque, Iowa) will be awarded the bachelor of science in flight operations, honoris causa .
The tradition of granting a degree honoris causa or "for the sake of honor" dates to the Middle Ages, when some institutions of higher learning decided to grant honorary degrees to individuals of the community as a mark of honor and respect. In some cases, the degree was clearly used as a reward for granting funds, lands, or other gifts to the community, while in other instances such degrees were awarded for accomplishments. Honorary degrees were also granted posthumously as they are today. As well, the degree is conferred as a way of honoring a distinguished person's contributions to a specific field or to society in general. [Adapted from American Council on Education]
The University of Dubuque will confer degrees on 301 undergraduate and 52 graduate students during its 158th College Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 8, beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center on the University of Dubuque Campus.
Dr. John Stewart, retiring Academic Dean, will deliver the Commencement Address titled Gratitude and Civility .
