Storrs Agricultural School (1881-1893)
Storrs Agricultural College (1893-1899)
Connecticut Agricultural College (1899-1933)
Connecticut State College (1933-1939)
University of Connecticut
The University of
Connecticut awards honorary degrees "only in recognition of extraordinary and
lasting distinction. The award should represent the highest intellectual and moral
values; its hould reflect the very character and quality of the University itself." (Article
XVII, University of Connecticut Laws and Bylaws)
For many years the University of Connecticut did not award honorary
degrees based on a ruling early in the 20th century by a
state attorney general. Using a strict interpretation of the law,
the ruling banned honorary degrees because the legislature
had authorized the granting of degrees for courses taken, and no
courses led to an honorary degree. A later attorney general overturned
that intrepretation, and since 1982 the University has conferred
honorary degrees each year.
Prior to 1982, honorary degrees were presented to three individuals:
- 1918 - Robert M. Landers, Master of Science.
Landers was chairman of the Commission of Food Supply and Conservation
of the State Council of Defense during World War I.
- 1918 - Robert Scoville, Master of Science. Federal
Food Administrator for Connecticut, also during World War I.
- 1934 - Edwina M. Whitney, Master of Letters.
Awarded upon her retirement as college librarian. She had served
since 1900 and also taught German and English.
A University honors and awards committee considers nominations
for honorary degrees and presents recommendations for the
approval of the Board of Trustees. For more information,
please see Article
XVII of the University of Connecticut Laws and Bylaws in the
online Policy e-Library.
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