Carleton honoured 10 recipients with honorary degrees at convocation this year, bestowing the honour on distinguished Canadians who have contributed to the fields of science, law, and journalism, among others. Their achievements are certainly worthy of honorary degrees. Their work, and indeed their character, are worthy of recognition.
Carleton gives out honorary degrees to candidates who “provide graduating students with exemplary role models and meaningful messages that will carry them into their futures,” according to their website.
But must all these candidates be in the twilight of their careers? It seems that an honorary degree—from any university—is simply something to hang on the wall and add to the Wikipedia page.
Honorary degrees have the ability to advance a person’s career leaps and bounds. It is a recognition by an esteemed institution that this person’s work is worthy of the highest degree they have to give: a doctorate. Movers and shakers who may only be 35-years-old can be as deserving as the older more distinguished candidates many universities choose to recognize.
Yet their honorary degree will come 30 years down the road when, while certainly appreciated, it will not advance their career. It will be something to add to their Wikipedia page.
Carleton should honour the rabble rousers, the less well-known geniuses, and those slaving away to make a definitive change in the world right now as well as honouring those who achieved this many decades ago.
