Sonoma State University

Honorary Doctorate Nominations

Friday, October 31, 2025, 12:46pm

TO: Campus Community
FR: Mario Perez, Vice President for University Advancement, Chair of the Honorary Doctorate Nominating Committee

Every fall, the California State University Chancellor’s Office issues a memorandum that serves as the call for campus recommendations for the award of honorary doctoral degrees granted by the Board of Trustees of the California State University. Sonoma State received that memorandum on Friday, October 10.

This information was promptly communicated to the University Senior Leadership Committee, which comprises SSU's associate vice presidents, deans, the Associated Students president, the Academic Senate chair, and the chair of the Staff Council -- essential partners in the university's shared governance.

The Honorary Doctorate Nominating Committee is now reaching out more broadly to provide details regarding the nomination process and to solicit your assistance in disseminating this information and submitting nominations for consideration for the honorary doctorate degree.

CSU campuses have awarded honorary degrees to distinguished individuals who have demonstrated excellence in areas that benefit CSU campuses; the state, nation and/or world; and/or humanity. Recipients serve as examples to be recognized and honored for their exemplary contributions.

The conferral of honorary degrees is one of the most meaningful ways the university recognizes distinguished individuals who embody values of academic excellence, leadership, and service to the greater community. Your insight and perspectives are essential to ensuring that our recommendations reflect the mission and values of Sonoma State University.

Attached are the procedures for consideration for SSU. More information about the selection of recipients of honorary degrees may be found in The California State University Board of Trustees Policy for Awarding Honorary Degrees.

Please note that the process is confidential, and nominators may not contact a prospective nominee to discuss a possible nomination.

The timeline for the process this year is as follows:

  • November 17, 2025 – Nominations for honorary degrees are due to the campus committee. Please submit nominations via the Honorary Degree nomination form. Any questions may be submitted by email to [email protected].
  • November 21, 2025 – Nominating Committee convenes to finalize recommendations to be sent to Interim President Cutrer.
  • November 21, 2025 – Confidential recommendations from the nominating committee are due to President Cutrer.
  • December 5, 2025 – Confidential recommendations from President Cutrer are due to the CSU Office of the Chancellor.
  • February 2026 – President Cutrer is notified of awardees and proceeds to inform recipient(s) of the award and invite them to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.

I ask that you share this information and the nomination period with your staff. Nominations may be submitted via the Nomination form until November 17, 2025.  Thank you and please let me know if you have any questions via [email protected].

The 2025-26 Honorary Doctorate Nominating Committee

Dr. Mario A. Perez, Vice President for University Advancement, Chair of the Honorary Doctorate Nominating Committee
Dr. Stacey Bosick, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Dr. Ajay Gehlawat, Chair, Academic Senate
Ms. Madelyn Boyd, President, Associated Students of SSU
Mr. Kyle Falbo, Chair, SSU Staff Council
Mr. Jeff Keating, Associate Vice President for Governmental Relations and Strategic Communications
Ms. Tiffany O’Neil, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations, Marketing and Engagement