Nominate Speakers and Honorary Degree Recipients

The selection of a Commencement speaker and awarding of honorary degrees is taken seriously. All nominees must reflect the values and mission of Iona University.

Nominees must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Have a distinguished record of service to humanity, peace and justice
• Have made important contributions to Catholic education
• Have exhibited exemplary leadership in public service or business
• Have distinguished intellectual and creative achievements
• An Iona alumnus with a distinguished record of achievement in his/her/their field
• An Iona alumnus with a distinguished record of service to society

To make a nomination please complete the nomination form. The committee will review all nominees. Nominees deemed worthy of further consideration will be forwarded to President Carey. The President and Board of Trustees will make the final decision and be responsible for contacting and scheduling nominees for the commencement ceremony.

Commencement speakers will be chosen based on the outlined criteria. As the ceremony is a celebration of the accomplishments of our graduating class, Commencement speakers should have the ability to give a positive, meaningful and inspirational address to the graduating class and their families. It is also our practice to confer an honorary degree upon commencement speakers.

In selecting honorary degree recipients, Iona University seeks individuals whose achievements reflect the values and mission of Blessed Edmund Rice, the Christian Brothers and Iona University. Honorary degree recipients must possess a distinguished record of service to humanity, peace and justice.

The committee will consider nominees for two years from the date of nomination. If a nominee is not selected within the two-year period, they will be removed from the list of potential candidates.