Since the late 1420s, honorary degrees have been awarded to notable individuals who have made acclaimed contributions to society or to a specific field of study. However, in recent years, honorary degrees have become a pop culture phenomenon, recognizing celebrities with doctoral degrees.
In a 1991 New York Times article titled “Recognizing Achievement, Adding Glitz,” former president of the Teachers College of Columbia University Arthur E. Levine said, “Honorary degrees are sometimes used to reward donors who have given money, [and] sometimes they are used to draw in celebrities to make the graduation special.”
The major hang up on this honorary degree title is that many who receive them demand that they be referred to as “doctor,” when in fact they have not done the work or received the academic degree that entitles them to be called a doctor. Just because an institution decided to honor a celebrity for commitment or donations does not mean he or she is entitled to a recognition that many others work hard for.
An honorary degree is not a real degree. It’s a way to say “thank you” for the million of dollars that a celebrity donated so that the school can continue to house, teach and provide resources for students who are actually working towards their academic titles.
A college degree is far more than a piece of paper that one gets in the mail once they complete a required number of credits that the university requires. A college degree can serve as one more opportunity to be successful that might not have existed prior.
For schools just to give it away for a dollar and a handshake when people all over the world work hard daily just for the same recognition is a slap in the face. The best part of it all is some of these celebrities cannot construct a proper sentence on their own without the help of their publicist.
Money runs the world, even though some people think otherwise; universities and colleges need money to carry out their daily functions and operate business. However, they need to consider ways of making money and attract people of power and prestige to donate and support their academic institution in a classier way.
Getting a degree is an accomplishment. All of the hard work and dedication to achieving a goal has been met through the education system. This degree, which so many people have worked hard for, will ultimately enhance the life of the recipient and the lives of those who are connected to that person. When money, cars and houses are gone, what will one do? An education will always remain, unlike other material things. Education is the ultimate power.
