September 26, 2025

Dear Colorado State University Community:

The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President in collaboration with the Faculty Council invite nominations for an Honorary Degree to be awarded at the University-wide commencement in May 2026. Nominations are due to [email protected] no later than Friday, October 24. 

Honorary degrees awarded by Colorado State University recognize individuals who have attained extraordinary achievements of lasting distinction and include but may not be limited to Doctor of Humane Letters and Doctor of Science.

Purpose of Honorary Degrees: Honorary degrees acknowledge individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of knowledge and artistry, to society, or whose association brings honor and distinction to the University community. Through these awards, CSU reaffirms its commitment to intellectual and professional achievement.

Nomination Criteria: Nominees should demonstrate exceptional quality with national or international prominence in one or more of the following categories:

• Intellectual distinction in particular fields.
• Outstanding achievement in professional and/or personal capacities.
• Significant and lasting contributions to society.
• Exceptional acts of philanthropy to the University and/or to the nation or world.

Eligibility: Individuals who have demonstrated the appropriate criteria are eligible for nomination, with the following exceptions:

• Current members of the CSU System Board of Governors.
• Faculty or staff currently employed by the University.
• Current candidates or holders of federal or state elective office.

Individuals may have an existing association with the university, such as affiliate or emerit status. Preference will be given to those with connections to Colorado or CSU, although such connections are not required.

Nomination Materials: Nomination packages must include the following:

1. A nomination letter from a member of the academic faculty addressing specific contributions, which distinguishes the candidate as an individual worthy of this designation.
2. Endorsement by the dean of the college in which the nominating academic faculty resides.
3. A short biographical statement of no more than one page or shortened curriculum vitae of no more than three pages.
4. A one-page narrative which includes an abbreviated version of the candidate’s qualifications.
5. Supporting documentation which may include no more than three letters of endorsement.

Please note that the nominator may be asked to present a brief oral presentation to the committee on behalf of the candidate.

Deadline: All nominations must be received by Wednesday, October 15, 5 p.m. Please send nominations to [email protected]. For more detailed information on the nomination process, please refer to the Honorary Degree Guidelines (see the “Honorary Degrees” section on the Provost’s Faculty Policies, Forms & Resources web page).

Sincerely,

Marion K. Underwood, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President

Mendy Smith, Ph.D.
Faculty Council Chair