Honorary Degree Nominations for June 2027
September 8, 2026
Dear AUC Community,
The annual June commencement at AUC is a momentous occasion where we celebrate the achievements of our graduates with their families and friends. An important part of commencement is awarding an honorary degree to a distinguished guest.
The awarding of honorary degrees is an honor conferred by The American University in Cairo (AUC) to individuals of distinction whose achievements are aligned with AUC’s mission, and who have made enduring contributions to their fields beyond the expected high standards of the profession. Honorary degree selection shall not be based upon financial or political considerations. Anyone who receives an honorary degree must exemplify the purposes, values and ideals of AUC.
An honorary degree may be conferred on AUC alumni provided they meet the criteria identified below. Active members of faculty, staff, student body, Board of Trustees and government officials in active service are not eligible for honorary degrees. Such members of the University community are not to be considered for nomination until a minimum of one year has passed since their departure from active service.
Faculty, staff, students, alumni and trustees are invited to submit nominations for consideration by a university committee comprised of trustees, members of the administration and members of the faculty. The president submits final recommendations to the Board of Trustees for approval.
Nominating Criteria for Honorary Degree Recipients
Nominees should show enduring contributions or sustained and dedicated commitment in one of the following areas:
- Academia/scholarship
- Artistic creativity
- Medical science
- Finance
- Media
- Public life/humanitarian service
- Philanthropy
Special efforts should be made to identify candidates whose most important contributions are on the cutting edge of discoveries or accomplishments in their field at the time of selection.
Nominees without clear justifications may not be considered, so please include detailed evidence to support your nomination.
We cannot accept any self-nominations or nominations of first-degree relatives (parent, sibling, child or spouse).
To submit a nomination for an honorary degree recipient for the June 2027 or future commencements, click here using an AUC email address. In order to be considered, nominations must be submitted in full by Thursday, September 24, 2026.
If you have any questions, email Rachel Awad at rachelawad@aucegypt.edu.
Sincerely,
Ehab Abdel Rahman
Provost