Honorary Degree Recipients

Over the years MacMurray awarded approximately 275 honorary doctorates to women and men from all walks of life — educators, scientists, social workers, lawyers, physicians, politicians, retired MacMurray presidents and Board chairs, alumni, clergy, and members of the local community.

Some of the more notable recipients included Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson, who received a Doctor of Laws degree at the 1963 Commencement, less than six months before he assumed the presidency following Kennedy's assassination.

In 1954 Earl Warren, the Chief Justice of the United States, was honored with the Doctor of Humane Letters. Warren had been Governor of California and Thomas Dewey's running mate in 1948 before being nominated by President Eisenhower for the Supreme Court position. A year earlier, in 1953, a Doctor of Laws degree was bestowed on Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member ever, who served as President Roosevelt's Secretary of Labor.

In January 1947, Eleanor Roosevelt, widow of FDR and a member of the United Nations Human Rights Commission, spoke at the MacMurray College Lecture Series and was presented with the Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Mrs. Roosevelt spent the night in a first-floor bedroom in the President's House, a room that came to be known as the Eleanor Roosevelt Bedroom.

The acclaimed social worker and founder of Chicago's Hull House, Jane Addams, was honored in 1928, and James E. MacMurray, the Chicago businessman and former state senator, whose generous bequests were largely responsible for the expansion of the campus, was honored in 1933. Famed heart surgeon, Dr. Michael DeBakey received a Doctor of Science degree in 1971.

Other honorees included Governors Dwight Green and James Thompson and Senator Paul Simon. A member of the MacMurray Class of 1975, Broadway performer Christine Ebersole, received a Doctor of Fine Arts degree in 2002.

Vice President Lyndon Johnson delivering his commencement address in 1963.
Eleanor Roosevelt speaking at the MacMurray College Lecture Series in 1947.
A photo of Main Hall.

Community Service Award Recipients

A graduate or student of at least three years who has distinguished himself/herself through outstanding volunteer service to his/her community.

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

Any alumna or alumnus (who attended MacMurray for at least two semesters or is a graduate) who has distinguished himself/herself within his/her chosen field and through service to MacMurray.

Distinguished Career Award Recipients

A graduate or student of at least three years who has exhibited excellence and outstanding work in his/her chosen career or occupation.

Young Alumni Award Recipients

A graduate or student of at least three years who has distinguished himself/herself through outstanding volunteer service to his/her community.