CONTACT: Meredith McGlone, University Communications
(608) 263-7523
[email protected]

A groundbreaking atmospheric scientist, a brilliant U.S. diplomat and an esteemed businessman and philanthropist will be awarded honorary doctoral degrees at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May.

The recipients are David Fahey, whose research has helped protect the Earth’s ozone layer and climate; Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a former ambassador to Liberia lauded for her international humanitarian work; and Jerome Chazen, a co-founder and former chairman of Liz Claiborne Inc.

The honorary degrees, as well as doctoral, MFA and medical professional degrees, will be conferred at the 5:30 p.m. commencement ceremony on Friday, May 11, at the Kohl Center.

Honorary doctorates from UW-Madison recognize individuals with careers of extraordinary accomplishment. The Committee on Honorary Degrees considers sustained and uncommonly meritorious activity exhibiting values that are esteemed by a great university. Preference is given to people connected in some significant way to the state or university, though that is not a prerequisite.  All three of this year’s honorees are UW-Madison graduates.

Fahey conducts leading-edge research on atmospheric trace gases and aerosols. He’s considered one of the world’s top climate scientists, credited with helping prevent great harm to humanity through his contributions to an international treaty known as the Montreal Protocol.

Thomas-Greenfield has been heralded as one of the most dynamic and effective diplomats of her time and one of the most respected leaders at the State Department. Her career in the U.S. foreign service spanned 35 years, most recently as assistant secretary for African affairs in the Obama administration.

Chazen rose to the top tier of business retailers as one of four founders in 1975 of Liz Claiborne Inc. He is now chairman of Chazen Capital Partners, a private investment firm he founded. While succeeding in business, Chazen has been driven, along with his wife, Simona, to better the world through philanthropy.

READ FULL BIOGRAPHIES AT https://news.wisc.edu/fahey-thomas-greenfield-chazen-to-receive-uw-madison-honorary-degrees/

Print Friendly, PDF & Email