2023 Honorary Degree Recipients

Columbia University will confer honorary degrees and recognize the alum who will receive its University Medal for Excellence at its annual Commencement exercises on May 17, 2023. This recognition is given to individuals who exemplify the ideals of the University through their significant scholarly, artistic, or societal achievements or contributions.

Katori Hall
Katori Hall

Playwright
Screenwriter
Producer
Director
University Medal for Excellence

Joyce A. Ladner
Joyce A. Ladner

Sociologist
Author
Civil Rights Activist
Doctor of Letters

Jeannie Bachelor Lavine
Jeannie Bachelor Lavine

University Citizen
Philanthropist
Doctor of Laws

Jonathan Scott Lavine
Jonathan Scott Lavine

University Citizen
Business Leader
Philanthropist
Doctor of Laws

Tania León
Tania León

Composer
Conductor
Arts Educator
Doctor of Music

Minouche Shafik
Minouche Shafik

20th President of The University
Doctor of Laws

Bob Woodward
Bob Woodward

Journalist and Author
Doctor of Laws

Shing-Tung Yau
Shing-Tung Yau

Mathematician
Doctor of Science