Utah State University has opened up the floor to nominations for its 2026 honorary degree recipients and commencement speaker, calling upon the university community to recognize distinguished individuals. This opportunity extends to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders with a clear invitation to propose candidates who stand out through their exceptional accomplishments and service.
Nominations that are in order should highlight people who've demonstrated remarkable, sustained merit or those who've achieved prominence in their careers on a national or international scale. Additionally, nominees could be ones providing significant service that goes beyond what’s typically expected in their professional realm.
The process this year has been simplified through the introduction of online forms exclusively designated for the Honorary Degree Nomination and the Commencement Speaker Nomination. All interested parties have until Nov. 14 to submit their nominations. According to USU Today, "Nominees should be individuals who have demonstrated sustained activity of uncommon merit, who have achieved a prominent career nationally or internationally, or who have provided significant service beyond the typical expectations of their profession."
The selections will first pass through a screening committee made up of a diverse group of university affiliates. This includes five Board of Trustees members, one being the Alumni Council president and another, the USU Student Association president, as well as three faculty members, an additional Alumni Council member, and a representative from the Provost’s Office.
