Summer 2008 15
Transforming Our World Honorary Degrees Awarded to Six Leaders <strong>Villanova</strong> awarded honorary degrees to six outstanding individuals whose extraordinary accomplishments span <strong>the</strong> fields of <strong>the</strong> arts, religion and social justice. Jane Golden Doctor of Fine Arts Jane Golden, renowned mural artist and executive director of <strong>the</strong> City of Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program and adjunct professor of art at <strong>the</strong> <strong>University</strong> of Pennsylvania, was awarded <strong>the</strong> Doctor of Fine Arts degree for her work in urban transformation through public art. The international expert has worked for 11 years with Philadelphia’s Anti-Graffiti Network in its mission to redirect <strong>the</strong> destructive forces of graffiti writers and use mural painting to channel <strong>the</strong>m toward <strong>the</strong> positive power of art. Golden’s efforts, and her mantra, “Art Saves Lives,” have brought hope to marginalized communities, <strong>the</strong> homeless, The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., ’75 A&S, <strong>University</strong> president, presents Jane Golden with <strong>the</strong> Doctor of Fine Arts degree, as Dorothy Malloy, J.D., <strong>University</strong> vice president and general counsel, looks on. Kenneth F. Hackett, president of Catholic Relief Services, receives <strong>the</strong> Doctor of Humanities degree <strong>from</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r Donohue, as Dr. Suzanne Toton, associate professor of <strong>the</strong>ology and religious studies, assists. incarcerated individuals and adjudicated youth. Directing <strong>the</strong> creation of more than 2,800 murals in Philadelphia, Golden’s art has inspired countless visitors, earning Philadelphia international recognition as <strong>the</strong> “City of Murals.” Kenneth F. Hackett Doctor of Humanities Committed to human rights and social justice, Kenneth F. Hackett, president of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Commencement speaker, received <strong>the</strong> Doctor of Humanities degree. Hackett has focused his entire career on aiding <strong>the</strong> poor and disenfranchised in impoverished nations worldwide. As CRS’ president, he oversees operations in more than 100 countries and commands a global staff of nearly 5,000. In 1993, he launched a strategic planning exercise to clarify <strong>the</strong> mission and identity of CRS. Under his leadership, CRS began using Catholic social teaching as a guide, incorporating a justice-centered focus in all of its programming, particularly in places of ethnic conflict or socioeconomic inequities. During his tenure, CRS led a robust effort to engage <strong>the</strong> U.S. Catholic community in <strong>the</strong> work of <strong>the</strong> organization. Greg Mortenson Doctor of Humane Letters Greg Mortenson, author, humanitarian and mountaineer, received <strong>the</strong> Doctor of Humane Letters degree. The New York Times best-selling author of Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace…One School at a Time, has dedicated his life to promoting education and literacy—especially for girls—in <strong>the</strong> volatile regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mortenson has established more than 70 schools in those countries. He is <strong>the</strong> co-founder and executive director of <strong>the</strong> nonprofit Central Asia Institute (CAI), which promotes <strong>the</strong> ideals of education and literacy, especially for girls, in <strong>the</strong> remote regions of <strong>the</strong>se countries. It was Mortenson’s expert skills as a mountain climber, which he put to use climbing Pakistan’s treacherous K2 in 1993—<strong>the</strong> world’s second highest mountain—that actually inspired his desire to advance educating girls in <strong>the</strong>se countries. Due to a canceled flight, Mortenson was unable to be present as he was awarded his honorary degree, but he will visit campus this year to officially accept <strong>the</strong> honor. Eric Reeves, Ph.D. Doctor of Literature Eric Reeves, Ph.D., professor of English language and literature at Smith College, an expert in his field, a humanitarian and activist for Sudan and its victims of persecution, was recognized with <strong>the</strong> 16 <strong>Villanova</strong> Magazine