Western New England University awards several distinctions to members of our University, community, and society at large. Each year we choose to honor such individuals as part of our effort to inspire students to follow in their footsteps to have a positive impact on their professions or topics they are passionate about. Shining the light on these exemplary people helps to illuminate where we can make a difference in our own lives.
The tradition of awarding honorary degrees at Western New England University began in 1952 at the first Commencement held after the institution received an autonomous charter. Since then, Western New England University has conferred 295 honorary degrees.
The University established in 2002 the President's Medallion Award, bestowed upon those who have distinguished themselves in a particular field or in service to an important cause that has benefited society locally, regionally, nationally or internationally. The President's Medallion also recognizes men and women in a variety of fields who are role models worthy of emulation by all, particularly by our students at Western New England University.
President's Citations are awarded to individuals or groups who whose exemplary service to our communities or their professions serves as an inspiration.
Each year, Western New England University recognizes outstanding contributions of individual faculty members with the Teaching Excellence Award, with recipients drawn from the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Engineering. Similarly, the School of Law bestows the Catherine J. Jones Excellence in Teaching Award, while the College of Pharmacy presents its Professor of the Year Award.
