The University of Colorado Board of Regents will present an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to author Greg Mortenson at the Spring 2010 University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Commencement, scheduled for 11 a.m. May 21 at the Colorado Springs World Arena.
Mortenson, co-author of “Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace One School at a Time,” will be recognized for his humanitarian efforts to build schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan. He will be joined by an estimated 850 graduates and supporters including 18 who will receive doctoral degrees and participate in hooding ceremonies.
This is the thirty-sixth UCCS commencement. An estimated 1,157 students will graduate this spring, a record, according to the Office of Admissions and Records. Katie Kaukinen, associate professor, Public Affairs, will serve as faculty/directors marshal this year.
Mortenson was selected by a committee of regents and faculty members following his nomination for the award. On March 10, the CU Board of Regents voted to award Mortenson with the honorary doctorate. Regent Monisha Merchant will read a citation before he receives he receives the degree.
For more information about the nomination process, visit https://www.cu.edu/regents/Awards/recipients.html. The last honorary doctorate given at UCCS commencement was in 2007 to U.S. Air Force General (retired) Howell Estes III.
Mortenson’s book became a 2007 New York Times bestseller that sold more than 3.6 million copies, published in 41 countries. It is required reading for members of the Army Special Forces deployed to Afghanistan and Mortenson works closely with the military to advise both top officers and troops to understand tribal issues and cultural etiquette. His latest book, “Stones Into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books not Bombs in Afghanistan and Pakistan,” debuted as second on the New York Times bestseller list. A limited number of pre-signed copies of his books will be available for purchase at the Bookstore table before and during the Commencement ceremony.
He is also co-founder of the nonprofit Central Asia Institute, and its Pennies For Peace program, inspired by a donation of more than $6,000 in pennies collected by elementary school students.
Christiane Leitinger, director, Pennies for Peace, will attend the UCCS Commencement and will receive a Special Chancellor’s Award at a luncheon immediately following the ceremony.
The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in Colorado Springs, is one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. The University offers 34 bachelor’s degrees, 19 master’s and five doctoral degrees. The campus enrolls about 8,500 students annually.