Honorary Degrees
The tradition of awarding honorary degrees originated in medieval Europe during the 15th century. It began as a way for universities to grant academic honors to influential figures without requiring them to complete standard coursework or examinations. At the American University of Beirut—then known as the Syrian Protestant College— this practice began in 1890 and continued intermittently through the early decades of the 20th century.
The first honorary degrees were granted at the commencement ceremony of 1890 to early graduates, notably Yakub Saruf and Faris Nimr, both distinguished scholars and co-founders of Al Muqtataf. In the following years, additional alumni and contributors were recognized, including Jabr Dumit (1901), Akhnukh Fanus (1910), Shukri S. Kassab (1910), and Murad Barudi (1914).
In 1916, the College awarded honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degrees to Dr. Daniel Bliss, President Emeritus, and Dr. David Stuart Dodge, President of the Board of Trustees, in recognition of their foundational roles in establishing and developing the institution. Their recognition was warmly received and symbolized a tribute not only to their personal achievements but also to the enduring ideals and legacy of the College.
By 1920, further honors were conferred on individuals such as Najib M. Salibi and Harvey Porter, the latter being the first to receive an honorary degree under the university’s new name.