Robert (Bob) Edwards
Renowned Broadcast Journalist, Public Radio Pioneer

College of Communication, 2008 –Throughout your career, you have demonstrated devotion to the public welfare and the public's right to know. Your in-depth reporting has informed and elevated public discourse. Your energy and commitment have helped establish and preserve public radio as an information source independent of commercial interests. In giving a voice to those on the edges of society, your work reflects Vincentian values. Through your stories and interviews, you have realized the highest aspirations of journalism. It is for these reasons that the College of Communication is honored to confer upon you, Bob Edwards, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

Danling Fu
Educator, Researcher, Mentor, Bridger of Cultures

School of Education, 2008 –Danling Fu, through your professional accomplishments, your personal example and your generosity of spirit, you have improved the lives of countless students. The profound insights of your research advance the art and science of education, enabling many to overcome language and cultural barriers to master English. The enormous benefit of your work in empowering so many truly reflects the Vincentian ideal of service to those in need and this university's mission of developing the full range of human potential through education. It is for these reasons that the School of Education is honored to confer upon you, Danling Fu, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

Shirley Anne Jackson
Physicist, Nuclear Regulator, University President

School for New Learning, 2008 –Your leadership in research, regulation and international diplomacy have advanced science and enhanced the safety of the world's nuclear energy and research industries. As an educational leader, you have reinvigorated a major research institution and launched many productive careers. The example of achievement you have set is an inspriation to all, especially young women and persons of color entering science, reflecting the Vincentian ideal of helping others reach their potential. It is for these reasons that the School for New Learning is honored to confer upon you, Shirley Anne Jackson, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

Mae Jemison
Astronaut, Physician, Humanitarian

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 2008 –Throughout your education and career, you reached for the stars and dedicated your life to science with a commitment to the humanities. The contributions you have made in some of the poorest areas on Earth and the inspiration you have provided to aspiring young minds from every background exemplify the Vincentian ideals of service and maximizing human potential that are at the core of this university's mission. It is, therefore, the privilege and honor of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to confer upon you, Mae Jemison, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

Jerome Johnson, Esq.
Attorney at Law
Juris Doctor (1935)

College of Commerce, 2008 –From his academic achievements through his tireless client advocacy and lifelong support for his country, community and profession, Jerome Johnson lived an exemplary life in the law. His military service and years of volunteeer work for community health care and educational organizations reflected a continuing commitment to the Vincentian ideal of service. His generous gifts of time and resources to this College of Law helped launch the careers of hundreds of dedicated professionals, multiplying the good for which he stood. It is, therefore, our privilege to confer upon Jerome Johnson posthumously the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

Mitchell Kapor
Computer Scientist, Entrepreneur, Visionary, Philanthropist

College of Computing and Digital Media, 2008 –From your multidisciplinary appproach to education, to the innovative software you produced, to your campaigns for electronic civil liberties, you have consistenty articulated, pursued and realized a vision of information technology that both serves and edifies its users. By promoting the open flow of information and fairer access to education, you have created worldwide communities of knowledge that enhance the lives and capabilities of millions and make the world a more prosperous and productive place. These accomplishments reflect the Vincentian commitment to helping others make the most of their potential that is at the heart of this university's mission. It is, therefore, the privilege of the DePaul University College of Computing and Digital Media to confer upon you, Mitchell Kapor, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

The Rev. Richard P. McBrien
Priest, Theologian, Author

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 2008 –Like St. Vincent de Paul, you have made it your life's work to implement the ideas of an Ecumenical Council, and thereby to transform the Catholic Church of your day. Your teaching has prepared theologians for the next generation and formed priests, the religious and laity to be better pastors and ministers. Your scholarship is a touchstone for many and informs the most important questions the Church must engage. In all this, you have been a faithful son of the Second Vatican Council and a true minister of the Gospel. It is, therefore, the privilege and honor of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to confer upon you, the Reverend P. McBrien, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

Carla R. Michelotti, Esq.
Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Leo Burnett Co. Inc.
Bachelor of Arts (1972) and Juris Doctor (1975)

College of Law, 2008 –From your outstanding academic work at DePaul through your legal and business career, your commitment to ethics, freedom and protecting the vulnerable has never waivered. The essential and creative role that the legal profession must play in laying the groundwork for global commerce, and the economic opportunity it creates, is clearly demonstrated by your work. Both the public and business benefit from your advocacy of ethics in self-regulation of advertising and marketing. The support you have given law students and young attorneys helps ensure the profession's future. And your support for abused women and ther families reflects the Vincentian ideal of service to the most disadvantaged. It is for these reasons that the College of Law is honored to confer upon you, Carla Michelotti, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

Henry Moran
Producer, Administrator, Arts Ambassador

The Theatre School, 2008 –Throughout your career you have devoted your creativity and business and organizational talents to advancing the arts in America and around the world. Thanks to your support, countless artists have had the opportunity to develop and realize their artistic vision. The programs you have produced have built bridges leading millions to a better understanding of their commitment to education through the arts exemplifies the Vincentian ideal of reaching out to serve others wherever they may be. It is, threfore, the privilege and honor of The Theatre School at DePaul University to confer upon you, Daniel "Henry" E. Moran III, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

Walter Parazaider
Saxophonist and Founding Member of the Band Chicago
Bachelor of Arts, Classical Clarinet Performance

School of Music, 2008 –Walter Parazaider, your unique artistic vision has changed the course of popular music. Your constant effort realized this vision and your transformation of your God-given talent into an enduring body of work is an example to all who aspire to enrich the world through the performing arts. Most of all your music ennobles us, bringing joy and understanding across the world. For this, the DePaul University School of Music salutes you and confers upon you the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

David Simon
Author, Journalist, Screenwriter and Producer

College of Communication, 2008 –Your work as a journalist, author and screenwriter holds up a mirror to society that pushes us to see who we are, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. Yet your work also shows the good in human hearts and encourages us to extend our hands to help our less fortunate neighbors, as did our patron St. Vincent de Paul. It is, therefore, the privilege of the DePaul College of Communication to confer upon you, David Simon, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

Charlie Trotter
Chef, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist

College of Commerce, 2008 –Your single-minded pursuit of excellence and your support for aspiring chefs has produced a culinary heritage of international influence. Your generous gifts not only of your monetary resources but your time and skills truly reflect the Vincentian ideal of one-on-one effort to help others reach their potential. Your personality and flair have added tremendously to Chicago's cultural life. It is, therefore, the DePaul University College of Commerce's privilege and honor to confer upon you, Charlie Trotter, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.