New York University Recognizes Ashoka’s Historic Role

New York University will recognize the historic role that Ashoka and its community have played through awarding an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to Ashoka CEO, Bill Drayton, in its 178th commencement.  The commencement exercises will be held Wednesday, May 12th, 2010 in Yankee Stadium.  Founded in 1831, NYU is one of America’s leading research universities and a member of the selective Association of American Universities.  The honorary degrees awarded annually during the NYU Commencement are the highest honor conferred by the university.

The degree will be conferred upon Bill Drayton in recognition of Ashoka's continued work to create and build the field of social entrepreneurship and its central contribution to a world where everyone, not just an elite few, can be powerful changemakers. This year’s other recipients of honorary doctorates are Alec Baldwin, Robert Max Berdahl, Ursula M. Burns, Wayne Shorter, and William Julius Wilson.

Last year Oxford University and Yale University similarly recognized Ashoka in making Bill a life Balliol Honorary Fellow and honorary Doctor of Humane Letters recipient, respectively.  Ashoka is thrilled to share in the excitement surrounding the NYU commencement exercises and is honored to be recognized by this leading institution.

Please visit the NYU Commencement website to learn more and to watch the 2010 Commencement ceremony live on Wednesday, May 12th.

Read the citation read by Paul C. Light, the Paulette Goddard Professor of Public Service, and conferred by NYU President John Sexton.