Three U alumni will be given an honorary degree at this year’s graduation commencement to recognize the achievements they made in their respective fields.
“We had an impressive pool of candidates … and we are proud to present them with the institution’s highest honor,” Julie Barrett, the Board of Trustees honors committee chair, said in a statement announcing the honorary degrees.
The three individuals are, Anne Cullimore Decker, Henry B. Eyring and Mark Fuller.
Anne Cullimore Decker, known for her work as a professional actress in television, opera and theatre, graduated from the U in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in speech communication and later received a Master of Fine Arts in theatre in 1982. She spent several years as a faculty member at the U and served on the board for Pioneer Theater Company. She was also the chair of the Utah Arts Council and the vice president of the U’s Alumni Association. She will receive a Doctor of Fine Arts.
Henry B. Eyring is an influential member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is currently serving as the first counselor to the presidency of the church. Last year, he was asked to speak at an interfaith colloquium at the Vatican. Eyring, along with many members of his family received his bachelor’s degree from the U. After graduating, Eyring continued his education at Harvard University. He will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters.
Mark Fuller is the CEO of WET, the current industry leader behind water and fire based designs. His work can be seen all over the world, from fountains in Dubai to the ones at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Fuller received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the U and completed his master’s in engineering at Stanford University. He will receive a Doctor of Engineering.
Emily Van Allen, a senior in urban ecology, said she looks forward to hearing more about each of the honorary award recipients at the ceremony on May 7.
“I think it is cool that all three of them are alumni of the U,” she said. “It shows that graduates of the U go out into the community after graduation and really make a difference.”
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