At the 180th University Commencement Ceremony on May 18, the University of Notre Dame will recognize achievements in science, law and literature by honoring six individuals with honorary degrees.
According to a University press release, recipients include oncologist and hematologist Rafat Ansari, former managing partner of Jones Day Stephen Brogan, author and political commentator David Brooks, medical scientist Teresa Lambe and novelist Alice McDermott. A sixth honorary degree will be conferred to Adm. Christopher Grady, vice chairman and acting chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who will deliver this year’s commencement address.
Sister Raffaella Petrini, the president of the Pontifical Commission and the Governorate of Vatican City State, was also set to receive an honorary doctorate of laws but decided to defer the honor until next May following the passing of Pope Francis.
Ansari will be named an honorary doctor of science. Originally from Pakistan, Ansari came to the United States to attend medical residency at Indiana University. Ansari works as an oncologist at Michiana Hematology-Oncology, PC. In 1984, he founded the Hoosier Cancer Research Network, a nonprofit that specializes in early phase oncology clinical trials. Inspired by his daughter, Ansari also created the Sonya Ansari Center for Autism with his wife in 2008. The center serves children with autism and their families in South Bend. Ansari worked with the University of Notre Dame to found the Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion, part of the Keough School of Global Affairs. Ansari was also inducted into the South Bend Community Hall of Fame for his contributions to the community.
Brogan, who will receive a doctorate of laws, is the former managing partner of the international law firm Jones Day. As a managing partner, Brogan expanded the firm’s commitment to pro bono work. He graduated from Notre Dame Law School and has served as a member of Notre Dame’s Board of Trustees since 2007. He was a member of the University’s Board of Fellows from 2020 to 2024.
Brooks is a renowned author and op-ed columnist for The New York Times. Originally from Toronto, Brooks began his career as a police reporter in Chicago before joining The Wall Street Journal in 1986. He joined The New York Times in 2003, where he has written about politics and culture while advocating for democracy and civic virtue. He has written six nonfiction books and was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2010. He will receive an honorary doctorate of laws.
Lambe will receive an honorary doctorate of science for her critical role in developing a COVID-19 vaccine. As a principal investigator in the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine program, Lambe led the preclinical studies and research required for regulatory approval. According to a University press release, “The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is estimated to have saved more than 6 million lives in 2021 alone.” Currently, Lambe’s research centers on developing and testing vaccines against outbreak pathogens like the Ebola virus. Lambe serves as the Calleva head of vaccine immunology at the University of Oxford. She will also deliver the Graduate School’s commencement address.
McDermott will be honored with a doctorate of letters in recognition of her nine New York Times-bestselling novels and collection of essays. McDermott received the National Book Award for her 1998 novel “Charming Billy” and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize three times. She is a member of the New York State Writers Hall of Fame and the American Academy of Arts and Letters. McDermott also maintained the Richard A. Macksey professor of the humanities position at Johns Hopkins University until 2019.
