We are writing to invite nominations for individuals to be recognized with honorary CSI degrees at our 2026 Commencement. Typically, recipients of honorary degrees are individuals who have both a distinguished career and a connection or special relevance to the College of Staten Island. The nominations will be considered by the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, Deans, and the Provost, who will then forward finalists for review by the President. A final vote on the degree recipient(s) will be held at a Faculty Senate Meeting in the spring.
Nominees should fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Persons of national or international reputation in an academic discipline that holds a significant place in the CSI curriculum
- Persons who have made significant contributions in either thought or action to U.S. higher education or in a professional field closely related to an academic interest of CUNY or CSI
- Persons who have made significant contributions over a sustained period of time to the development of major programs at CUNY or CSI
- Persons who have given long and distinguished service to CUNY or CSI, including those who have been in its employ and who have been retired or otherwise separated from the University or one of its colleges for a period of at least three years
- Persons who have made major contributions to furthering principles that are at the center of CUNY’s purpose and mission
Please submit your nomination(s) along with a supporting paragraph to provost@csi.cuny.edu by Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.
By Deborah DeSimone and Nathalia Holtzman
