Arcadia University is proud to announce that it will award an honorary doctoral degree to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at its Commencement on May 20. Arcadia joins at least 15 other institutions across the country that will confer degrees on President Zelensky this Commencement season. 

“The leadership and resolve that President Zelensky has shown, especially throughout the spring in the face of the invasion by Russia, has been nothing short of historic,” said Dr. Ajay Nair, president of Arcadia University. “His leadership aligns closely with Arcadia’s lived values of justice, integrity, and fearlessness. As a university with a global mission, Arcadia wishes safety and peace to all Ukrainian and Russian people who are suffering now.” 

Zelensky assumed office as president of Ukraine in May 2019. Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, and the countries have been warring since. 

Arcadia University’s 2022 Commencement speaker is the poet and activist Sonia Sanchez. Sanchez also will receive an honorary degree at Commencement, which is scheduled for Thursday, May 19 and Friday 20. More information is available at arcadia.edu/Commencement.