Honorary degrees, Commencement 2026

What do Joe Flacco, Soledad O'Brien and George H. W. Bush have in common? They've all received honorary University of Delaware degrees (and in Flacco's case, a well-earned accounting degree, too).

The commemorative tradition dates back more than 550 years as a way of recognizing exceptional contributions to a given field, no formal academic coursework required. While the custom is symbolic, it also connects institutions to public life in a real and enduring way.

The practice makes particular sense at UD, where scholarship and civic life are inextricably linked.

This Saturday, May 23, the University will carry the ritual forward at its 176th Commencement ceremony. The 2026 honorees boast a wide range of achievements - from brewing award-winning beer to strengthening civic education to earning Tonys to permanently reshaping how we view African American history. But all recipients reflect core Blue Hen values and a steadfast commitment to community.

Their stories? Worth tossing a cap over.

Joseph August Pika III

Who: Civic leader and UD professor emeritus

What: Doctor of Humane Letters, recognizing broad cultural or humanitarian impact

Why: Pika spent his career translating scholarship into civic engagement. At UD, the professor of political science and international relations received Excellence in Teaching and Excellence in Advising awards. Beyond the University, he's held numerous public service roles, including an impactful stint on the Delaware State Board of Education. Pika currently leads the Sussex Preservation Coalition, promoting sustainable growth in southern Delaware.

Fun Fact: Pika has co-authored several books considered essential to the study of American government, including The Politics of the Presidency and American Democracy in Context.

Mariah Draper Calagione

Who: Entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader

What: Doctor of Humane Letters, recognizing broad cultural or humanitarian impact

Why: Co-founder of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Calagione helped grow a small, Rehoboth Beach brewpub into one of the most influential names in American craft brewing, known for inventive beers and giving back. (See: Her Beer and Benevolence Program, which supports worthy causes across the state, and her Social Impact Team, focused on community engagement.) Her philanthropic pedigree spans many organizations, including the Delaware Community Foundation and Nature Conservancy.

Fun Fact: In 2025, the Rehoboth Beach Main Street team named Calagione its Citizen of the Year.

Deborah Willis

Who: Photographic historian and artist

What: Doctor of Fine Arts, recognizing distinguished contributions to the creative fields

Why: Willis is a professor and chair of photography and imaging at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, where she directs the Center for Black Visual Culture. Her scholarship, curatorial work and exhibitions across the country have been foundational to the study of African American photography, and she's been recognized with MacArthur and Guggenheim fellowships.

Fun Fact: Willis has served as a consultant to museums, archives and educational centers, including the New York City Public Library and Smithsonian Institution.

Kenneth Whitney

Who: Alumnus, business leader and philanthropist

What: Doctor of Humane Letters, recognizing broad cultural or humanitarian impact

Why: A 1980 graduate of UD's Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, Whitney built a distinguished career in finance. He's also known for co-producing the Broadway musical Fun Home, which won multiple Tony Awards, and he's produced or executive-produced 10 films. For his alma mater, Whitney and his wife Elizabeth established the Whitney Family Scholarship and the Whitney Family Endowed Chair in Lerner College. Five years ago, the couple made a cornerstone financial commitment that enabled the opening of the state-of-the-art Whitney Athletic Center.

Fun Fact: Whitney's film, Tommy's Honour, won the British Academy of Film and Television Scotland award.