Champlain College will confer two honorary degrees during this year's 132nd Commencement on Saturday, May 8.
The Board of Trustees of Champlain College selected businessman and attorney Edwin Colodny and former Champlain College President Robert A. Skiff, both Burlington natives, to receive honorary doctoral degrees. Colodny will receive a Doctor of Public Service and Skiff will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters.
Skiff will deliver remarks on behalf of the honorary degree recipients during the ceremony at Memorial Auditorium for Champlain's 2010 graduating class. An estimated 450 seniors are expected to receive their bachelor and associate degree diplomas during the Saturday morning graduation. A commencement and hooding ceremony will be held Friday, May 7, for 39 Master degree candidates.
"Our honorary degree recipients have played major leadership roles in our community and throughout Vermont. By their generous philanthropic nature and open encouragement to others to support vital organizations, Vermont is a better place to live, work and play," said Champlain College President David F. Finney. "They are role models, leaders and mentors acting in the spirit of higher education and community service."
Former Champlain College President Skiff has been a strong leader in the community as well. He served the college for 24 years as dean of students, vice president and succeeded Champlain President C. Bader Brouilette in 1977.
Under Skiff’s stewardship from 1977-1992, Champlain's academic program and facilities grew, including the introduction of 10 majors of academic study. His civic outreach and commitment to education has allowed Champlain College and many other educational institutions to flourish. In 1992 Skiff received Champlain College’s Distinguished Citizens Award for his dedication to the community and the mission of the college.
Colodny has been an influential presence in Burlington. His lifelong commitment to serving the community has lead to revival of some of Vermont most important institutions including theUniversity of Vermont and Fletcher Allen Health Care. In 2004, Colodny received ChamplainCollege’s Distinguished Citizens Award for his outstanding community achievements.
"The philanthropic spirit displayed by both men and their families is evident on our campus, in our community and in our daily lives. Their willingness to share their talents and time sets an example for all of us to emulate," Finney added.
A private, residential college founded in 1878, Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, has a long tradition of educating professionals for leadership roles by providing a high-quality, career-oriented education. Champlain’s distinctive educational approach embodies the notion that true learning only occurs when information and experience come together to create knowledge. Champlain was named a “Top-Up-and-Coming School” by U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2010. To learn more about Champlain College, www.champlain.edu.