Office of Ceremonies

April 14, 2008

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama receives his honorary degree

Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, speaking at the special convocation on April 14, 2008.

An Academic Convocation was held on April 14, 2008 to bestow an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters on Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet and was awarded the Nobel Peace Price in 1989. He was presented with an Honorary Degree and the Citation for the Honorary Degree.

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet and is recognized for his message of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility and compassion. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. He has consistently advocated policies of non-violence, even in the face of extreme aggression, and was also the first Nobel Laureate to be recognized for his concern for global environmental problems.

This convocation was featured during the Dalai Lama’s five-day visit to Seattle for Seeds of Compassion, an initiative to nurture kindness and compassion in the world, starting with children and all those who touch their lives. Community-focused gatherings will celebrate and explore the relationships, programs, and tools that nurture and empower children, families, and communities to be compassionate members of society.