Honorary degree recipients announced
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Commencement information |
Distinguished achievers with Wisconsin and global ties will be awarded honorary degrees during commencement ceremonies in May.
 Hélène Cixous |
Playwright, scholar and critic Hélène Cixous is cofounder of the experimental Université de Paris VIII at Vincennes in 1968 and the Centre for Research in Études Feminines in 1974, the first women’s studies doctoral program in Europe. At UW–Madison, Cixous presented the 1996 Hilldale Lecture in the Humanities, discussing categories that can divide the contemporary world. Born in Algeria, Cixous is the author of more than 40 works of literature, theater and criticism.
 Enid Gilbert- |
Enid Gilbert-Barness, pediatric pathologist at the University of South Florida-Tampa, is pursuing a second career after retiring from the UW Medical School in 1993. Gilbert-Barness specializes in sudden infant death syndrome, and has made vital contributions to our understanding of genetic and pediatric pathology. Her clinical reputation, established at UW–Madison, extends around the world, and she often is consulted on cases of unknown syndromes or unexpected infant deaths.
The author of five books and more than 65 book chapters, she has been elected to the presidency of the Society for Pediatric Pathology and of the International Pediatric Pathology Association. UW–Madison awarded her a Distinguished Teaching award in 1984. Her work earned a commendation from Governor Tommy Thompson in 1991.
 Nathan S. Heffernan |
Nathan S. Heffernan is former chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court (1983-1995). The Wisconsin Bar Association awarded him its Goldberg Medal for his distinguished service and accomplishments, which include teaching at the UW Law School and New York University Law School. He also has been a member of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin Board of Curators, president of the Madison Literary Club, chair of the National Council of State Courts, director of the American Judicature Society, a trustee of the William Vilas Trust and more.
 John W. Reynolds |
John W. Reynolds was Wisconsin governor between 1963 and 1965. As governor, he established the state’s first Commission on Women and Council on the Arts. Reynolds also served as attorney general of Wisconsin (1959-1963) and as a federal judge (1965-1986). An early and successful advocate of Wisconsin’s open records law, he became a champion of academic freedom of professors in the state college system.
In addition, he played a leading role in initiating the reapportionment of legislative and congressional voting districts, insuring all citizens an equal voice in electing representatives. Reynolds earned a Ph.B. in economics from the UW in 1946 and graduated from the UW Law School in 1949.
 Chai-Anan Samudavanija |
Chai-Anan Samudavanija is a respected political scientist, prolific author, architect of two of Thailand’s most democratic constitutions (1974 and 1997) and outspoken opponent of military dictatorships in Thailand. He earned his Ph.D. in political science from UW–Madison in 1971 and in fall of 1986 was a visiting professor here. His country has honored him with several prestigious awards, and he also is a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient this year.
His current positions are judge of the Thai Constitutional Court, headmaster of Vajiravudh College, president of the Institute of Public Policy Studies and member of the Royal Institute.