LewisUniversityto present Biggert with Honorary Doctorate of Humanities

           Willowbrook, Illinois – Lewis University will present U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) with an honorary Doctorate of Humanities during this weekend’s commencement ceremonies.  The Lewis University community is conferring the degree upon Biggert in recognition of her public service and legislative achievements over the years. 

            Biggert will receive her honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Lewis University President Brother James Gaffney, FSC, at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 15, at One University Parkway, Romeoville.  Commencement exercises will be conducted in the Student Recreation and Fitness Center Field House.

           "Representative Judy Biggert is highly deserving of this honor.  Her extensive and very dedicated public service, concern for the marginalized, and support for homeless children, reflect well the Lewis University Mission, which promotes social justice, an appreciation for diversity, and access to quality education for all," said Brother James Gaffney, FSC, President of Lewis University.

            “I’m humbled to receive this honorary degree, which is a treasured reminder that almost everything good in my life has come to me as the result of a good education,” Biggert said.  “Lewis University is an asset to our community, offers some of the best academic programs in the state, and is deeply rooted in time-honored educational traditions.  At Lewis, students have received a roadmap for future success, and it’s up to them to put their education to work.”

           Approximately 860 students will be awarded degrees during the ceremonies on Saturday for graduate students and Sunday for undergraduate students.

            Biggert’s will be one of three honorary Doctorate of Humanities degrees that will be presented.  The other recipients will be Dr. Sarode K. Pundaleeka, Founder, President and Medical Director of Joliet Oncology-Hematology Associates, Ltd., and Terry Mazany, President and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust and Interim CEO of Chicago Public Schools.

            Congresswoman Biggert received her Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Northwestern University School of Law and her Bachelor’s degree from Stanford University.  In 2006, she also received an honorary doctorate from Aurora University.

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