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Berklee Commencement: Home

Information on Berklee College, Valencia, Graduate, Online, and Conservatory Commencements

Past Recipients of Berklee's Doctor of Music honorary degree

Navigate the pages of this guide to learn more about the recipients and related items available through the library.

Criteria for the Selection of Honorary Degree Recipients

The awarding of honorary doctorates is intended to encourage a standard of excellence and innovation that is exemplary to students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and to society generally. The distinction and achievements should be consistent with the vision and values of the institution. 

Watch Berklee Commencement ceremonies and concerts via the Institutional Archives

2023 Berklee College Honorary Doctoral Degree Recipients

2023 Boston Conservatory at Berklee College Honorary Doctoral Degree Recipients

David Bowie accepting his honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee in 1999

David Bowie accepting his honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee in 1999.

Watch the ceremony and his speech from the Berklee Archives.