At June 15 Commencement ceremonies at Qwest Field, Seattle Community Colleges Chancellor Charles H. Mitchell was awarded the honorary doctoral degree from Seattle University for 2008. Dr. Mitchell earned his master’s degree from Seattle University, began his career in higher education there, and then, as a higher education leader, served on the Seattle University board for 10 years.
At the event, Dr. Mitchell spoke about the legacy of education handed down through his family. He dedicated the award to his grandfather, Oscar James Gary, who was a self-made scholar and grew up to be a leading figure in Morton, Miss. He also mentioned the continuing links between Seattle University and the Seattle Community Colleges, which send a sizeable number of transfer students to SU every year.
In a letter announcing the awards to the campus community, Seattle University President Father Stephen Sundborg wrote that, “Who you choose to honor with degrees says a lot about your values as a university.” In his commencement remarks, Dr. Mitchell said that this statement resonated with him because he sees his grandfather’s values reflected at Seattle University.Click here to read Dr. Mitchell’s remarks.