Honorary doctorates conferred by THE and TU/e

Technische Hogeschool Eindhoven conferred its first honorary doctorate on Dr. ir. H. Kramers in 1976, on the occasion of the celebration of THE's 20th foundation day (the fourth lustrum).

From 1981 to 2005 honorary doctorates were conferred only during university lustrum celebrations, always three at each time. The TU/e Executive Board and the Doctorate Board have decided, however, that as of 2005 honorary doctorates are also to be conferred in the intermediate years in order to raise the academic stature of TU/e foundation day celebrations.

The doctoral certificate and cappa

: The cappa, designed by Emmy van Leersum

The certificate which is presented to the honorary graduate was designed and calligraphed by Arie Trum of Eindhoven.

When an honorary doctorate is conferred on someone, the conferring university or institute of higher professional education gives the honorary doctor a so-called 'cappa' (shoulder cape) as a sign of honorary distinction. This cappa is laid over his or her shoulder during the ceremony after presentation of the doctoral certificate. The honorary doctor has the right to wear this cappa during official ceremonies of the university or institute of higher professional education.

By tradition within the academic world, each university or institute of higher professional education has its own model of cappa, clearly distinguishable from those of sister institutions.

The THE - TU/e cappa was designed by artist Emmy van Leersum. More about the cappa