University of Michigan’s 2024 Winter Commencement honorary degree nominees showcase distinguished achievements across journalism, historical and literary scholarship, computer science, philanthropy, and communications. Rebecca Blumenstein, U-M alumna and President of Editorial at NBC News, is set to deliver the keynote address at the December 15 ceremony at Crisler Center. She is recommended for an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Additional nominees include John D. Evans, co-founder of C-SPAN, Henry Louis Gates Jr., a renowned literary scholar, and Margaret H. Hamilton, a pioneering software engineer.
The honorary degrees are subject to approval by the Board of Regents during their December 5 meeting.
Rebecca Blumenstein
Rebecca Blumenstein, originating from Essexville, Michigan, has held prominent positions in print journalism, notably during transformative times. After serving as editor-in-chief at The Michigan Daily, she began her career at The Tampa Tribune and later joined The Wall Street Journal’s Detroit bureau. Her leadership in the Journal’s China bureau led to a Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting. Later, she served at The New York Times, contributing to the revitalization of its business coverage. In 2023, Blumenstein became President of Editorial at NBC News, overseeing critical operations and content.
John D. Evans
John D. Evans, a Detroit native, has been influential in media, AIDS research, philanthropy, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. A U-M alumnus, Evans co-founded C-SPAN, providing unfiltered public affairs coverage. His role in media earned him a place in the Cable Hall of Fame. Evans also established the John D. Evans Foundation, supporting AIDS research and technological innovation. At U-M, he has funded LGBTQ+ initiatives and scholarships while creating the John D. Evans Fund for Media and Technology.
Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Henry Louis Gates Jr., a prominent literary scholar and cultural critic, has contributed significantly to African American history. After graduating from Yale University, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. At Harvard, he directs the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research. Gates’ PBS series like “Finding Your Roots” and “The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross” have been widely acclaimed. His work has garnered him awards such as the National Humanities Medal and the Spingarn Medal.
Margaret H. Hamilton
Margaret H. Hamilton, a trailblazing software engineer, coined the term “software engineer” and developed crucial software for NASA’s Apollo missions. After studying math at U-M and Earlham College, she joined MIT, where she embraced coding. Her advocacy for software that prevents human errors proved vital during the Apollo missions. Hamilton later co-founded Higher Order Software and Hamilton Technologies. Her contributions were recognized with NASA’s Exceptional Space Act Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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