In writing citation copy, you need to craft it so it can be read easily out loud at the ceremony; try it out that way. Then, keep in mind that the award will hang on the recipient’s wall; you want the text to fill him or her with pride. Ask yourself: how would the award recipient want to be remembered for his/her accomplishments?

Finally, remember that the guidelines state “honorary degrees/outstanding achievement awards are not awarded to encourage or reward contributions to the University.” This individual is being honored because of achievements in a profession and/or contributions to bettering the community at large. The University provides the Alumni Service Award or the Regents Award to honor those who have made specific volunteer or monetary contributions to the University, and this recipient may also receive either of those awards.
The OAA emphasizes the candidate’s broader contributions in the world at large.

The OAA citation preprint space allows approximately 65-77 words.
(The layout determines length, so the editors will work to make your words fit and to achieve an aesthetically pleasing citation layout.)

The first phrase (one line) is always: “Distinguished graduate of the University of Minnesota” (unless they didn’t get a degree, in which case, use “Distinguished alumnus or alumna of the University of Minnesota.”) This line does not include collegiate designation.
The second phrase (one or two lines) should state current position, affiliation, or title, in the recipient’s institution or company, etc. (or most recent, if retired).
The third, fourth, and usually fifth phrases are devoted to accomplishments, contributions to his or her field—academic or business—and impact on the world or the individual’s particular communities.

Phrase format

Each phrase on the citation generally begins with an adjective and noun and then goes on to declare how the individual is outstanding. (Examples: Innovative scientist, who..., whose work...; or Visionary executive, who... , whose leadership..., or Dedicate community volunteer, who led... or whose...) The final phrase generally points to the person’s long-lasting impact.

(Adapted from the information we give University Relations writers)

As much as possible, use the words or ideas that the writers of letters of recommendation have used in their statements. Choose the emotional, the superlatives with meat, the hard-hitting words whenever possible. These are especially appropriate in the concluding phrase.

The typical phrase construction will read:
Dedicated philanthropist, who has generously supported education and ...
Entrepreneurial scientist, whose practical approach to science built a whole industry...
Compassionate humanitarian whose life has been dedicated to the pursuit of justice...
Accomplished scientist who has earned national distinction as...
National leader in computer education, who has served as a role model...
Tireless advocate of children’s causes who has had a towering impact on...
Visionary physicist whose innovative approach to research problems led to...
Once in awhile, for variety, you may shift to a noun construction.
Such as:
—Scholar of extraordinary insight, who developed...
—A major force in... —Builder of...
—World leader in... —Pioneer in...
Or, add a second noun, such as:
Dedicated volunteer and philanthropist, who has given generously of his time, expertise, and financial resources to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the quality of life in his community
SAMPLE OAA CITATIONS can be found at: www.umn.edu/usenate/alluhonors/oaacitation1.jpg and www.umn.edu/usenate/alluhonors/oaacitation2.jpg

The honorary degree citation is a bit more complicated than an Outstanding Achievement Award citation.

The best way you can help in preparing the nomination materials so that the citation will be easily written for the final format is to be sure that the following is included:

University Relations writers will handle these citations, but we have included a description of the format and instruction below, which helps UR writers to ensure uniformity from citation to citation.


The honorary degree citation has a standard format.
There are two paragraphs:

The first paragraph is straight forward. It always begins with the individual’s origin (native of______), then lists educational degrees, key career or leadership positions, and sometimes awards. List the positions in chronological order. You may not be able to include everything. List only extremely prestigious awards after positions.

The second paragraph is devoted to the individual’s major achievements and accomplishments and the impact of his or her work and life. The language in this paragraph can be flowery and phrases are derived from the accolades found in the nominating letters.
Each clause begins with “because....”
The “because” statements lead up to “the regents of the University of Minnesota confer...

Include local, national, and global activities. The last sentence either ends with a powerful statement or sums up the recipient’s accomplishments. This is where you should put the most emphasis on his or her greatest global impact.

Approx. number of words: 200

SAMPLE CITATIONS FOR THE HONORARY DEGREE CAN BE FOUND AT:
www.umn.edu/usenate/alluhonors/hdcitation1.jpg and www.umn.edu/usenate/alluhonors/hdcitation2.jpg