In just over a week, Case Western Reserve University will hold its annual commencement ceremony, honoring the accomplishments of our newest graduates. But in addition to those earning their bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, the university will mark the occasion by bestowing honorary degrees on three individuals during the May 19 event.
The university’s honorary degrees recognize those whose work exemplifies the highest ideals and standards of “excellence in any valued aspect of human endeavor, including the realm of scholarship, public service and the performing arts.”
Learn more about this year’s recipients.
Beth Mooney
Doctor of Humane Letters
As chairman and chief executive officer of KeyCorp since 2011, Beth Mooney made history as the first female leader of one of the 20 largest banks in the United States, and has earned renown as one of the industry’s most ethical and civic-minded leaders.
She has more 35 years of experience in retail banking, commercial lending and real estate financing.
Mooney’s impact has been widely noted, having been named the 2017 “Banker of the Year” by American Banker, one of “The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women” by Forbes Magazine and one of the Top 50 “Most Powerful Women in Business” by Fortune.
David Scadden
Doctor of Science
David Scadden (MED ’80), a professor and chair emeritus of the Harvard University Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, is a leader in stem cell research. Through his research and leadership as co-founder and co-director of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Scadden has worked toward defining novel therapies for blood disorders and contributed to improved treatment for cancer patients.
At Massachusetts General Hospital, Scadden is a hematologist and oncologist and founder and director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine. Scadden also is a fellow and member of several organizations, including the National Academy of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Peter van Dijk
Doctor of Humane Letters
Peter van Dijk retired from architecture firm van Dijk, Westlake, Reed Leskosky after more than 35 years as partner in charge of design, but not before leaving his mark on the Cleveland-area landscape. Nationally known, some of van Dijk’s most recognized local projects include Blossom Music Center and A.J. Celebrezze Federal Building. He also led the restoration of historic buildings and spaces in Cleveland and beyond, including the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank and theaters at Playhouse Square.
In addition to being a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), van Dijk received the Gold Medal of the Ohio Chapter of the AIA and was awarded the Cleveland Arts Prize in 1969 and 2016.