As Case Western Reserve University’s Class of 2025 prepares to formally receive their degrees during commencement ceremonies May 14-18, the university will also recognize two distinguished individuals with honorary degrees. These awards acknowledge recipients’ exceptional lifetime contributions to science, engineering, healthcare and society at large.
This year’s honorees include Trevor Jones, awarded Doctor of Engineering, honoris causa; and Patrick Pietroni, awarded Doctor of Science, honoris causa.
Commencement Week will also include special events such as the third annual clap out, convocation featuring keynote speaker Susie Gharib and the Spartan send-off celebrating graduates. Find more information about the week’s events.
For those unable to attend commencement events in person, a livestream of convocation will be available at case.edu/livestream/s1. The undergraduate studies ceremonies, as well as most school ceremonies, will also be aired on the livestream website and on the schools’ Facebook pages.
Read on to learn more about Jones and Pietroni.
Trevor Jones
Doctor of Engineering, Honoris Causa
Trevor Jones’ remarkable career since emigrating to the U.S in 1957 involved relentless innovation, visionary leadership and significant contributions across multiple industries—from nuclear and aerospace to automotive and biomedical technology.
Beginning at General Motors, Jones spearheaded transformative changes in automotive safety, pioneering electronic control systems that enhanced vehicle performance and security. His early achievements earned him national recognition and a prestigious election to the National Academy of Engineering at just 52 years old.
Following his success at General Motors, Jones assumed high-impact executive roles at industry giants including TRW and Libbey-Owens-Ford. At TRW, he managed strategic planning and product development, leading advancements that set new standards in automotive safety and performance worldwide. At Libbey-Owens-Ford, he further distinguished himself as a visionary executive, overseeing innovations that impacted global markets and improved consumer safety and convenience.
Driven by a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship, Jones later founded Biomec Inc., a biomedical company dedicated to developing advanced medical devices. This venture solidified his influence in the healthcare technology sector, significantly enhancing patient care and outcomes through unique biomedical solutions.
Jones’ extensive contributions extend beyond technical realms; he remains committed to civic responsibility and educational advancement. He has actively supported and led initiatives aimed at promoting STEM education, fostering future generations of innovators, and enhancing public awareness about science and engineering.
Throughout his distinguished career, Jones has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Ellis Island Gold Medal of Honor. His election as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, British Institute of Electrical Engineers and American Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers further highlights his enduring impact.
Patrick Pietroni
Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa
From serving as a medical advisor to King Charles III when he was Prince of Wales to leading in holistic healthcare, Patrick Pietroni’s life’s work exemplifies the profound influence one individual can have on global health and wellness. Internationally recognized for integrating compassion into medical practice, Pietroni promotes the idea that healthcare extends far beyond clinical treatment—it’s fundamentally rooted in empathy, understanding and respect for human dignity.
Pietroni’s journey began in medical settings in the United Kingdom and quickly expanded globally, taking him across North America, Africa, Asia and Australia. His firsthand experiences observing diverse healthcare challenges informed his innovative approaches to medical education and policy. Central to his philosophy was the conviction that healthcare must address broader societal issues such as structural violence, racism, environmental degradation and systemic healthcare inequities.
In pursuit of these ideals, Pietroni founded the Darwin International Institute for the Study of Compassion. This influential organization fosters interdisciplinary research and education, positioning compassion as a vital tool for solving some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. His extensive academic contributions, including numerous impactful publications, have shaped medical curricula worldwide, notably through collaborations with institutions such as Case Western Reserve.
Pietroni’s legacy is not just in his academic or organizational achievements but in his lasting influence on generations of healthcare professionals. His innovative teachings continue to inspire medical practitioners globally, driving forward a healthcare model rooted firmly in empathy and compassion.