Longtime friends of Newman receive honorary degree

Newman University awards an honorary degree — the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa — to notable and accomplished members of the extended Newman community each year. This award is presented to those whose life and work reflect exemplary dedication to one of the university’s four Core Values: Catholic Identity, Culture of Service, Academic Excellence and Global Perspective.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Kimberly Long, Ph.D., said, “The degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, has been used by colleges and universities for centuries … the tradition of an honorary degree is almost as old as academia itself.”

This year, Larry and Dana Fugate were bestowed this honor for their dedication to Catholic and other faith-based organizations that advocate for children within the community and their strong support of Catholic higher education. Both Larry and Dana have a long association with Newman University and the Adorers of the Blood of Christ.

Larry, the founder and chief executive of Fugate Enterprises, and Dana, have given generous support to Newman, including donations to the capital campaign to build O’Shaughnessy Hall and the gymnasium that bears the Fugate name. They also co-chaired and contributed generously to the Facing Forward campaign, to build the Bishop Gerber Science Center and renovate nursing and allied health spaces in Eck Hall.