Champlain College Announces 2025 Honorary Degree Recipients

Embodying Champlain College’s dedication to career-focused education and positive global impact, Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook and Lieutenant General (ret.) Michael Dubie will be honored for their exemplary leadership and service as they address graduating students during the College’s commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 10.

Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook will address Champlain College on-campus undergraduates, and Lieutenant General (ret.) Michael Dubie will offer remarks to Champlain College 盛京棋牌 undergraduate and graduate students. Both speakers will receive honorary doctorate degrees from the College.

Commencement exercises will kick off at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction at 10:00 AM for on-campus undergraduate students and 3:00 PM for Champlain College 盛京棋牌 students receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees.

“We celebrate our graduates who are Champlain Ready for countless new opportunities ahead,” said Champlain College President Alex Hernandez. “Our graduates have demonstrated remarkable growth and determination in their journey. We are honored to welcome trailblazers like Dr. Johnson Cook and Lt. Gen. Dubie, who will share their wisdom and experiences, inspiring our graduates to build a better future where every challenge becomes an opportunity for progress.”

Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, also known as “Ambassador Sujay,” will receive a Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa. Johnson Cook made history as the first female and first African American to serve as U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom, a position appointed by former President Barack Obama.?

Beyond her diplomatic work as an Ambassador, Johnson Cook served as a policy advisor to former President Bill Clinton and to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Her academic career includes serving as Associate Dean and faculty member at Harvard Divinity School and professor of theology at New York Theological Seminary. Johnson Cook made history as the first woman to serve as Chaplain to the New York City Police Department, where she spent 21 years and provided crucial support during the 9/11 tragedy.

A third-generation business owner, Johnson Cook is the founder of the Global Black Women’s Chamber of Commerce, the first worldwide Chamber dedicated to supporting Black women entrepreneurs. In addition to her public service and academic achievements, Johnson Cook has authored 17 books.