by Shoshana Davis While many students work for four years to obtain their degrees, quite a few people have had the benefit of receiving honorary degrees. In the early part of the 20th century, the honorary degrees went to men who made an impact in the world.

The November 6, 1919, issue of The Hatchet covered the formal ceremony during which Albert, King of the Belgians, was awarded his degree. The newspaper wrote that these degrees were to be given out in "recognition of men and women whose services and whose achievements have been preeminent." The degree was bestowed upon the king in honor of his great efforts during World War I. He received a diploma and purple velvet hood from University President William Miller Collier.

Other honorary degree recipients included President Herbert Hoover and Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone, in 1913. In 1920 two degrees were presented to President Warren G. Harding and John Pershing, general of the United States Army.