His Holiness the Dalai Lama,
Tenzin Gyatso
The University of Northern Iowa is pleased to confer the honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, for his lifelong commitment to, and embodiment of, universal human values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, and love.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama was forced to leave his Tibetan homeland and has been the embodied symbol of the Tibetan people and culture and their desire to be free through non-violent measures. His efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. He is committed to religious harmony and understanding among the world's major religious traditions.
He is committed to the promotion of human values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, and self-discipline. He has set up educational, cultural, and religious institutions, which have made major contributions towards the preservation of the Tibetan identity and its rich heritage.
His Holiness has spoken strongly for better understanding and respect among the different faiths of the world. His message speaks of universal responsibility, love, compassion, and kindness.
Since 1959 His Holiness has received more than 84 awards, honorary doctorates, and prizes in recognition of his message of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility, and compassion. His Holiness also has written more than seventy-two books.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet will speak at the University of Northern Iowa on Tuesday, May 18, 2010. His speech, "The Power of Education", will focus on the importance of education in an increasingly global society, the role of education in developing socially responsible citizens, and the impact an individual can have on the world.
From the University of Northern Iowa Commencement program, spring 2010, page 9