Their Stories, Their Words: Honorary Degree Recipients Share Triumphs and Challenges

By Bowdoin News
In recognition of the fiftieth anniversary of women at Bowdoin, the College bestowed honorary doctorates to five women who have soared to the tops of their fields in athletics, art, economics, journalism, and storytelling.
2022 honorary degree recipients

This year’s honorary degree recipients include (above, from left) contemporary artist Katherine Bradford, best-selling children's author Raquel Jaramillo (R. J. Palacio) P’18, economist and president of Thomas College Laurie Gagnon Lachance ’83, P’13, award-winning journalist and social activist Janet Langhart-Cohen, and decorated marathoner Joan Benoit Samuelson ’79, P’12.

In the days leading up to Commencement and during the ceremony itself, this year's honorands each shared a bit of themselves.

Jarmamillo delivered the keynote address at Baccalaureate and Lachance delivered Greetings from the State of Maine during Commencement.

Bradford, Langhart-Cohen and Samuelson delivered talks and engaged in conversations on campus that were also streamed live, the recordings of which can be viewed below.

Lecture by Katherine Bradford H'22
Janet Langhart-Cohen H'22 in conversation with Page Herrlinger, associate professor of history and chair of the Russian department
Joan Benoit Samuelson '79, P'12, H'22 in conversation with Dean for Student Affairs Janet Lohmann