Ohio State is honoring Donald Harris, composer, professor emeritus, and former dean of the College of the Arts, with an honorary Doctor of Music degree at spring commencement on Sunday, June 10. The University Senate and Board of Trustees approved the awarding of the degree in recognition of Harris’s distinguished career as an internationally recognized composer, arts administrator, teacher, and musicologist.

“Donald Harris epitomizes the meaning of the word ‘citizen’. As a teacher, as a composer, as an administrator, and as an arts advocate, he has made our school, our university, and our community a far better place in which to work and live,” said Richard Blatti, director of the School of Music. “I extend my heartiest congratulations to a man who has given his heart and soul to this place we call home.”

Touched by the award, Harris said, “To be singled out by one’s peers is the highest form of praise. The honorary degree is an honor, therefore, that I accept with great pride. I shall be forever grateful to those who nominated me and made the award possible.”