Ben Affleck degree: Affleck was among six people who were honored with an honorary degree from Brown University for distinguishing themselves through their efforts in the arts, sciences, letters, scholarship, and public service.
The honorary degrees were given out during the university’s 245th commencement ceremonies.
Affleck, an actor and director, received a Doctor of Fine Arts.
Christina Paxson, president of the university, said in a citation that Affleck has “built one of the most eclectic and intriguing bodies of work in film today.”
“Since your first Academy Award for the screenplay for Good Will Hunting, you have expanded your repertoire to portray a host of diverse characters and aspects of American life,” she said. “As a storyteller you have brought your deep love for your home town of Boston vividly to the screen. “
Last year’s “Argo,” which Affleck directed and acted in, entertained and encouraged people to think critically about international relationships, said Paxson.
Apart from acting and directing, Affleck’s founding of the Eastern Congo Initiative, which seeks to mend the war-torn area, “has set positive change in motion,” said Paxson.
The others to receive degrees:
Junot Díaz, author and editor, received a Doctor of Letters
Stanley Falkow, bacteriologist, received a Doctor of Science
Beverly Wade Hogan, president of Tougaloo College, received a Doctor of Humane Letters
Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, physician and foundation president, received a Doctor of Medical Science
Eduardo J. Padrón, president of Miami Dade College, received a Doctor of Humane Letters
