Walter Isaacson
Tufts President Lawrence S. Bacow awarded Walter Isaacson an honorary degree during the University's 2004 Commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 23, 2004.

[Biography | Honorary Degree]

Medford/Somerville, Mass. [05-23-04] Like Benjamin Franklin, the celebrated subject of your bestselling biography, you, Walter Isaacson, are a man of far-ranging talent. You have achieved success as a biographer, journalist, media executive and advocate for informed leadership in society.

At the heart of your accomplishments is an ongoing quest for truth and a heartfelt obligation to share with others your discovery. You delight readers with the wit and wisdom of Ben Franklin, and remind us that his commitment to tolerance has application in contemporary life. As managing editor of TIME magazine and chairman and chief executive officer of CNN, you found innovative new ways to inform the nation and the world. Especially during times of crisis, the global public looked to your news organizations for facts, and saw clear pictures of unfolding world events covered thoroughly and thoughtfully. Now, as president of the Aspen Institute, you bring creative minds together to ask tough questions and search for solutions that will benefit society.

Curiosity, perseverance, transparency and integrity are reflected in your work, and the lives you have touched are many. For your scholarly efforts that link us to our heritage, for your commitment to news coverage that allows freedom for independent decision-making, and for your optimism that inspires you to convene bright thinkers capable of addressing today’s most troublesome challenges, Tufts University is proud to present to you, Walter Isaacson, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.