Ava DuVernay has worn many hats in her illustrious career. From producer to director to writer, she has done it all. However, she stepped into new territory this month. The accomplished filmmaker can now add “doctor” to her title after receiving an honorary doctorate from Yale University.
“My thanks to the special committee at Yale for this honor. My mom is over the moon and has taken to calling me Dr. DuVernay. Hope that wears off. But the joy of your high regard will not. A thrill to share this with the formidable Class of 2021 and my esteemed fellow honorees,” DuVernay wrote on Instagram.
DuVernay was not the only public figure to receive an honorary degree from Yale University this month.
Comedian Stephen Colbert, writer Judy Blume and astrophysicist Nergis Mavalvala received honorary degrees for their accomplishments.
“These degrees are the most significant distinction conferred by the Yale Corporation … to signal pioneering achievement in a field or conspicuous and exemplary contribution to the common good,” University President Peter Salovey told this year’s class of honorary degree recipients.
“Collectively [the honorary degree recipients] represent Yale’s highest aspirations as a University dedicated to light and truth.”
