In April 2023, the George Mason University Board of Visitors conferred an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Diane Portnoy, founder of The Immigrant Learning Center and educator and philanthropist from Malden, Massachusetts. Diane was honored for her life-long commitment to education and philanthropic work that has led to significant contributions to society.
Typically, Mason asks an honorary degree recipient to come to campus and receive their degree. However, an exception was made for Diane. In a virtual ceremony in April, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) Dean Ann Ardis, Mason President Gregory Washington, and Mason Board of Visitors Rector Horace Blackman officially conferred the degree.
On September 18th, 2023, Dean Ardis, Institute for Immigration (IIR) Director Jim Witte, and CHSS Senior Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations Eleanor Weis traveled to Cambridge, MA. Dean Ardis officially hooded the new Dr. Portnoy, and presented her with her Mason academic regalia and her physical diploma. The hooding ceremony, held at at The Royal Sonesta Boston, highlighted Diane's life work as an educator and exemplifies her continuing impact in Massachusetts and beyond.