Dave Matthews Gets Honorary Award - May 15, 2005

Haverford College celebrated its 2005 Commencement on Sunday, May 15, 2005. This year, Haverford College President Thomas R. Tritton awarded one of four honorary degrees to Dave Matthews. "We are pleased to present honorary degrees to four deserving and accomplished individuals, who, in true Haverfordian fashion, have strived for and achieved success through talent, passion, and perseverance" said Tritton.

Each year, Haverford College awards honorary degrees to men and women who have distinguished themselves in letters, the sciences, or the arts. Many recipients are noted for their contributions to the overall betterment of humankind and/or Haverford College. Dave spoke during the commencement ceremony after receiving the honorary degree. "He spoke about God, whoever or whatever your god was to you, and how he is a non-believer, but prays to what he thinks god is, like to the trees, the mountains, and also read a poem." He ended his speech saying, "Go save the world by being yourself".

Matthews is deeply committed to preserving music education in schools, to environmental education, and to humanitarian works, and he has established the Bama Works Foundation to carry through on this promise. He has also been a leader in promoting public discussion on the role of the media and government in controlling artistic work. Dave Matthews is a Quaker.