RIT to present Volodymyr Zelenskyy with honorary degree

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – RIT announced Friday that it would be presenting the President of Ukraine with an honorary degree.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will earn an Honoroary Doctorate of Humane Letters at the May 6 commencement. RIT cited Zelenskyy’s "bravery, leadership and compelling communications to motivate his citizens and the broader world in defense of freedom and democracy."

RIT says Zelenskyy will not be attending the ceremony.

RIT is also presenting honorary degrees to Kimberly Bryant, founder of Black Girls CODE. She will also be delivering the keynote address for RIT’s academic convocation.

Josephine King Olsen, former director of the Peace Corps, will earn an Honoroary Doctorate of Humane Letters, as will G. Peter Jemison, a member of the Seneca Nation, who has fought for better opportunities for Native Americans.