by Amy Ambrose (Simons Institute, UC Berkeley)

In June 2019, Simons Institute Director Shafi Goldwasser was awarded a prestigious honorary degree for her lifetime of achievements by the University of Oxford, in their annual Encaenia celebration.

Begun in 1566, Encaenia has honored leaders who are committed to improving the world through humanities and sciences. The event was held as usual in the University’s Sheldonian Theatre. Each honorand was introduced in a humorous way (in Latin) by the University Orator. Rain or shine, the program always begins in the morning with the ceremonial Lord Crewe’s Benefaction of peaches, strawberries and champagne, and concludes with a lunch and an outdoor garden party. Check out our extraordinary leader in full Oxford sub fusc (university formal dress)!

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