U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos to Receive Honorary Degree

April 22, 2022

This week Bradley University President Stephen Standifird presented retiring U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Bradley University. Representative Bustos has been a partner to and supporter of Bradley throughout her congressional career.

The honorary degree was presented at a special tribute dinner to recognize her congressional career and to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service (IPL) at Bradley.

The official citation reads as follows:

U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos has modeled bipartisan leadership throughout her congressional career, which makes it fitting that we bestow this honor on the 15th anniversary of Bradley’s Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service.

She has been a partner to and supporter of Bradley University throughout her congressional career. She served as the keynote speaker at a Women in Leadership Luncheon honoring the legacy of our founder, Lydia Moss Bradley. She further served as a keynote speaker and as a panelist at many other events.

During her public service career, Representative Bustos took the lead on multiple bills and legislation vital to our region. She championed Bradley University by securing pandemic relief monies, as well as research funds for new virtual-reality technology for the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts. She has also taken the time to speak with our students and to connect with our campus community.

Perhaps most important of all, Representative Bustos has been the epitome of civility and integrity both personally and professionally.

In recognition of her remarkable professional achievements and in honor of her longtime commitment to Bradley University, I am honored to present United States Representative Cheri Bustos with this Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letter, honoris causa.

You can read more about the 15th anniversary of IPL here.