Honorary Degree Recipients

Homa Naficy

Homa Naficy's journey began in France, where she was born to Iranian parents. After earning a bachelor's degree from the American University of Paris, she embarked on a new chapter by immigrating to the United States. Here, she attained a Master of Library Science from Rutgers University, marking the start of a career devoted to public service and community enrichment. Her professional path commenced at Newark Public Library (NJ) as a government documents reference librarian. In 2000, the same year she became a naturalized American citizen, she joined Hartford Public Library.

It was in Hartford that Homa conceived and nurtured "The American Place" (TAP). This program serves as a cornerstone of support for immigrant and refugee communities, offering educational, vocational, civic, and cross-cultural programming. Beyond assisting thousands in achieving U.S. citizenship, TAP has celebrated and amplified the vibrant cultural diversity of these populations, all while fostering shared civic values that unite and strengthen the community.

Homa's leadership and impactful work have garnered widespread acclaim. Her accolades include Connecticut Immigrant of the Year, the distinction of Champion of Change from President Obama, recognition as the inaugural “Hartford Changemaker” by Mayor Luke Bronin, the American Library Association's "I Love My Librarian" Award, the prestigious 2024 Carnegie Corporation's "Great Immigrants, Great Americans" award, and her induction into the Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame in 2025.

Through TAP, Homa has inspired libraries nationwide with a model rooted in empathy, inclusivity, and community empowerment. She remains dedicated to the transformative power of education and creating opportunities for all individuals, reflecting values that continue to guide her impactful work. Homa is deeply grateful for the collaboration and unwavering support of her colleagues, whose shared commitment has been integral to TAP's success and the positive change it fosters within the community.

Rachel Cusk is the author of Second Place (Prix Femina étranger), the Outline trilogy, the memoirs A Life’s Work and Aftermath, and several other works of fiction and nonfiction, including her most recent novel Parade (Goldsmiths Prize, 2024). She is a Guggenheim Fellow, the recipient of the 2024 Malaparte Prize, and has been awarded the title of Chevalier de l'ordre des arts et des lettres. She lives in Paris.

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Ta-Nehisi Coates is an award-winning author and journalist. His books include The Water Dancer and The Message. He is currently a contributing editor at Vanity Fair.