Former Eagles Coach Dick Vermeil and public service champion Estelle Richman to receive honorary degrees

The legendary former Philadelphia Eagles Coach Dick Vermeil will address the Class of 2017 at the university’s 130th Commencement ceremony next month.The respected coach, known for leading the Eagles to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1981, will also receive an honorary degree alongside Estelle Richman, a longtime public service champion and former secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, at the May 11 celebration.
A tradition since 1890, Temple bestows honorary degrees upon leaders from many backgrounds and fields whose achievements exemplify the university’s ideals and mission. The university has awarded nearly 900 honorary degrees throughout its history.
“We are beyond thrilled to honor Dick and Estelle at our momentous Commencement ceremony,” President Richard M. Englert said. “Through their many contributions to our society, they have truly embodied leadership, excellence and service—qualities that Temple holds dear.”
“Their presence on such an important day in Temple history will underscore to our impressive graduates some of the many ways that they too can, and will, influence our world for the better,” Englert said.
For the first time, Temple will also grant university honorary degrees at school and college ceremonies, separate from the university-wide commencement. Rear Adm. Scott Giberson, PHR ’93, who—as U.S. assistant surgeon general—played a central role in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps’ response to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, will receive a doctor of humane letters at the School of Pharmacy ceremony. At the College of Science and Technology event, C.N.R. Rao, a world-renowned chemist and 2015 Temple visiting presidential scholar, will receive a doctor of sciences.
Dick Vermeil, doctor of humane letters
Vermeil spent seven seasons with the Eagles and later coached the St. Louis Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs, bringing to 15 the total number of seasons he served as an NFL head coach. He also launched a successful broadcasting ...

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