Shigeko Sasamori
Winona State University awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Shigeko Sasamori at the 2009 Fall Commencement ceremony on December 11, 2009. This award was only the fifth honorary doctorate degree awarded by the university in its 152-year history.
In 2008 Winona State University hosted the Hiroshima Peace Exhibition featuring Ms. Sasamori, a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing. She described the horrors and brutality of war and shared her commitment to promoting worldwide peace and awareness, a world without war. Ms. Sasamori was an inspiration and had a message for the entire university and greater community.
It was seen as appropriate to recognize Ms. Sasamori for her service to the world and her commitment to protecting future generations.
Winona State University campus constituencies reviewed the nomination and support letters and Ms. Sasamori’s resume and supported her candidacy. President Ramaley provided a request and supporting materials to the Chancellor in advance of the award.