Siena awards honorary degree to UN Secretary General

A world leader in the fight to address the climate crisis has been awarded an honorary degree from Siena University in Loudonville, New York.  

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was named an honorary doctor of humane letters at a July 15 reception, hosted by friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Siena President Chuck Seifert, Ph.D. and Board of Trustees Chairman Tom Baldwin ‘81 presented the degree, along with Br. Michael Perry, OFM, director of Siena’s Laudato Si’ Center for Integral Ecology. 

Antonio delivered the keynote address at last fall’s “Earth’s Cry, Humanity’s Call” symposium, hosted by Siena, where he encouraged young people everywhere “to play a vital role on the front lines for bold climate action.”  

In his introductory remarks at the degree presentation, Chuck referenced the moral call that Antonio issued to Saints last October: “You challenged our students to respond with compassion, courage and resolve to challenges related to peace, pursuit of justice and care for our common home.”  

Br. Michael shared that Siena’s board wanted to recognize the secretary general for “his tireless efforts to promote values central to the Franciscan charism – respect for human dignity and human rights, promotion of dialogue and peace, and care for creation – values that align with the mission and vision of Siena University.” 

Siena’s board adopted “Our Resolution on Sustainability” in March 2024, outlining their commitment to supporting “both morally and materially” the University’s efforts to address climate change.