SYRACUSE, N. Y. – Syracuse University on Sunday, May 13, awarded an honorary doctorate to Bishop Borys Gudziak, the president of the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv and bishop of the Eparchy of St. Volodymyr the Great in Paris, in recognition of his “vision of freedom and love of humanity” and for his courageous leadership in defying tyranny and standing with his students during the Revolution of Dignity in 2014.
Bishop Gudziak received his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University in 1980. The honorary doctorate was awarded by the chancellor of Syracuse University, Dr. Kent Syverud, during the 2018 Commencement exercises at Syracuse University.
The citation reads as follows:
“Bishop Borys Gudziak, Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
“Bishop Borys Gudziak, higher education leader, teacher-scholar, social visionary. Your vision of freedom and love for humanity has helped uplift a university, a church, a country and its people – and set an inspiring example for the world.
“You have worked tirelessly to revive a suppressed university in Ukraine after the fall of the Soviet Union. As president of the Ukrainian Catholic University, you have helped create a contemporary, innovative institution known for its international reach and social responsibility, and centered its identity on those marginalized by society and the martyrs who suffered under tyranny.
“In support of human dignity and freedom, you have championed and stood with your students and with all Ukrainians in the revolution to overthrow the country’s corrupt leadership in 2014 – and continue to stand with them in the ongoing turmoil.
“We are pleased to honor you for your tremendous courage and leadership, helping to reinvigorate a university and faith community and providing a moral center for a country as you work for peace, reconciliation and healing.”