The Conferring of Honorary Degrees
Douglas R. Flutie

Citation Presented by Marc Mastrangelo, Associate Professor of Classical Studies
Conferring of the degree by William G. Durden, President

Douglas R. Flutie, an influential philanthropist and extraordinary athlete, you were born into a family of Dickinsonians who, naturally, valued education, athletics and community service. After a dominating athletic career in high school, you attended Boston College where, as a double major in computer science and speech communications, you were an all-American quarterback, and you won the Heisman Trophy.

You went on to play professional football for twenty-one years in three different leagues. In the Canadian Football League you were named most outstanding player six times and won three Grey Cups. You were also voted to the Pro Bowl in the National Football League and, just recently, you were inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. You are a winner, a player who not only realized every bit of his own potential, but also helped his teammates realize theirs. You were a phenomenon: “flutiemania”—and a phenomenon with staying power. You sustained that excitement, drive, and that infectious spirit throughout your long career.

The realization of human potential through spirit and effort motivated you and your wife, Laurie, to found The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, in honor of your son, so that those diagnosed with autism and their families can express their full potential. You have contributed significant financial and personal resources to Doug Jr.'s foundation, working tirelessly to further the Foundation's mission, which is to advance education and research and to act as a nerve center to connect people with the best programs and services for autism. The Foundation also provides financial assistance to disadvantaged families, empowering them to face the challenging future that autism brings. Few individuals become athletes who earn the title “all-American.” And even fewer have served humanity with your commitment, enthusiasm and efficacy.

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Douglas R. Flutie, upon the recommendation of the Faculty to the Board of Trustees, and by its mandamus, I confer upon you the Degree of Doctor of Humanitarian Service, honoris causa, with all the rights, privileges, and distinction thereunto appertaining, in token of which I present you with this diploma and cause you to be invested with the hood of Dickinson College appropriate to the degree.