HRH Princess Basma received on Sunday an honorary doctorate degree from Smith College in appreciation of her support for gender equity, cultural integrity and human dignity both regionally and internationally. The degree was conferred upon Her Royal Highness by the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the College, Cornelia Mendenhall Small, and its President, Dr. Carol Christ. Dr Christ expressed to Princess Basma that: "As an advocate for gender equity and well-being of women and children in Jordan, you are an extraordinary role model for graduating Smith students. As graduating students think about how to make a difference in the world, you will be an inspirational example."


In presenting Princess Basma, the Provost and Dean of the Faculty Marilyn Schuster, said: "While women around the world face obstacles to political parity, they are particularly challenged in Arab cultures. In global forums and throughout the Arab and Islamic worlds, you have sought to increase women′s participation in politics, law, media and every area of civil society and to increase access to education and employment for all. Your leadership in human and economic development is rooted in respect for the values, cultures, and cultural heritage of local communities and respect for what every individual has to teach and offer. For your support of gender equity, cultural integrity and human dignity, Smith College is honored to award you the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa."


Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts is a distinguished liberal arts college committed to providing the highest quality undergraduate education for women to enable them to develop their intellects and talents and participate effectively and fully in society. Since its founding in 1871, Smith College has been uncompromising in its defense of academic and intellectual freedom, and attention to the relation between college education and the larger public issues of world order and human dignity, and a concern for the rights and privileges of women. Smith, the largest undergraduate college for women in the U.S., has a large international student enrollment; and its alumnae are assuming leadership positions throughout the world.