In the Loop
General News : Apr 24, 2014

Magdalene Odundo to receive UF Honorary Doctorate

On April 25, 2014, Magdalene Odundo will be honored with an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Florida following a nomination by College of Fine Arts faculty. 

Magdalene Odundo is an international ceramic artist known for her distinct hand built anthropomorphic vessel forms. Born in Nairobi, Odundo grew up in Mombasa, Kenya, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in 3DD Ceramics from West Surrey College of Art & Design in Farnham, Surrey, UK, and a Masters of Arts in Ceramics from the Royal College of Art, London, UK. Odundo is Professor of Ceramics at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Surrey and is on UCA’s research team at the Crafts Study Centre. In 2008 she received an OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours in recognition for her contribution to education and the arts and was the recipient of the African Art Recognition Award from Detroit Institute of Art in the same year. In 2012 she was awarded the African Heritage outstanding achievement in the arts.

Other than the earned doctorate, an honorary degree is the greatest recognition the University of Florida can give an individual. The awarding of an honorary degree is recognition of eminent achievement in scholarship or high distinction in public service which exemplifies the purposes and ideals of the University of Florida.