University Grants Buddhist Spiritual Leader First-Ever Honorary Degree by Jennifer Dobbs - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

University Grants Buddhist Spiritual Leader First-Ever Honorary Degree

By Jennifer Dobbs, Community Writer
April 1, 2015 at 10:40am. Views: 72

More than 1,700 students, faculty, staff, special guests, members of the public and spiritual followers were in attendance as His Holiness the Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, was recently granted an honorary academic degree and gave a live-streamed address, “Living Interdependence.” University President Dr. Ralph W. Kuncl conferred an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree upon the Karmapa. Dr. Karen Derris, Professor of Religious Studies and Virginia Hunsaker Chair in Distinguished Teaching, read a proclamation highlighting the Karmapa’s achievements in global communication, teaching, and learning and his close connection with the University’s students. President Kuncl said, “We were thrilled to gather last evening with our University community, special friends and family members, many new visitors to our campus, and untold thousands around the world who viewed live on the Web, to present His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, an honorary degree – the first-ever to be conferred upon His Holiness. We thank and honor His Holiness for his kindness to our students who learned from him at his home in India and engaged with him during his visit this week, and for his universal teachings of peace, tolerance and understanding.” The Karmapa – a 29-year-old Buddhist spiritual leader who heads the 900-year-old Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and guides millions of Buddhists around the world – visited the University Monday and Tuesday during the only Southern California stop of his two-month trip to the United States. “I have a very special connection with the University of Redlands,” the Karmapa said. “The two occasions that students came for the courses in India were wonderful experiences for me. Among the many reasons to visit here today, my favorite is to be able to reunite with old friends. Being here feels like coming home.” “I can see that many people of today's generation of youth are aware of the responsibility they have for the future of this planet,” he added. “In speaking to them on this trip, I want to encourage them to see that responsibility not as a burden, but as an opportunity.” During his visit the Karmapa met with faculty and students, attended a religious studies class, toured the campus, and even visited with the University’s live mascot, a bulldog named Thurber. The Karmapa also reunited with 20 former Redlands students who came back to campus just to visit with him again. In 2011 and 2013, students from Derris’ Johnston Center for Integrative Studies seminars traveled to India to learn from the Karmapa. His conversations with the first group of students formed the basis of his book, The Heart is Noble: Changing the World from the Inside and Out (Shambala, 2013), which was co-edited by Derris. A second book, also co-edited by Derris, is forthcoming based on the group that traveled in 2013.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 764

Moreno Valley fire officials keep a watchful eye on dry vegetation near local neighborhoods as fall inspections focus on reducing wildfire hazards and helping residents protect their homes before dangerous conditions arise. Red more on how to stay compliant and keep hazards at bay...

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:06am. Views: 362

An emergency preparedness representative speaks with a family at an outdoor earthquake safety information booth. A large Great California ShakeOut banner and displays explaining earthquake safety are visible beside emergency supplies, including a backpack, flashlight, water, and first-aid kit

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 30, -0001 at 12:00am. Views: 110

Young adults speak with a female public health outreach worker at an outdoor information table beside a mobile health services vehicle. Educational brochures and health resources are displayed, with a youth center building in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 380

A healthcare worker assists a resident during a community health outreach event. San Bernardino County's Wellness on Wheels program offers testing and preventive health resources at locations throughout the city.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 326

A female safety instructor demonstrates how to secure a young girl in a child car seat while the child's mother and older brother watch beside an open vehicle door. A child car seat safety education banner is visible in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 399

Redlands Police uniform patch beside a ceremonial police cap, framed recognition plaque, and white flowers. Police patrol vehicles, American and California flags, and a police department building appear in the background at sunset, symbolizing Police Chief Rachel Tolber's retirement after 28 years of service.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 210

Festive University of Redlands Homecoming celebration, with alumni, students, and families gathered on campus wearing maroon Bulldogs apparel. A bulldog mascot greets attendees while cheerleaders and a marching band perform near decorated tents and balloons, with university buildings and mountains in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 307

Redlands Planning Commission meeting, with commissioners seated at a council dais as a presenter discusses proposed development plans. Maps, architectural renderings, American and California flags, and a City of Redlands emblem appear in the background while community members observe the proceedings.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Contributing Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 339

Image depicting visitors entering the Museum of Redlands beneath a banner announcing its October 24 opening. The historic-style building features cream-colored columns, vintage photographs, landscaped gardens, and mountains in the background, symbolizing 26 years of community efforts to preserve Redlands history

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 446

A resident and a volunteer wearing a reflective safety vest place an old wooden cabinet into a large blue disposal container. Other volunteers and residents unload household items from vehicles at an outdoor collection site, with mountains in the background

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 351

Outdoor internet access can help residents complete schoolwork, search for employment and stay connected while enjoying Moreno Valley's public spaces.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 400

An older man practices walking between parallel bars while a female physical therapist in navy-blue scrubs provides support in a bright rehabilitation center. Exercise equipment and other patients are visible in the background.

--> -->