Yale Honors Former Professor Ingrid Mattson with Doctor of Divinity

During Yale University's 325th commencement ceremony in May, the institution awarded eight honorary degrees to distinguished individuals whose achievements in their fields have benefited the common good. Among the honorees was Dr. Ingrid Mattson, a prominent Muslim scholar, interfaith pioneer, and founder of the Islamic Chaplaincy Program at Hartford International University, who received a Doctor of Divinity.

The citation, read by Yale President Maurie McInnis, described Dr. Mattson as a "Muslim scholar, interfaith leader, author, bridge builder, and champion of peace." The university recognized her transformative journey, noting that "a reading of the Qur’an helped transform your life and heralded your conversion to Islam."

Yale’s citation highlighted her as a "continuing advocate for Muslims and for positive resolution of conflicts and differences everywhere," emphasizing her "integrity, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to dialogue across faiths." Her initiatives focus on ethical leadership and the constructive role of Islam within pluralistic societies.

Dr. Mattson was honored alongside other luminaries including philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah, Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage, neuroscientist Emery N. Brown, political scientist Robert D. Putnam, pioneering lawyer Kurt Schmoke, and chemist JoAnne Stubbe. President McInnis told the graduating class that the honorees exemplify "creativity, curiosity, discipline, integrity, and a passion for public service."

In conferring the degree, Yale offered the scholar "a thousand blessings," recognizing her as a "compassionate and powerful force for good in a troubled world." The ceremony continued Yale’s long-standing tradition of awarding honorary degrees, a practice dating back to 1702.

Dr. Mattson taught at HIU, then Hartford Seminary, from 1998 until 2012. She founded the Islamic Chaplaincy Program here, the first such accredited program in the country, and was associate editor of The Muslim World journal. While at HIU, she was the first woman to serve as president of the Islamic Society of North America. 

Congratulations, Ingrid!