Release date: May 13, 2008
Contact: Beverly Cox Clark at 404-712-8780 or beverly.clark@emory.edu

Biologist E. O. Wilson to Receive Honorary Degree From Emory May 12

Pulitzer Prize-winning biologist Edward O. Wilson received an honorary doctor of science degree during Emory University’s commencement Monday, May 12. Known as “the father of biodiversity,” Wilson joins three other honorary degree recipients this year: Home Depot co-founder and philanthropist Bernie Marcus, who will deliver the keynote address; author Ernest J. Gaines; and Regis College president and mental health advocate Mary Jane England.

An Alabama native, Wilson discovered the first known U.S. colony of fire ant species Solenopsis invitcta in a vacant lot near his home in Mobile when he was 13 years old. He went on to forge a seminal science career, ranging from ant ecology to gene-culture evolution and theories about chemical communication. His work on the interconnectedness of life laid the foundation for new fields of study, including sociobiology and its offshoot, evolutionary psychology.

His 1998 book “Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge” makes the case that every college student and political leader should understand the relation between science and the humanities, and the importance of this relationship to human welfare. Wilson’s more recent book, “The Creation: A Meeting of Science and Religion,” calls for scientists and people of faith to work together to preserve biodiversity and take on the immense environmental challenges facing the Earth. He has won two Pulitzer Prizes, for “Human Nature” and “The Ants” (co-authored by Bert Hölldobler).

A Harvard professor emeritus, Wilson lectures throughout the world and is the recipient of more than 100 honors, including the National Medal of Science; the Crafoord Prize from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, given in fields of science not covered by the Nobel Prize; the Gold Medal of the Worldwide Fund for Nature; and the Audubon Medal of the National Audubon Society. In 1996, he was named one of America’s “25 Most Influential People” by Time magazine.

Emory University (www.emory.edu) is known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate experience, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities. Perennially ranked as one of the country's top 20 national universities by U.S. News & World Report, Emory encompasses nine academic divisions as well as the Carlos Museum, The Carter Center, the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Healthcare, Georgia’s largest and most comprehensive health care system.

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