Arizona Diamondbacks President & CEO Derrick Hall has been awarded an honorary doctorate in humane letters from University of Phoenix. Hall was presented the doctorate on Saturday, November 10 during the graduation ceremony at University of Phoenix in which Hall was the commencement speaker. A photo of the ceremony is attached with Hall alongside University of Phoenix President Dr. Bill Pepicello and Phoenix Campus Vice President David Fitzgerald.
“University of Phoenix is a great partner of the D-backs and a leader in the Arizona community,” said Hall. “I am honored to receive this degree of high distinction. I’m so proud of the collaborative efforts to make a strong impact in the community with our joint initiatives.”
The doctorate is in recognition of Hall’s leadership role in the community. The honor came one day after Hall was presented with the first-ever Goldwater Community Service Award for his philanthropic efforts in the Arizona community. He currently serves on 27 boards, including Chairman of the Board for Valley of the Sun United Way leading the Hunger-Free Communities Plan Steering Committee, and is an active member of the Thunderbirds and Young President’s Organization.
The D-backs and University of Phoenix worked together to create the $100,000 School Challenge last February that received more than 700 applicants. The success of the first round of the program led to the $150,000 Back-To-School Challenge launched in September in which 31 schools received $5,000 each to improve their school in one of four categories: educational programs, innovation and technology, nutrition and fitness and school/campus improvements. In addition, the D-backs and University of Phoenix team up each year to provide more than 500 children with a fun holiday experience, including interacting with D-backs players and coaches, an arts and crafts station, T-ball game, and a gift bag with new shoes at the annual Winter Classic Holiday Party held at Chase Field in December.
