Universidad del Valle de México Recognizes José Ángel Gurría, Alondra de la Parra and Antonio Villaraigosa with Honorary Doctoral Degrees

In recognition of their exceptional contributions to society and the example their accomplishments set for Mexico, Alondra de la Parra, director of the orchestra; José Ángel Gurría, secretary general of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and Antonio Villaraigosa, the 41st mayor of the city of Los Angeles were recognized with honorary doctoral degrees by Universidad del Valle de México (UVM). The degrees, which are the highest honor the university delivers, were awarded together at a special ceremony that was hosted at the university’s Coyoacán campus in Mexico City during UVM’s 55th anniversary celebrations. UVM’s institutional rector, Dr. Bernardo González-Aréchiga, delivered the degrees to each of the honored recipients. 

• Dr. José Ángel Gurría Treviño, current secretary general of the OECD, was recognized for his exemplary contributions to global diplomacy and development as well as for helping create a new more active role for Mexico in international relations. Dr. Gurría was honored by Universidad Europea de Madrid with an honorary doctoral degree in Feb. 2015. 
• Alondra de la Parra, director of the orchestra and Mexico’s current cultural ambassador, was recognized for her contributions to the artistic and cultural development of Mexico and especially for the work she has done to bring music and culture to the country’s young people. 
• Antonio Villaraigosa was recognized for his contributions to the development of and integration of multi-ethnic communities and for being an example of leadership and hard work to the university community and society at large. 

An honorary doctoral degree is the highest recognition that the university awards to members of the community, national or international, in recognition of extraordinary contributions in the fields of art, education, leadership, science and technology.