More from Springfield, Massachusetts. (USA)

The Newspaper "The Republican" reported:

Dr. Harold E. Robles, Doctor of Public Health 2010 honorary degree recipient Sunday during American International College commencement in a ceremony at the MassMutual Center. Placing the hood on Dr. Robles is Dr. Peter Bittel, trustee, left, and Gregory T. Schmutte, executive vice president for academics, center.

Doctor of Public Health

Dear friends this is what happened to me this past Sunday may 23, 2010 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Excerpt from Vincent Maniaci, President of the American International College, citation:
Harold E. Robles, you are truly a man of the world holding duel citizenship in both the Netherlands and in the United States. Having been inspired by the humanitarian work of Albert Schweitzer at the tender age of eight, you went on to adopt his philosophy of “reverence for life” as your own.
Doctor Robles, your awards and recognitions are numerous and impressive. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recognized your work in advancing public health systems; you were nominated for the Bill and Melinda Gates Global Health Award; Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands knighted you; and Legacy International recently gave you its International Humanitarian Award at Virginia Tech University. Additionally, we are proud to note that you are a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Public Health, Education and the Humanities at American International College.
Now, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Board of Trustees of American International College, I herby confer upon you the degree of Doctor of Public Health, honoris causa, with all the rights, honors, and privileges pertaining thereunto.

Dr. Peter Bittel on behalf of Harold Robles

Officially I had to introduce Desmond Tutu on April 20th at the American International College before receiving his honorary doctorate in Human Letters. However since I have not been able to travel to Springfield/MA due to the volcano ashes my dear friend and co-founder of MKI, Dr. Peter Bittel stood in on my behalf. This is what he had to say:

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Thanks Peter,

Honorary degrees presented at The Desmond Tutu Health Awareness Series

On April 20th 2010 the American International College (AIC) and the Medical Knowledge Institute (MKI) have presented The Desmond Tutu Public Health Awareness Series, on The AIC, inspired by the commitment of Archbishop Desmond Tutu to strengthen the human rights and opportunities of all people, has after this inaugural, honorary degrees awarded to the founders of the MKI: dr. Peter Bittel and dr. Harold Robles and to Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a member of the Advisory Board of The MKI.

Unfortunately due to the volcano ashes I have not been able to join my two friends in Springfield. But I am proud to have been mentioned in one breath with Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and my dear friend Peter Bittel.

I will receive my honor on May 23rd during graduation of AIC.