Plácido Domingo

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California State University, Stanislaus

Plácido Domingo, a true renaissance man in music, is widely recognized as the greatest operatic artist of modern time. His countless awards as a singer, conductor, and administrator include being named a Kennedy Center Honoree; a Commander of France's Legion of Honor; recipient of the Honorary Knighthood of the British Empire; recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from Oxford University; recipient of President Gorbachev's World Award for Humanitarian causes; recipient of the highest decoration in the United States, the Medal of Freedom; and, most recently, named in 2009 as the first recipient of the One Million Dollar Birgit Nilsson Prize for outstanding musical achievement.

Mr. Domingo's interest in supporting young aspiring artists is exemplified through his annual competition, Operelia, which is the most prestigious and competitive forum on the international scene today.

His humanitarian spirit and compassion are further exemplified by the millions of dollars he has raised through special benefit concerts to help the victims of AIDS and the victims of major natural disasters, such as the Armenian earthquake, the mudslides of Acapulco, Hurricane Katrina, and the 1985 Mexican earthquake, where he physically took part in the rescue operations.

Mr. Domingo's many years of excellence and extraordinary achievement in the field of music and theatre, his dedication to paving the way for opera's future stars, and his efforts to raise millions in relief funds for victims of disease and natural disasters make him most deserving of this honor and tribute.

In recognition of his outstanding professional achievements and meritorious service to society, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, Stanislaus are proud to confer upon Plácido Domingo the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts.