The Universidad Francisco Marroquín (UFM) has recently awarded honorary doctorates to ten individuals in recognition of their contributions to freedom, reason, the rule of law, and the advancement of science. The most recent recipients include Mary L. G. Theroux (2024), Richard E. Wagner (2023), Dora de Ampuero (2022), Barbara Oakley (2021), Patrick Schumacher (2019), Gerald O’Driscoll (2018), Armando Valladares (2017), Fernando Stein Barillas (2016), Leszek Balcerowicz (2015), and Joaquín Fuster (2014).
According to UFM, the honorary doctorate is given to people who have "contributed to the noble cause of liberty, the rule of reason, the strengthening of the rule of law, and the advancement of science."
Several Nobel laureates are also among those who have received this distinction from UFM. Vernon L. Smith, James M. Buchanan, Milton Friedman, and Friedrich A. Hayek have all been recognized by both UFM with an honorary doctorate and by the Nobel Prize for their research or notable contributions to humanity.
Honorary degrees at UFM are usually presented during graduation ceremonies in May and November but can be conferred at other times as well. For instance, Manuel Guillermo Herrera received his degree in 2018 during a ceremony at the Doctor Rodolfo Herrera Llerandi auditorium at the Faculty of Medicine; Deirdre McCloskey was honored in 2012 in a special event at Auditorio Milton Friedman; and George Gerald Reisman received his recognition in Newport Beach, California in 2013.
"The Universidad Francisco Marroquín honors those who, through their lives and work, defend liberty and promote knowledge that enriches humanity," according to a statement from the university.
Contact information for further inquiries is available through the university’s rectorate at rectoria@ufm.edu.
Guatemala City, November 4, 2025
Alerts Sign-up