Honorary Doctorate Celebration: Honouring Mary Thoits, the legend of Long Beach, California
Thursday 11 March 2021, 5pm (GMT)


Join us for a special event with the Vice-Chancellor and the University Secretary to celebrate the incredible life of Mary Thoits, whose Honorary Degree will be conferred posthumously with friends, family, and alumni in an online ceremony in her memory.

Mary led an incredible life, learning to fly planes at just 16 before going on to teach other women to fly in World War II as part of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). Studying initially at DePauw University in Indiana, Mary decided to come to the UK for a year abroad at Durham University, where she immersed herself in English Literature and formed a lasting affinity for the beauty of the region.

Mary’s career as a Recreation Director for the military took her across Europe and to Korea, before returning to the States and settling in Long Beach where she became a pinnacle of her community as the manager of the Senior Studies Programme at Long Beach Community College. Mary’s zest for life and passion for lifetime learning was infectious, and she became well known for revamping the programme with classes in world affairs and politics. She also become somewhat of a celebrity in the Long Beach area for her fun-loving approach to life, going sky-diving to celebrate her 85th birthday.

Mary’s strong connection to Durham has lasted throughout her lifetime, and she has been a great supporter of the University through generous contributions to Durham’s Residential Research Library and to student support at St Mary’s College.

In 2020, Mary was nominated for an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of the outstanding impact she has had in her community, and for her role as a wonderful supporter and ambassador for Durham in the United States. We are pleased to invite you to join us for this online ceremony to celebrate Mary’s life; please sign up now to reserve your place.






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11 March 2021 at 17:00

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