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Professor becomes second American to earn honorary degree from Vietnam National University

William Frasure, Connecticut College professor of government, became the second American ever to earn an honorary doctoral degree from Vietnam National University (VNU) when he accepted the award during a ceremony in Hanoi Tuesday.

March 06, 2008

William Frasure, Connecticut College professor of government, this week became the second American ever to earn an honorary doctoral degree from Vietnam National University (VNU).

Frasure was presented with the Honorary Doctoral Degree of Vietnam, "in honor of his excellent achievements in scientific activities and his valuable contributions to the development of cooperation and friendship with Vietnam National University," Vu Ngoc Tu, director of international relations at Vietnam National University, said.

"This is a great honor that highlights Connecticut College´s unique relationship with VNU," Frasure said. "When I began my career at Connecticut College, in 1974, this award and its circumstances would have seemed impossible. I´m very proud to have been part of the improving relations between the United States and Vietnam, and I am deeply appreciative of Vietnam National University´s recognition of Connecticut College´s enduring commitment to our mutual efforts."

In 1997, Frasure initiated one of the most expansive and lengthy relationships between a U.S. college and Vietnamese university. In 1999, Frasure and two Connecticut College colleagues led a group of Connecticut College students on a full semester study at VNU, marking the lengthiest such exchange between a U.S. and Vietnamese college.

Since then, Connecticut College professors and students have completed six more full-semester study programs in Hanoi, as well as four research trips. Frasure also initiated a five-year faculty exchange and cooperation program between the two institutions, funded by the U.S. State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. In all, 150 Connecticut College students have studied in Vietnam, 19 VNU faculty members and officials have visited Connecticut College and 14 Connecticut College faculty members have visited VNU as part of various programs.

This unique relationship has also enabled several Connecticut College professors, including Frasure, to conduct extensive research in Vietnam and in collaboration with colleagues at VNU. Currently, Connecticut College economics professors Rolf Jensen and Donald Peppard are writing a book about Vietnamese migrant street vendors based on research they conducted with Vu Thi Minh Thang, a professor of social sciences and humanities at VNU.

Frasure, whose research focuses on the politics of wartime - specifically United States politics regarding Vietnam and the cold war - has been a professor at Connecticut College since 1974. During his tenure, he has served as the dean of international studies and as the associate dean of the faculty.

Frasure accepted his honorary degree during a ceremony held Tuesday in Hanoi. The ceremony was attended by Jensen and Frances Hoffmann, Connecticut College professor of sociology, as well as a group of Connecticut College students, all of whom are spending the semester in Hanoi as part of the College´s "Study Away, Teach Away" program in Vietnam.

For more information contact: Amy Sullivan (860) 439-2526; amy.sullivan@conncoll.edu