We are very pleased to announce that an American journalist, Mika Brzezinski, has been awarded the title of doctor honoris cuasa of SWPS University, in recognition of her contributions to modern and engaged journalism and her advocacy for women’s rights.
Fighting for equal rights
Mika Brzezinski is a journalist, writer, political commentator, and a presenter of the MSNBC Morning Joe show. In 2001, as a CBS correspondent, she was the first journalist reporting live on the September 11th events.
Her book, Know your Value, about a struggle for equal rights and equal pay, was a bestseller in the United States. For many years, Mika Brzezinski has been working towards equal economic rights for women and strengthening the role of women not only in business, but also in daily life.
Common values – courage, responsibility, openness
In her recommendation to award the title to Mika Brzezinski, Professor Aleksandra Cisłak-Wójcik, SWPS University’s Vice-Rector for Research, writes:
“A person granted the title of doctor honoris causa of our University becomes a member of our academic community, which in its pursuits is guided by three main values: courage, responsibility and openness. Therefore, it is paramount that the people on whom the honorary doctorates of SWPS University are bestowed exemplify these values.”
Additionally, Professor Cisłak-Wójcik emphasizes Ms. Brzezinski’s ability to combine academic knowledge from various areas, including political sciences, psychology, sociology as well as management and quality studies with her personal story of a woman, which she was, a woman she wanted to be, and the woman that she has become.
In pursuit of truth
It is not surprising then that the second reviewer, Professor Leszek Koczanowicz, highlights similarities between Mika Brzezinski’s journalism and scientific research:
“A journalist, just like a scientist, pursues truth, however contrary to the academic profession, a journalist cannot limit herself to a narrow group of specialists. Real journalism reaches everyone and engages everybody,” and Mika Brzeziński is a very popular and influential journalist, notes Professor Koczanowicz. This characterizes her position and the value of her work.
Mika Brzezinski’s contribution to the academia, as a Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Politics of the Harvard Kennedy School, and her appearances at many American colleges, where she has delivered numerous lectures and hosted academic events, cannot be underestimated.
Among distinguished researchers
Mika Brzezinski is the sixth recipient of an honorary doctorate granted by SWPS University. In the past, the title was awarded to Professor Jan Strelau, Professor Szewach Weiss, Professor Robert Cialdini, Professor Philip Zimbardo, and Professor Helmut Skowronek. Read more .
The official ceremony of bestowing the title of doctor honoris causa of SWPS University on Mika Brzezinski will take place on October 6, 2022. The recommendation speech will be delivered by Professor Igor Borkowski.