Former Disney CEO Bob Iger receives honorary degree from Howard University

Former Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Bob Iger received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Howard University on Saturday, a recognition tied to Disney's years of financial support for the historically Black Washington, D.C. institution.

The honor highlights Disney's corporate investment in one of the nation's most prominent historically Black universities — a relationship that produced the Disney Storytellers Fund and the funding for the Chadwick Boseman College of Fine Arts Center.

Howard University conferred the honorary degree on Iger during a commencement ceremony Saturday, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. The university cited his personal connections to the institution and Disney's history of backing its programs and facilities.

Under Iger's leadership, Disney established the Disney Storytellers Fund at Howard and provided funding for construction of the Chadwick Boseman College of Fine Arts Center, named for the late actor who was a Howard alumnus and starred in Disney's "Black Panther" franchise.

Iger told the audience the recognition carried deep personal weight. "I must say, there's something very special about this. Part of it is the personal connection that I have through Chadwick Boseman and my friend Reggie Simmons. Part of it is just what Howard stands for — its reputation, its meaning," he said, according to ABC7.

Reggie Simmons, identified as a personal friend of Iger, also has ties to the university. Boseman, whose name graces the fine arts center, maintained close ties with Iger and Disney throughout his career before his death.

Howard University is widely regarded as one of the nation's most prestigious historically Black colleges and universities. The honorary Doctor of Laws degree was conferred as part of the university's Saturday commencement ceremonies, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.