Oxford, 25 June 2025 – Historians Timothy Snyder and Serhii Plokhii, leading global voices on Ukrainian and Eastern European history, were awarded honorary degrees at Oxford University’s annual Encaenia ceremony.
Both historians serve leadership roles for the Ukrainian History Global Initiative (UHGI): Timothy Snyder as Chair and Serhii Plokhii as Co-Chair of the International Historical Advisory Council.
Encaenia is Oxford’s centuries-old academic ceremony, held in the Sheldonian Theatre, where the University grants honorary degrees – its highest formal distinction – to individuals for exceptional achievement in their fields. These degrees recognize a valuable contribution and impact at the highest level. This year, eight professionals received honorary degrees.
During the ceremony, Professor Snyder spoke about the importance of academia in the modern world, “I think universities are right to celebrate themselves. In a time that is otherwise dark, it’s important to remember that universities are the places where young people can learn to become themselves. Universities are places where we can learn to say the things which are worth hearing.”
In an interview with Oxford Alumni, Professor Plokhii has affirmed the similar idea, “The battle for the values of education and enlightenment is important, not just for Harvard, not just for the United States. It’s of global importance how it will all turn out. It is a global institution.”
More information about the recipients of honorary degrees and the ceremony here.
Timothy Snyder and Serhii Plokhii in the Divinity School
