Center Director William Ferris received an honorary doctor of fine arts degree from Rhodes College on May 17. He was one of five people from education, entertainment, and religion who were honored during the school's 148th commencement ceremonies on the Memphis campus.

Also receiving doctor of fine arts degrees were Academy Award-nominee and Tony Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman and founder of the House of Blues music clubs Isaac Tigrett. Receiving the doctor of humanities degree was Elizabeth Caldwell, the Harold Blake Walker Professor of Pastoral Care at Chicago's McCormick Theological Seminary, and Gerry House, superintendent of Memphis City Schools.

"The Center is working with Rhodes College to help develop a Southern Studies curriculum, and I am appreciative of that connection with the college," said Ferris. "One of my ancestors was a student at Rhodes in the early part of this century, and it gives me great pleasure to renew these ties."

Founded in 1848, Rhodes is a private coeducational institution associated with the Presbyterian Church.