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Use of Such a Degree An honorary doctorate will be given at a graduation ceremony, and the recipient will usually make a speech to the graduating class. An honorary doctorate will be given at a graduation ceremony, and the recipient will usually make a speech to the graduating class. The recipient of an honorary doctorate may use the degree in the same manner as a substantive degree, except under certain circumstances where formal academic background is required. Most recipients do not use the title of “doctor,” though there is no rule against it. Recipients such as Benjamin Franklin, Maya Angelou, and Billy Graham, amongst others, have used the title either before or after their names.
