Former President of Haiti Jean-Bertrand Aristide received the first Chancellor's Distinguished Honor Award Oct. 4 in a ceremony at Doe Library.

The honor is a new award for dignitaries and heads of state who have made outstanding contributions to the welfare of the peoples of the world.

"We don't give honorary degrees at Berkeley, and it was felt we did not have sufficient awards for the variety of people we would like to honor," said Professor Louise Clubb, chair of the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Honors. "The award will be given for specific important accomplishments known to the world and recognized beyond U.S. borders.

"When the question of President Aristide's visit came up, he seemed like the ideal candidate for the first award."

Aristide was selected for his distinguished achievements as an advocate for democracy and freedom.