Disability rights advocate received honorary doctorate

Who is Cindy Bentley and why is her honorary doctorate important?

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee awarded an honorary doctorate to Cindy Bentley, executive director of People First Wisconsin. Ms. Bentley, who had received other awards for her advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities.

Ms. Cindy Bentley, executive director for People First Wisconsin, Photo by People First Wisconsin

Given her work, it make sense that Ms. Bentley would receive an honorary doctorate. It is graduation season at many US institutions of higher education and that means it is the time for honorary doctorates. Often colleges and universities invite a a noted figure to commencement and award her or him an honorary doctorate. Part of the story in Ms. Bentley’s case is that she has a disability.