Cot Campbell, president of Dogwood Stable and pioneer of Thoroughbred racing partnerships, was honored May 8 with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of South Carolina Aiken.
"We are making history here tonight," Campbell told the 4,800 people gathered for the graduation ceremony at the university's Convocation Center. "Nowhere in North America is there a commencement speaker who never completed grammar school, high school, or college."
Campbell received the honorary doctorate for his outstanding vision and leadership in the equestrian community; for his strong commitment to high standards and ethical principles; and for his exemplary and unparalleled dedication to the horse racing industry.
Over the past 50 years, Dogwood Stables has campaigned more than 80 stakes winners, including last year's Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Palace Malice . In 2012 Campbell received the Eclipse Award of Merit and has also been honored with the John W. Galbreath Award for exceptional entrepreneurial skill from the University of Louisville's Equine Industry Program. He also received the Clay Puett Award for outstanding contributions to racing from the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program.
About receiving the degree, Campbell said he was "flabbergasted, touched, and honored."
Read Campbell's blog about some of racing most prominent personalities.