The honorary doctorate awarded to Nelson Mandela by Leiden University in 1999. He is a hero and a role model for many people. Mandela spent many years in prison and, after his release, ensured a relatively peaceful transition for South Africa. He played a significant role in abolishing apartheid and dedicated his honorary doctorate to all South Africans who had resisted the regime. I still remember that the impressive ceremony at Pieterskerk was broadcast live on television. The honorary doctorate brought a lot of positive attention to the recipient, the giver and the city of Leiden.
