Acclaimed film director, author and social critic John Waters received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from The University of Baltimore at the spring 2023 undergraduate Commencement on May 24.
A member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and a native of Baltimore, John Waters has written and directed 16 films, including Pink Flamingos, Hairspray, Polyester, and Serial Mom. He is the author of a number of books, including Carsick, Mr. Know-It-All, and, most recently, his debut novel, Liarmouth: A Feel Bad Romance.
Waters, who attended UBalt in 1965, said the University helped him get started as an artist, encouraging him to hold premieres of his films in the University's library auditorium and publishing his writing in its Welter journal.
"All you need is one good teacher, and what an honorable profession that can be," he told the graduates at Commencement. "I believe I got one here, and so did you. Congratulations, and thank you very, very much."
Learn more about the appearance of John Waters at UBalt in Baltimore Fishbowl and WBAL-TV.
Watch UBalt's 2023 Commencement video.
Read about the University's Second Chance graduates receiving their 2023 degrees in The Baltimore Sun .