Dr. Tom Skilling: A Legendary Meteorologist Receives Honorary Doctorate
Awarded for Distinguished Service
Northern Illinois University (NIU) awarded Dr. Tom Skilling, former chief meteorologist at WGN, an honorary doctorate during the university’s commencement ceremony on Saturday evening. This prestigious honor recognizes Skilling’s outstanding contributions to the field of meteorology and his dedication to education and climate awareness.
A Passionate Advocate for Climate Awareness
Skilling was selected for his exceptional work as a passionate broadcaster, educator, trailblazer, and advocate for climate awareness. Throughout his illustrious career, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to sharing accurate and timely weather information with the public.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Over the years, Skilling has mentored dozens of NIU students who worked as interns in his weather office. His guidance and support played a significant role in shaping their careers, and they banded together to nominate him for this special honor.
Receiving the Honorary Doctorate
“It was wonderful to see,” said former WGN Weather Intern Patrick Korellis, who was part of the group that nominated Skilling. “All of us NIU interns got together, wrote letters of nomination, and he ended up getting the PhD.”
Former WGN Weather Intern Raitis Bocka added, “Even abroad, people go, ‘Oh, Tom Skilling,’ like in England and other places. So he’s a global icon. He’s kind of like Nike or [Michael] Jordan or something like that.”
Celebrating the Honor
Skilling celebrated his newest accolade with his former interns at a special reception on Saturday night.
Congratulations, Dr. Skilling!
Conclusion
Dr. Tom Skilling’s dedication to his craft, his commitment to education, and his passion for climate awareness have earned him this well-deserved honor. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of meteorologists and weather enthusiasts alike.
FAQs
Q: What is the honorary doctorate awarded to Dr. Tom Skilling?
A: The honorary doctorate is a recognition of Skilling’s outstanding contributions to the field of meteorology and his dedication to education and climate awareness.
Q: Who nominated Dr. Tom Skilling for the honorary doctorate?
A: A group of former WGN Weather Interns, who were mentored by Skilling during their time at NIU, banded together to nominate him for the honor.
Q: What does the honorary doctorate signify?
A: The honorary doctorate signifies that Skilling has distinguished himself in his field and has made significant contributions to the community.
