SMU conferred honorary doctorates to two individuals on July 15, describing them as "extraordinary personalities". Singapore’s Sixth President S R Nathan was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree in recognition of his outstanding contribution and support to the University, as well as for his lifetime of exemplary service as one of Singapore's most distinguished public servants. Professor Katherine Schipper also received an Honorary Doctor of Accountancy degree from Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing. The award was in recognition of her academic papers in the areas of accounting thought and practice. For the first time, all 2,149 graduates from SMU celebrated their commencement in a single ceremony. It is the University's largest batch of graduates since it opened in 2000.