In a celebratory gathering, Ismail Serageldin received a Doctor of Laws degree, honoris causa, from the University of Minnesota for his acknowledged eminence in cultural affairs and public service, in the field of knowledge and scholarship and in recognition of his remarkable contribution to international development. The conferral ceremony followed Serageldins magisterial Freeman address The Tides of Change: Reflections on Reform in the Arab and Muslim World. The Honorary degree received by Serageldin is the highest award conferred by the University of Minnesota.