Iron Rings, Doctor Honoris Causa Raoul Bott, Carl Herz, and a Hidden Hand

TL;DR

This paper reflects on the conferment of an honorary Doctor of Sciences degree to Raoul Bott, highlighting the roles of Carl Herz, cultural aspects like the Canadian engineer's iron ring, and includes historical and personal recollections.

Contribution

It provides a detailed historical and personal account of the honorary degree ceremony for Raoul Bott, emphasizing cultural and individual contributions.

Findings

Reprints of convocation addresses included

Highlights cultural significance of the iron ring

Documents the roles of Herz and Bott in the event

Abstract

The degree of Doctor of Sciences, honoris causa, was conferred on Raoul Bott by McGill University in 1987. Much of the work to make this happen was done by Carl Herz. Some of the author's personal recollections of both professors are included, along with some context for the awarding of this degree and ample historical tangents. Some cultural aspects occurring in the addresses are elaborated on, primarily, the Canadian engineer's iron ring. This paper also reprints both the convocation address of Raoul Bott and the presentation of Carl Herz on that occasion.