Michael D. Nieves, president and chief executive officer of HITN, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Lehman College during the school’s commencement ceremony, recognizing his leadership in media, public service and community engagement.

The honor was conferred during Lehman College’s annual graduation ceremony, where college officials cited Mr. Nieves’s contributions to Hispanic media, civic leadership and educational initiatives serving Latino communities.

In awarding the honorary degree, Lehman College highlighted Mr. Nieves’s work leading HITN. Under his leadership, the network expanded its distribution by more than 10 million Latino households and now reaches more than 35 million homes nationwide, according to the network.

The college cited Mr. Nieves’s longstanding commitment to community service as another factor in its decision. Since 2023, HITN has partnered with Lehman College’s annual Thanksgiving Giveaway, contributing food to families in need through a collaboration with Montefiore Einstein and The Chefs’ Warehouse. Mr. Nieves has also supported the college’s Mexican Studies Institute, including programs benefiting DACA students, and has contributed to student-centered campus events.

In its official citation, Lehman College said the honorary degree recognizes Mr. Nieves’s “outstanding leadership in media and dedication to community service.”

The degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, is among the highest honors awarded by the college and is reserved for individuals whose achievements have made significant contributions to society.