James Bradenburg

Honorary Degree Recipient

Doctor of Humane Letters
University of Minnesota, Duluth, May 13, 2006

James Brandenburg began his career as a natural history photographer and filmmaker when he was a student majoring in studio art at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He went on to become one of America's premier wildlife photographers. The result of his work for National Geographic over the past 25 years has resulted in 19 magazine stories, several television features, and more than 19 books. His photographs have won some of the most prestigious and international awards including Magazine Photographer of the Year (twice) by the National Press Photographer's Association, Kodak Wild Photographer of the Year by the Natural History Museum-London, and the BBC's Wildlife Magazine. In 2002 he was a Hasselblad Master, a Nikon Legend behind the Lens in 2001, and currently, one of Canon's prestigious Explorer of Light photographers. He was also the recipient of the World Achievement Award from the United National Environmental Programme in Stockholm, Sweden. His contributions to the State and the University of Minnesota are significant. The "Even Mother Nature Loves Maroon and Gold" campaign utilized a series of original Brandenburg photographs, selected and donated by him. The series became extremely popular throughout the state.

Biographies are as-of time of award presentation.