Honorary Degrees
1918 - Present
 



Lila Mae Banks Cockrell 
Doctor of Humane Letters  1981
Status: conferred

Distinguished graduate of Southern Methodist University and outstanding public servant, Lila Cockrell's achievements symbolize that which is exemplary and worthy of emulation. In World War II she served her country as an officer in the United States Navy. She has dedicated herself to the improvement of municipal government and in this capacity has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the National League of Cities and of other committees of the League. She is a Past President of the Texas Municipal League and a member of the Texas Advisory Commission on Inter-Governmental Relations. As Mayor of San Antonio for three terms and as a Member of the City Council, she has been extremely effective in assisting the three major ethnic groups in San Antonio to work together harmoniously for the advancement of the common good and has been recognized both locally and nationally for this work. In recognition of the inspiration she has provided for others in her role as public servant, Southern Methodist University is pleased to confer upon Lila Cockrell the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.