Just call him Dr. Heyward.
Cameron Heyward, known for his considerable charity work when he’s not manning the defensive line for the Pittsburgh Steelers, will receive an honorary Doctorate of Science degree May 8 — two days after his 33rd birthday — when he is the keynote speaker at the Carlow commencement.
Heyward, who is entering his 12th NFL season, will be honored for his “commitment to mercy and social justice,” Carlow said in a press release Monday.
We are pleased to share @CamHeyward of the @steelers & Wendy Goldman, PhD, the Paul Mellon Distinguished Professor of History at @CarnegieMellon will both be recognized with honorary doctorate degrees for their commitment to mercy values.
For more go to https://t.co/5msBngl4Eg pic.twitter.com/PnxvgTwHYv— Carlow University (@CarlowU) April 11, 2022
“Cameron’s distinguished service to the community and his own accomplishments both on and off the football field are traits that serve to better mankind,” Carlow president Dr. Kathy W. Humphrey said. “Cam’s perseverance to complete his college education reinforces Carlow’s heritage of transforming generations by making educational opportunities accessible to all.”
Also receiving an honorary degree is educator and author Dr. Wendy Goldman.
Heyward’s wife and mother helped him form the Heyward House Foundation in 2015 to help youth in Pittsburgh and Atlanta, where he was raised. Among his newer initiatives is a project called “Craig’s Closet,” which provides suits and dress clothing for young males to wear at graduation, job interviews and internships.
Heyward also launched the Rufus and Judy Jordan Literacy Program in honor of his grandparents and has advocated for brain cancer research in honor of his late father, Craig, a star running back at Pitt.
Judy Howsare Jordan graduated from Carlow in 1965. She will be honored at the commencement ceremony.
For his charitable contributions, Heyward has served as a four-time nominee for the NFL’s prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
On the field, Heyward has been named to five Pro Bowl teams, and he is a three-time first-team All-Pro selection.
