Eminent humanist and distinguished anthropologist, Miguel León-Portilla has played an international role in strengthening understanding, cooperation, and respect between Americanists. Author of over a score of books and a lengthy bibliography of scholarly articles, many of which are now available in several modern languages, León-Portilla is, in addition, one of the few scholars with competence in Nahuatl, the major pre-Columbian language spoken in Central America. His research has had profound impact on other scholars in the fields of history, the Spanish language, linguistics, Mexican American studies, and anthropology. In recognition of his exceptional contribution to expanding knowledge of pre-Columbian centuries in the American hemisphere, Southern Methodist is proud to confer on Miguel León-Portilla the degree of Doctor of Humane Letter, honoris causa.