Molecular geneticists at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Michael S. Brown and Joseph L. Goldstein have transformed scientific knowledge about the way in which cells and blood interact. Their research has produced insights into fundamental biological phenomena and processes. They have ingeniously combined concepts and methods from various fields such as genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology to study the regulation of cholesterol at the cellular and whole body level. In 1985, they shared the Nobel Prize for their discoveries which "revolutionized our knowledge about the regulation of cholesterol metabolism and the treatment of diseases caused by abnormally elevated cholesterol levels in the blood." The National Academy of Sciences elected them to membership in 1980, and they have received numerous other scientific honors and prizes, including the U.S. National Medal of Science in 1988.

In recognition of the enormous impact of their work, their achievements as clinical investigators and teachers, and their exemplary role as physician-scientists, Southern Methodist University is honored to confer upon Michael S. Brown and Joseph L. Goldstein the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa.